DU family - Advice needed about moving from Illinois to North Carolina.

[Southsideirish]

We are retired with pensions, health care benefits and I have a good paying part time job. We are "comfortable" but would like a change as we have lived in this city all our lives.
We love Asheville, NC and would like to re-locate there as the climate is better, its a great town "fit" for us, politically, and the people seem nice and friendly plus it would be fun to start all over again in a new area.
The main problem is our doctor (specialist for serious heart condition)is at a "top" teaching hospital here, although I have read they do have a good medical center there.
Also, we don't know a soul there which is scary nor would it be possible to find work as I understand jobs are as rare as hens teeth.
I should add that our health, now, is very good (over all), we are daily runners, and 'hope that will continue, of course.

P.S. I know next to some peoples problems we have nothing to complain about and we are very grateful for that.

[blm]

1. There are several DUers in Asheville. Maybe more.

I recently moved to Charlotte. Beware allergy season down here. I never had allergies in my life till I moved to SC and now NC.

[Southsideirish]

2. Like hay fever type allergies? In the spring?

[GreenInNC]

3. Asheville or Carrboro

Either one of these towns are good places for progressives to live. I lived in Asheville, you are right about the jobs. Carrboro adjoins Chapel Hill and is nine miles from Durham (Duke University).

[patricia92243]

4. I've lived in Asheville all my life, so of course I'm prejudice.

I think Asheville is a beautiful town and would recommend it to anybody.

My sister goes to a heart doctor, and as far as I know has always received good care.

This a mountain town, and a lot of hiking is popular here.

I'm afraid jobs here are the same as everywhere else in the country - not many of em'.

I have heard other people say housing is more expensive here than in other parts of the country. That might be something you want to look into before moving.

Also, we are a very red state - Maybe you'll be able to help us turn it Blue :)

[Southsideirish]

5. Sounds good. I read they have a good cardiac section at the medical

center but its nice to hear it from a "real" person.