Work Atmosphere and Availability (Asheville: rentals, to buy, income)

[fmadsen26]

Asheville, NC - inquiring on

Hi all,

My fiance is in the food service industry (10+ years of culinary experience-high level resorts to farm/organic restuarants) and I have a varied background in office/finance/and project management (3+ years). We're interested in relocating to Asheville in the next few months, but were curious to hear the local opinion on job availability and atmosphere. We are moving from the DC metro area and really want a more laid back life. We're into farmers markets and seek to make a side income in growing herbs, etc. In this situation, we're interested in renting a house, (probably something around $800ish) that will allow us to be close enough to work but far enough out that we've got a little land. Just renting for now,saving up money to buy in a few years when we figure out where that should be.

So, that's the backstory. What is the job situation like out there? Is it - everything must apply online with no hope of a call back? Are there any large or reputable companies that I probably haven't found in a quick google search? What's the local area like - small town - with work? Pay scale - at least $10/hour for standard 30 hour work week? We want something to pay the bills, and will work full time, but are alright with a lighter schedule as long as the money is right.

Any thoughts? is this crazy?

Thanks for your feedback!

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by fmadsen26

Asheville, NC - inquiring on

Hi all,

My fiance is in the food service industry (10+ years of culinary experience-high level resorts to farm/organic restuarants) and I have a varied background in office/finance/and project management (3+ years). We're interested in relocating to Asheville in the next few months, but were curious to hear the local opinion on job availability and atmosphere. We are moving from the DC metro area and really want a more laid back life. We're into farmers markets and seek to make a side income in growing herbs, etc. In this situation, we're interested in renting a house, (probably something around $800ish) that will allow us to be close enough to work but far enough out that we've got a little land. Just renting for now,saving up money to buy in a few years when we figure out where that should be.

So, that's the backstory. What is the job situation like out there? Is it - everything must apply online with no hope of a call back? Are there any large or reputable companies that I probably haven't found in a quick google search? What's the local area like - small town - with work? Pay scale - at least $10/hour for standard 30 hour work week? We want something to pay the bills, and will work full time, but are alright with a lighter schedule as long as the money is right.

Any thoughts? is this crazy?

Thanks for your feedback!

There have been several posts on this very subject in the WNC portion of this forum. Do a search simply for "Asheville" and that should keep you busy for most of today or tonight. $800 "ish" won't get you much in the way of a rental around the Asheville area with land etc.

Since you have never been here and done serious research, we will all tell you, repeat: Do NOT come to WNC without employment; and specifically do not even think about the area unless you have done your homework beforehand. Visit for at the very least for a full week in person, and contact local property management companies. Most Realtors will not handle rentals. Here is the Asheville newspaper website: www.citizen-times.com

Best of luck.

[Francois]

Originally Posted by fmadsen26

My fiance is in the food service industry (10+ years of culinary experience-high level resorts to farm/organic restuarants) and I have a varied background in office/finance/and project management (3+ years). We're interested in relocating to Asheville in the next few months, but were curious to hear the local opinion on job availability and atmosphere. ...

Any thoughts? is this crazy?

It is crazy to move somewhere in this economy without having a job already lined up, yes. Unless you have at least a year of living expenses. You might luck out, but not only are the number of jobs down, the number of applicants for those jobs is drastically up.