The October issue of Reader's Digest is upholding a North Carolina city for its spirituality and how maintaining faith practices also connects to a healthier mind.

In the article titled "America's 10 Sharpest Cities," Asheville ranks 10th for "spirituality and volunteerism."

The article notes Buncombe county's 382 churches and a Canadian study on how having a spiritual practice can slow mind decay. 

Asheville is also a city of giving, the article said.

Out of its 83,000 residents, it provided food and clothing to 41,000 people who needed it.

The other cities included on the list were: San Francisco, Arlington, Va., Seattle, Madison, Wis., Portland, Salt Lake City, Scottsdale, AZ. and St. Paul, MN. 

- Amanda Greene