Asheville (Raleigh, Durham, Madison: house, employment, living)

[marymel]

We would love to relocate from Georgia to Florida. We checked out Raleigh-Durham this week, it was OK. But when we stopped in Asheville, we loved it! However, it seemed to be pricey and very artsy. Is there any room there for jobs other than tourism and catering to local artists? My hubby is a chef, he'd have no problem there. But is there any biotech or bioscience industry anywhere there? Small labs or something?
Thanks for any info!

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by marymel

We would love to relocate from Georgia to Florida. We checked out Raleigh-Durham this week, it was OK. But when we stopped in Asheville, we loved it! However, it seemed to be pricey and very artsy. Is there any room there for jobs other than tourism and catering to local artists? My hubby is a chef, he'd have no problem there. But is there any biotech or bioscience industry anywhere there? Small labs or something?
Thanks for any info!

Not really, but if you've a Master's, AB Tech may be looking.... They also have an EXCELLENT Hospitality and Restaurant program. Don't assume that hubby'd have "no problem" unless he's been offered a position. As I understand it, chefs also have a "good old boy/girl" network. http://www.abtech.edu/bh/hospitality/hrm/about.asp

[businessperson]

Asheville is a beautiful town and the people there want to keep it that way. That's why there is very little industry or other profitable employment other than service oriented jobs like retail, restaurants, tourism. While that's nice for people who don't need to earn a living it makes it really difficult for people who do. I lived in Western North Carolina all my life and had to leave with my husband when the company he worked for was forced out of business by environmentalists.

[marymel]

Originally Posted by businessperson

Asheville is a beautiful town and the people there want to keep it that way. That's why there is very little industry or other profitable employment other than service oriented jobs like retail, restaurants, tourism. While that's nice for people who don't need to earn a living it makes it really difficult for people who do. I lived in Western North Carolina all my life and had to leave with my husband when the company he worked for was forced out of business by environmentalists.

Hmmm... Sounds like I'd be hopping from the frying pan into the fire! We currently live in a similar area, based on tourism and vacation-homebuilders. We have a great house and the area is ideal, but I need a job in the sciences. Thanks for the info.

[mm34b]

Buncombe County Business Profile

http://cmedis.commerce.state.nc.us/countyprofiles/files/pdf/Buncombe_2006Q3.pdf

[friendnc]

Asheville's a wonderful area to live if you already have a job lined up, can work from home, or jobs aren't an issue. Otherwise, it'll be rough. Though housing is high in Asheville itself, surrounding areas like Madison County are very good alternatives. Good luck in your search!!!

[spunky1]

What about health care? Are nurses in demand in Western NC, and if so is the pay decent?