What the Asheville Costco Means for Hendersonville Locals

If you live in Hendersonville or you’re thinking about moving to Hendersonville, there’s a big regional headline you’ll want to keep an eye on: Costco is one step closer to opening a massive new store in Enka, just west of Asheville. While the project still has approvals ahead, Asheville’s planning staff is recommending it move forward—setting the stage for a new shopping hub within an easy drive of Henderson County.

Let’s unpack what’s planned for the Enka Costco, how it’s weaving into the surrounding community, and what it could mean for living in Hendersonville—from weekend errands to traffic patterns and even local recreation options.

Where the Enka Costco Is Planned

The proposed Costco would sit on nearly 40 acres at 264 and 274 Enka Heritage Parkway and 1455 Sand Hill Road, in the historic Enka area just off Smoky Park Highway. That puts it on the western side of Asheville, a straight shot from Hendersonville via I-26 to I-40, then just a quick jog onto Smoky Park Highway.

For Hendersonville residents, that location matters. Many local shoppers already head to west Asheville and Candler for big-box stores, and Enka is poised to grow as a commercial hub. A full-service Costco there—complete with retail, gas, optics, and automotive services—would add another strong reason to make that corridor part of your regular routine.

If you’re comparing neighborhoods or planning to relocate to Hendersonville, proximity to this kind of regional shopping can be a surprisingly big quality-of-life perk, especially for bulk shoppers, small business owners, and anyone managing a busy household.

What’s Actually Planned On-Site?

The current proposal calls for a single-story, 168,258-square-foot Costco, with a large parking area and fueling station. Here’s the quick overview of the site plan now under review by the Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission:

• Approx. 168,000+ square feet of retail warehouse space
• 914 surface parking spaces (more than typically allowed, but still recommended for approval)
• 32 fuel pumps at an on-site gas station
• Automotive and optical services inside the store
• A private access road threading through the site and tying into Sand Hill Road

That’s a major footprint, especially when you consider the supporting infrastructure—new road connections, sidewalks, and a 10-foot-wide multiuse path along Enka Heritage Parkway. While some technical details are still being refined (think open space calculations and retaining wall heights), the overall concept is clear: this is intended to be a high-capacity, regional destination.

Why Asheville Is Leaning Toward Approval

On October 7, Asheville’s Planning and Zoning Commission is slated to hold a key public hearing on the conditional rezoning that would allow the project to move forward. City planning staff have already recommended approval, even with a handful of requested modifications to standard development rules.

Those modifications involve things like:

• Slightly less tree canopy preserved on-site than typically required
• Building design that doesn’t fully meet window and entrance spacing standards
• Reduced bicycle parking compared to what would normally be required for such a large parking field

In spite of these tweaks, staff say the plan is consistent with Asheville’s comprehensive plan and surrounding land uses. One big reason: the site is already designated for large-scale employment or anchor institutions, and it previously had approval for large light-industrial or distribution buildings. Costco fits comfortably into that big-footprint vision.

Another plus point for city planners is the project’s effort to weave in pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. The multiuse path through the site would connect to existing and future walking and biking infrastructure and potentially dovetail with recreational options along nearby Hominy Creek. For folks who love to explore the mountains on two wheels or by foot, this is a subtle but meaningful step toward better-connected everyday amenities.

Preserving the Enka Clock Tower: A Sense of Place

One of the most intriguing pieces of this project isn’t about parking lots or pump counts—it’s about history. The proposal calls for preserving the historic Enka Clock Tower and enhancing the space around it with pedestrian amenities. That tower is a beloved local landmark, a visual reminder of the area’s industrial heritage.

Instead of treating it as an obstacle, the plan aims to wrap it into the experience with:

• Protection measures to preserve the tower itself
• Pedestrian-friendly features around its base
• Better integration into the new multiuse path system

This is the kind of detail that makes Western North Carolina special. Even as new development arrives, communities like Enka and Hendersonville have the opportunity to honor their roots. If you’ve been wondering what’s it like living in Hendersonville and the greater Asheville region, this mix of new convenience with historic character is a big part of the answer.

Traffic, Access, and What It Means for Your Drive

Of course, any major new store raises questions about traffic. A revised traffic impact analysis has been submitted to the N.C. Department of Transportation, and NCDOT will require improvements to Smoky Park Highway and Jacob Holm Way as part of the project.

Access to the site will be primarily via a private road extending from the existing warehouse access at 261 Enka Heritage Parkway, running through the Costco site, and connecting to Sand Hill Road. While the property is not directly served by Asheville’s ART bus system, it is within reach of Mountain Mobility’s Enka-Candler Trailblazer route, which links back into the regional transit network.

For Hendersonville drivers, that likely means:

• More reasons to travel the I-26 / I-40 corridor toward west Asheville
• Potential new signal timing, turn lanes, or lane adjustments near the Enka site
• Incremental relief on shopping trips to other parts of Asheville, as some demand shifts west

It’s too early to know exactly how busy those weekend afternoons will feel, but it’s fair to say that this store will serve a multi-county region—including Henderson, Buncombe, and Haywood—so traffic engineering will stay in the spotlight through final approvals.

How a Regional Costco Shapes Life in Hendersonville

So, what does all of this mean day to day for people living in Hendersonville or planning a move to Hendersonville? It’s less about Costco as a single store and more about what it signals for the region’s growth and amenities.

Here are a few practical impacts to consider:

• Expanded shopping options: Bulk groceries, household goods, electronics, and fuel discounts add one more layer of convenience within a reasonable drive.
• Business benefits: Local entrepreneurs—from short-term rental hosts to landscapers and caterers—often rely on Costco-style warehouse shopping for supplies and inventory.
• Weekend outings: Paired with Asheville’s breweries, restaurants, and outdoor amenities, a Costco run can easily become one piece of a full day in town.
• Regional appeal for newcomers: If you’re looking to move to Hendersonville, proximity to both charming Main Street boutiques and regional big-box stores is a compelling combo.

As this part of western Buncombe County continues to grow, Hendersonville stands to benefit from nearby services while still maintaining its own small-town feel, local festivals, and walkable downtown. That balance is exactly why so many people are exploring a move to this corner of the Blue Ridge.

Keeping Perspective: Big-Box Neighbors, Small-Town Heart

From a relocation perspective, one of the most common questions I hear is, “Are we getting too busy?” The Enka Costco is a great example of how the region is evolving: yes, there’s more activity and more choice, but Hendersonville still holds onto its identity—tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a vibrant Main Street that feels worlds away from a sprawling parking lot.

If you’re curious about neighborhoods, commute times, and the full spectrum of things to do in Hendersonville—from apple orchards to rooftop dining—take a deeper dive into our local insights in the Moving to Hendersonville, NC Guide. Understanding both the everyday conveniences and the unique character of each nearby community will help you see how Enka’s growth fits into the bigger picture.

What Happens Next for the Enka Costco?

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation is just one step. After the October 7 hearing, Asheville City Council will take up the rezoning request, and the project will then enter a more detailed technical review phase. That’s where items like final open space design, retaining wall heights, and detailed traffic improvements get locked in.

For now, the takeaway is clear: the Enka Costco is on a strong path toward approval, and if it moves ahead, Hendersonville residents will soon have another major resource within easy reach. Whether you’re stocking up for mountain adventures, managing a growing business, or simply making the most of life in the Blue Ridge, it’s one more piece of the evolving Western North Carolina lifestyle puzzle.

If you’re weighing a move to Hendersonville and want that sweet spot between peaceful mountain living and modern convenience, this is the kind of regional news worth watching closely.

For broader regional context and news on Asheville development, you can also keep an eye on Explore Asheville, which highlights how our neighboring city continues to grow as both a travel destination and a service hub for surrounding communities.