SperlingViews - Asheville, North_carolina

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

how is Asheville for family life[read more...]

Okay -I'm biased, I live here! However, after leaving the UK many years ago, I have also lived in Washington DC, LA, Miami Beach and now in Black Mountain NC just outside of Asheville. This is a fabulous place to live if you enjoy Southern Hospitality in a City that has a creative 'edge' and a cosmopolitan yet spiritual feel. It's hard to drive anywhere without breathtaking views of the mountains. Great food abounds. The climate is mild - we are a city that many escape to in the summer. Winters are relatively mild which I appreciate after years in Florida. As a Realtor, I meet many people re-locating here and their 'wants' for an area often boil down to great places to eat, views, mild climate, and great people and we have it all! To read more about the area, visit www.PattonPropertyGroup.com[read more...]

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[read more...]

The two biggest employers in Asheville are the local hospital and the Biltmore estate. The two primary drivers of the economy are healthcare and hospitality. There is no big industry here. Greenville, SC, about 1.5 hour South has many corporate headquarters as well much industry driving the local economy. Knoxville, TN also appears to have a large amount of industry. This is a nice place to retire... but there are limited opportunities to work if you wish to work into your retirement (and are not in the hospitality field or in healthcare.) [read more...]

Asheville is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The community is an eclectic mix of early retired Baby Boomers, artisans, local farmers, young professionals and spiritualists. The area is rich with outdoor activities: river rafting, hiking the Appalachian Train, visiting Mt. Mitchell park, the highest peak on the east coast. Everywhere you go, and every season, the lovely blue mountain ranges surrounding Asheville can be seen and enjoyed.[read more...]