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.
Asheville is a great little town. . .(*largest New-Age population east of Colorado, I believe; but that is not ALL bad!). . .but Greenville is thereal gem here. Beautiful city; beautiful down-town. . .and award-winning redevelopment on-going. . .big on community/activities/celebrations-festivals; even has baseball team.
(We are used to Atlanta prices and when husband went to game in Greenville and ordered food for family; handed the lady forty dollars anticipating bill. . .she gave him twenty-three dollars back in change.)