Thinking of moving west (Raleigh, Asheville: rent, hotels, homes)

[bbrown]

Hi all. We just moved down to Raleigh from DC a year ago. So far, we LOVE NC but think we would like to get out of the Raleigh area next year. Coming from a big city, I would like to see what a smaller city would be like. So far I have read that western NC is the area to find this. I have heard about Asheville but would like to know if there are any towns north of there that are great as well. I don't want to be too far from VA as I make frequent trips back north for work and family. Any ideas or suggestions are welcomed as we are still very new to the area. We are looking for something like Asheville and something VERY safe as we hope to start a family soon. Really any ideas of ANY towns in NC are great. We dont have to limit ourselves out west if you all know of great towns here around Raleigh
Thanks in advance!!!

[mm34b]

Asheville is the only city in NC's Mountain Region with a population over 50K. Every other town is much, much smaller. Boone is worth consideration.

[castufari]

None of the towns are "very safe" but most are safe enough. Anything in particular you're looking for out of a town? If I had to go to VA a lot I'd stay east of the mountains. For me to get to VA from Asheville I either head up 19/23 to 81, then take 81 up or I take 40 to 77 or 85 and go up.

[mdp_az]

What about Roanoke or Lynchburg in VA? I love those areas, just as I do the Asheville area. If I could pick anywhere on the east coast to live, it would probably be in one of those three areas.

[castufari]

Another idea is to get a good map and drive around. You might find a little town that just blows you away.

[Catbirds]

Boone is a college town with a lot of young folks here that keep us old folks young. You didn't say what you did for a living, so this would be something that would have to be considered. Appalachian University is here as well as medical centers. Samaritans Purse is located here as well, and does a lot of local employment. The area is one of the most beautiful in the country with The Blue Ridge Parkway nearby as well as lots of parks for hiking and outdoor activities. Housing is expensive with a lot of summer people that have 2nd and 3rd homes that go empty in the winter months. We have tourists that come up during the summer and fall and some skiers in the winter. I think it is heaven on earth here but can be a challenge financially. Come for a visit this winter when it is only the college kids and locals. We are having a Winter Festival Jan. 22-25th in Blowing Rock and would be a fun time to come up. There are discounts in the hotels at this time, or you could rent a house.

[MtnClimber]

I would buy a good road map and take several long week-end trips and look around. You will find many places in WNC that will suit your desires. East Tenn. is a nice area and very similar to WNC.