Healthcare Near Asheville: What Retirees Should Know Before Moving

Health care access and quality are among the top concerns for retirees choosing where to live. Western North Carolina has a robust and evolving medical landscape — but it’s not without its complexities. In this guide, we break down the major providers, what services they offer, how access can vary by location, and what retirees should consider before making the move.

Related reading:
If you’re still narrowing geography, see Asheville vs. Hendersonville – A Reality Check for how healthcare access differs north vs. south of the city.

🏥 Major Health Systems Serving the Asheville Region

Mission Hospital / Mission Health (HCA Healthcare)

Mission Hospital — part of the HCA Healthcare-owned Mission Health system — is the largest health system in the region and serves as the primary referral and emergency care center for Buncombe County and much of Western North Carolina. It is the region’s only Level II trauma center and offers broad specialty services including advanced surgery, cardiology, oncology, and women’s care, as outlined in Asheville.com’s regional hospital overview.

Mission operates multiple campuses in Asheville (Memorial Campus, St. Joseph Campus), Mission Children’s Hospital, and numerous outpatient clinics and specialty practices throughout the region, which can be explored via Mission Health’s official location directory.

What retirees should know:

• Mission is the regional hub for complex and emergency care, which matters if you have chronic or high-risk medical needs.
• The system continues to pursue expansion through North Carolina’s Certificate of Need (CON) process, highlighting its central role in regional healthcare planning, as covered by Asheville Daily Planet.
• Long-term acute care previously provided at Asheville Specialty Hospital has permanently closed, shifting some services out of region, according to North Carolina Health News.

Local planning tip: Buyers who prioritize rapid access to Mission often focus on neighborhoods within Asheville rather than outer-county locations.

UNC Health Pardee (Hendersonville NC)

UNC Health Pardee is a major alternative to Mission, especially for retirees living south of Asheville. Based in Hendersonville, Pardee operates a 222-bed acute care hospital with 24/7 emergency services and specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and neurology. Its services and regional reputation are highlighted in Visit Hendersonville’s healthcare overview.

Pardee is also STEMI-certified, meaning it meets advanced standards for heart attack response — a meaningful factor for retirees with cardiac concerns.

What retirees should know:

• Pardee is especially convenient for those living in Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Laurel Park, or southern Buncombe County.
• Many retirees report shorter wait times and a more personal care experience compared to larger urban hospitals.
• UNC Health’s statewide network supports referrals and specialty continuity if needs escalate.

AdventHealth Hendersonville

AdventHealth Hendersonville is known for its whole-person care philosophy, with strong offerings in cardiology, orthopedics, cancer care, women’s health, and emergency services. It is frequently cited alongside Pardee as a preferred option for retirees living south of Asheville.

AdventHealth is also planning a new full-service hospital in Weaverville, a project delayed by regulatory appeals but now positioned to move forward, as reported by Blue Ridge Public Radio.

What retirees should know:

• The proposed Weaverville hospital would expand non-Asheville hospital access in Buncombe County.
• Until then, AdventHealth Hendersonville remains a top-rated alternative to Mission for many retirees.

Haywood Regional Medical Center

Serving Haywood County, Haywood Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for residents of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska.

What retirees should know:

• Ideal for retirees who want daily care close to home in western communities while still accessing Asheville for higher-acuity needs.

Veterans Affairs Healthcare (Asheville Area)

Eligible veterans have access to VA outpatient clinics and coordinated care in the Asheville area, with referrals to larger regional hospitals when necessary. Availability varies by service, so confirming benefits and locations early is essential.

🚑 Emergency, Specialty & Outpatient Care

• Trauma & cardiac emergencies: Mission Hospital handles most severe regional cases due to its Level II trauma designation.
• Emergency access south of Asheville: Pardee, AdventHealth Hendersonville, and Haywood Regional all maintain 24/7 ER services.
• Routine care: Numerous primary care and urgent care clinics reduce dependence on hospital ERs for everyday needs.

Related: Many retirees intentionally choose towns like Laurel Park or Mills River to balance calmer daily logistics with hospital access.

🧠 What Retirees Should Consider When Choosing a Healthcare Base

1. Drive time matters more than distance.
   Being within 20–30 minutes of Mission or Pardee can significantly reduce stress during frequent care cycles.
2. Specialist availability varies.
   Cardiology, rheumatology, and neurology can have longer lead times — establish care early.
3. EMS routing favors trauma capability.
   Critical cases are often transported to Mission regardless of proximity.
4. Future expansion is coming.
   Multiple systems are pursuing expansion approvals, which could reshape access over the next decade, according to Public Radio East.

🏥 Regional Snapshot

🧠 Final Takeaways for Retirees

• Mission remains the primary regional hub for advanced care.
• Pardee and AdventHealth are strong alternatives, especially south of Asheville.
• Expansion and competition are likely to improve access long-term.
• Town choice should balance lifestyle and healthcare logistics.

Next step: Pair this with Cost of Living & Taxes in Henderson County to evaluate the full retirement picture.