small western NC mountain towns (Asheville, Lenoir: real estate, home, to buy)

[niceguy19125]

I've explored the threads here a bit, but didn't quite see what I was looking for and hoped to get some feedback.

I'm planning to relocate to the area within the next year and interested in finding a progressive/developing NC mountain town (or semi-mountain) that has an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts (hikers, climbers, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, etc)....not interested in hunting/fishing.

I'm hoping to avoid areas that are more or less "done" already in terms of development....instead preferring a place where it's happening currently. A town where there are signs of life in terms of recent development. A B&B or two, a few decent restaurants where it's not "home cooking" or all chain establishments, a decent coffee shop, a few good non-tacky retail shops, a town that is walkable in the sense of providing an interesting mix of architecture that is kept up/being fixed up, sidewalks, trees....etc,etc.

Before suggested, I think for for the most part the Asheville-Hendersonville corridor northward to Boone is off of my radar, as real estate has been driven up over the years.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can provide.

[Catbirds]

Check out West Jefferson, but much less expensive and only 30 minutes away would be Lenior area in Caldwell Co. or maybe Wilkesboro.

[niceguy19125]

I checked out the website for West Jefferson. It looks promising though a bit "touristy" versus "outdoorsy". Lenoir and Wilkesboro seem a bit away from where I'd like to be. Can anyone comment on Bryson City, Robbinsville, Murphy or Hayesville?

[gigimac]

Maybe Franklin would work for you. Here is a link to a thread that discusses the area:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/weste...-help-pls.html

[il66pony]

We have been looking for two years for a retirement home in a mountain development. We have been looking in the Asheville, Boone and West Jefferson areas. West Jefferson is the cheapest and can offer incredible layered mountain views There is a development called Big Tree there and 2 acre wooded lots go for ~100k-160k depending on view and how level (relatively) the lot is. Big Tree is about 45 minutes away from Boone. Boone can have some incredible views also but prices are much higher as skiing is only minutes away. Places around Asheville can get very expensive for an acre with a view - 200k-300k.

You indicated that you wanted a progressive area. If by that you mean liberal, you had better stick to the immediate Asheville area.

[GentleWind]

Murphy might be a decent choice. It's up and coming and it's real estate prices are relatively normal compared to Asheville and Boone. Murphy has a great little coffee shop, bar and restaurant. This is where all the artist go and hang out. There's great little unique shops and antique shops if you are interested. We have great easy access to the park, the river and the Gorge. Whitewater rafting and hiking are plentiful. We are planning to move, but I think Murphy might just fit you.

[hymnsinger]

Originally Posted by il66pony

There is a development called Big Tree there

If you move to Big Tree (year round), you better have four wheel drive!

[organick]

"You indicated that you wanted a progressive area. If by that you mean liberal, you had better stick to the immediate Asheville area."

I would second this, there is nothing progressive about murphy, bryson city, robbinsville at all. They are conservative old school areas.
Boone is more liberal as well but you said you aren't interested.

[Dire Wolf]

Originally Posted by niceguy19125

Can anyone comment on Bryson City, Robbinsville, Murphy or Hayesville?

We were in Bryson City and Robbinsville a couple of summers ago. Of the two, Bryson City is much more interesting. The Nantahala Outdoor Center isn't too far away. You've got the Deep Creek entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains NP right there with backpacking trails into the park. A small, but interesting little downtown. B&Bs nearby. Not exactly a "progressive" area, but other than Asheville, you aren't really going to find such. But compared to some of the other towns, it seemed more tolerant.

Robbinsville was in the middle of a dry country, which I didn't realize until we went in to buy groceries. Took me over an hour round trip to get to somewhere just to get a six pack.

[SunnyFloridaRLTR]

Originally Posted by GentleWind

Murphy might be a decent choice. It's up and coming and it's real estate prices are relatively normal compared to Asheville and Boone. Murphy has a great little coffee shop, bar and restaurant. This is where all the artist go and hang out. There's great little unique shops and antique shops if you are interested. We have great easy access to the park, the river and the Gorge. Whitewater rafting and hiking are plentiful. We are planning to move, but I think Murphy might just fit you.

I LOVED the town of Murphy when we stopped for a quickie visit on our way to Sylva/Balsam........ Murphy has that feel I just love.