Where should I move from Asheville? (Madison: buying a house, neighborhood, buying)

[zucchannie]

So, I've been living in Asheville for the past year and I absolutely love everything about it. I love the people, I love the culture, I love the music, I love the mountains, I love the food, the list goes on and on, but.... I'm ready for a change. I'm anxious to move around throughout the next few years and experience new people and places. I'm hoping to move somewhere similar to Asheville, but...not Asheville. I've been day dreaming about Boulder. I've never been there and it sounds fabulous, but it sounds a bit too expensive for me. Does anyone have any suggestions on cities to check out in the US that are similar to Asheville, have 4 seasons, and reasonably cheap?! Thank you!

[jskirwin]

Santa Fe? Oh, but you specified four seasons. Nix that.

[vandemusser]

Try Madison, WI. The winters can be a bear, but the other 3 seasons are very nice. Plus, it is slightly cheaper than Asheville. Similar vibe, but with a bigger university presence.

Also, check out State College, PA. Super nice town, but with an even bigger university presence. Not as much of a funky artist vibe, though. Much cheaper than Asheville, although farther from large cities.

[lovesroses]

Austin, Tx if you dont mind hot weather. It has the country's #1 live music scene, great food, outdoor activities, cultural diversity. Being a college town it has a funky vibe that reminds me of Asheville, and its the most liberal city in the otherwise conservative state of Texas. Housing is expensive and scarce though. There are no mountains, but its hilly.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by zucchannie

So, I've been living in Asheville for the past year and I absolutely love everything about it. I love the people, I love the culture, I love the music, I love the mountains, I love the food, the list goes on and on, but.... I'm ready for a change. I'm anxious to move around throughout the next few years and experience new people and places. I'm hoping to move somewhere similar to Asheville, but...not Asheville. I've been day dreaming about Boulder. I've never been there and it sounds fabulous, but it sounds a bit too expensive for me. Does anyone have any suggestions on cities to check out in the US that are similar to Asheville, have 4 seasons, and reasonably cheap?! Thank you!

Boulder is expensive. So many of the little Colorado towns have been pottery barnized. It's sad... there use to be real mining towns and true ski bum towns. Now most of them are just full of Mega Mansions that are empty all year with the exception of the 2 weeks around Christmas. I miss the old Rockys.

Have you considered Bozeman, MT? Eugene, Oregon might also fit the bill. Ashland, Oregon is cheaper and also is similar to Asheville. Personally I'd love to spend a year in Moab, Utah. You don't get four seasons, but the geography there is so breath taking.

Enjoy your next adventure!

[nancy thereader]

Personally I'd love to spend a year in Moab, Utah. You don't get four seasons, but the geography there is so breath taking.

What seasons don't you get? I really would like to know that. ( It sounds so beautiful there.)

[etta]

Maybe try Chattanooga Tn?? I just moved to chattanooga from asheville. I absolutely adore asheville but after 5+ years I just wanted a change. Chattanooga has 4 seasons(hotter though), mountains, an amazing river front park, hiking etc. & it's cheaper! Be aware that it is somewhat less cultured & sketchier. It is in a process of reinventing itself. Its very pedestrian friendly & there are even free electric buses downtown. There are still ethnic, vegetarian, & health food. There are lots of art type things happening here especially in the southside. Thus far I really love it. It's like what would happen if asheville & birmingham alabama got blended together. An odd combination but neat. (thrift stores aren't picked over like in aville either)

Here are some links to stuff:
This program relocates artists giving them 15,000 grants towards buying a house in downtown chattanooga neighborhood: Arts Move Chattanooga - Relocating Artists to the Scenic City
This place is on Main street & is an artist resource center & gallery: CreateHere Chattanooga, Tennessee
This pedestrian & bike only bridge connect north & south cnoog & is amazing: RiverCity Company - Walnut Street Bridge
Theres a bunch of chattannoga info at this site: Chattanooga CVB - Chattanooga's Official Travel Site

[mtnhops]

Bend, Oregon is a fantastic, little known town that would be really fun, especially if you are into outdoor activities. Ashland, Oregon is great too and has a similar feel as Asheville. I also like Durango, Colorado.