Any good places for a nature loving family to live? (Asheville: real estate, low crime)

[naturegirlsue]

Hello! I've been searching for an area for our family to relocate. After much research, we were going move to Northwestern South Carolina. Now my husband is having second thoughts. We are looking for a low crime area with old fashioned values, friendly people and no over popluation like we have here in New Jersey. My children are 5 and 7, so a good school system is important. My husband is a builder/carpenter. We are really into wildlife and nature and are looking for a house with 5+ acres. We want a rural feel, but don't want to be far from shopping, schools, etc... Does anyone have any suggestions????? Any info would be appreciated-Thanks!

[mm34b]

Probably anywhere outside of the City of Asheville would be close to city type amenities, while still maintaining a somewhat suburban or rural feel.

Asheville Metro
Buncombe County - 314.5 persons per square mile.
Henderson County - 238.4
Haywood County - 97.5
Madison County - 43.7

Some Asheville area towns:

Hendersonville
Waynesville
Biltmore Forest
Black Mountain
Canton
Clyde
Flat Rock
Fletcher
Hot Springs
Laurel Park
Maggie Valley
Mars Hill
Marshall
Mills River
Montreat
Weaverville
Woodfin

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by naturegirlsue

Hello! I've been searching for an area for our family to relocate. After much research, we were going move to Northwestern South Carolina. Now my husband is having second thoughts. We are looking for a low crime area with old fashioned values, friendly people and no over popluation like we have here in New Jersey. My children are 5 and 7, so a good school system is important. My husband is a builder/carpenter. We are really into wildlife and nature and are looking for a house with 5+ acres. We want a rural feel, but don't want to be far from shopping, schools, etc... Does anyone have any suggestions????? Any info would be appreciated-Thanks!

My favorite place in that area, hands down, is Landrum, SC - you should check it out

[Buffsalum]

Naturegirlsue, we love the Rutherfordton/Forest City area. See my post in the following thread:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/weste...-carolina.html

[mdp_az]

Check out Boone, NC and surrounding areas in Watauga County.

[naturegirlsue]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I heard Boone has alot of traffic. Is that true? We are looking for an area that is not over-developed or over-populated. A place where most of the homes have wooded acreage. Any other suugestions????? Thanks!!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by naturegirlsue

Thanks for all the suggestions. I heard Boone has alot of traffic. Is that true? We are looking for an area that is not over-developed or over-populated. A place where most of the homes have wooded acreage. Any other suugestions????? Thanks!!

Sorry to disagree with the previous poster, but you don't want Boone! It does have a lot of traffic because at the center of this little mountain town is a university with 14,000 students! Also, many retirees from Florida have bought second homes there for the summer time and this has driven the housing market way up. Look closer the the NC/SC line right in SC for what you are seeking, I think you will find it

[mdp_az]

Yes, Boone does have a lot of traffic for a town of 12,000, but it is really not that bad, especially if you live in the woods outside of town. There still remains some awesome land around Boone in Watauga County for the wooded acreage you're looking for. Neighboring counties also offer some great acreage and good access to town. Real estate has been increasing, however to say its "way up" is an overstatement. Overall, the area remains relatively affordable for a mountain locale and is on par with and probably even a little more affordable than the Asheville area. Due to the elevation around 3,300', you'll have an awesome climate with cold winters and some snow and perfectly mild summers. Watauga County also has an excellent school system...possibly tops in all of western-NC.

[naturegirlsue]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll look into the towns you mentioned. I'm still open to more suggestions---Keep 'em coming!! Getting input from people who know the different areas is the best research by far!