ISO walkable (not suburban) towns in WNC

[creeksitter]

There are hiking trails that start in downtown Blowing Rock but it is probably out of their price range. Black mountain has hiking trails as well, starting at the campground. It is a large Methodist retreat center that might be a source for non profit employment.

[QuilterChick]

[quote=headnsouth;41040782]I love Roanoke for 100 reasons but my guy is a whitewater guy and I'm happy anywhere I can hike (except bland drivey sprawly chain-friendly sidewalk-less suburbs).
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Thanks for the suggestions, folks...... )

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I'd suggest Franklin, NC, or Bryson City, NC etc. The Nantahala River is the most famous for whitewater rafting, kayaking, etc. and check out the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Awesome ! Here is a search with several great links. That's where I'd go, in a heartbeat.

nantahala whitewater rafting - W3i Yahoo Search Results=

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

We're currently in Roanoke which is a nice little city with a solid downtown and lots of locally owned shops/restaurants and very little sprawl and some jobs & regional nonprofits & etc.

Is there anything like that in Western NC? Smaller than #rke is fine, just walkable and interesting, not walmart-y and sprawly. Asheville proper is much larger and more expensive than suits us.

Hendersonville and Brevard would be my recommendations. Both offer enough to keep you busy in terms of things to do and have attractive walkable downtown areas that aren't overtly touristy.

[DSS94]

Originally Posted by carolinadawg2

OP might also want to consider Boone.

Boone isn't actually very walkable, if you're literally talking about walking. You can get an apartment downtown, but that doesn't put you within a decent distance of any grocery stores. Not to mention the hills and almost total lack of crosswalks on 321. Also not very bike friendly. But the fact that the buses are free for everyone helps mitigate that.