Moving to Asheville (Charlotte, Greensboro, Concord: homes, theater, school districts)

[scoutmac]

I currently work in the mid-west as a sp. ed. teacher and have been thinking about moving to Ashville. Any comments on the school districts in the area and the potential for finding a job. How does the cost of living compare to the Chicagoland area?

[friendnc]

The economy is good, but limited. It's based mainly on tourism/retirees. With you being a teacher, you might have a better chance of getting a job. The state, in general, can't hire them fast enough. My wife's a middle school science teacher here in the Charlotte area. I'm just not exactly sure how the teacher situation is in Asheville, though.

The city of Asheville itself is a little expensive, but the outlying suburbs are more affordable. How it compares to the Chicago area, I'm not sure. Good luck!!

[scoutmac]

Thank you for the information. How does your wife like teaching in Charolette? Some of my friends are trying to talk me into Greensboro or Charolette but I am not very familiar with either area. I have heard that there is a great deal of growth and development which is affecting the cost of living which growing faster than teachers salaries.

[friendnc]

My wife doesn't actually teach in Charlotte, but in the town where we live (a Charlotte suburb, Concord). It's a great system and she loves it. The cost of living is good. I'm disabled and stay home with our sons, yet we have no problems financially because we've always tried to use our money wisely (even when I worked before my accident). It's allowed us to live a very good life. With her being a teacher and me at home, we have lots of family time together, especially in the summers. So spending habits have a good bit to do with it. PM me if you want any specifics!!

[cooperwx]

Teacher jobs are available here in Asheville area, but not at the plentiful rate they are in the bigger cities. Many folks moving to Asheville have no kids, so the school systems aren't being stretched like they are in other metros in the state. Northern Henderson county (south of Asheville, near the airport) is seeing the most families move in.

The schools here, in general, are quite good.

[Royalpines-homeowner]

Royal Pines is a lovely area of moderate price range family homes. Royal Pines is a suburb about 7 miles south of Asheville. It has an excellent school system. Asheville is a solid investment, with immense popularity for it's mountain setting, cultural charm with both art, music and theaters.

[great8]

I grew up all around Western NC and now live in Chicagoland (Wheaton, then Aurora). The cost of living in Asheville is WAY lower than here. You wouldn't believe it. But, it comes at a price, mainly salaries are much lower. And they've been hit by the slumping economy, too. But Asheville is the best place to live in NC - and easiest to adjust to. Weaverville is a great, family-friendly place to live, and I survived going to school there (North Buncombe High School). Hope that helps some.