Relocating to Asheville area from NH - seek advice (Henderson: transplants, homes)

[over40]

We will be relocating to the Asheville area from New Hampshire early this summer and are looking for advice on an area to settle. Were down there for a long weekend and traveled from Hendersonville (nice downtown area) to Brevard to Weaversville -- but it's hard to get a sense of community in such a short time. Here is what we are looking for and hopefully someone can recommend an area.

We are in our 50's, kids grown, love nature and gardening, need to work. Home price has to be under 175k. Want to be maximum 25 minute drive to downtown Asheville. Currently live in a quintessential New England village with a strong sense of community that has a population of approx 2,000. Like older homes (100 years +) and established areas. Newer is o.k. if well built but don't want a cookie-cutter subdivision. Want to be about 5 minutes to good grocery shopping and not too far from a hospital. Can fix something up or build our own if we find the appropriate lot.

Hoping some local natives or other New England transplants can recommend an area to focus on. Thank you in advance.

[tsmw47]

A number of the small towns around Asheville offer some of what you are looking for but each a bit different. Check out other posts relating to relocating and you will find more information. Only large hospital in the area is Mission in Asheville, although there is Pardee in Hendersonville. I live near Weaverville and there is a strong sense of community here but am sure other places have it too. Good Luck in your search this is a great place to live!