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Which do you think is better and why? Just looking for some opinions!
Given my user name my opinion will surprise no one
The mountains are better because in some places there are still affordable spots to live in with great views and nice little communities. Living at the beach holds no appeal for me unless I can live ON the beach. And who can afford THAT anymore? The coastal areas from the one end of the eastern seaboard to the other are crowded, over priced and cost too much to insure because of hurricane damage dating back to Hurricane Andrew. Evacuating several times a year is also no fun. The mountains are still an attainable goal for some of us middle class Americans, and who wouldn't want a white Christmas if they could get it?
I don't consider either region of NC superior over the other, but I can tell you the main reasons I chose the mountains over the coast.
1. Climate. The mountains have cooler summers. I personally don't like temps above 85 degrees. Expect around a 20 degree difference from the coast to the mountains. The mountains have a reduced chance of severe weather from tropical storms, hurricanes and tornados. The four seasons are closer to equal length than on the coast.
2. Topography. I'm not a fan of flat land. I like the changes in elevation, deep valleys and mile-high mountaintops side by side and the wide variety and abundance of hardwood tree species.
3. Culture. Believe it or not, the Mountain Region really does have its own unique folkways and history not found in the Coastal Plain region.
Neither region is right for everyone. It just depends on what feels like "home" to you. I am not a native North Carolinian, but have lived for years in all three regions.
Have to cast another vote for the mountains. Maybe it's because I grew up in a place that's flat and cold (Illinois) and now live in a place that's flat and hot (South Florida, though, even as urbanized as it is, there is still natural beauty to be found here). I also must confess that I love the cool nights and even miss the occasional snowfall, and you're much more likely to experience those in the western North Carolina mountains.
I grew up on the NC coast (Boiling Spring Lakes/Southport/Oak Island), but have an equal love for the mountains and the coast. We go to the beach every June and the mountains every October. There is beauty to enjoy in both locations.
It absolutely depends on what YOU are looking for. I love both, but in different ways. PERSONALLY, I would rather live in the mountains if I had to choose between the two. I like the weather better, no hurricanes, and the cost of living is a bit cheaper. But both places have really nice areas. Isn't it great NC has so many choices?
I moved to Wilmington in 1997, lived there til 2002 and then moved to Asheville, where I've been since. Make a lot more money here for basically the same job, love the four seasons as opposed to the humidity of Wilmington and the traffic nightmares of Wilmington are not a fact of life here in Asheville. Strongly prefer the mountain area.
I lived in Western NC for 5 years and in Eastern NC for 7.
I could possibly see myself living in Asheville area again. I could never see myself back in Eastern NC.
I felt more anti-Yankee sentiment down East. Also, I just despised the heat and humidity. Hurricane season also got really old after a while (7 in 7 years).
And, I like the BBQ in Western NC. Can't stand the strong vinegar stuff down East.
Mountains hands down as a place to live.
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