Asheville or Roanoke (job market, school, college)

[familymom]

Asheville, North Carolina or Roanoke, Va? Both are beautiful areas that would offer loads of outdoor amenities for any young family. But if you could live in one, which town would you pick and why?

[ajf131]

Asheville. Much more beautiful IMO, more tourist attractions...North Carolina just seems more pleasing to me than Virginia, don't know why.

[SouthernMomto3]

I've seen some of your posts re: Roanoke...we are moving there but Asheville is highly desirable. I would very much recommend checking it out. What is your job situation...that might be the deciding factor. Everyone seems to say you must have a job before moving to Roanoke.

[goozer]

As between the two, with job and everything else career-wise being equal, I would choose Asheville. It has the prettier, more dramatic mountain scenery, a better arts scene, and a more architecturally pleasing downtown. Asheville is a special place. I heard recently (but cannot personally confirm) that there are no starbucks in Asheville. I find it hard to believe that is true, but if so it is nice to hear of a sanctuary from the ubiquity of starbucks.

[mtneersalwaysfree]

Hey there! To be honest, I've never been to Asheville but lived very close to Roanoke for some time....I gotta say both are probably nice but given the choice I would take my chances on Asheville. Yay mountains, yay coastal state, yay liberal purdy city with tons to do! Roanoke is pleasant enough - just seems that Asheville may be Roanoke times 3!

[JGallimore]

I would have to disagree with much of the commentary here thus far. After spending a great deal of time in both Asheville and Roanoke- I would give a slight edge to Roanoke. I base that not just on superficial observation but also the "future" of both cities. Roanoke is far more affordable and you get a much greater value for your money. Taxes are much lower in Roanoke, both state and local. Not to mention that rents, both commercial and residential are far lower in Roanoke. Additionally the renaissance of downtown Roanoke is just beginning, the new arts district is shaping up to be a regional treasure. The new Taubman Museum of Art is like the Bilbao of the Blue Ridge. Healthcare services are far superior in Roanoke as it is the epicenter of Carillion. Virginia Tech and Carillion are currently building the regions first medical school and biotech research park which is going full speed ahead despite an economic downturn. Asheville has a very poor job market and that is something that all of my friends there complain about constantly. Roanoke has far better educational opportunities within close proximity as well. Virginia Tech, Radford Univ, Roanoke College, Hollins, VMI, Washington and Lee and many others add both culture and diversity to the local community. Roanoke does seem to lean a bit more conservative than Asheville although Roanoke is far more diverse. Both cities are wonderful places to live and I wish you all the luck in the world in finding whichever is right for you.

[GraniteStater]

Roanoke has not been discovered like Asheville has. Roanoke is mostly old south while Asheville has more of a new south feel. I agree that the long-term outlook for Roanoke and the surrounding area looks quite bright. VT is nearby, and Roanoke has a College as well. As a regional center, Roanoke will be a leader in healthcare, education, business, and progressive development.

[WILWRadio]

If it was me I'd choose Roanoke. I can't add anything that has not already been said.

[InLondon]

I would say Roanoke, it's just a nicer area than Asheville.

[JMT]

I would also choose Roanoke for the reasons that have already been given.

However...

Asheville is less isolated. Asheville is only 100 miles from Charlotte for those times when you want to go to a big city and (what's important to me) a big airport.