Forest City to Marion - visiting (Charlotte, Asheville: new home, YMCA, living in)

[lucifee83]

I'll be visiting next week, and hoping that maybe this area would be some place that I'd like to move. I'm currently in the Poconos area of PA.

In your opinions, what is the good, bad & ugly about this area - any place in particular you'd avoid?
Any place that's nice? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

I'm a country girl, so living in the middle of nowhere is cool with me.
Thank for any info you can pass along.

[Carolina Knight]

Rutherford County has Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. I find that more exciting than McDowell County.

What is your first choice?

[BC1960]

What is your criteria for a new home? Do you need a job? Whats your budget for housing? How did you pick the Marion/Forest City area?

[theoldnorthstate]

It seems to me that Rutherford county/rutherfordton forest city are poised for growth on the east side toward Shelby Charlotte. Commercial anyway, new drug stores grocery stores lowes and conveniences have been built that direction. The area between rutherfordton and Marion is less so BUT there seems to be housing going in. I think forest city might be the nicer town. Just an impression though

They are actively trying to build up the Lake Lure Mill springs equestrian tourist connection.

The Marion area seems about the same as always. I think Marion may orient toward Morganton for needs beyond the community. Marion has a nice senior center, ymca, hospital area.

I was in rutherfordton forest city visiting my Aunt two weeks ago and thought it was fine. But I like small town life and I was born there, so I am biased

Just depends upon your needs

[SunnyKayak]

As of the last couple of weeks, I have become really impressed with Marion, its has a really cute clean downtown and most of the stores seem vibrant (not empty or boarded up).


I love how the mountains are in the backdrop



I find it interesting and fascinating you are looking for areas similar to home. It probably vastly different yet have similar characteristics like Bushkill Falls flow and pattern is similar to nearby Linville Falls

Marion is at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills (in the valley to the right of the picture below.)

Also, Marion is near Pisgah National Forest and Mt. Mitchell.

I was just in Marion this weekend and two weekends ago and I fascinated by how young the population appeared to be and wow so friendly.

The community seems to do a lot and business seem to give back.
I was so impressed I think this area will be the hidden gem of future relocation secret as it only a 40-minute drive on I-40 to Asheville but doesn't have the high cost that associated with that town.

Things to check out near Marion Linville Falls, Linville Caverns, Linville Gorge, Little Switzerland