Relocation (Asheville: sales, buying, university)

[champagne1]

So...I'm from IL and after college decided to move and have lived in the Tampa Bay area of FL for about 5 years now. My mom also is now living here. We are both from an extremely small town that has a university, some bars, a few restaurants and well thats about it. We don't want months of snow and cold weather but don't care so much for the extreme hot summers that seem to last forever here in Tampa Bay. We want a smaller area that doesn't take hours to get to pretty scenery and not so POPULATED areas. I'm in the hospitality business...catering, banquets, sales and also restaurants. I thought this area may be perfect but I am worried the population may be too small for us to both meet people and for me to find a good job. Please give me any info that may help. I will be in the area next week to look around. I know the scenery will sell me but I need to know I can get a job in my field and support myself. As far as my mom she has accounting and office work in her past and will most likely be able to find a decent job there?? Please help!!! We are planning the move in March 09...
p.s...How far from the beaches (I realize it's several hours) and we want a dog friendly area?!?!?!?!

[histo320]

I just moved to Asheville from Central Illinois. You you have experience in hospitality, there is really no better place than Asheville. The tourism industry is busy almost all year with the exceptions of late aug to mid sept and jan and feb.

Asheville is much smaller than Tampa but is comparable to Champaign (not including Urbana or the UofI). Very diverse people, very interesting people. IT is a very artsy area so it is full of unique people. I have noticed that it is very self reliant, people encourage buying from within the community. The farmers market is great.

You should have no problem meeting people. They are for the most part very friendly and easy to talk to.

Nearest beach...I believe the closest is Myrtle Beach and is about 6 hours away.

[AndyVee]

I agree with histo320. Asheville is a nice place. Try looking at the Biltmore and downtown areas for jobs in the hospitality, catering, restaurant business.

Stick with living in the Asheville area. I live an hour west near the Cherokee Indian Reservation and it's the sticks. No jobs except Harrah's Casino.