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I would absolutely recommend visiting Asheville and Charlotte first too. They are very different from each other in my opinion. Charlotte feels like a small and clean Atlanta if you happen to be at all familiar with Atlanta. I love Atlanta... and Charlotte and would really enjoy living there. Charlotte has a lot going for it and if I was thinking of starting a family, looking for a place to settle down for a while and was looking into Asheville or Charlotte (just in general), I would probably choose Charlotte.
However..
Asheville is a BEAUTIFUL city that has a very interesting and unique feel to it. I think its unlike any other. I LOVE to visit Asheville but don't know how I would enjoy 'settling down' there. If i was offered similarly desirable jobs in both Charlotte and Ashville with equal pay I would likely choose Asheville. I don't know how long I would be able to live there before going somewhere like Charlotte but I think I would have to give it a shot first.
I might look into Richmond, VA too. I lived there for a while and loved it. Good luck!!
I live in a little area just outside of Charlotte called Mint Hill. It's quiet enough to feel just tucked away, but you're actually only a small drive away from several Charlotte area attractions. I just sent you a private message about the area!
I think Greenville, SC would be a better option for you guys. It has the charms of downtown Asheville (minus the hippie element) with a more robust, well-rounded economy similar to Charlotte. It's not far from either city also.
Both Charlotte and Greenville are hot, humid and buggy during the Summer which can start in late April (as in 90F). Charlotte has it all and I would pick Charlotte over Greenville for a number of reasons including air travel, shopping, jobs, etc.
Asheville is cooler by 6-9 degrees F and 90's are rare. IMO, Buncombe and Henderson Counties are becoming a top spot for new retirees and are already a top spot for Floridians with second homes. Jobs are fewer in the area also and there really is not much shopping in the two counties.
Both Charlotte and Greenville are hot, humid and buggy during the Summer which can start in late April (as in 90F). Charlotte has it all and I would pick Charlotte over Greenville for a number of reasons including air travel, shopping, jobs, etc.
Asheville is cooler by 6-9 degrees F and 90's are rare. IMO, Buncombe and Henderson Counties are becoming a top spot for new retirees and are already a top spot for Floridians with second homes. Jobs are fewer in the area also and there really is not much shopping in the two counties.
I think you missed this part of the OP's post: We are looking for more of a low key area but an area that still has great restaurants and options to go out. We are seeking a less stressful/populated/competitive environment that we will hopefully start our family in.
I live 30 miles west of Charlotte, on the western edge of the metro. I would suggest that you post threads on the Charlotte board & the western NC board & ask questions geared to each area.
I've said it before & will say it again to people from the NYC metro. Spend a long weekend in South Jersey. If you hate it there, scrap the idea. If you're OK with South Jersey, plan a trip to NC & check out the areas that you are interested in.
South jersey is nothing like Charlotte or Asheville. I have lived in all three areas you mention. I understand if you mean it just as a smaller area, south jersey is closer to a place like myrtle beach, Charlotte is more corporate city and national chains and Asheville is more old local artsy city. South jersey is filled with tiny townships that are packed in the summer and dead in the winter.
South jersey is nothing like Charlotte or Asheville. I have lived in all three areas you mention. I understand if you mean it just as a smaller area, south jersey is closer to a place like myrtle beach, Charlotte is more corporate city and national chains and Asheville is more old local artsy city. South jersey is filled with tiny townships that are packed in the summer and dead in the winter.
Well south Jersey is a little of everything, from Camden to Atlantic City to Vineland to Cherry Hill. But the Cherry Hill/Marlton area is the only one that puts me in the mind of (suburban) Charlotte.
Are those your only 2 choices? I would throw Chapel Hill/Carrboro in the mix..Chapel Hill is basically a safer, better educated Asheville without the mountains. Close to Durham (about 15-20 mins) and close enough to Raleigh (about 30-35 mins). Very clean, very safe, very walkable, lots of cool places to hang out with live music, bars, arcades, craft beer, etc.
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How about Mint Hill?
