Info on Erwin and Unicoi Tennessee (Johnson City, Kingsport: rental market, live in, dangerous)

[zazu]

Hello Everybody, this is my first posting to this forum. My husband has a job opportunity in Asheville, NC. We would like to get a place in Erwin or Unicoi Tennessee and commute to Asheville. We were wondering if anyone can tell us about travel time and road conditions. Also what is the rental market like in this area. Would appreciate any other information anyone can offer about Erwin and Unicoi Tennessee. Thank You!!!

[mbmouse]

Welcome to the forum. I am going to move this thread to the Kingsport/Johnson City/Bristol sub forum as you likely get better/more answers to your questions there.
For my opinion, the road is an easy one. It is HWY 26 and you can get from Erwin to N.Asheville in 30-40 minutes, the time will depend of where in Asheville. It has taken me longer to get from North Asheville to West Asheville than it has getting across the mountains! Sorry but I do not like Asheville traffic patterns at all.
The rent in Erwin Unicoi area will run about $600 a month or so but it is more of finding something available, you would be limited to the more downtown areas but seeing as they are small towns, it might be very nice for you.
Here are a few pictures of the drive over the mountains from Erwin area to NC. Hope this helps.

[MarandaStephenson]

My boss and his fiancee live in Erwin and she commutes to Asheville to work. She doesn't mind it. The interestate is well taken care of but like MBMouse said, I hate driving into Asheville. I get lost every time. I'd imagine that during the winter months, I26 could get a little dangerous but I've never attempted that drive during the winter months so don't take my word for it.