Pros And Cons Of Livingin The Mountains (Asheville, Henderson: living in, fences)

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

I would like to know the pros and cons of living in the mountains. What are winters like in the Waynesville area?

[fastfilm]

I am interested in this topic too. Although we have our sights set on the Asheville area, we may have to look in the surrounding areas in order to have our giant dogs, 6' fences and perhaps the horses, while still being near Asheville for my husband teaching career, nearby hospitals, conveniences, etc.

I wasn't able to scout this year due to nonstop, tragic disasters. Next year, I may be able to hitch a ride to Fontana Village, Robbinsville with my Deerhound for a Specialty show there. Will that give me the "flavor?"

[chisoxfan]

Pulled some winter temperature figures for Waynesville from The Weather Channel's Web site:

December: Average high 50 degrees, average low, 24.
January: Average high 47, average low 22.
February: Average high 51, average low 24
March: Average high 58, average low 31.

Snowfall averages weren't provided, but I'd guess around 10-15 inches annually. Waynesville's elevation is 3,000 feet with mountains in the area reaching more than 6,000 feet, so you'll definitely see some snow. Nothing like the Northeast or Midwest, however.

[Kurt]

I lived in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A beautiful place but I remember a really bad ice storm. If you do not have to go out in it. You can just stay home. All-in-all a great place. But aging boomers may find that the hills are a challenge to drive. I mean, do you want to be 75-80 and still driving? Then flatter terrain is welcome. And a milder climate. But if you are young old--65-75--you can handle it. But you may find yourself moving at a later date. For me, I am going someplace where I can age in place and still drive.