Relocation to Asheville (apartment complex, leases, neighborhoods)

[extravaganser]

I'm moving to Asheville from Northern California in August. I've been visiting for the past few years (my dad retired in hendersonville) but I'm not real familiar with Asheville's neighborhoods. I plan on making another trip out before I decide where exactly to live but in the meantime I could use some direction. Can you direct me to where a single female (40, artist and waitress) would want to live within Asheville or just outside?
I'd love to find a cottage, cabin, in-law, granny unit, duplex, etc. Outside of town is fine as long as it's not a long commute into Asheville. Also, any good restaurant gigs (waiting tables)? I get that it'll be a lot different from the Bay Area but that's fine! As long as there are restaurants w/integrity and good food I'll adapt...

[AshevilleNeighbor]

One plan you might consider: I think River Ridge Apartments offers 3-month leases (I know they have in the past). It's probably not what an artist would want long-term, but it's reasonably convenient, safe and predictable: your typical suburban apartment complex on the east side close to town. Once there, you could take your time figuring out what neighborhood suits you best and make an unhurried decision about your long-term location.