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Good list, Kate...keep in mind that most of those areas have mtns that rise from, and ring, those town centers, and one can gain elevation easily,
going up the slope, house-site wise. Thus, one can pick up another 500-1000+ feet up the slope.
We live in/above Waynesville, which is listed at "3600", (though I think downtown is more like ~2800), and we live on a ridge at ~5,000 ft.
My point is if one is looking for cooler summer temps, elevation is obviously your friend, though there may be some trade offs at the higher altitudes
in terms of site availabilty, ease of building, services, distance to town, remoteness, etc.
Our temps average ~10 degs cooler, in all seasons, than down in Waynesville, on any given day.
Sorry for the tutorial...just my 50Cts.
GL, mD
Good list, Kate...keep in mind that most of those areas have mtns that rise from, and ring, those town centers, and one can gain elevation easily,
going up the slope, house-site wise. Thus, one can pick up another 500-1000+ feet up the slope.
We live in/above Waynesville, which is listed at "3600", (though I think downtown is more like ~2800), and we live on a ridge at ~5,000 ft.
My point is if one is looking for cooler summer temps, elevation is obviously your friend, though there may be some trade offs at the higher altitudes
in terms of site availabilty, ease of building, services, distance to town, remoteness, etc.
Our temps average ~10 degs cooler, in all seasons, than down in Waynesville, on any given day.
Sorry for the tutorial...just my 50Cts.
GL, mD
Those are all very good points though! If looking for cool air, it helps knowing those things!
I bought (what I thought would be) a summer home in Avery County. I restored an old farmhouse (that was my dream) I never considered renting it and I agree w/ the poster who suggested looking at VRBO....you will see mostly empty calendars. Considering the real estate market and the # of people who NEED to sell, I agree w/ poster who suggested buying an existing home. I fell so deeply in love w/ living here that I've rented my Fl home and enjoy all 4 seasons in the mountains. It was impossible for me to go back to Fl (even in the winter) when I YEARNED to be here Good luck! Find a good Realtor and it is beyond beautiful here!
Hi Livelaughlove, I love your name!
I am in Florida currently (melting) and I like you just YEARN for the mtns! I am an RN and am considering the big move. I have done quite a bit of backpacking/hiking and visiting WNC -Pisgah, Brevard area, Waynesville.
I don't know where Avery county is though?
Can you share any of your process of getting from Fla. to WNC? I know it will be so worth it. Would love to hear about it! Thanks
I don't want to be a thread stealer but here's how I found my 'DREAM HOUSE' I hope others will find it helpful! Basically I didn't have a particular area in mind...I wanted a farmhouse so I searched Realtor...com, Homes and Land, ANY site I could google. It took 2 1/2 years and I finally found something that I felt was worth taking a trip. I worked w/ a FABULOUS Realtor and I didn't like the house I flew up to see but she showed me my farmhouse and as they say....the rest is history!!!! I stopped by my Realtor's office yesterday to share w/ her that it was my 'house anniversary'...LOL....she remembered it was the 1st day of summer Avery County is called the High Country and it's near Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk! Parts of Banner Elk are in Avery County....based on my years of searching and travels I don't think there is a BAD place to live in WNC!!!! GOOD LUCK!
I don't want to be a thread stealer but here's how I found my 'DREAM HOUSE' I hope others will find it helpful! Basically I didn't have a particular area in mind...I wanted a farmhouse so I searched Realtor...com, Homes and Land, ANY site I could google. It took 2 1/2 years and I finally found something that I felt was worth taking a trip. I worked w/ a FABULOUS Realtor and I didn't like the house I flew up to see but she showed me my farmhouse and as they say....the rest is history!!!! I stopped by my Realtor's office yesterday to share w/ her that it was my 'house anniversary'...LOL....she remembered it was the 1st day of summer Avery County is called the High Country and it's near Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk! Parts of Banner Elk are in Avery County....based on my years of searching and travels I don't think there is a BAD place to live in WNC!!!! GOOD LUCK!
that sounds incredible. is it permisable to tell me who your wonderful realtor is?
I agree, there seems to be so many nice placed to choose from. I am usually the type of person who knows exactly what she wants and has no problem making a decision. But my head is spinning with all the choices.
I have two trips planned this summer, but i really think a detailed search will take longer than i have planned. But people like you and a few others on here inspire me that my dream can happen with proper planning.
I am not rich, but I do have a marketable job and am flexible and adventurous, and motiviated. I have been dreaming/plotting my escape to WNC for a while!
There are some great prices on homes and condos in the Boone area right now. Don't rule out Ashe County, either, or something across the line in TN.
I have heard the rental market (for skiiers) is spotty at best, but vacationers in general from Oct to May could bring in some extra income on occasion. I wouldn't count on it as a way to offset many expenses, especially if you use a rental company (and I certainly would use a professional company with being out of town).
Check with several real estate agencies and see what they come up with. You may be very surprised at how reasonable it is to buy something as opposed to building a new property.
Unfortunately, NC mountain land is getting way too developed, congested, and overpriced. Unbridled development from people coming from out of state is ruining a way of life for the people who are from here. If you want to save money, I guarantee you can find much cheaper mountain land in the surrounding states. It's a free country, but the land sure ain't.
I am not interested in looking into surrounding states, but thank you for the great advice cornbread. I would rather pay more for a nice piece of property in North Carolina. I have talked to people living in TN and WV and with the drive times and their opinions of the areas, I will stick to NC.
Last edited by Green Irish Eyes; 06-25-2010 at 02:44 PM..
Reason: Deleted off-topic comment\
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Good luck! Find a good Realtor and it is beyond beautiful here!
