The Mountain South: Asheville, Greenville Or What's Your Pick? (Relocation Advice Vanity)

[goldstategop]

I'm thinking of the Carolina mountains as my next place to live. Would you consider Asheville, with its art deco feel as the place to live or would you go for Greenville with its more settled ambience? I've lived in California on the coast all my life and I'd like to try something different. Low cost of living, affordable housing, a safe place to live and having that view outside the window without the price tag. I know Colorado is expensive because every one goes there but no one seems to know the Blue Ridge Mountains are just as stunning. If any one has any other ideas about mountain living in the South or elsewhere, please free to throw in your opinion. Thanks.

[cricket]

Am debating whether to share my opinion. . .or message you privately! Will check back later ; '^)

[goldstategop]

I'm only seeking knowledgeable views about mountain life. For me, its virgin territory. But if any one wants to take a pass on this thread, I'm not in the least offended. ;-)

[Alia]

NC *Ping*

Please FRmail Constitution Day OR TaxRelief OR Alia if you want to be added to or removed from this North Carolina ping list.

[Roccus]

I moved to WV after a life in the Apple. Too many NYers in VA and the Carolinas for me. RE and PP taxes are less than a month's rent in my rent stabilized apt in Queens.
My only complaints are the reliability (read lack thereof) of Allegheny Power and the humidity. I solved the first with a 6500 watt generator. Still working on the second.

[goldstategop]

The mountains shouldn't be THAT humid. If you wanted to soak in the warmth, Florida beckons. Don't you have air conditioning?

[Roccus]

HAHAHAHA!!! That's what I thought. I figured if I put the mountains between me and the ocean I wouldn't have to worry about humidity. WRONG!!! I wanted four seasons so FL was a no go. Also, it has too many NYers as well.
Yes I have air conditioning. I hate it! For the first time in my life I have cross ventilation. Once the temp goes north of 60, all 17 windows open wide! Besides, I came here to enjoy the land, not stay indoors.
Now, I'm only at 1500' in a 'holler' on the western slope of the Alleghenies. If you go much higher, the winters get much more severe.

[Renderofveils]

If you can handle the liberals, Ashville's a nice place. Particularly some of the smaller communities that are nestled in the valleys around the city.

[Renderofveils]

*Asheville.

Bah, too early in the morning.

[goldstategop]

They say its a beautiful city but for all the dirty hippies. Greenville is somewhat laid back. But one has to admit, the views are just grand. Its the Carolinas' hidden treasure.

[TaxRelief]

Southwest Virginia.

NC has the highest tax rate on the east coast, and the Dim controlled government is pitifully corrupt.

[goldstategop]

Isn't South Carolina run now by Republicans? The more I think about it, the more I like Greenville. Its practically on the same latitude as Los Angeles.

[Guenevere]

We are Floridians (30 yrs) but my husband would retire to Greenville in a heartbeat.

It's a lovely area....the best of both worlds, so to speak.

Also, the low country of South Carolina is desirable-(Beaufort area)....more humid, I guess, but I like the coast.

Colorado I love dearly, but the cost of housing is almost comparable to California.

[Tarheel]

Go for SC. The tax situation is much,much better (NC taxes you out the ying yang), the people are more conservative, big time law and order atate and the courts d/n mess around. Still can get some nasty weather in the upstate of SC in the winter i.e.--freezing rain.

I have been looking south over the border for some time now--unfortunately we like our house and our small town in NC.

[Tom D.]

I have three kids. All three looked hard at the University of the South (Sewanee) in Sweanee, Tennessee. I spent a couple of weekends up there while my kids looked the place over. I have to say that it is the prettiest place I have been in my life.

Sewanee is about 90 minutes away (southeast) from Nashville and about 45 minutes or an hour away (northwest) from Chattanooga.

Asheville is a nice town, but I would give consideration to a smaller place near Asheville if I was interested in living in the NC Mountains. For instance, Brevard, Hendersonville, etc. are nice.

It can be reasonably warm in the NC mountains during the day, but at night, it cools down nicely.

The weather in the NC mountains varies greatly. For instance, Brevard is on the west side of some ridge and as a result, it rains a lot there whereas on the other side of that ridge, there is much less rainfall.

[Roses0508]

I moved to Greensboro from TN. No mountains here, but I spent a lot of time in both Greenville and Ashville. Ashville is beautiful, but a typical liberal college town. Not much work either, the economy is quite limited. Of the two I would think Greenville is a better choice.

Also NC taxes are outrageous.

You could look at SW Tennessee also. Around the Kingsport area. Low taxes, beautiful mountains, wonderful people.

[Roses0508]

I moved to Greensboro from TN. No mountains here, but I spent a lot of time in both Greenville and Ashville. Ashville is beautiful, but a typical liberal college town. Not much work either, the economy is quite limited. Of the two I would think Greenville is a better choice.

Also NC taxes are outrageous.

You could look at SW Tennessee also. Around the Kingsport area. Low taxes, beautiful mountains, wonderful people.

[Guenevere]

Isn't South Carolina run now by Republicans?

Only if you call Lindsey Graham...a Republican :^(

[southernnorthcarolina]

Asheville -- 34 br, 43 ba, 65 fireplaces, mtn view, nicely landscaped, pool. Hurry -- this one won't last.

[cowboyway]

Stay where you're at. Please.

Our 'ambience' is being ruined by outsiders that have suddenly discovered our affordable living and stunning vistas, both of which are rapidly diminishing due to the influx of city slickers, damnyankees and/or retiring baby boomers that move down, wall themselves up in gated communities and then decide that they need more 'services' which the rest of us are now paying for through increased taxes.

Hell, as a matter of fact, I'm only planning on staying a few more years.

The ruination of the South is, once again, under way and being done, once again, by the northern invaders. And now their western cousins are looking to flank us. We're doomed.

BTW, I live about an hour west of Greenville, SC. It used to be quiet out where I live. Not anymore.