Info on Valdese (Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory: houses, jobs, hospital)

[fireman649]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any info on the town of Valdese. Taxes, the area itself, cost of living, schools, entertainment, etc. Also any Fire or paramedic jobs around that area?
Thanks,

Steve

[Peebsmom]

Steve,
I have only a little info as I just got back from Valdese last week. I found it to be a very nice, small town and not far from Morgonton, where I understand more 'action' is. I did see a hospital and many medical offices the next town over (which I believe is Rutherford College but don't have a map handy).

[migee]

Valdese is a small town, very quiet...

Everything about it is nice though. The people are very friendly, the schools are nice. It's the same in the whole area (Morganton, etc.).

You could probably get some info by going to the town web site, clicking on the various town departments, and e-mail some of the people.

For instance, there is a page for the fire department, with e-mail links to the chief and ass't chief...So, send them an e-mail, and maybe they can tell you about jobs in the area...

Do the same to find out about taxes, etc....

HIckory is about a 35 minute drive, Morganton about a 10 - 15 minute ride, Charlotte about 1.5 hours, Asheville about 1 hour.

I moved to this area about 5 years ago - It took a little while for me to get use to the quiet life here. But, I really like it - Especially the people.

You can buy houses in all price ranges. For instance, a small ranch style house, with about .5 acre could be purchased for anywhere from about $90,000 and upwards (depending on condition, age, etc.). And, there are newer and larger houses that can sell for up to $250,000 (such as in Morganton). So, it depends on what you are looking to buy.

There are plenty of houses that come with a lot of property, if you like privacy. For instance, on my street, all of the houses have about 1 acre of property - And, I now really like the privacy and the quietness.

Morganton, Valdese and even Hickory, get kind of quiet after 6 PM - That is, in the downtown sections, many of the shops close about 6 PM. But, they all do have fairs, and events during the year.

I find the costs of utilities to be quite low. For instance, I have all electric in my house (heat, a/c, water, cooking) and my monthly bill ranges from about $50- $60 up to about $220 (depending on weather). But, there are only two of us, and it is a small house (5 rooms + kitchen and bath).

Taxes are low, and there are plenty of places to find good deals on food/groceries.

Overall, it is an inexpensive place to live.

Most of the nearby recreation is outdoors types of things - Camping, hiking, etc.. And, it is an easy and convenient ride to get to them.