Best place to live in/around Asheville for nature lover? (Brevard: homes, neighborhoods)

[raket]

We're moving to Asheville, and are looking to buy a home.

We'll be working close to downtown Asheville.
My wife is a piano teacher, and teaches at home and in the homes of people.

In which area (in the city or outside of the city in one of the smaller towns in the mountains) should we be looking to buy if we:
- want to have a mountain view (nothing too spectacular = $$); we are easily pleased
- like to be surrounded by nature / wildlife
- don't mind a 30-minute commute into Asheville
- are looking to buy an older (preferably not in a community) home, at least 2 BR / 2 BA
- like to be in a good school district (for resale value of our house)
- like to live in an area of more expensive homes, for these are more likely customers for my wife

We don't have a million dollar budget.

Thanks!

[cooperwx]

Hmmm. If you can find a place with a view off of Sweeten Creek Rd in South Asheville, I think your needs would be met. Deer and wild turkeys come off the mountain just to the east, you're 20 minutes or less to downtown, good Roberson schools, and upscale communities Biltmore Park, the Ramble, and Biltmore Forest are all within ten minutes' drive.

Another option would be just east of that area, in the Reynolds/Cane Creek parts of southern Buncombe county. Or you could try the Beaverdam area of North Asheville. It's near the upscale older neighborhoods of Kimberly and Grove Park. There are many homes with mountain views up there.

[travellight27]

Check out Brevard, NC. There is a small college there with a focus on music. 10 mins to Asheville airport and 20 mins into Asheville. Hiking, lots of waterfalls, etc. Try the chamber of commerce for Brevard.

[cooperwx]

It's a great nature spot and has a small, strong cultural scene, but Brevard is about 45 minutes from downtown Asheville: Google Map