Asheville, North Carolina SperlingViews

I have read several comments on Asheville some good and some not so good. So here are my two cents worth. I am an Asheville native and like fairy tales once Asheville and the surrounding areas were quaint little towns with its citizens ready to lend a helping hand for ones fellow neighbor, and A persons word was as good as a legal signature on a piece of paper. However, in the past fifteen to twenty years all of that has gone down the drain, wealth, and greed has drawn the land vultures to our area destroying complete mountain ranges with big ugly houses, destroying wildlife and beauty as well as bringing people in to our farming areas who complain because of the smell of farms; This baffles me, because these people come for the beauty and serenity but their all to willing to complain and destroy everything in their path not to mention these people have drivin up property cost where it makes it almost virtually impossible to own your own home unless you make a five hundred grand a year or more. Now concerning the diversity issue, I am very receptive to people of different national origins thats what has made our country, however in someones comment earlier they stated that this is the Bible belt and most redneck conservatives just don't agree with the gay community. Well my opinion on this is tolerance; however I do not agree with that life style and I don't feel it should be paraded around my children in the streets or on television. So as the military has adapted the don't ask don't tell policy, that is how I feel about it. I hope I haven't offended anyone but that's my opinion and my freedom to state. God Bless

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re: Growth and diversity - 8/15/2008 - 6/5/2009
You hope you haven't offended anyone??? Of course you've offended gay people. Gay people aren't contagious to your children. Being gay isn't a lifestyle; lifestyles are choices like living a sedentary lifestyle or living a flashy lifestyle. That’s like saying, "I don't have a problem with blacks/latinos/asians/jews, I just don't agree with the blacks/latinos/asians/jews lifestyle." Or, “I don't have a problem with women, I just don't agree with the female lifestyle." Sure, some gay people live a lifestyle of partying in the clubs, promiscuous sex or doing drugs just as some heterosexual people, but certainly not ALL gay people live that kind of a lifestyle. Being gay isn't a way of life, it's just the way we are. I like to compare it to the hand you write with. I.e. Most people are right handed, some are left handed and a few can use both. You can't switch the hand you write with, just like you can't switch your sexuality. You can try, but it just won't work! And, I’m not sure how some heterosexual people know so much about being gay when they’re not?? When you say “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is how you feel, how would like to be told you can’t talk about the person you love and you should hide your affection and relationship and be a shamed about who you are as a person so you don’t “offend” people or make others uncomfortable? Asheville is a GREAT city full of beauty and many people who are educated, artsy and love the outdoors.

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re: Growth and diversity - 8/15/2008 - 7/7/2011
Wow, AK in Asheville - you don't get it, do you? It is NOT a "lifestyle", as you put it. I know for a fact I did not choose to be gay. Who in their right mind would just decide they want to be the target for all you hate-mongers -- like we want to be crucified like poor young Matthew Shephard in Wyoming. Right. No - it is not a lifestyle. It is what we are. My wife and I look after the widows on the street, pick up newspapers and trash cans and take care of the animails for our neighbors when they are away, bring home-baked goods to everyone in the neighborhood, work hard, pay taxes, and obey the laws of our state and country. It is a riot that people like you think we are all pedophiles. What a joke! If you check the research that has been done, as well as FBI crime statistics, you will see that less than 1% of these perverts are gay! LESS THAN ONE PERCENT! And indeed, my neighbor was convicted of child molestation and IS A MARRIED STRAIGHT MAN! So really, we as gay people are afraid of you violent straight people. You are more likely by far to be child molesters and murderers. If you want to live in a safe community with lower crime rates and decent morals, look for a community of gay people.

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WNC Drivers - 4/29/2013

Asheville: Slowest moving "city" in America. Driving through Western NC on either I-40, I-26 or I-240 can be absolutely maddening. If you are a typical driver from elsewhere, this experience could cause your blood to boil. Never have a I seen more drivers - and these are LOCAL drivers with NC plates - dilly dally around in the passing lane. Do the majority of WNC's citizens not realize that the LEFT lane is for faster, passing traffic? And by the way, to the middle aged and older women in Subarus (never have a I seen so many of these things) who think it is their responsibility or right to block the left lane to "teach other drivers a lesson:" Move the hell over! If I get a speeding ticket, that's my responsibility, not yours. [read more...]

great city life - 2/20/2013

We moved to Asheville four years ago. Have lived in NY City, Philadelphia, St Louis, Rochester NY and Princeton, NJ - so can provide comparisons of culture and recreation with sophisticated areas. Asheville, for its size, has more to offer than the previously mentioned sites! Wonderful arts - including top-notch galleries, over 150 private studios in the River Arts District and in mountain retreats, fine symphony with members from all over the world, many good local bands (jazz, symphonic, etc.), many talented woodworkers,potters, musicians, etc. The arts are part of everyday life here. In addition, fantastic mountains, streams, lakes - fine fishing, hiking, biking, boating, golfing, birding, professional baseball, college sports. Good liberal arts colleges as well as strong community college system with over 20,000 students. Wonderful food - much of it grown or raised locally. The small, local breweries are something to behold - with a fine range of good beer, food and music. Friendly people. Minimal traffic (compared to what I was used to) and good roadways. Interesting architecture - particularly in Historic Montford and in mountain communities. Many writers and writing groups. Many music and arts festivals. Overall, a wonderful place to live. One downside, except for healthcare workers, there are currently few jobs available that pay well. This could change as high tech is starting to sprout more positions. [read more...]

Asheville, NC - 10/1/2012

Just was in Asheville as my husband has family there. Our encounters with people were in a nursing home and the Whole Foods. Hands down they both were friendlier than any organic store or medical facility where I live in Athens, GA. So you can't divide north and south. Every city is different. We have been looking at Franklin, TN and Atlanta to relocate to but now my husband loved Asheville so much this weekend he wants to move there now. [read more...]

Wanting some input on Asheville, NC - 6/26/2012

We are looking to relocate and are looking at Asheville at a possibility. Does anyone have some recent experience or information about Asheville? anything would be appreciated!! It looks good on paper but we would like some feedback. We are both going to be retired so jobs are not an issue. We will have a teenage son so schools are a concern. We are coming from California so are used to really high prices on EVERYTHING. So please keep that in mind when responding. Thanks to you all!![read more...]

Relocating - 6/25/2012

I am getting a little nervous, I must say. I am relocating to Asheville in just a few months. I will be starting my student teaching (don't need comments about how there are no teaching jobs, that is nationwide, I will figure that part out on my won), but I am reading all these reviews on how it's such a terrible place to live. Can anyone tell me anything GOOD about the Asheville area and surrounding cities I may want to look into? I am 34, single, like nature and the city and am excited to meet some new people and hopefully make some new friends![read more...]

A living wage - 1/19/2012

I absolutely love the beauty of Asheville, but I have found it nearly impossible to find employment that offers a living wage. I am contemplating a move to either Charlotte or Greenville, any feedback would be appreciated.[read more...]

Don't move here-There are no living wage jobs! - 8/20/2011

As of August 2011 Asheville is reeling from the economic depression America is in. There are virtually no living wage jobs to be had, businesses have closed, house prices are falling, & the pawn shops are full of people trying to raise cash to survive. This town hypes itself as a great place but it is only the scenery that lives up to the hype. Residential and car burglaries are up, including home invasion robberies. Don't be duped by local business organizations into moving here. Conduct your own research and think twice, or thrice![read more...]

Asheville not for me - 7/22/2011

I was only a visitor, but I really wanted to like Asheville. I went there several times thinking that I was going to live there. Some of the people were nice, but most were snotty. The realtors I worked with were lackluster and not helpful. It is truly a beautiful city and the scenery was gorgeous! I wish that I could have lived there just for that. But I chose to go elsewhere. [read more...]

Active Independent Retirement Community or 55+ wit - 6/4/2011

What are some Active Independent Retirement Communities in Asheville,NC or 55+ Communities where activities are planned for residents or they eat a meal together once a day or week.[read more...]

What is the cheapest weekly motel stay in Ashevill - 5/25/2011

Anybody know of any really cheap motels that are at least clean, not super dumpy in Asheville, NC? besides intownsuites or whatever the name of that one is Hoping for something that is no more then $200 per week tax included.[read more...]

reclocation - 1/22/2011

We are thinking of relocating to either Asheville area or possible Knoxville,Tn area. Can anyone that lives in either of these areas give us some input. I have 3 girls and and in need of a full time job. I live in FL now and have not been able to find full time work in quit awhile. Thanks for any help and advice.[read more...]

Asheville has pros and cons - 10/22/2010

We investigated Asheville, and found the cost of living at this point to be at the national average. Real estate has flopped like everywhere else, so very reasonable cost of living. The mountain people were excited for awhile during the time when prices were going up, but now their bubble is burst. Billy Bob can't cash in his shack to buy an annuity to live on. Shucks, darn. In fact, Billy Bob not only can't sell his shack/home, but now he is having trouble finding work. There are some beautiful homes there for sale that have been built in the last 10 years that will probably sell before Billy Bob's mountain shack, and some on very large lots outside of the city. There are very good restaurants there, nice hotels, and good Bible churches. We find this town quaint, and plenty of opportunities. However, N.C. taxes are bad for retirees (extra capital gains tax, income tax, bad sales tax), so can't say that Asheville is an ideal retirement spot. If North Carolina would get rid of taxes like Florida did, it would be booming. If they'll ever vote in a Democratic governor........[read more...]

Requesting Information - 10/6/2010

I am planning on moving to Asheville NC and will need to use the public bus system to get to work and shopping. I am a single older lady. What part of town would be best to look for rental property in? Thank you[read more...]

BEST Public Elementary School In Asheville area? - 8/1/2010

I am interested in obtaining some much needed relocation information. I am desperately trying to find out where the better suited areas are within a 20 mile/30 minute commute radius of Asheville for a young family with a Kindergartner. Our son's quality of education is our number one priority, followed by our safety from crime, both violent crime and property crime. Everything else, we feel we can pretty much flex with for the most part. We are both Ivy League educated medical professionals and would like to initially lease a 3 bedroom single family home with a yard in a nice community for under $2000/month. I am not sure if it matters in the Asheville area, (and I actually hope not), but we are white, agnostic and politically somewhere between Democrat and Independent. We enjoy the arts, volunteering in our community, maintaining our lawn and home appearance to very high standards, and believe in reusing and recycling. Without sounding "snooty", we'd prefer to live in a cultured, upscale and professional area. This means, no ATVs running up and down the street all hours of the night and early morning, keg parties in driveways while car engines are being swapped, and trash being left all over the neighborhoods. (Just some of the issues we're dealing with now). Any and all advice would be GREATLY appreciated. We are tired of making mistakes when selecting areas of a new city and hope someone will be kind enough to help. Thank you in advance. All the best, Patti[read more...]

nun just my simple project - 5/17/2010

um im juss mii this 8is amarie mrs. dowd!!![read more...]

Requesting advise on moving to Asheville - 11/9/2009

My husband, son (12 yrs) and I are considering relocating to the Asheville area. The area is beautiful but I am a little concerned about my commute. I cover the U.S. and Canada and travel almost weekly. How difficult will it be for me to get flights? Thank you[read more...]

AMAZING PLACE TO LIVE!! - 9/1/2009

Personally, Im not sure why so many people are down on Asheville. I loved living there for the three years I was there and would not have changed anything about it. The people are wonderful, the food is amazing, and the culture is hands down 100% unique. I never felt like an "outsider" when I moved there from he midwest and I would give anything now to leave the New England area to go back to the welcoming and loving spirits of the Asheville area. I recommend living outside the city for any families...like Black Mountain, Montreat, Hendersonville, Fayetville, Lake Lure, and chimney Rock simply because the crime rates are lower but still have the conveniences of the amazing city not too far down the road. All in all, Asheville is a wonderful place to live.[read more...]

Expensive - 4/8/2009

This is a very high cost of living area. The cost for housing is through the roof and that is including renting as well as buying. Also not much for job opportunities unless its medical, retail, restaurant or tourism industries, and then the pay is low. The good thing is that it is a laid back, nice area overall.[read more...]

Urbanization - 3/24/2009

We moved to Arden, NC. 28704 in 1977 to get away from all the city madness. We love our little part of the state with it's forests and mountains around us and the rural feeling. Too much mordernizing and road construction is happening all around us and we are losing our lay-back atmosphere. But,I still love our little town. Live on Arden.[read more...]

seeing Asheville from both sides - 3/6/2009

I've read thru many of the entries, live here but have considered a change. I feel I have a unique vantage point that explains a lot of the dichotomy I see between entries, if you care to read. I'm 47, grew up on a 40 acre farm 15 miles to the north in what would I would consider rural appalachia. Milk cow, work horses, hunting and fishing for about 50% of what we ate; the whole gambit. Was fortunate to get into an Ivy League school the attend professional school at UNC. After 10 yrs in Raleigh I decided on the "simple life" again and came back. Major change! Land w/in 15 miles of town that sold for 1-2K an acre in the mid 80's is largely in building lots that (w/ good views and accesability)go for the 100's to 3-4 million. Except for the few locals that held on to their land the place has soared above the abilities of most to live here except under the worst conditions. There is a lot of bitterness. The trend is to live outside of the city (5-20 mi) for newcomers. In my oppinion: Either live in a gated community, tint your windows and shop at the "pricier" places OR live a "normal" life in an INCREDIBLY beutiful and diverse place, be nice and approachable (no matter what) and with a little time they'll accept you. You should be able to handle the others. They are probably a lot like the folks where you came from![read more...]