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We are an immigrant 30ish-40ish couple with 2 kids (Pre-K and Middle School), currently living in Florida.
For personal reasons that we choose to keep private, we are thinking of relocating to Western North Carolina.
We have family living in Arden, but we would like to explore other (more affordable) options and if possible, get a thing or two of what we desire.
We are quiet people and tend to keep to ourselves (not hermits either tho), so we don't care for abundant "night life" or restaurant options, but would appreciate having parks for the kids and picnic areas, decent schools and such.
Neither of us is wealthy or have college degree, so we are not looking for any specific jobs, just ones that allows us to pay our bills and keep food on the table. So having said this, I would proceed to ask away
1- Is moving close to Asheville the most logical thing to do? (For instance, is Asheville the largest source of work opportunities?)
2- Which would be the most affordable yet safe location to live? (Lowest rent, food and services overall)
3- Which are be the most walkable cities/towns? (I am talking sidewalks and being able to walk to a grocery store or any stores, parks, fast food, etc)
4- Which places have the most family friendly environment? The least adult places and the most normal/decent/well behaved people? (I am talking common sense here, like knowing you don't go grocery shopping, to the airport or a church while wearing only a bikini under a sarong, not having three boobs and taking your men-dogs for a walk in public while wearing your dominatrix suit, and generally dressing with modesty/decency at the expected places) -We live in freak paradise-
This is what comes to mind right now, I would really appreciate your honest opinions!
Asheville and Buncombe County is definitely not someplace you want to move to if you need a decent paying job. Have you ever visited this area?
Before anyone can honestly reply to your questions, however, it would be helpful to know your budget for buying or renting in the type of area you are looking for. Your Arden relatives should have some helpful information for you as well.
Asheville and Buncombe County is definitely not someplace you want to move to if you need a decent paying job. Have you ever visited this area?
Before anyone can honestly reply to your questions, however, it would be helpful to know your budget for buying or renting in the type of area you are looking for. Your Arden relatives should have some helpful information for you as well.
Thank you for your answer.
Buncombe County is just one possibility and we are looking to rent.
We currently pay $800 for a 2/2 apartment and would prefer to stay in that range or even less if possible.
We have enough saved to survive without work for about a year.
My Arden relatives complain about the area not being the most affordable and this is why we want to do our research.
The problem is that the Asheville area is a low wage, high real estate cost area. The job situation is especially bad outside of Asheville proper, especially for someone without a marketable skill. My advice would be to look elsewhere, quite frankly.
Thank you for your answer.
Buncombe County is just one possibility and we are looking to rent.
We currently pay $800 for a 2/2 apartment and would prefer to stay in that range or even less if possible.
We have enough saved to survive without work for about a year.
My Arden relatives complain about the area not being the most affordable and this is why we want to do our research.
Any suggestions?
I would rule out the Asheville area in general. You may want to look in the foothills, across the border into SC. Not sure about rents down there, it would depend on location and proximity to the city of Greenville. Some nice small towns in the 'upstate' of SC which would give you easy access to the Asheville, Arden, Hendersonville area. (between 35 and 50 miles from Greenville). Your employment prospects there would definitely be better, several big companies have settled in the greater Greenville area. Expect to pay more for rent in the new apartment complexes. Look for a multi-family type arrangement, or rent a small house (plus utilities, etc.).
There are possibilities, your search may take longer and depend on employment. Most landlords don't want to rent to someone from out of state without steady income. Best wishes.
The problem is that the Asheville area is a low wage, high real estate cost area. The job situation is especially bad outside of Asheville proper, especially for someone without a marketable skill. My advice would be to look elsewhere, quite frankly.
This.
OP have you given any thought to the Greenville / Upstate SC area? Much more affordable - plus you'll be able to find a better job than you would in Asheville.
I would rule out the Asheville area in general. You may want to look in the foothills, across the border into SC. Not sure about rents down there, it would depend on location and proximity to the city of Greenville. Some nice small towns in the 'upstate' of SC which would give you easy access to the Asheville, Arden, Hendersonville area. (between 35 and 50 miles from Greenville). Your employment prospects there would definitely be better, several big companies have settled in the greater Greenville area. Expect to pay more for rent in the new apartment complexes. Look for a multi-family type arrangement, or rent a small house (plus utilities, etc.).
There are possibilities, your search may take longer and depend on employment. Most landlords don't want to rent to someone from out of state without steady income. Best wishes.
Thanks for your advice. We are keeping an open mind about other Counties in the area.
The truth is I really wouldn't care for access to Asheville if I would live elsewhere... but since we are planing to relocate in the Western North Carolina and it seems to be the most important source of work in this area, I inquired about it.
Last edited by peacefinder; 01-26-2016 at 01:36 PM..
Thanks for your advice. We are keeping an open mind about other Counties in the area.
The truth is I really wouldn't care for access to Asheville if I would live elsewhere... but since we are planing to relocate in the Western North Carolina and it seems to be the most important source of work in this area, I inquired about it.
Well, to reiterate... Asheville is an extremely difficult place to make a living in. Jobs are few and far between, and the vast majority of them simply do not pay very much. And when you combine that with the high cost of living.... just saying.
I would have liked to receive more answers, since I asked several questions here...
(Besides that Buncombe County is too expensive)...
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