Do you think Asheville would be a good fit? (Oriental: to rent, loft)

[Ann in Oriental]

I'm late 50's, he's late 60's. We have a 16 yo daughter still at home (youngest of 7) I have always been very "new-agey" when it comes to spiritual things, am pretty liberal socially as well as politically. Not at all into drugs ever or dreads, so not really an aging hippie but I probably have more in common with them then I would "normal" people. Husband is a bit more conservative then I am, likes outdoorsy stuff and is a mechanical genius type. He's retired and I work part time at the front desk of a small hotel. We can afford about 900-1000 month rent, and prefer a loft type artsy apt. or arts and crafts style house or duplex. All three of us are somewhat artistic. We have a Bichon and a very small rescue dog.
For the past 6 years we have lived in Oriental, a cute little town of 900 people. It tends to be pretty conservative and while it's basically a sailing town my husband is about over his sailing craze and thinking of selling the boat. We both agree that we HATE the hot summers of Eastern Carolina and don't have much in common with people here.
Do you think Asheville would be a good fit or do you know of another town that might be? We want to stay in the western area because we much prefer that climate. Thanks in advance.

[archtopguitar]

I think your a good fit w/ the "new agey" thing and you'd like it here-- BUT your not going to be able to rent an "artsy place? in your price range.
best of luck to you

[Ann in Oriental]

Sometimes "Artsy" can be what you make it! I was reading some past threads and it looks like there would be some 2 bedroom places on the west side that would fit the bill. Also saw lots of stuff in the on-line Mt. Times that would be fine. I mean by "artsy", creative, old fashioned. We make it artsy by what we put in it!

[Red Cardinal Mother]

Hello Ann, No doubt about it, a move in this direction would be the right one provided you can deal with a higher cost of living. You will like what you find in WNC; I made a similar move with my family from East to West and have no regrets.