raising a family in Asheville (Charlotte, Raleigh: low crime, job market, public school)

[mmccool719]

Will be moving to Asheville area early 2007 with 2 children under 5. What's it really like raising a family here? Are there good sports programs? How about public school, county parks, doctors and dentists?

We are coming from S Florida so we are already prepared for expensive housing....that seems to be a major con of living in WNC. Oh yeah, and how is the job market for executive level jobs.

Thanks.

[roxors]

Asheville is a very good place to live, with good schools, but a lousy job market unless you're in the service, tourism or medical fields. You may want to look seriously into the job market before you move and I would not suggest you move here unless you have a job first. I've lived here for almost five years and love it, but if I were to lose my white collar software industry job, I would definitely have to move out of town. The pay scale here is lower than you would find in Charlotte or Raleigh as well.

[Teressah]

Hello.

I am glad to see this thread. My husband is a computer graphic artist and we are worried he may not get a job in Asheville, however, we want to stay towards the west part of NC, as we love the outdoors so much. Do you have any advise or ideas on 'western' cities in NC? Cary looks nice too but seems to be an expensive place to live compare to other cities? Mooresville seems nice and has a low crime rate too from what I have read. Thanks.

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by mmccool719

Will be moving to Asheville area early 2007 with 2 children under 5. What's it really like raising a family here? Are there good sports programs? How about public school, county parks, doctors and dentists?

We are coming from S Florida so we are already prepared for expensive housing....that seems to be a major con of living in WNC. Oh yeah, and how is the job market for executive level jobs.

Thanks.

Haven't you started looking yet? My daughter's an Asheville resident, a UNCA / WCU grad, Dual MBA/MPM, knew people, and it took her months to find a better job.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Teressah

Hello.

I am glad to see this thread. My husband is a computer graphic artist and we are worried he may not get a job in Asheville, however, we want to stay towards the west part of NC, as we love the outdoors so much. Do you have any advise or ideas on 'western' cities in NC? Cary looks nice too but seems to be an expensive place to live compare to other cities? Mooresville seems nice and has a low crime rate too from what I have read. Thanks.

Finding a job anywhere in western Carolina can be tough. Asheville is the biggest city and there still aren't a lot of jobs there. You should definitely check out the job situation before you decide on a particular place to move to. Mooresville is nice, but not near the mountains. You should check out places like Hickory, Morganton, Marion and Hendersonville if you want a mountain lifestyle. Good luck!

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by Teressah

Hello.

I am glad to see this thread. My husband is a computer graphic artist and we are worried he may not get a job in Asheville, however, we want to stay towards the west part of NC, as we love the outdoors so much. Do you have any advise or ideas on 'western' cities in NC? Cary looks nice too but seems to be an expensive place to live compare to other cities? Mooresville seems nice and has a low crime rate too from what I have read. Thanks.

Neither Cary or Mooresville are located in Western North Carolina. Asheville is the only somewhat larger city with a population around 70K. The Asheville-Hendersonville airport is the only one in Western NC with commercial air service, if that's important.

Western NC

[mmccool719]

May I have my 2 cents about the job market? I know I asked about the executive level job market, but that's neither here nor there because quite frankly, the job market (or lack thereof) does not scare me. See, I think if you really want to live in a place, you'll find a way to make money to live there. People who live there have to be making money somehow, right? What is wrong with getting creative and starting your own business? Besides, Asheville has a school system, large businesses, hospitals, government and you mean every single job is filled there? I personally have seen loads of jobs through Monster and Career Builder. There are jobs, you just have to look. That's all I got.

[Beffrey2]

Originally Posted by mmccool719

May I have my 2 cents about the job market? I know I asked about the executive level job market, but that's neither here nor there because quite frankly, the job market (or lack thereof) does not scare me. See, I think if you really want to live in a place, you'll find a way to make money to live there. People who live there have to be making money somehow, right? What is wrong with getting creative and starting your own business? Besides, Asheville has a school system, large businesses, hospitals, government and you mean every single job is filled there? I personally have seen loads of jobs through Monster and Career Builder. There are jobs, you just have to look. That's all I got.

Well said! Asheville is a great city. I think it would be a great place to raise kids. Money is not everything.

[Pixie Dust]

Originally Posted by Beffrey2

Well said! Asheville is a great city. I think it would be a great place to raise kids. Money is not everything.

BUT IT PAYS THE BILLS!

[BuddyT]

How would opening an alternative health/bodywork/pain clinic fly?