What is Brevard like??? (Asheville, Henderson: homes, to buy, public schools)

[Mountainsforme]

Ok so the Boone business fell through ... so now I am suck in South Florida still...completely dying to get out. I look everyday to buy a established business in Asheville or the surrounding areas. I found a pretty decent one in Brevard.

I am originally from the UK and grew up in the country. Then at the age of 16 my parents moved me to South Florida. NOW... I am 39. I have two boys (10 and 6) and I COMPETELY refuse to bring them up down here... so we are leaving...

I am thinking of living in Arden (because of the schools) and working in Brevard (if this business works out) What do you guys think? Is the commute to far? How does Brevard compare with Asheville as far as things to do, schools, nightlife??.

Not to be rude... but are there alot of people from South Florida up there.??? ( i hope not)

[Halo_in_reverse]

I like Brevard a lot. It's a bit smaller than say Asheville or Hendersonville but, it's one of my favorite little towns in the area. I don't know really what the demographics are - I know there are a lot of retirees there though.

One thought though, since you want to be closer to Asheville (or so it seems) but, your business is in Brevard why not consider living in Hendersonville? I love living in Henderson County but then again, I'm biased

[The Mule]

I live in the Arden area and have been to Brevard. If my aging memory serves me it is about 40 minutes or so. I have no idea what traffic you might see. Brevard has always seemed nice enough. I think Halo's comments on the demographics are probably spot on.

As far as the number of people from South Florida, I don't know about Brevard in particular. In the area, well, let's just say you will feel right at home. As Organick put it in another thread, perhaps Asheville should become North Florida or South New York. It does not sound like that's what you wanted to hear, though.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Mountainsforme

Ok so the Boone business fell through ... so now I am suck in South Florida still...completely dying to get out. I look everyday to buy a established business in Asheville or the surrounding areas. I found a pretty decent one in Brevard.

I am originally from the UK and grew up in the country. Then at the age of 16 my parents moved me to South Florida. NOW... I am 39. I have two boys (10 and 6) and I COMPETELY refuse to bring them up down here... so we are leaving...

I am thinking of living in Arden (because of the schools) and working in Brevard (if this business works out) What do you guys think? Is the commute to far? How does Brevard compare with Asheville as far as things to do, schools, nightlife??.

Not to be rude... but are there alot of people from South Florida up there.??? ( i hope not)

Can't comment for sure on how many Floridians have relocated there, but Brevard is a lovely, desirable community. It is also known for its music center, where artists come from far and wide to teach and perform. In addition, Brevard has some good public schools

http://www.brevardnc.com/
http://www.brevardnc.org/

[abcornwell]

Brevard is attractive, lively but not crazy, terrific music center, and in the midst of waterfalls, forest (Pisgah?), easy access to Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots of Floridians relocated to WNC in the late '90s early 2000s when they were able to cash in their Florida homes and head north and buy cheaper land/homes. You may hear the expression "halfbacks" - those are folks who started out in the north, fled the cold to Florida, probably raised a family, worked, enjoyed their home's appreciation, vacationed in the many cabins and camps of WNC, and after kids were out and retirement possibilities approached, decided to move halfway back ... to WNC. WNC has a love-hate relationship with the terrorists ... erm ... tourists ... who swell the area's population in the summer.

[Design&Build]

There are some "South Floridians" in Brevard (i.e. NY'ers is what they really are they just happened to have FL plates). But it's not overwhelming. I was born in S FL, but I'm a native Floridian, and I completely understand what you mean by your question. Brevard hasnt changed much in the last 15 years in my opinion. Still a nice, quaint little town. I remember when many places in FL were quiet and quaint, so trust me, I know all about change and know what you mean, lol.

[Blue Ridge Reef]

Brevard also has a couple of good restaurants (and a GREAT Chinese buffet place), as well as lots of scenic spots and decent fishing. Not that it's a deal-maker, but a lot of the squirrels there are solid white!

[BadTiger64]

I am a Transylvania native and probably see Brevard differently than those who just visit.

Uptown Brevard is a tourist trap just like uptown Waynesville, Highlands, Hendersonville ect. Natives must drive thru downtown to get to most services they need. There are few services uptown except the courthouse. Everything for locals is on the edge of town or in Pisgah Forest. Most days in the summer and leaf looker season uptown is almost deadlocked. I guess this is good. At least the work keeps the locals from starving to death thanks to $6.50 an hour and food stamps.

BadTiger

[wcu25rs]

+1 to what BadTiger said. Ive lived here all my life and really like the town. And whoever said Brevard hasnt changed much in 15 years must have been living under a rock. The town, though still a small town with a small town feel, has changed a lot in the last 15 years....some of it good, some not good. There are plenty of Floridians, so you will feel at home. We have great schools, lots of outdoor stuff to do, and close to places like Asheville.


What kind of business are you wanting to start here?

[saffron74]

There is now a 4 lane rode (hwy 280) that runs directly from Brevard to Arden. It is about a 40 minute drive depending on traffic and where you live in Brevard. There is one really great pub in Brevard, Dugans. As far night life, it is more of an outdoor centered community. The Mills River area has some nice homes and is in between Arden and Brevard. Asheville has some nice places for going out and is about 30 min from Mills River. The schools in this area are also good. There is a brand new shopping complex within about a 10 minute drive. Mills River is a beautifull area that was once home to several huge farms. Very pretty area. Good luck!