• Median listing price: $249,000
• Days on market: 146

This small city tucked in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains regularly appears on Money's "Best Places" lists, including 2010's Best Places to Retire and as a 2009 reader's choice, and boasts a booming arts and music scene.

Homes are relatively cheap: Prices bottomed out in late 2011 and have inched up less than 5% since. And record low interest rates have made the city's housing even more affordable.

A typical home in the Asheville area sells for $249,000, and almost all listings are under $350,000, according to local real estate agent Jon Corbin. Currently, a four-bed, three-bathroom home in town is listed for $330,000.

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While the number of homes for sale has been on the decline -- falling 10.6% from a year ago -- Realtor.com expects inventory to grow as the season changes and sellers look to take advantage of the spring buying season.

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