Is Sherwood Forest safe?
Black Mountain, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Sherwood Forest as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Sherwood Forest
“Go. Sherwood Forest in Black Mountain is an exceptionally safe, peaceful residential mountain neighborhood surrounded by nature. Visitors staying in local cabins or visiting residents face virtually no violent crime risks, though standard awareness of mountain wildlife and winding roads is advised.”
About the area
Sherwood Forest is a tranquil, heavily wooded residential enclave nestled on the slopes just north of downtown Black Mountain. It is characterized by single-family mountain homes, lush greenery, and scenic Blue Ridge vistas. The neighborhood offers an idyllic, quiet retreat while keeping visitors only minutes away from local dining and outdoor recreation.
- Wooded / Mountain
- Quiet Residential
- Scenic & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Sherwood Forest
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 15/100
There is no bike-share system in the area, and steep grades and winding lanes make cycling suitable mainly for experienced road cyclists or mountain bikers heading to regional trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Virtually non-existent violent crime rates and very low property crime rates
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained residential properties
- Peaceful, low-density mountain setting surrounded by natural beauty
Cons
- Steep, winding, narrow roads with minimal lighting that can be hazardous at night or in winter weather
- Total car dependency with no walkable commercial amenities inside the neighborhood
- Potential wildlife encounters including black bears and timber rattlesnakes
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Sherwood Forest due to its strictly residential, low-density mountain geography, with support services situated in larger Asheville metro hubs.
What Sherwood Forest is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp mountain air, birdsong, and occasional dog walkers make mornings extraordinarily serene and safe.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and peaceful with minimal local traffic, ideal for relaxing on porches or taking a daytime stroll.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dusk settles quickly under the dense canopy, remaining very safe but requiring flashlights due to limited streetlamps.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Pitch-black, silent, and virtually devoid of activity; personal safety risks are minimal, though wildlife caution is essential.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is not directly available in Sherwood Forest; Buncombe County's Mountain Mobility and the Asheville Transit (ART) Route 170 serve downtown Black Mountain and nearby corridors a short drive away.
Parking is strictly private in residential driveways or designated vacation rental spots; there are no public parking lots or street meters, and on-street parking is generally discouraged due to narrow roads.
Things to do in Sherwood Forest
- Take a scenic walk or jog along the quiet, tree-canopied mountain residential lanes
- Drive five minutes south to explore the historic shops, galleries, and cafes of downtown Black Mountain
- Hike nearby mountain trails such as the Montreat Wilderness trail system just north of the area
Local favorites
- The Dripolator Coffeehouse · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (1250)A beloved nearby hub serving expertly roasted specialty coffee and fresh-baked pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
- Fresh Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (1100)Popular local eatery offering artisanal wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and craft beer just down the road.
- Black Mountain Bistro · Southern Restaurant · 4.5★ (980)Charming spot serving elevated Southern comfort food and seafood in a converted historic cottage.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.