Asheville Info.....please Help (apartment, rental, crime)

[tripsygypsy]

Hello,
my husband and I are thinking about moving to Asheville. This sounds like the type of place that we would love to live in. We like all the arts, festivals, crafts, pubs, food etc. Also love the historic buildings.
Would like to know from some of the locals, about living there. What is your opinion on rental units, can you get something decently priced (400-600 for a 1-2 bedroom) in a nice and safe neighborhood.
Also, I heard the crime is high, what does that mean exactly? I have been in areas where they say the crime is high, but I have never seen it, it ususally stays in certain areas of town, or it's tourists making a bad name for the town.
Also, people say it is hard to find a job...... all those restraunts and tourisim, is it REALLY hard to find a job?

I know it will be a very avantgard type of place, but what is really a day of walking around in the town really like. Are people really friendly to outsiders? Does it have the same stigma that other "southern towns" do with outsiders?
Is it easy to blend in?
How big and spread out is the city?
I have looked this up on best places and also wikipedia, have gotten basic info, would like your thoughts from people who have actually BEEN there.
thank you all so much in advance.

[roxors]

Generally, crime is not high here. Parts of town are worse than others, but I live in South Asheville and it's not bad at all. You will have a hard time finding a decent apartment in that price range. Nice two bedrooms are around 850-950 a month.

As far as jobs are concerned, if you are looking for retail, restaurant or other tourist related positions, you wouldn't have much trouble, but those jobs do not pay well. If you are looking for a job that would require a four year degree (and therefore would pay higher), you will have a hard time.

Different areas in town give off different vibes. If you are downtown, pretty much everyone blends in. Lots of diversity. I work downtown in a white collar job and enjoy it, there is quite a variety of restaurants, shops, etc. I wouldn't say people are overly friendly to outsiders but they're not rude either. A lot of more conservative people do not like the hippie-types who hang out downtown but they are generally harmless and it makes for good people watching.

[FarmerJohn]

I've lived in the area for 26 years. I think that the job issue is probably way more of an issue than crime. It's good if you can bring a job with you!

FJ