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My husband and I currently live in Birmingham, Al. We'd like to move to a small eclectic mountain town thats not too expensive and can offer decent jobs. My husband has a masters in divinity and would like to teach (pref. at a community college). I am looking to go back to school and am more flexible with the job situation.We need to set something up for about 5 months from now. So far, Boone seems to fit what we are looking for but its hard to tell because Ive never been there! Is there anyone currently living in the asheville/boone area that could help me out? Just need a few details and/or possible contacts to make this move easier.
Boone is beautiful with a great college Appalachian State, very much a college town. Blowing rock is right next to it, very artsy and eclectic. I love it up there is I had 4 wheel drive.!!! Good luck.
Boone is a college town but it's not easy to find jobs. I'm not sure about your field though.
Here is a link for the local weekly paper in Boone. Check the classifieds and see if it will work. Boone and Asheville are very different. Boone is also much smaller. I would recommend a visit before you move.
I'm originally from Birmingham (in fact, just returned from there) and now live 1 hour south of Asheville (Greenville). We visit Asheville/Boone/Blowing Rock quite often.
I will tell you that there is no such thing as small "eclectic" mountain town that is not expensive (however, take out "eclectic" and you may find some affordable, but less desirable areas). The job market is extremely tight up there - major players: tourism (service), medical care, and government. Housing is quite expensive (especially near Asheville/Boone/Blowing Rock).
Western NC has incredible scenery. Also, (IMHO) the weather is MUCH better in Asheville/especially Boone (elevation > 3000 feet) when compared to B'ham. Genuine 4 seasons with a cold and (sometimes) snowy winter (although in the last several years this has been lacking) - also much less humidity. However, Western NC amenities are lacking when compared to Birmingham. (As you know, Birmingham has a multitude of incredible local restaurants and a wide variety of shopping/also nationally renowned healthcare).
(As mentioned above), I strongly recommend a visit before any move. Also, have a job (or two) in hand BEFORE moving to the Asheville/Boone area.
I really think that B'ham is a "hidden gem" in the South - however, I can't stand the incredibly hot/humid summers there - there is no easy "escape" from the heat - the western NC mountains and beaches are both 5 hours away.
I'm originally from Birmingham (in fact, just returned from there) and now live 1 hour south of Asheville (Greenville). We visit Asheville/Boone/Blowing Rock quite often.
I will tell you that there is no such thing as small "eclectic" mountain town that is not expensive (however, take out "eclectic" and you may find some affordable, but less desirable areas). The job market is extremely tight up there - major players: tourism (service), medical care, and government. Housing is quite expensive (especially near Asheville/Boone/Blowing Rock).
Western NC has incredible scenery. Also, (IMHO) the weather is MUCH better in Asheville/especially Boone (elevation > 3000 feet) when compared to B'ham. Genuine 4 seasons with a cold and (sometimes) snowy winter (although in the last several years this has been lacking) - also much less humidity. However, Western NC amenities are lacking when compared to Birmingham. (As you know, Birmingham has a multitude of incredible local restaurants and a wide variety of shopping/also nationally renowned healthcare).
(As mentioned above), I strongly recommend a visit before any move. Also, have a job (or two) in hand BEFORE moving to the Asheville/Boone area.
I really think that B'ham is a "hidden gem" in the South - however, I can't stand the incredibly hot/humid summers there - there is no easy "escape" from the heat - the western NC mountains and beaches are both 5 hours away.
Thanks for the reply. I am planning to visit the area next weekend to get a better idea. Sadly, I am aware that finding an artsy or eclectic town for cheap is nearly impossible. I used to live in Boulder/Nederland and had to move back because it was so expensive. I don't think B'ham is a bad city but it just isn't for me. I like cold weather, mountains and privacy! I would be willing to live a little outside the town if it meant cheaper rent. Are there secluded places just outside of Boone/Asheville? Also, my husband and I are both vegans and would like if we could find adequate food at the local grocery.(5-20mins away)
We were actually looking into Boone and have spent a lot of time there.But I can tell you it's beautiful! BUt it's not cheap!! I would pick one of the little towns around Asheville, maybe even between Asheville and Boone. But there are more jobs in Asheville and that's not many, lol. there are also more colleges to choose from in Asheville or nearby. There's UNC-Asheville, Haywood Community, A-B Tech, South College, etc etc...
I love Boone and would love to live there, but if you can find a job, Asheville is nice too!
If you specifically want to look at community colleges for your husband, be aware that Boone/Watauga County do not actually have their "own" community college. Instead they have a satellite campus of Caldwell Community & Technical College, based just south of Lenoir. They built the first phase of the new Boone campus about 10 years ago. I haven't kept up with how much they might have expanded since then.
If you decide to focus on Boone, you may need to broaden your search to Caldwell, Wilkes, Mitchell/Avery/Yancey (Mayland CC in Spruce Pine), and beyond.
I would be willing to live a little outside the town if it meant cheaper rent. Are there secluded places just outside of Boone/Asheville? Also, my husband and I are both vegans and would like if we could find adequate food at the local grocery.(5-20mins away)
You will definitely find cheaper rent outside of Boone. The ASU students dominate the rental market in Boone and can afford higher rents because they tend to pile in. In fact, with some apartments, rent is charged per bedroom.
Earth Fare is a wonderful grocery store headquartered in Asheville with a store in Boone. It has a good selection of organic and vegan choices.
The suggestion to peruse The Mountain Times is a good one. There is now a second weekly paper, High Country Press (publisher is the founder of The Mtn. Times). A lot the ads will be duplicates, but not necessarily all of them.
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