Western NC vs. northern Georgia?

[Flaxbee]

I'm trying to make a somewhat difficult decision on where to resettle... hubby and I are now in Macon County, NC, just here for a little bit while we explored this part of the world (moved down from NoVirginia a year or so ago). Macon county is very very red, very fundie, and rather isolated. We'd like to find a little land (1-2 acres) and eventually build, and are contemplating Black Mountain or Flat Rock, or the Clayton area of Georgia (while Clayton is also rather remote, it's at least *that* much closer to Atlanta).

We'd like to be within 2 hours of a major airport - so Black Mtn/Flat Rock would be close enough to Charlotte, and Clayton would be OK for Atlanta. Asheville airport is too small and expensive, which is why I didn't mention it. (3x more costly to get to NYC than Greenville, Charlotte or Atlanta, and none of the flights I saw out of A'ville were nonstop...)

We work for ourselves, so that's not a huge issue, though I'd like to be close to a decent economy.

Any input, pro or con, or whatever, is appreciated. I'd like to hear drawbacks for both areas so that if we do decide to move there, I know what I'm getting into or should avoid.

Thanks.

[dweller]

1. regardless of the expense

Asheville is a liberal haven in the hills. You should reconsider, your business (and others that influx) may prompt the airport to expand?

2 cents.
dp

[Flaxbee]

2. I know Asheville's lovely... just

wondered if there was anyone who might think no. Georgia had any 'pluses' I should consider.

I much prefer smaller airports, but when I can fly nonstop to NYC roundtrip from Greenville or Charlotte for $250, and A'ville quotes me $650 with a stop in Detroit or Charlotte, sheesh, there's just no comparison... but if we did live there I'd start pushing for better airport service & expansion. With the growth of the area, there is no reason why A'ville shouldn't offer more and better routes.

Thanks for your input!

[DamnYank]

3. I would take Asheville over Clayton

Though I could be biased since I've lived in Asheville since 1998. I've only passed through Clayton a few times.

The CLT airport is an easy two-hour drive (1.5 from Flat Rock) since it's west of downtown Charlotte. Getting to ATL requires either driving through downtown or around it on the beltway, neither of which is especially fun in rush hour. Greenville, SC may be another alternative to AVL. The airport is less than 45 minutes from Flat Rock.

Asheville has a lot to offer including fine restaurants, outdoor recreation, art galleries, etc. Clayton is a smaller town and doesn't have anywhere the same scope. I know I wouldn't be happy in Clayton but that's me.

Disadvantage: Asheville now tops Chapel Hill for the highest real estate prices in NC.

Advantages: If you are looking to hire there is a good pool of educated workers available. UNC-Asheville adds to the local community in many ways. The area has a full host of business services (advertising, accounting, legal, etc.) which I suspect are not as available in Clayton. The Chamber of Commerce is very active. The local hospital has an excellent reputation.

Good luck in your relocation. Politically-speaking either choice would likely be an improvement.

[Flaxbee]

4. yes, I know the real estate is pricey... but not that much more

so than the entire western NC/northern GA area, so since we've decided to stay in this area I think we'll just deal with it. I'd like to find a little land and slowly build our own small, environmentally sound place...

I really have a better "feeling" about Black Mountain, Asheville, Flat Rock than I do northern Georgia. I lived in Atlanta years ago and got out as fast as I could, and don't know why I thought Georgia might appeal to me again. :shrug:

thanks!

[Clyde39]

5. Depends on where in NC....Asheville is the best, for sure

We moved to Asheville in 1998 and have been very happy. As former So. Calif. residents, we find the slower pace very refreshing and the diversity is wonderful. Unfortunately, many others love it also and it's having growing pains. We have good friends who live in Black Mt. and they really like it there...it's growing too, but not as fast.

[BR_Parkway]

6. You might look at Boone - I can be at CLT airport in 2 hours and

there's also Greensboro and Tri cities depending on where you want to fly. No more cheap or expensive real estate than anywhere else in the mountains. Nice small town feel, Appalachian State University is an incredible business resource to me along with 13,000 students and all of the cultural activities that go on in a college town.