Info needed on town/cities near Marion (Asheville, Hickory: good schools, places to live)

[amykate1]

Hello,
Another possible transplant from the north here looking for info...Hubby has a job interview in Marion. Not sure if I'd want to live there as it may be a bit too small for us. Can anyone suggest a few nice places to live that I can check out that are within a reasonable (30 minute) commuting distance in either direction from Marion. We have young children so good schools are important. A vibrant downtown with civic minded people and activities (Christmas events, 4th of July parade, etc.) would be nice as that's what we're used to. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

P.S. to mhogan10010: I tried to PM you but for some reason it didn't work. I grew up in Garden City and now live in Plymouth! Small world, eh?

[SunnyKayak]

Hi, If you do choose Marion I would look for a place along Lake James, for larger urban life with more to do activities I would recommend Asheville. The commute to Marion should be rather easy considering his commute will be in reverse of the traffic heading to and from work into Asheville. I would guess within 45 minutes.
My next suggestion would be Hickory it a bustling small city but larger than Marion and smaller than Asheville the area I would suggest here is around Lake Hickory. Good Luck

[hapaleeretired]

I'd go the other direction and check out Black Mountain. I don't know how bustleing it is but it is a neat little area. To recreate and shop you could go west to Asheville and to work go east to Marion.