I'm searching for a place in the mountains, near a mid to large sized town for a vacation, possible relocation. I've heard that Asheville is beautiful and the weather is great. Please tell me more...
What are the people like, what are the best things about it, the worst? Is it a good place for someone looking for a computer job (programming, etc.) I'm coming from a town just outside of Chicago, so I know it'll be different. I'm just wondering HOW it's different. Thanks!

I've only been to Asheville on vacation and mainly to visit the Biltmore House, (don't miss it if you get a chance to go) but it seems very nice, along with the surrounding areas. People we know who live near there seem to like it.
Don't discount the North Georgia Mountains around Blue Ridge and Ellijay. They are both very charming areas; we've vacationed up there for years and finally bought 4 acres there for our later retirement.

Hi! I live in Asheville. We moved here about 4 1/2 years ago. We really like it. I don't know what it's like where you live now, but i feel I should warn you that real estate is VERY expensive here. Other than that, it's a great place to live. It is beautiful and the weather is pretty good. I think we've only had a total of 1 1/2 inches of snow this year. There is quite a mixture of people here. From my own personal experience, a lot of the people here have relocated from other places too.

I lived in Miami, Florida and want a change of people and scenery. I'm assuming from what I'm reading that Asheville is Mountain-side and not ocean side.

When you say real estate is expensive, I gather it can't be as bad as down here. TAXES on homeowners and car insurance down here is brutal. Would someone please give us an idea of what a 3/2 home - in a middle class to middle/upper class area would cost? I will probably eventually contact a realtor, but enjoy hearing from those of you who call it home. Thanks.

I live about 30 minutes south of Asheville, and yes, housing is very expensive. You can probably find a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house for around $225,000. For a house in an upper middle class neighborhood, maybe around $300,000. Check out realtor.com for more accurate pricing. Asheville is really a mixed bag, including lots of retirees and new age types. However, western NC is one of the most beautiful plaes you could live.

My wife and I own a home Franklin, NC. We are 50 miles from Asheville, and exactly 2 hours from Atlanta, Ga. our primary residence. Our home sits on a mountain with a view of Asheville and The Great Smoky Mtns. We are minutes from whitewater rafting, fishing, boating, golfing, blue ridge parkway, many waterfalls, highest mtn east of mississippi, a casino, and much more. Our home is 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 3 levels, big deck with hot tub, several acres with waterfall, and the view! Price? 121,000 purchased 1 year ago. We are in a very private location yet 8 min from all the fast food places, Lowes, Wal-mart, K-mart, town, stores, banks, and a beautiful golf course. Please, your welcome in our town anytime.