How's Asheville (for an Oregon transplant)? (Wilmington, Nashville: buying, schools, living)

[InLimbo520]

I've visited a friend in the Triangle area twice, and made it down to Wilmington both times. Those trips were great, but 5+ years ago and a different (younger) mindset. We've got a kid on the way now and have recently lived in Eugene, OR. We dig the culture there but the economy drove us out and we're in Tucson, AZ now. In general, i'm on CD forums in hopes of researching a place where I can finish school and we can settle down. So... opinions on Asheville? We love mountains and the coast. Hows the economy around the area? Schools?

[The Mule]

Unless you are in health care, tourism or work in the restaurant industry there is no economy in Asheville to speak of. That is not particularly a recession problem, it is not that much different during good economic times. Nor does there appear to be any concern about that from the local government.

The area has a lot to offer. I've not been to Eugene, but from what I've heard the areas may be similar in character. Unfortunately, those needing to earn a living will find it difficult, particularly if they have the added responsibility of children to feed.

[NC_Paddler]

Originally Posted by InLimbo520

I've visited a friend in the Triangle area twice, and made it down to Wilmington both times. Those trips were great, but 5+ years ago and a different (younger) mindset. We've got a kid on the way now and have recently lived in Eugene, OR. We dig the culture there but the economy drove us out and we're in Tucson, AZ now. In general, i'm on CD forums in hopes of researching a place where I can finish school and we can settle down. So... opinions on Asheville? We love mountains and the coast. Hows the economy around the area? Schools?

The economy is tough, but if you can make it work, it's a place worth making some sacrifices for. What type of career are you planning?

[organick]

Originally Posted by InLimbo520

I've visited a friend in the Triangle area twice, and made it down to Wilmington both times. Those trips were great, but 5+ years ago and a different (younger) mindset. We've got a kid on the way now and have recently lived in Eugene, OR. We dig the culture there but the economy drove us out and we're in Tucson, AZ now. In general, i'm on CD forums in hopes of researching a place where I can finish school and we can settle down. So... opinions on Asheville? We love mountains and the coast. Hows the economy around the area? Schools?

if the economy drove you out of Eugene I find it unlikely you will feel more comfortable here with the economy. The mules post basically said it.

[Hipbilly]

Well, heck. I reckon I'll haul off and opine on this one. I moved here from Sweet Home, Oregon a little over a year ago. I grew up in the south and have kin in this neck of the woods. Not to mention My Most Amazing Daughter. Anyhow, I spent close to 30 years in the Specific Northwest, mostly in Oregon.

In many ways Asheville is The Mini Me of Portland. A lot of similarities on a smaller scale. It is literate. Great music venues. Mighty fine eateries. No Great Book Store like Powell's but you can get by. A whole bunch of bad art with some good stuff scattered here and there. It is a young town. Or, a town full of youngsters. That bothers me not in the least even though I feel like a Grandpaw every time I get out to hear music. Downtown is full of hipsters, weirdos and hillbillies. I like it. Politics lean slightly to the left. There is a vibrant nightlife for its size. It is relatively safe. It is assuredly beautiful and surrounded by the oldest mountains around. Nothing like Hood or the Cascades. These are slow, low and deep mountains. Exquisite. Lots of water. There is a deeper sense of history and kin in the south generally than the Northwest. Not that there isn't a vast and fascinating history to Oregon. Far from it. It's just that folks here are more tuned into it. I don't pay much attention to anything very far north of here but Hotlanta, Huntsville, AL, Buhminham, AL are all pretty easy to saunter over to for some heel kickin. Nashville isn't that far. 12th and Porter and all that.....Heck, just like Alabama there is a bodaciously fine picker on every porch around here so moosic abounds..

Y'all might find some of its peculiarities alien if you have not spent a lot of time in the south but what the heck. I'm originally from way way down south, (LA, or Lower Abalama) so it does not seem all that drenched in the south to me. On the other hand I remember when I brought my Oregon paramour to Alabama. It was a serious culture shock for her. Alabama is a different animal though.

All in all, after all of this pointless blathering I think you'd like the area. Coming from Tuscon it would be like exiting the 9th Ring of Hell and getting a free pecan pie to boot.

The economy is lacking even in the best of times. I find that to be a truism in most livable areas. You trade ease of making a living for living fine. If you catch my drift. Currently the Economic Sit Rep is worse than usual. Depends on your trade though. RN? Doktor? You is In Like Flint. I am a Master Carpenter, Architectural Carver, etc with a BFA and every month I could be in a Van Down By The River. Still, on the East Coast there aren't many other places I'd consider. A few.....

Best of luck to you and yorn. If you can afford a visit I'd suggest you come meander around. It is a fine place. That being sed, if and when my daughter ever gets the jones to head west I'll be burning the road behind her. As much as I love the south, the entire east coast is rampant with humanity. Too many folks per square acre. You cannot spit without hitting some other fool minding their own bidness. Too many rules and regs. I expect I'll be back in Montana one day.

Though my general philosophical outlook on where to dwell is something along the lines of, if the population exceeds the elevation I don't need to be there, I still like the heck outa this area.

Best atcha.......

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

You can check out schools on www.GreatSchools.net. I have family in Asheville and the schools aren't the highest rated in NC. Also, housing in the city itself is pretty expensive if you are buying. I researched that last year when I thought about moving there to be closer to them.

I agree w/HipBilly about the town and the local culture. I love visiting but just can't afford to move there.