I have a lot of family in Yadkin County and the land is not too expensive there as compared to Asheville. It however is not mountainous but rolling. I have close family in Morganton about(15-20 miles) from Lenoir.It is a fine community and has everything you need. Hickory not far away has a large and excellent hospital and Morganton has a fine hospital.10 miles from Morganton you have excellent mountains and trout fishing. heheh My standard for NC mountains.
I saw near South Mountain 10 acres on a paved road for about 5000 per acre. Not cheap but the NC mountains are now filled with Floridians.Marion is a nice town with a Walmart and a small hospital and a great Bbq place that is cheap. Wilkes County is another area and you can check. it had some amazing companies that started there such as Lowes and Holly Farms. It is also the home of Moonshine and Nascar and the legendary driver Jr. Johnson. Also the legendary character Tom Dula (aka Tom Dooley)was from Wilkes County..
I love those mountains What am I doing by not living in the NC mountains ???
Oops forgot. Check out Brevard south of Asheville. Good town and close to Greenville as well as Asheville. It also has The Davidson River a top level trout habitat.
Best wishes my friend...
Thanks for all the info!