Reconnaissance Mission #1

DLM2000-GW

12 years ago

We are headed to western North Carolina on a 4 day fact finding mission to see if the area holds promise for a move - basically, town shopping. We've reached a point where we are ready for something new and as hard as it will be to leave the area where we've both lived all our lives, it's time to plan the next phase.

This wouldn't be a retirement move but a change of lifestyle move. We live in a lovely suburb of Chicago, but the cost of living here (monetary & otherwise) is just too high and doesn't allow us to live the kind of life we want. We want a smaller home, a setting that allows us to enjoy more outdoor activities without requiring long drives or plane trips, and a milder climate. I've been researching different areas of the country for quite a while and keep coming back to WNC. It doesn't get us closer to our boys, which is the downside. One is finishing college and will end up who knows where. Our oldest loves the Pacific NW, specifically Skagit Valley, but could decide to try someplace new at the drop of a hat. So moving to be with them would be unwise unless we loved the area and would stay there regardless.

As long as DH can transition his businesses (and that is in process), the cost of living there will allow us to travel more easily to our boys or bring them to us more often. And if we do this right....... our oldest is showing a lot of interest in moving there, too. He loves the idea of a family compound with shared land and separate cottages, communal food production (he's such a throwback!) with vegetable gardens, group canning, maybe chickens and or goats. I spent an hour on the phone with his girlfriend last night and she's already checked into homeopathic schools in that area to continue her education. Have I mentioned I adore that girl?! Our youngest says he could be persuaded, but I am not counting on anything - this is about DH and me first and foremost.

We have some things planned, will look at a few houses, hike a bit, but mostly just explore and get lost. I've been in touch with realtors and have 2 that understand our needs and vision. I've been corresponding and talking with a woman at the JCC in Asheville and although I am not religious (and DH isn't even Jewish) it's nice to have a welcoming community if we move to a place where we know no one.

So....... after that long winded story.... What would you look for, who would you talk to, how would you begin? It's different to move because of a job transfer or to go where family is but we have no outside influences like that. School districts aren't even an issue except as it might relate to future resale.

Would love to hear your thoughts. And if you know of other areas to consider, by all means share!

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Comments (38)

hhireno
12 years ago
Ooooh, how exciting! I would check out:
Restaurants because we like to dine out. I'd look for plenty of ethnic options and, in general, plenty of thriving looking places so that by the time you get here they will still be open for business. I'd have trouble living in a one pizza joint kind of town.

Grocery stores because, in spite of liking to dine out, I cook most of our meals and I'd want a great store and access to a farmers market.

Ease to airports and interstates for traveling

If you're not an on-line shopper then consider the general shopping options available. Do you need a mall? or interesting boutiques?

Are there any civic or service groups that you might want to join so that you can get to know people?

I'm curious what other suggestions you'll get since we all place value on different things.
deeinohio
12 years ago
BIL and SIL moved to Madison County NC (I think that's western NC) several years ago from Florida. They live on top of a huge mountain along with many others, all forming an intimate community. Visiting their area is like visiting Mayberry, small businesses, small restaurants. I wouldn't want to live in their house - too far from things for me - but they've adjusted from their previous suburban life. The real negative is the amount of snow they get. For the last couple of winters, they were snowed in for days at a time. I do know, though, there was a couple of houses for sale on their mountain, so if you're interested in this area, let me know.

DH and I have also thought of relocating there; however, there's the grandson and the granddaughter here..... Many of my ancestors settled NC and Kentucky, so I think the mountains still call to me.

Dee
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Fun2BHere
12 years ago
Here are a few additional thoughts for your consideration. I like to check the crime statistics to see how they relate to my current area. I also look at the medical facilities in the area and their ratings. Especially as we age, it's important to have access to good medical care without a long commute. What are the demographics? Is it an aging community or a nice mix of all ages? How does the population change seasonally? How far is it to a major airport? What is the tax structure including inheritance tax, although that can change of course.

I'm sure you will already be checking to see if the area has the kinds of climate, activities and shopping that you need. Have a good trip!
tishtoshnm Zone 6/NM
12 years ago
Grocery stores is a great idea. I would definitely check specific things that you like to use. If you cook a lot of Asian food, are there the saucesd you like? If you have special diet needs, can you fill those needs locally.

If I wanted to grow my own food on a family commune, I would certainly look at the water laws for that area, to see if it is feasible (may not be an issue, I just live in the arid southwest so it is something I think about).

I would also ask around about the town services. If it snows, how well does the town handle it. Where I live, in the mountains, snow is not that big of a deal as most peopel have 4 wheel drive but when Albuquerque gets a lot of snow (does not happen often but it does happen), the city is definitely scrambling, how would that play out for you.

If you want to be somewhat more rural, I would also look into the various services. There are a lot of rural areas here in New Mexico where you cannot get high speed internet. How big of an issue is this for you? I work at home, so it is essential for work. For some people it may limit their streaming abilities. Also, is cable an issue? Can you get a good satellite signal in the area?

I have not been to Asheville in quite a long time but I would love to return to that area. The Smoky Mountains are beguiling. What a fun trip and potential change. Good luck!
User
12 years ago
Boone NC was just rated very highly on all counts as a place to live. . Someone just posted , on Decorating Forum, the sweet house that they just bought in Asheville...can't remember who.
Here is a link....I love Blacksburg VA...would move there in a shot...so much to do outdoors and LOTS of biking paths. c

Here is a link that might be useful: Great places to retire
Sueb20
12 years ago
When we moved to our town 15 years ago, and we were considering a few different towns, I also checked out the grocery stores, but not to see what was sold there. I was checking out the shoppers! I think you can tell a lot about a town by seeing who's at the grocery store.

Check out the libraries, town hall, etc., too -- I think you can get a "vibe" from those places, too.

One more -- drive through the main street(s) during rush hour. One town we considered was crossed off the list because the main street through the center of town was a MESS for at least 4 hours every day.
cat_mom
12 years ago
My parents moved to North Raleigh 16 years ago, and like it there. My sister's family moved to Wake Forest (about 15 min from Raleigh) 5 years ago. Very up and coming area it seems.

I was just in Raleigh/Wake Forest visiting (from NY) last week. Went to the NC State Fair for the first time!
stinky-gardener
12 years ago
My list: Cost of living, real estate options, grocery stores, libraries, churches (places of worship) crime statistics, and the overall "look" of the place. Is it clean & well cared for, with a visually interesting/attractive landscape in urban, suburban or rural contexts?

Asheville is beautiful. NC is a great state with much to offer. It has many interesting towns.

Good luck...let us know what you think after you return!
Fun2BHere
12 years ago
I just was informed of a site that is new to me. I've linked it below. Not only does it have information about areas, there are forums where you can ask specific questions of people in that area.

Here is a link that might be useful: City Info
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
12 years ago
Great suggestions! Thank you all!

Absolutely have to visit the libraries since I constantly use ours. The overall cost of living is a big incentive for us and is significantly lower. Some categories are higher, like utilities but housing is lower (and hugely lower in the smaller towns) and RE taxes are a pittance compared to what we pay. We have to see how the small towns relate to the larger shopping area - I don't want to be a recluse. Cable/internet - never would have thought to check that! Asheville is a huge foodie town, big Slow Food movement, many farmer's markets, artsy. Although we're a long way from sr. citizen status, there are wonderful incentives with the NC universities and there is a UNC in Asheville. Crime is a tough one because anywhere I've looked has higher crime rates than where we live but it deviates from the norm here. Love the idea of people watching at the grocery stores as I do think that's a snapshot of life. I also want to see what kind of fitness centers or gyms are there.

No way will be be able to see and do it all in one visit. If it looks promising, we already plan to go again in late Jan. or Feb., sometime in spring and in the heat of summer so we can test run all the seasons a bit. Just had a realtor friend here this afternoon to do some preliminary planning on this end, too. This is by far the largest life change we've ever contemplated - even scarier than the decision to have kids!
Jeane Gallo
12 years ago
A few years ago we visited Waynesville, NC. If I were to move to NC, I would definitely consider it. Number one in my priorities is proximity to good hospitals. We aren't getting any younger and I want to be able to get to the hospital quickly if we need it. And if you need (God forbid) chemo every day, like my father did, you don't want to drive 2 or 3 hours to get there. We live in a suburb of Charleston, SC. I love it here. Very temperate weather, low taxes, low crime, friendly neighbors. Lots of great restaurants, not as artsy as Asheville, but we have a good deal of it. I'm an IL transplant, too. The hot weather is intolerable for the first couple of years, but you get used to it and now I can't stand cold weather! It snows about once every 10 or 15 years.
patty_cakes
12 years ago
I moved from San Diego, CA to Austin Tx, when I decided to retire~~I had a son in Wilmington, NC, and a daughter and son who had recently made the move to Austin. I investigated both cities, and since Wilm. was a beach city like SD, housing was much more expensive than Austin, there's also more activities in Austin. If you're into sports, all the better~~they're great supporters of 'their' Longhorns!

I live in the same development as my daughter, but had I done a little more 'investigating', would have most certainly moved to Georgetown, TX! It's one of my favorite places to visit, and there are 'real' neighborhoods, but also new devepopments, includeing a beautiful senior community. Georgetown is about 50 minutes from downtown Austin. The town is built around a 'square', and there is a lot of shopping close-by, much of it in walking distance. They also have a major hospital w/trama center~~very important at 'our' age. The food in TX is awesome, and organic foods are served in many restaurants. Austin is the home base for Whole Foods, and has the largest store(2 stories)which also offers cooking classes. And I know this will sound crazy, but the restrooms are the cleanest i've ever seen anywhere.;o)

Here's one website, but there are many that offer information about this lovely historic town. ;o)

Here is a link that might be useful: historic Georgetown,TX...
JennaVaNowSC
12 years ago
dlm... DH and I are on a similar mission. However, we are already retired. One of our selections is the Murray KY area (on trailrunner's list above) for proximity to extended family. We are also looking in the eastern TN area, near Newport. (cheaper cost of living than the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area.). Also, TN has no state income tax. which is a plus to us. The eastern TN/western NC area attracton to us is the scenery. And cost of living, housing, etc is lower than it is central VA where we live now. Good luck on your hunt, let us know how it goes.
patty_cakes
12 years ago
Georgetown is #1 on *this* retirement list. ;o)

Here is a link that might be useful: one of ten....
User
12 years ago
Brevard, NC is a small college town noted for music and the arts. It's about 45 minutes from Asheville and shares the beautiful scenery...as well as winter snow. Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a lot of hiking, mountain biking and golf. Easy to get around, good shopping (must go to Engels grocery store!) and friendly people.
busybee3
12 years ago
i love asheville(it's a little larger city...), but my parents used to live in brevard (as javachik mentioned above) and it was lovely(and they loved it!)... the pisguh national forest is right there (with looking glass falls and sliding rock, which my kids LOVED!) and an arboretum is very nearby, and the downtown (by the college) is quite nice. there's a community theatre and music- can't remember if it was a little symphony or what...???) brevard also opened a lovely new library within the past 5 years...
mjsee
12 years ago
So you are certain you want the western part of the state? If you decide you want to look at Chapel Hill, message me through GW. I've lived here since 1982. I'd be happy to fill you in...suggest restaurants and tell you about the grocery stores...even tell you about specific neighborhoods!
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11 years ago
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judithn
11 years ago
Along with everyone else's good suggestions, I would look at local governance before committing to a new area. I would also read all the local papers online to get a feel for the town. I would sit in on a local supervisors or council meetings and watch what's going on. I would look at the town's website, including minutes of meetings of the planning commissions, supervisors/council members, etc. I would want to know what kinds of things went on at the local governmental level, including what new development,financial issues, conflicts were happening in town. After I decided on a town and a houise I would look very closely at local zoning maps to figure out what kinds of zoning was in the area around the house.
tinam61
11 years ago
I have no advice, but am anxious to hear what you find on your trip. We are within a couple of hours of that area, we're just on the other side of the Smokies in Tennessee. We love Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mt. As others mentioned check out Waynesville, Boone, Brevard, etc. Some of those areas are more touristy than others. Not sure how you feel about that.

Good luck!! Can't wait to hear what you think!

tina
mahatmacat1
11 years ago
Having lived in NC (Research Triangle--moved down from northeast) before we moved to the PNW, I can also say that you should definitely look into the politics of any place you are deciding on in NC. It's kind of a spiritual border state between the Union and the Confederacy, not nec. physical border)that would be further north) but there are definitely huge chasms between the two poles. We regularly thank our lucky stars that we didn't have to go through the last 10 years back in NC. The politics were *stifling* until we got out of the specific place we lived and more into the general area.

It depends a lot on the specific neighborhood, as I bet mjsee can attest. We lived in a place called "the Containment Area for Relocated Yankees" (you can probably figure out which town that is--also historically known as "that prejudiced little town between Raleigh and Durham") and the tensions were high. Our next door neighbor put up a hay bale and a noose from his front yard tree for Halloween. He had moved up from SC to the Triangle for work at a big pharma, and considered NC to be "not *really* the South". When he found out we were moving to the PNW, he said "good--go and be with those of your kind." We were *constantly* proselytized by people we thought were friends but then dropped us when we refused to join their religion. Even our real estate agent had a quiet coronary (I could see it in her face--she was far too polite to say anything directly) when we said that we weren't really concerned about proximity to a place of worship.

There are definitely more progressive areas in the state and even in the Triangle (e.g. Durham and Chapel Hill : )), but we didn't know that when we had one week in January to find a house (being the Relocated Yankees that we were : )).

If you prefer more conservative areas, make sure you look for those as well, because you might not like living in a more progressive area, and find out who the Representative for your possible district is, etc. Neighborhoods definitely matter.
maire_cate
11 years ago
Subscribe to the local newspapers and get a feel for the area.
You'll find out quickly what the 'hot' topics are in town.
francypants
11 years ago
I can feel your pain at the high cost of living here in Chicago. Property taxes over $10,000 and the state tax just about doubling. I'm not much for the South but am actually leaning toward moving there for the climate and cost of living, Knoxville Tennessee to be exact. College town so it's slightly more liberal, extremely low property taxes and no state income tax. Houses are reasonable, too. You get a bit more bang for your buck than in NC.
leafy02
11 years ago
Flyleft, I can feel your pain. As a Yankee transplant to Kentucky, I am constantly surprised by the religious prejudices of the folks here, and it's one of the primary complaints I hear from new arrivals from the north, west, and from overseas. They don't show in the tourism photos!
quilly
11 years ago
flyleft - I had to google "Containment area" - that phrase was unfamiliar to me. Your comments about the political divide are interesting, especially your relief about not being there in the last ten years.

May I ask when you lived there? I guess the influx of Northerners hasn't tempered the tension - do you think it's made it worse?
martinca_gw sunset zone 24
11 years ago
Regardless of the state, as a grandparent I can only advice you to move within one hour of a major airport. In N.C that may mean Charlotte. I hope your sons end up nearby, but if not, it will become a major help keepiing family close if non stop flights are available. After a long flight with small children, adding a long drive can make " over the river to grandmothers house' " an occasional deal breaker.
Good luck on your adventure!
Marti
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
11 years ago
Surprised to see this surface again this morning and want to give an update - running out the door now but will try later today. Thanks for the new contributions for our process.
mahatmacat1
11 years ago
quilly, I wrote a substantive response, but then decided it would be hijacking and not so relevant to dlm's needs...long story short: we lived there from 1999-2002, deciding to leave after we learned about the record of hostility of the area towards cycling after my DH got hit by a truck. It may have changed, but it didn't seem like it would back in 2002, so we found what was then the most cycling-friendly city in the country and everything else fell eerily into place.

leafy, sorry to hear that your situation is similar. There are pockets of like-minded folks everywhere, though; it took us a while to find them, and we had to go outside of our particular town (notably to the Durham/CH/Hillsborough area, and to Raleigh), but they were there.
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
11 years ago
Once again, thank you all for your thoughts on this subject. People move all the time so you wouldn't think this would be such a big deal but it sure can be depending on the specific people and places. Here's a brief update but I will be back with more questions.

We have fallen in love with the Asheville, NC area. We have made a few trips and are going again early Aug. Our plans were shoved aside last spring due to a family emergency so we haven't been to NC since Feb. and we had really hoped to have things much more nailed down by now and be marketing our house. That's now several months off.

flyleft - what an unhappy living situation that must have been. I am confident that Asheville is, to be perfectly transparent, liberal enough for us. I don't need to live with people who only see the world through my lenses but I can't live where I am the only person with liberal social thinking. Ashville is actually known as Portland's sister city, it's a great mix of traditional Southern and transplants, many from the Midwest and PNW and the vibe is anything but stuffy or stifling. It draws artsy, funky, food centric, outdoorsy people and in my mind I'm already there!

judithn & maire_cate - I get daily news reports, video of all city/county meetings, and various other 'reports' so I do feel confident that I know as much as possible without actually living there. There's only so much you can learn without having 'boots on the ground' and a local address but I'm doing my best.

martinca you are right about ease of transportation and ability to see family. Asheville is an easy, 90 minute non-stop from Chicago where most of our family is. Our sons, however are another story. Since my original post, our oldest has taken a new job at Sequoia Nat'l Park in CA. No easy flights to him - even from O'Hare it's not non-stop and Fresno, the closest airport to him is over an hour away. Same story with our youngest who has now graduated college and is living in Carbondale, CO, but who knows for how long. Asheville has a great small airport that can get us easily to Chicago but the rest is more complicated. We'll just have to see how this works, I guess.

francypants - Asheville is also a college town, although a small one with UNC but the college vibe is alive and well. We were there for Halloween and have to say, it was interesting trying to figure out over that weekend who was in costume and who dresses the part 365!!!

tina even tourist towns have regular residents so we don't mind seasonal visitors. All the same things that draw us to the area draw vacationers so it's just part of the mix.

Since the plan is to have some land, we are not looking within the city limits and that means my 'research' has limited correlation to the surrounding county areas and smaller towns and I am somewhat concerned about that. I'm gathering my thoughts and questions for our next trip and will start another post soon.
michaelwilliam129
11 years ago
Apart from discussion with my friends and study, to get a feel for the Newport Beach which is going to be my new city I came to know that it's a nice area but a lot of very wealthy white kids. Most bars/clubs in the area are over-priced and also I came to know that unless you know people, it is hard to strike up conversation with the locals. Is this true?
tinam61
11 years ago
"It draws artsy, funky, food centric, outdoorsy people and in my mind I'm already there!" That perfectly describes Asheville!

Re the touristy area - we leave near the touristy area of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mts. and although I adore our area, during much of the year, there are parts we have to avoid because of heavy tourist traffic. We never go into PF/Gatlinburg any other way but backroads. LOL

We'll be in Asheville early Fall and usually try to hit the apple festival in Hendersonville.

tina
ellendi
11 years ago
My sister and BIL moved to Asheville after living in Florida for over 30 years. They both still work, she a Physyical Therapy Ass't, he a docotor of Pharmacy. They both got jobs almost immediately.
We are Jewish and my sister DH is Jewish. They feel very comfortable in Ashville.
They live in a neighborhood of small homes. Seems the bump up or rebuild has not touched there yet. They were able to buy their house for cash with money left over from selling their Florida home.
When the kids are young, you don't mind staying in an area with a good school system. But, when this is not the case anymore, why spend all your time working to support a house?
mahatmacat1
11 years ago
dlm, I agree -- if we could have lived anywhere outside the Triangle, we would have chosen Asheville by a long shot. It's almost like paradise in my mind. Can't wait to see the home you choose.
DLM2000-GW
Original Author
11 years ago
michaelwilliam129 I want to address your posts - you seem to need input on a move but your questions are getting lost within this thread. Why don't you start a new post here with your specific questions and issues? More people will see it and you have a far better chance of response from members familiar with your area. Sorry - I know nothing about Newport Beach.

tina, ellendi and flyleft - you are all making me feel so much more confident about this! Funny how people I don't know IRL can offer up info and opinions that impact me so strongly.

tina I will have to remember to check about the apple festival - sounds fun! Do you ever get to that FABULOUS bakery in H'ville? I don't remember the name but OMG that place is amazing in a very small town old fashioned bakery way.

ellendi that is wonderful to hear about your sister and BIL. I know religion will be a non-issue in Asheville and I hope there is a magic ring extending out from there with similar values because we won't end up within the city limits as it looks now.

flyleft you might be in for a shock re: our eventual house purchase - I'm betting end up with a 50's or 60's ranch that needs everything but has some land. That seems to be what we are drawn to over and over in our internet searches and visits.
User
11 years ago
Best wishes for finding a great home in an area near Asheville, it is a wonderful place! I grew up spending summers in Arden and my brother's widow and her new(ish) husband and my nephews live in Montreat so I still visit regularly. When you move, check out the state theater in Flat Rock---wonderful historic venue if you're interested in live theater. Strongly second recommendations for trips to Brevard for music and Boone for art, Hendersonville for down home comfort. You've chosen well!
mahatmacat1
11 years ago
See, that would be the kind of property that would just *do it* for me completely. A house you can work on and make your own, along with having some of that gorgeous land out there that connects you with history and nature. I'll be living vicariously : )
golddust
11 years ago
I have a friend who moved to Asheville a couple years ago. She is from our very liberal area and loves it! I enjoy her pictures of the area on Facebook. It looks to be an artsy type town with lots of street mucisicans, etc. Lots of recreation in the area.
francypants
11 years ago
I have a strange compulsion to visit cities after I have read books about them. Went to Savannah, Ga after reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and the Asheville area after "Cold Mountain". Loved then both but could only see a liberal living in Asheville.

A good source for finding out how locals like their area and to ask questions is city-data.com. Besides general info, it has a forum for each city. The one thing I found out about the South that was so different from Illinois was that it's not a great idea to go knocking on doors of people who live a few miles out of town/towns. Guess they really like their privacy. I wouldn't want to stumble onto anyone's meth lab. This isn't a knock on anybody from the South, it just seemed to be a pretty standard joke among the Southern posters in the forums.

Here is a link that might be useful: city data

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