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Hey everyone!! Sorry, I know this type of post has been here before, but I can't seem to find the type of advice I'm looking for, so I hope someone can help me out =]. I will be moving to NC for 6 months to study for an exam, and was looking for thoughts/experiences with these two cities. Pretty much, I would love to know which one seems to have more going on in terms of outdoor adventures/walkability. I love hiking, but I also love the beach. Does anyone have any thoughts on what place seems more accessible for outdoor activities? I'm a runner, I have a puppy, and I really just am looking for a place for the next few months that will afford me the opportunity to get outside, run, explore, and stop studying for a bit.
If you read this scatterbrained post, you are a hero. Thank you in advance for any suggestions!!
I will be moving to NC for 6 months to study for an exam, and was looking for thoughts/experiences with these two cities. Pretty much, I would love to know which one seems to have more going on in terms of outdoor adventures/walkability. I love hiking, but I also love the beach.
I would vote for Asheville in terms of the walkability to interesting places restaurants and brewpubs, also for more challenging hikes.
However, it also depends on what season of the year you plan to be in North Carolina. Wilmington is flat and humid, and very uncomfortable in the summer. (That is, unless you plan to spend the whole summer on the beach.) Asheville summers are more comfortable in town.
Also factor in the cost of a short-term rental. It would be easy to find a short-term rental in a beach town during the winter, but prohibitive during the summer.
If you research availability and cost of short-term rentals that allow dogs in both cities, it might make your decision for you... aside from your other criteria. I think your options in Asheville would be limited and expensive, but have no knowledge of the rental market in Wilmington.
If you research availability and cost of short-term rentals that allow dogs in both cities, it might make your decision for you... aside from your other criteria. I think your options in Asheville would be limited and expensive, but have no knowledge of the rental market in Wilmington.
Generally, at least by North Carolina standards, short term rentals in Wilmington and Asheville will be expensive and a landlord's market because there are so many people who have similar interests and wish lists as the OP (compared to if the OP were looking to move to the Triad or Hickory or Goldsboro, etc.), but of course, that's all relative. If the OP is coming from a very expensive area, high cost for NC may not seem expensive at all.
Just my opinion here...but if I had the "choice" of where to live for the short term between Asheville and Wilmington....Wilmington would win hands down.
The nightlife is really good with a fully functioning riverfront and historic district. There are two fun beach towns within a cab ride. There are all kinds of festivals, plenty of young people (UNCW) to meet and much nice weather.
I'm not railing on Asheville, but c'mon really? They have a great brewery set-up (but Wilmington has some too). They have great hiking (but honestly most of the mountains look the same). In Wilmington you can take your dog on the beach in the offseason and you can have them anytime on a leash.
Cost may be an issue, but its short term. You may be able to find a short term sub-lease in the Historic District of Wilmington and be able to walk everywhere. The RiverWalk downtown is reported to be the longest on the East Coast now. Theaters within walking distance including the new CFCC performing arts center which is bringing in national acts...had Grace Potter last week, Jewel next month.
Ahh, your responses were all awesome. Thanks so much everyone. @HP91, you pretty much hit everything for me, I really appreciate it. And @hey_guy, I'm from Tampa so definitely understand the humidity thing. One day, I hope to escape it.
Definitely found better prices for rentals in Wilmington and I really am leaning towards it now.
But seriously, thanks everyone!!
Some great answers here. Just want to add that during tourist season, dogs are not allowed on any of the local beaches in the Wilmington area. So while you're studying at the beach, your dog will be alone at home.
Try Hendersonville instead of Asheville and Morehead City.
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No dogs on the beach
