Madison,WI or Asheville, NC??? (college, live in, move to)

[suecen]

charlotte: May I ask what town in Tennessee did you live in? I like TN but I sure wouldn't say everybody is so friendly like most people would have one believe. NC is beautiful and living in Asheville would give you so many other places to see without driving so much like we have to do in WI - just a thought!

[meadgrad]

Everyone is different, but for me as a native southerner having lived in Atlanta and Athens GA and Ann Arbor and Detroit MI...and visited Madison and Ashville of course I would pick Madison all day long. The city feels more "real" to me. just my observation...less "suburbia" in Madison (same with Detroit over Atlanta, but thats another discussion). Ashville seems geared twords the Biltmore (great to visit though!). I also like being around water more than mountains, but thats personal preferance.

Both are great towns though!

[gold*dust1]

Trust me there is plenty of suburbia in and around Madison and it will be growing that way further! As far as the lakes in Madison go, the last time I made the mistake of dipping in the sludge in '93, had to discard the swimwear afterwards the stench was that bad. Word of warning don't wear something you regard highly.

Asheville geared to Biltmore I don't think I agree with that. It is a nice piece of history and has beautiful grounds and I'm sure helps their local economy. My dh and I enjoyed our visit there. Every city should be so lucky to have as classy a "tourist attraction". If increased traffic is a symptom of its success that's the price they have to pay.

[ranger17]

I know this is a NC/WI thread, but i'm close enough to toss my .02 in if that's ok...
moving from the Madtown area down to Columbia SC recently I find many similarities between the 2 areas, and some differences as well. The main reason we left WI was the winters, and what we found here for relocating to gives my wife and I as much as what "we" had in Madison, but in a warmer climate. Madison isn't perfect, but if you can not only deal with but enjoy the winters, it is a nice place to live. If you can handle the harsh winters, and find outdoor things you'd like during those months, then you would be all set.
Oh, as for the lakes; Mendota can get downright nasty in summer. The blue green algae is terrible thruout the chain of lakes, which for those who want to enjoy the lakes and the water season is short, that can be a problem. But spring time on the water is beautiful.
good luck in your choice

[charlottemi]

We lived in East Tennessee, right between Knoxville & Bristol. NOT a friendly area- put up with it for three + years, and came home to MI in Jan. 09.

[JoshB]

I love Asheville, I was there just three weeks ago. The city is beautiful! I love how the Blue Ridge Parkway goes right through town. What Drover said earlier is pretty spot on!

[MontanaZanna]

I vote for Asheville. Madison is gimmicky. They think too much of themselves.

[phickey3]

Originally Posted by charlottemi

Hi, I'm new here the threads. I have the wonderful blessing of having a job that will offer me the opportunity to choose between a move to Madison, WI or Asheville, NC. How to choose??? We are native Michiganders, and love our water. We like four seasons. We lived in East TN for 3 years, and found our town to be anti-northerner and not the least bit friendly- to anyone, whether a native or not. Now we know what we DON'T want in a community, but don't know enough about either prospect to make an informed decision. Can anybody from either of these communities share the pros and cons of their experience? I'm 48, hubby is 56- we love classic cars, our beagles, and our privacy. We have lived in the country for all of our married life, but would now like to look at life in a small town around one of these cities. We insist on good shopping within a half-hour's drive, good medical care, cultural opportunities, and tolerant people who smile when they meet you. Thanks for any help or insight you can offer.

I lived in WI for 30 years then in NC for 9. Back to Madison WI area for nearly two years and now near my wifes family living in Asheville. Without a doubt I would live back in Madison. Madison has much more to offer regarding raustaurauts, night life, shopping. Madison has higher taxes but you get what you pay for. Madison you will have cleaner streets, more responsible people, much better health care and options for health care. Go to Madison - no question about it.

[mommyntheoc]

Per your description, I would recommend Asheville a million times over here in Madison!!! It is more your style, Madison is more city than town like Asheville.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by MontanaZanna

I vote for Asheville. Madison is gimmicky.

As opposed to Disneyfied "hey tourists, look how nouveau-hillbilly we are" Asheville where you half-expect to see some guy walking down the street in a Br'er Bear costume?