Where to retire (Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory: home, university, live)

[Whalehead]

My wife and I would like to retire to the mountains or higher elevations of NC. We currently own a home in the Outer Banks. We really don't want a city, a small town and near a college or university would be great, with four seasons. We have thought about the Asheville area, but some of the posts are giving us second thoughts.
Anyone have an undiscovered gem?

[hapaleeretired]

I am very optimistic that Lenoir is on the upswing. It doesn't have much of a winter but it is within an hour's drive of ski slopes. You can read my many posts bragging about the weather in the foothills. I don't think you can beat it. This is an excellent location because it is one hour from Asheville, one hour from Charlotte Airport and about one and a half to WS. It is also only twenty or thirty minutes to Hickory which pretty much has anything you need.

[JohnnyBreakdance]

Brevard isn't exactly undiscovered but it fits the bill.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

Have you considered Boone?

College town (Appalachian State University) that's large enough to have most major amenities, but no city.

[lovesMountains]

My vote would go to Banner Elk, near Lees McRae college. The elevation there is heavanly in the summer - like God turned on the air conditioner

[SunnyKayak]

I wish I had a place in the mountains I would want to do a even trade LOL omg I would love to retire actually live right now at the obx that my favorite place of the state.

I like the above suggestions Brevard is kinda in the valley of the pisgah forest but I find it kinda rain forest like in the summer because every time I hike near the waterfalls and end up about a hour from the car a isolated thunderstorm or rain shower pops up but the expression on my partner face is priceless everytime when it happens LOL.

I like the banner elk area it does get nice breezes coming off the great smokies and cute mountain villages around and it is near ASU in Boone. I like how the area has a little seperation of modern structures and the vintage mountain town ones.

Good luck

[chisoxfan]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBreakdance

Brevard isn't exactly undiscovered but it fits the bill.

Same goes for Waynesville and Franklin. And if you're looking for something smaller and even more off the beaten path, check out Bryson City.

[Thesmokies]

The Sylva/Dillsboro/Cullowhee area is a terrific find...nestled in the mountains. It's 45 minutes from Asheville, close to Smoky Mountain National Park, and has a nice downtown and surprising diverse population, partially due to the presence of Western Carolina University. Climate is great...better than Waynesville & Asheville etc.

[friendnc]

Boone/Blowing Rock or Brevard might be worth a look.

[NC man]

Originally Posted by friendnc

Boone/Blowing Rock or Brevard might be worth a look.

West Virginia lots of land and cheap.