OWEN ASHE

Asheville used to be known for its cozy mountain vibe, craft breweries, and scenic views. But now, many locals avoid the downtown area because of problems like public drinking, aggressive panhandling, and makeshift camps. Some residents say the city feels unsafe, especially after Hurricane Helene in

Asheville is seeing fewer violent crimes this year. The city has reported a 28% drop in violent crimes compared to last year. This is the lowest number in five years. The biggest reason for this drop is fewer aggravated assaults. The city had a big spike in violent crimes in 2022. That year, there