My husband and baby have lived in California now for 5 years, we are originally from the northeast. You could not ask for more idyllic weather than where we live Santa Barbara), but for many other reasons we are looking to relocate. My brother lives in Charlotte and suggested we consider Asheville. I have done quite a lot of research online and know everything presented in the “brochures”, but I am looking for a balanced perspective. The good, the bad and the ugly?

Just how many people are relocating each year? How is that affecting the city? Are newcomers embraced by the Asheville natives?

Is Asheville primarily a retirement town, or are their still a lot of young families?

How are the public schools? California schools are terrible. The quality of the schools will be one of our primary considerations.

Another reason we are considering Asheville is the art scene; my husband is a painter. What can you tell me about the Asheville art scene, is it really as prominent as portrayed in the literature? Do most of the artists survive being artists, or do they need to have a second occupation?

We are planning a visit for 1 week this spring. Any suggestions for the best way to spend our limited time for a good perspective of the area would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Debra - I live in Asheville...I can comment on a few of these issues. Schools are better in some areas than others. It is definitely not a retirement town - that would be Hendersonville - about 30 min away. There is a large artistic presence, i.e. galleries, studios, classes - but I'm not sure how self-sustaining they are. Many that I know do have 2nd jobs. This is a very un-Southern, Southern city and newcomers are welcomed. Housing prices have increased 34% in the past year - you are looking at about $125-150/sq foot but that is still probably significantly cheaper that what you are used to in Calif. You may want to search out the Asheville Tourist/Visitor Bureau website to find some of the stats you are looking for.

debra_lea, here are some comments from another Ashevillian....

The cost of housing is more expensive than most other places in the South, but I also realize it's another planet relative to California.

Plenty of people have moved here in the last few years and have brought their jobs with them (well, some have...). There are quite a number of entrepreneurs, "solopreneurs," telecommuters, and other members of the creative class here in Asheville. If you're coming, I'd recommend you bring your job with you.

I've lived here over a decade, and this is probably the most welcoming and diverse city (for its size) in which I've ever lived. Plenty of people have moved here from elsewhere, but I've always found the "natives" to be very welcoming as well. (Well, maybe unless you're from Florida...) ;-) There are increasing numbers of retirees, but as leahinsc indicated, they are definitely not as a substantial presence as they seem to be in Hendersonville. It's a very diverse population, in several ways.

The growth rate in the area is steady, but not overwhelming. To be honest. there will always be limits (due to the topography, job growth, wages, and the cost of housing) to the population and economic growth in the area. It's not paradise by any means, but I love it here.

One of the nice things about Asheville is that it's a small city and relatively easy to get around. If you don't find the schools or housing prices *in* Asheville to your liking, neighboring towns/counties are very close and it's an easy commute to Asheville.

Weaverville
Black Mountain
Mars Hill
Hendersonville
Lake Lure
etc.

Depending on the size of the town you're comfortable with, you could also look into Boone, Blowing Rock (it has an artsy reputation, less bohemian that Asheville), or Banner Elk. Those are in the "High Country" near most of the NC the ski slopes.

Asheville and Boone are both college towns, so they are used to welcoming new citizens from other parts of the country.

Thank you all so much. I am trying to absorb as much information as possible. It is so nice to hear real accounts rather than info provided from the visitors center.

I can't wait to hear more.

Debra - Check out www.findyourspot.com
someone referred to this in another posting...fun to put in your preferences and see what comes up...best wishes