Carriage Park in Hendersonville, North Carolina stands out as a premier gated community that combines mountain living with modern convenience. Located just minutes from downtown Hendersonville, this established neighborhood offers residents stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views and a variety of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
Carriage Park is community that features both single-family homes and townhouses, with properties built between 1988 and 2025. The community attracts active adults seeking a lock-and-go lifestyle while maintaining close proximity to Hendersonville's cultural attractions, dining, and healthcare facilities.
Whether someone is exploring retirement communities or looking for a mountain retreat, Carriage Park offers insights into Western North Carolina living. The community's amenities, real estate market, and location advantages make it worth examining for those considering a move to the Hendersonville area.
Overview of Carriage Park in Hendersonville NC
Carriage Park stands as one of America's 100 Best Master Planned Communities, featuring twenty-three distinct mountain villages within a single gated community. The development was built between 1988 and 2025 and operates as a premier community with strong homeowners association governance.
History and Development
Carriage Park began construction in 1988 and represents the first of its kind in Western North Carolina. The community developed over nearly four decades, with construction continuing through 2025.
The master-planned community was designed as twenty-three distinct mountain villages. Each village maintains its own character while sharing common amenities and governance structures.
Development focused on creating a mature, totally completed community that balances privacy with accessibility. The community sits just 3 miles outside of Hendersonville, providing convenient access to city amenities.
Recent additions include an exclusive mountaintop enclave of 17 mountain modern homes with contemporary designs. These newest homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows and open living floor plans.
Community Vision and Lifestyle
Carriage Park caters specifically to active adults aged 55 and older seeking mountain living. The community emphasizes a solid sense of camaraderie and community spirit among residents.
The gated community sits between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains. Residents enjoy panoramic mountain vistas and vibrant sunsets from their homes.
Key lifestyle features include:
Lock-and-go convenience for traveling residents
Level front door entry for accessibility
Private garages for each home
Mountain modern architecture with large windows
The community strikes a balance between convenience and remoteness. Hendersonville provides small-town charm with dining, shopping, and cultural options nearby.
Residents have access to outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Western North Carolina. The four-season climate allows for year-round activities.
Homeowners Association Details
The Carriage Park Homeowners Association governs the gated community and maintains shared amenities. The association oversees twenty-three individual villages within the larger development.
Current housing inventory includes multiple property types. The community has 17 single family homes for sale with an average list price of $947,187.71.
Available property types:
Single-family homes
Townhouses averaging $488,414.29
Building lots averaging $89,272.73
The association manages gate security and common area maintenance. Village-specific regulations may apply depending on the specific neighborhood within Carriage Park.
Residents benefit from shared governance while maintaining individual property ownership. The homeowners association ensures community standards and property values remain consistent across all twenty-three villages.
Location and Accessibility
Carriage Park sits just three miles north of downtown Hendersonville, offering residents easy access to the city's amenities while maintaining a peaceful mountain setting. The community provides convenient transportation options and proximity to quality medical care.
Proximity to Downtown Hendersonville
Carriage Park is located just 3 miles outside of Hendersonville, positioning residents close to the city's attractions without the hustle of urban living. This distance takes approximately 8-10 minutes by car to reach downtown.
The nearby city offers a variety of dining establishments, shopping centers, and cultural venues. Residents can easily visit art galleries, local restaurants, and specialty shops within minutes of their homes.
Hendersonville's downtown area features seasonal festivals and community events throughout the year. The Main Street district provides walkable access to boutiques, cafes, and entertainment venues.
The location allows residents to enjoy small-town charm while having access to modern conveniences. This balance appeals to those seeking both tranquility and accessibility in their daily lives.
Local Transportation Options
Asheville Regional Airport sits just eight miles away from Carriage Park, making air travel convenient for residents. The airport offers flights to major cities across the United States.
Interstate 26 provides direct highway access for regional travel. This major route connects residents to Asheville to the north and Spartanburg, South Carolina to the south.
Local roads within Hendersonville offer easy navigation to shopping centers and services. Most essential businesses remain within a 10-15 minute drive from the community.
Public transportation options in the area are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation. Most residents rely on cars for daily errands and activities.
Nearby Medical Facilities
Hendersonville hosts several medical facilities within close proximity to Carriage Park. AdventHealth Hendersonville serves as the area's primary hospital, located approximately 5 miles from the community.
The medical center offers emergency services, surgical procedures, and specialized care departments. Residents have access to cardiology, orthopedics, and other medical specialties without traveling long distances.
Multiple physician offices and urgent care clinics operate throughout Hendersonville. These facilities provide routine medical care and minor emergency services for community residents.
Specialized medical services are available in nearby Asheville, approximately 25 miles north. This larger city offers additional hospitals and medical specialists for complex health needs.
Real Estate and Housing Options
Carriage Park offers a diverse mix of luxury properties including single-family homes, townhouses, and available lots for custom construction. The community features modern mountain architecture with premium amenities, while recent market data shows strong pricing trends across different property types.
Types of Homes Available
Carriage Park currently has 17 single-family homes for sale with an average list price of $947,187.71. The community also features townhouse options for buyers seeking lower-maintenance living.
Single-Family Homes:
Average price: $947,187.71
Range from 3 to 4+ bedrooms
Most include garages and level front door entry
Townhouses:
Average list price: $388,414.29
Lock-and-go lifestyle options
Building Lots:
11 lots for sale with average price of $89,272.73
Custom home construction opportunities
Mountain views available on select lots
Architectural Styles and Features
The community showcases mountain modern homes with contemporary design elements. Properties emphasize integration with the natural mountain setting while providing luxury amenities.
Design Features:
Open living floor plans
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Mountain modern architecture
Level front door entry on all homes
Premium Amenities:
Breathtaking Blue Ridge mountain views
Garages included with most properties
Located 7 minutes from Historic Downtown Hendersonville
The homes blend modern convenience with mountain living. Large windows maximize natural light and mountain views.
Recent Real Estate Trends
Carriage Park has been actively developed between 1988 and 2025, showing sustained growth over nearly four decades. The community continues expanding with new construction projects.
Current market activity shows strong demand across property types. Single-family homes command premium prices due to luxury features and mountain locations.
Market Activity:
Active development spanning 37 years
Multiple price points available
Strong interest from luxury home buyers
The gated community status and proximity to downtown Hendersonville contribute to sustained property values. New construction continues meeting buyer demand for modern mountain living.
Amenities and Community Features
Carriage Park provides residents with well-designed facilities that support an active lifestyle and strong community connections. The gated community offers over 400 acres with carefully planned amenities that take advantage of the mountain setting.
Clubhouse and Social Spaces
The community clubhouse serves as the central gathering place for residents. It features comfortable seating areas where neighbors can meet and socialize throughout the day.
Large windows in the clubhouse offer views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The space includes meeting rooms that accommodate various group activities and social events.
Multiple indoor spaces provide options for different types of gatherings. Residents use these areas for card games, book clubs, and informal conversations with friends and neighbors.
The clubhouse design emphasizes natural light and mountain views. This creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community interaction and social connections among residents.
Fitness and Wellness Facilities
Carriage Park includes fitness facilities designed for active adults. The community recognizes the importance of maintaining physical health and wellness as residents age.
Exercise equipment is available for residents who prefer indoor workouts. The facilities provide options for both cardiovascular exercise and strength training activities.
Wellness programs may be offered to support residents' health goals. These typically focus on activities appropriate for the active adult demographic that calls Carriage Park home.
The fitness facilities complement the outdoor recreation opportunities available throughout the community. This gives residents multiple ways to stay active and maintain their physical fitness.
Walking Trails and Outdoor Recreation
The community's mountain location provides natural opportunities for outdoor activities. Carriage Park sits at an elevation of 2,152 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Walking trails wind through the community's 400+ acres. These paths allow residents to enjoy the natural beauty while getting daily exercise and fresh mountain air.
Outdoor Features:
Mountain hiking trails
Scenic walking paths
Natural areas for bird watching
Elevated views of surrounding peaks
The trails connect different neighborhoods within Carriage Park. This makes it easy for residents to walk to visit friends or explore various sections of the community.
Community Events and Activities
Social activities bring residents together throughout the year. The community organizes events that take advantage of both indoor spaces and the beautiful mountain setting.
Regular social gatherings help new residents meet their neighbors. These events create opportunities for lasting friendships and community connections to develop naturally.
Seasonal celebrations often incorporate the natural beauty of the location. Mountain views and changing seasons provide attractive backdrops for community gatherings and special events.
Activity groups form based on shared interests among residents. Common options include outdoor clubs, hobby groups, and social organizations that meet regularly throughout the year.
Neighborhood Lifestyle and Demographics
Carriage Park attracts primarily empty nesters and baby boomers seeking an active mountain lifestyle. The gated community maintains strict security protocols and welcomes pets with specific guidelines.
Resident Profiles
Many residents are empty nesters and baby boomers who moved to Carriage Park for the active lifestyle amenities. The community spans 400 acres and houses residents across 700 homesites.
Most homeowners are retirees or pre-retirees aged 55 and older. They choose Carriage Park for its mountain location and resort-style facilities.
The active lifestyle community draws people who want organized activities and social events. Residents participate in tennis, swimming, and clubhouse gatherings.
Typical Resident Characteristics:
Empty nesters
Baby boomers
Active lifestyle seekers
Mountain living enthusiasts
The Homeowners Association organizes community events that bring neighbors together. These events help create strong social connections among residents.
Pet-Friendly Policies
Carriage Park allows pets but maintains specific rules for the community. Pet owners must follow HOA guidelines to ensure all residents can enjoy the neighborhood.
The community requires pets to be leashed in common areas. Owners must clean up after their pets on walking trails and throughout the development.
Pet registration with the HOA is mandatory for all cats and dogs. This helps track pets in case of emergencies or lost animals.
Pet Requirements:
Leash policy in all common areas
Waste cleanup responsibility
HOA registration required
Breed restrictions may apply
The 400-acre development provides plenty of space for dog walking. Mountain trails offer scenic routes for daily pet exercise.
Security and Safety Features
Carriage Park operates as a gated community with controlled access points. Guards monitor entry during peak hours to ensure resident safety.
The main gate uses electronic access codes for residents and guests. Visitors must check in at the guardhouse before entering the community.
Security patrols drive through the 26 different subdivisions regularly. This helps deter crime and provides peace of mind for residents.
Security Features:
Gated entry with guard monitoring
Electronic access codes for residents
Regular security patrols throughout community
Visitor check-in requirements
The mountain location provides natural privacy barriers. Dense trees and elevation changes create secluded neighborhoods within the larger community.
Emergency services have direct access codes for quick response times. The community works closely with Henderson County safety departments.
Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest
Carriage Park residents enjoy easy access to Hendersonville's vibrant downtown district, numerous recreational facilities, and cultural venues. The city offers diverse shopping boutiques, dining establishments, parks, and arts destinations within minutes of the community.
Shopping and Dining Options
Historic Downtown Hendersonville features a variety of antique stores, shopping boutiques, and dining establishments. The downtown area provides convenient access to local restaurants and specialty shops.
Visitors can explore art galleries and museums while browsing the commercial district. The streets feature greenery and flower-filled planter boxes that create an inviting atmosphere for shoppers.
Popular Downtown Features:
Antique stores and collectibles shops
Local dining establishments
Specialty boutiques
Art galleries and studios
The downtown district offers both casual and upscale dining options. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating areas that take advantage of the mountain climate.
Recreational Activities in Hendersonville
Jackson Park sits near the southeast city limits and provides facilities for all age groups. The park offers multiple recreational opportunities for residents seeking outdoor activities.
Hendersonville features numerous parks and nature attractions throughout the city. These green spaces provide hiking trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
Available Activities:
Tennis and pickleball courts
Walking and hiking trails
Fishing opportunities
Seasonal skiing access
The mountain location provides year-round recreational options. Winter activities include nearby skiing, while warmer months offer extensive outdoor recreation.
Cultural and Arts Destinations
The city hosts multiple museums and cultural attractions that showcase local history and arts. These venues provide educational and entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors.
Art galleries throughout downtown Hendersonville display works by local and regional artists. Many galleries feature rotating exhibitions and artist demonstrations.
Cultural events occur regularly throughout the year in various venues. The city's location in the North Carolina mountains influences much of the local artistic and cultural programming.
Historic sites and museums preserve the area's mountain heritage. These destinations offer insights into the region's development and cultural traditions.
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Homeownership Costs and Financial Considerations
Buying a home in Carriage Park requires understanding several ongoing expenses beyond the purchase price. Monthly HOA fees, utility costs, and specialized insurance create the main financial obligations for residents.
HOA Fees and What They Cover
The Homeowners Association of Carriage Park maintains community standards and provides various services to residents. These fees help preserve property values in the gated community.
HOA fees typically cover:
Gate maintenance and security systems
Road maintenance within the community
Common area landscaping
Community event organization
Architectural review services
The exact monthly fee amount varies by property type and location within the community. Single-family homes usually have different fee structures than townhouses.
Residents should budget for potential special assessments. These occur when major community improvements or repairs exceed regular HOA reserves.
Utilities and Maintenance Responsibilities
Homeowners handle most utility connections and ongoing service costs directly. Standard utilities include electricity, water, sewer, internet, and propane or natural gas.
Mountain locations can have higher heating costs during winter months. Homes at higher elevations may need additional insulation or heating systems.
Property maintenance responsibilities include:
Lawn care and landscaping
Exterior home maintenance
Driveway and walkway upkeep
HVAC system servicing
Well water systems are common in some areas. Owners must maintain private wells and septic systems when applicable.
Insurance Requirements
Mountain communities require specific insurance coverage beyond standard homeowner policies. The elevated location and weather patterns create unique risks.
Essential coverage includes:
Standard homeowner's insurance
Flood insurance (recommended due to mountain drainage)
Wind and hail coverage
Personal property protection
Insurance companies may require higher coverage limits for homes in gated communities. The remote location can affect emergency response times and claim processing.
Some areas need additional coverage for geological events. Homeowners should verify coverage limits match current property values in the area.
How to Tour and Purchase in Carriage Park
Buying a home in this community requires scheduling visits to see available properties and working with experienced local agents. The purchasing process follows standard real estate procedures with some unique aspects for this gated community.
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Visiting the Community
Prospective buyers can explore Carriage Park's amenities and neighborhoods before making a decision. The gated community offers guided tours of its clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and scenic lake areas.
Visitors should plan to spend at least half a day touring the property. The community spans multiple villages, each with distinct architectural styles and home layouts.
Key areas to visit include:
Community clubhouse and recreational facilities
Different village neighborhoods
Model homes when available
Walking trails and lake areas
Tours typically run Monday through Saturday. Appointments help ensure staff availability to answer questions about community rules and amenities.
The community restricts access to residents and scheduled visitors. Guests must check in at the main entrance before exploring the grounds.
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Contact us to schedule a time to visit Carriage Park
