Market Research in Asheville, NC

Eastcoast Research provides focus group recruiting in the Asheville/ Western areas of North Carolina.

Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina, is known for a vibrant arts scene, historical architecture and stunning mountain views. Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has a population of more than 91,000.  Surrounded by Buncombe County, this diverse area is home to 260,000 residents.

Asheville is a thriving, growing community featuring a strong business and economic center.  The University of North Carolina at Asheville, ranked 7^th Best Public Liberal Arts College in the country by U.S. News and World Report, is one of 10 colleges and universities in the area.  Asheville is a popular tourist destination drawing visitors with its natural wonders, architectural treasures and the arts.

Asheville’s River Arts District is home to working studios and galleries for hundreds of artists showcasing a wide collection of mediums.  The music scene in the area offers live music options nightly and a variety of music festivals throughout the year.  Music fans travel to Asheville to hear artists who combine a unique blend of traditional mountain rhythms fused with original melodies.  Asheville offers many food and beverage options with fresh sourced, local flavor including farmers markets, restaurants and craft breweries.  Asheville was named the #1 “Foodie City” in the world by Global Traveler in 2018.

The Asheville region has a diverse $17.3 billion economy with steady population growth and the lowest unemployment rate in the state.  All sectors are experiencing growth with key economic drivers including healthcare, science and technology, manufacturing, arts and culture and hospitality/tourism.  Large employers in the area include Mission Health System, Biltmore Estate, Flint Group, The Omni Grove Park Inn, Eaton, Borg Warner and Linamar. The workforce is well educated, with 50% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and young, with 20-34-year-olds as the area’s fastest growing demographic. In 2018, Forbes rated Asheville in the top 15 Best Places for Business and Careers.

The Asheville area has 8 state and national parks including Mount Mitchell State Park, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak west of the Mississippi.  Visitors enjoy hiking, skiing, rafting, nature watching or taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see unspoiled mountain vistas.

Asheville is home to the grand Biltmore Estate, a 250 room French Renaissance chateau commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1889.  It was the largest undertaking of residential architecture in its time and took 6 years to complete construction.  Biltmore Estate draws 1 million visitors each year to tour the estate and grounds.  Visitors can participate in a variety of activities including tours, concerts, wine tasting, fly fishing, gardening, biking, equestrian trail rides, hiking, falconry and sporting clays.

The Asheville market is in demand for focus groups and other research.  Eastcoast Research has conducted research projects for clients in the Asheville area for many years.  While we do not have a permanent facility in the area, hotel event space works well for focus groups paired with a closed-circuit television setup for client observation.

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