It has been and really took a noticeable turn for the worse mid 2000s. They are one of our 5 major "blue" controlled areas, declared themselves a "sanctuary city", and honestly just try to mimic CA politics as best as they can. The last time I was up there, maybe a year ago, I got diverted down near the arts district, which just got obliterated, and there were people passed out in the ditches, on the creek bank and under bridges in the middle of the day. I try to avoid Asheville because of that, but I frequent areas around there.