Asheville (Waynesville, Black Mountain, Fletcher: 2009, to rent, crime rate)

[tye dye]

I have quite a few questions on Asheville, NC!

1. What is the crime like?
2. Are there good schools? - we have a sixth grader and a ninth grader.
3. We're specifically looking for suburban Asheville. Any good places to look?

Thanks

[willbo1]

TC Roberson and AC Reynolds are generally considered the best in the area. TC Roberson district is south of downtown. It serves the Arden/Skyland area. AC Reynolds serves the East side of Asheville.

From my observation, pockets of crime but nothing that should scare you off. Perhaps others with more knowledge can give more details.

[Gill O'Blarney]

I've lived on the East Side in the Reynolds community for three years and I love it. It's suburban but just ten minutes from Asheville Mall and everything else I could want. This side of town has been slower to grow, and as a result, the developments being built here are mostly very upscale. But there are some older neighborhoods with more moderately priced homes too.

I caution against the West side of town (toward Leicester, etc). And although Fletcher and Arden are nice, I caution against being too near either the airport or Lake Julian and its coal fired power plant. Here's a link to recent local newspaper story on pollution from that plant:

Coal waste blows over near Lake Julian homes | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times

[willbo1]

I wouldn't worry too much about the plant. I live in Arden, fairly close to Lake Julian and didn't even notice the ash. It seems that when there is an issue, it affects a small area, not all of Arden by any means. Of course I am not suggesting to live next to the plant or close if it is a concern for you however it is erroneous to cosider it a significant issue for all of Arden.

[LizzyWNC]

It is all going to depend on your price range and where you will be employed, and how rural you want to be and how much retail therapy you need. If I were to be looking, it would be Black Mountain, parts of Swannanoa, East Asheville, Fairview, Cane Creek area of Fletcher, etc. All are east of Asheville. Or, north of Asheville: Weaverville, Mars Hill, Alexander and so forth. West of Asheville -- look in Waynesville, or between Waynesville and Asheville. Candler is fairly reasonable too. If you have a tight budget, then you need to check West Asheville, there are some neighborhoods being rehabbed. Personally, I would NOT live too close to Asheville.

[johnnybc]

Lizzy, don't leave us hanging, those of us who want to move there and find a nice older house in town, Why wouldn't you live right in town, please??

[LizzyWNC]

Asheville's crime rate in and near the city is getting worse. It's going to depend on your age though as well, because many people, including myself, consider Asheville the San Francisco of the mountains. "Hippie" types, Bohemian lifestyles, after all it is also a college town with UNC(Asheville) there. Lots of liberals, etc. The City itself is not impressive to me, kind of gritty. Although some culture; the Diana Wortham Theatre, etc. and lots of festivals throughout tourist season. The views from high in the City are awesome. The nice older sections of Asheville such as Grove Park, and Montford, are very pricey. In NC, you pay City plus County property taxes if you live in a City. If you live outside the City limits in a County, you only pay County taxes. It can be a big difference, especially in Buncombe County which has higher taxes. When search for property in NC, always search by County to get the best information. Where in NE are you from johnnybc? I love New England!

[johnnybc]

I'm from the nice leftist college town of Amherst Ma, just looking for the same atmosphere but more urban with more jobs for muscians in clubs, my wife and I play, looking for nightlife, good bookstores, good restaurants, and jazz and r&b clubs. coming this weekend to check it out!

[LizzyWNC]

Okay ... gotcha' Then Asheville is the place for you. Lots of activities for you. Are you wanting to buy or rent? Depending on price range ... lower West Asheville. Higher north (Weaverville nice!) and east of Asheville (Oakley, Fairview etc.). Mid price range around Skyland, Arden and quick 10/15 min. hop to Asheville. Only interstate here is I-26. If you want to rent an apt., check the ones on Sweeten Creek Road, Kensington Place etc. ... very nice area and quick to where you want to go. Also, check this out: www.romanticasheville.com Lots of good info. Have fun! (Nothing like Amherst though .... not even close.)

[Cofga]

Note in the article that the ash was windblown from the ash storage pit on site not form the smokestacks. Consequently it was a pretty local problem limited to the houses adjacent to the facility. Get a mile away and you won't have problems. I've also read that this power plant has some of the best available pollution controls of any in the SE. The airport is a different noise issue. Don't know how loud it is, or how frequent the air traffic but it's something to consider since air traffic will likely increase in the future.

Originally Posted by Gill O'Blarney

I've lived on the East Side in the Reynolds community for three years and I love it. It's suburban but just ten minutes from Asheville Mall and everything else I could want. This side of town has been slower to grow, and as a result, the developments being built here are mostly very upscale. But there are some older neighborhoods with more moderately priced homes too.

I caution against the West side of town (toward Leicester, etc). And although Fletcher and Arden are nice, I caution against being too near either the airport or Lake Julian and its coal fired power plant. Here's a link to recent local newspaper story on pollution from that plant:

Coal waste blows over near Lake Julian homes | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times