Piedmont area?? (Hickory, Statesville, Sanford: transfer, buy, YMCA)

[Stetz]

Hi, my wife & I are a "mixed" couple in our late 40's, that's looking to relocate from Central NY to Western NC. My wife is originally from Sanford, NC, she does work, but would need to transfer..(preferably). Right now she does security work, but also has medical experience. I know jobs are hard to find, but I feel she'll do fine with whatever field she chooses. Me, Im on New York State workmans comp, and SSDI, and work doesnt look like its in my future .

We both enjoy fishing, and the outdoors and are not the "city" type folks. My main concern is finding physicians (pain management and/or orthopedic surgeons) who will accept NYS comp, as that is the majority of my issues.

In time, we would buy a place, cost of living would play a important part of where we decide to move to. A YMCA nearby is also important, as I need that to get some kind of exercise/water therapy. Other than that mentioned earlier, we both dont need alot, such as places for a "nightlife".

We plan on coming down sometime in the spring or summer to check out certain towns/cities such as the Hickory area, Statesville, just to name a few.

Any input or suggestions for towns or certain areas would be much appreciated. Thanks