you probably going to end up living in suburbs of either raliegh or Charlotte to find affordable starter home.
I think a trip to both cities will help you decide which is more something you can see yourself living. If you want a real laid back lifestyle similar to that of boone then look in the triad.
Here some posistions I have located on web
Charlotte, North Carolina Tech jobs: Charlotte GIS Developer Tech job North Carolina (http://asp.computerwork.com/jobsearch/featured.cfm?job_id=1523169 - broken link)
All gis specialist jobs in Charlotte, NC | Indeed.com
US-NC-Charlotte-GIS Developer (Smallworld) (http://jobview.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=60251467&JobTitle=GIS+Developer+( Smallworld)&q=GIS&cy=US&vw=b&AVSDM=2007-07-19+15%3A46%3A00&pg=1&seq=39 - broken link)
GIS Analyst jobs in Raleigh, NC 27699 - Premier Personnel Services (http://www.jobvertise.com/job/4292307 - broken link)
Find Jobs - Software Production Manager Jobs in Raleigh, NC
you have to scroll the list here it contains charlotte metro and raliegh metro
GIScareers.com - View GIS Jobs (http://giscareers.com/gis-jobs_120.html - broken link)
Good luck both are cool cities but just find one that will meet your lifestyle.