I don't live in Asheville but in Athens, Ga. Originally from New York I have been surprised at how I have enjoyed the SE of the USA. I am considering Asheville as well - healthy living, culture, art etc. I suppose everything that attracts people to this area. In any event, I know that there has been a lot of growth here and the locals are not very happy about it- maybe that is why they might be a bit distant. Bigger cities as Chicago and New York are used to the influx and out goings of many people. I think that if one really is attracted to an area for what it offers, then one can assume that the people that live in that town are of the same mindset. Good reviews, Bad reviews, whatever- whatever.... Maybe Georgia is better for you - Athens, maybe. A college town, with a lot of activity and all sorts of people. Life is life, we get along, we don't - So I would encourage to listen to your inspiration. If it fills you with joy or hopeful anticipation to move to this town then do it. If you are unsure then maybe it is not the right move - yet or ever. Just my thought on it. I really had the idea to write the following but then thought might as well take an opportunity to share my thoughts. anyway this is what I was going to post..... Instead of Thumbs up or down fellow Americans, why not answer the question. What does a thumbs down or up mean when a person has asked a question? You like the question? you don't? Do move here? Don't move here? anyway... I wish you all the best
Dominique | Athens, GA | Report Abuse

Gail, im from chicago(rolling meadows), recently moved to asheville. I will say, Chicagoans, we are great people and kind cause we have dealt with horrid winters, highest crime rates anywhere, high cost of living, 3 hour traffic jams to go 2 exits. Honestly, asheville is smaller, some bad traffic, but that can be expected when the city grows faster than the infrastructure. Crime, hmm..havent seen it yet, but i know its nothing like what we know. Property prices and rent are higher than expected due to so many floridians building summer homes here and driving up the cost, but go outside a bit like mars hill or canton, not too bad, might be a 30 min drive to get to the city, but honestly, whats that? Thats a normal drive to the grocery store in chicago. There is a lot of wonderful places to see outside of Asheville. Amazing hiking, beautiful small towns etc. The job market is crappy. The reviews are accurate about that. I hope this helps. Asheville is a good city to visit occasionally, but living is better on the outskirts and smaller towns. I personally now live in weaverville, great little town but expensive. Just take your time, and do your reasearch on housing. Youll find your gem!
Micah | Weaverville, NC | Report Abuse

Gail, im from chicago(rolling meadows), recently moved to asheville. I will say, Chicagoans, we are great people and kind cause we have dealt with horrid winters, highest crime rates anywhere, high cost of living, 3 hour traffic jams to go 2 exits. Honestly, asheville is smaller, some bad traffic, but that can be expected when the city grows faster than the infrastructure. Crime, hmm..havent seen it yet, but i know its nothing like what we know. Property prices and rent are higher than expected due to so many floridians building summer homes here and driving up the cost, but go outside a bit like mars hill or canton, not too bad, might be a 30 min drive to get to the city, but honestly, whats that? Thats a normal drive to the grocery store in chicago. There is a lot of wonderful places to see outside of Asheville. Amazing hiking, beautiful small towns etc. The job market is crappy. The reviews are accurate about that. I hope this helps. Asheville is a good city to visit occasionally, but living is better on the outskirts and smaller towns. I personally now live in weaverville, great little town but expensive. Just take your time, and do your reasearch on housing. Youll find your gem!
Micah | Weaverville, NC | Report Abuse

Hi Gail, not sure if you're still in Tucson....but I just posted a lengthy tome about Asheville, NC including price indexes for many common items. Think about your monthly budget and see if it could withstand Asheville's cost of living. I wish you well. Peace.
Mitchy | Fletcher, NC | Report Abuse

We live here, 63 and 71. We've been here 11 years. The area has had tremendous growth to the point where it's starting to become an issue. 10 hotels were built in the last three years, there are more to come downtown. You will find that rents may be low compared to Chicago, but you will not be surprised to find yourself paying $15 for a martini. Tons of beer if you're into that. 60 microbreweries in the county; 20-something in the Asheville environs alone, including New Belgium and Sierra Nevada now. Artists are being gentrified out of the River Arts District and roads are groaning from traffic. However, it is still fairly pretty, and funky, has a nice vibe downtown and a liberal bastion (considering the surrounding areas). Your vet bills will probably be higher here, than Tuscson. As will many other things, especially downtown. Lots of "foodies" now and the city, as I say, is catering to tourism. So, great if you can afford a $20 burger, otherwise, it's Burger King on the outskirts of town. Property taxes aren't too bad as compared to much of the country, but unlike Florida, there is no homeowner's exemption or senior exemption if you make more than $29K a year. We just got reassessed at 26% higher. They assess every four years. But we don't know what the millage will be yet; they are saying the assessment is higher, but they'll adjust down the rate... but I figure they will go up at least 5%, if you are looking to buy anything. To rent, figure $900+ for a one bedroom, one bath, 875 sf... and up. Dogs are another issue: People LOVE dogs in Asheville, many restaurants allow them now, etc., but finding a place that will take one, if not two is very difficult, especially if they are over 25 lbs. I cannot imagine having to make the decision to give up a family member myself (We lost our 15 yo dog 3 yrs ago and can't find another yet to adopt us)... and it sounds to me you are the same way. The weather here is pretty great though. Four distinct seasons. Not much snow this year. Very mild winter this year. Don't know how long we'll have clear skies now that the EPA is going to be gutted and the coal burning energy systems may start up again (When we moved here in 2005, we would still get lots of smoke from the Tenn. Valley due to the electric plants; all that has been scrubbed and cleaned, but who knows now?)
Gary | Asheville, NC | Report Abuse