FReeper input: Thinking of retiring to western North Carolina

me

[nuconvert]

Thinking of retiring to western N.C. I'd love a log cabin in the mountains with modern amenities, but don't want to be too far from Dr's, grocery shopping, hospitals, etc., so a good mtn view would suffice. I've been looking north, west & east of Asheville and also in the Lenoir area and further south of Lenoir.

I'm watching the weather, and reading N.C newspapers and it seems like flooding can be a real problem.

Any suggestions/warnings from North Carolinians, especially regarding areas to avoid, would be helpful.

Thanks

[Tax-chick]

No, I live in south central North Carolina, a very pleasant place, but not in the mountains or even close. Since we moved here in ‘03, I’ve been to the mountains only when I took Tom to visit Appalachian State University a few years ago, and then in June when I drove him to his summer camp job, which was really in the foothills.

[nuconvert]

Hi. Looks like there’s a lot for sale there. Does the area have any flooding issues? Any parts to avoid due to water or crime? How’s the weather, specifically in the summer? Do I need to try to be a bit in the mountains to avoid the worst of the heat?

[nuconvert]

Thanks. Where I live now, the power lines are all underground, and we rarely have outages. I have noticed that most of the areas I’m interested in have the old above ground lines. I’ll keep that and the vacation rentals in mind.

[nuconvert]

Thanks. I haven’t investigated the Murphy area at all.

[Mister Da]

Almost all power lines in the mountains are above ground, vulnerable to snow laden limbs/trees falling on them.

Water & sewer lines are limited to low lying areas. Mountain homes almost all have a well & septic tank. Well water varies from tasty to foul over time. Filter systems are almost always required & need periodic servicing. Replacing a well can cost plenty. They don’t last forever. Water levels vary over time. A drought can dry up your well. Drilling in rock is expensive.

[nuconvert]

Thanks. I’ve seen some mountain communities that have HOA’s (a small HOA would be ok) that look attractive for some of the very issues you mention.
Lots to think about.

[wardaddy]

Pretty place

Aloof peeps

I have a Maine story involves

My then girlfriend

Deep forests

Parking

Marijuana

B52...not the band

[lizma2]

I know a couple people who have retired in Brevard about 45 min south of Asheville. Small quaint college town. University puts on some events and a the town has couple festivals in the summer. Also close to Hendersonville. Not that pricey.
Boone is nice but higher elevation and a lot more snow.
Read an article a few years back about best places to retire and it mentioned Johnson City, TN. Beautiful area!
Lake Lure seems a little too quiet for my taste

[nuconvert]

Thanks