seeing Asheville from both sides
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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!
john | Maggie Valley, NC