Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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There are 2 books - The Best Art Towns in America" and "The Best Small Art Towns in America" by John Villani. You can get them used pretty inexpensively on Amazon. I used to have them, sold them at a yard sale.
But there are some interesting towns listed in both. Maybe some different places to look into.
We've been to Asheville once, but it was awhile ago. While the mountains are beautiful, the downtown left a lot to be desired. Lots of boarded up stores/businesses and lots of homeless. Maybe it's changed. Too remote for us in any case. There's lots more going on in the Triangle, and several people in Asheville told us they drive to Chapel Hill for their health care needs.
However as I read through the blogs there was a lot of hate thrown at Asheville...is it sincere? It seemed extensive...
If you could clarify this, it may help us understand what your concerns are. Tons of people from the Triangle visit Asheville and absolutely love it, especially for it's artsy scene. There isn't much here that compares to that scene.
What is your craft? Art comes in many shapes and forms.
If you do choose this area(Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill) There are plenty of places to hike. As others have mentioned, Eno River State Park and Jordan Lake. There is also Falls Lake, and if you like Kayaking or biking you Kayak the falls of Neuse River, or bike the 35 miles(that's one way, so 70 when going back) Neuse river greenway. You can also hit up the William B Umstead State Park(lots of people like biking it as it is large(when I first moved here I did it on foot, took me like 7 hours to get out to the right exit) plus you can extend the length of the ride since it connects to Lake Crabtree, where you bike through it or bike the black creek greenway). If you go the Chapel Hill /Carrboro route, you can go to near by Saxapahaw, get you a delicious meal at the general store and then hike the Haw river trail, or kayak it.
Asheville I can't speak on, but I know a lot of people like it but just going by what I've read on the forums, it's not the best place to find a decent paying job. But that doesn't mean don't look, you might just find one. Don't believe the Raleigh is just for families line, plenty of people who have moved here are just like you.
I'll also suggest Durham, as it has a lot of cool things going for it, and it becomes a better middle ground to enjoy the whole region.
You'll get a challenge alright moving to NC!! Take a look at how much money the state is losing everyday because of their backwards politics!!! If you hate gay people, are an elitist, care nothing for your fellow man, you'll fit right in, otherwise I'd steer clear of here!
You'll get a challenge alright moving to NC!! Take a look at how much money the state is losing everyday because of their backwards politics!!! If you hate gay people, are an elitist, care nothing for your fellow man, you'll fit right in, otherwise I'd steer clear of here!
I don't know how much you care about state politics but the cities - Asheville/Raleigh/Durham/Charlotte are pretty progressive for the southeast.
You'll get a challenge alright moving to NC!! Take a look at how much money the state is losing everyday because of their backwards politics!!! If you hate gay people, are an elitist, care nothing for your fellow man, you'll fit right in, otherwise I'd steer clear of here!
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