Locker Room Assistance for North Carolina Summer residence information

[FSUDoles]

All,

Recently retired fairly early and still based in Northeast Broward County for the foreseeable future, but these Summers after 50 plus years in Fort Lauderdale and now Pompano Beach are not the least bit enjoyable any longer. We have spent some time in the westernmost portion of North Carolina and we also spent a little time in Charlotte and the Triangle area. That all said, we’re planning a scouting trip in the not too distant future to look at possible landing spots in North Carolina.
We want to avoid the coastline because we have had our fill of tropical storm and hurricane threats, particularly over the past 15-20 years.
I would love a property that we could simply lock and leave, so that would likely be a loft/condo or townhouse. I would really like to be near civilization with walking opportunities to restaurants, breweries, and the like. We also would like to explore some golfing, hiking and periodically hit the casinos at either Cherokee or Murphy. Asheville checks a lot of boxes, but downtown properties look very inflated. Are there any smaller towns or cities in central or western NC that check those aforementioned boxes and warrant a visit? Thanks in advance if anyone has any suggestions.

Sincerely,

Sweating in South Florida

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

All,

Recently retired fairly early and still based in Northeast Broward County for the foreseeable future, but these Summers after 50 plus years in Fort Lauderdale and now Pompano Beach are not the least bit enjoyable any longer. We have spent some time in the westernmost portion of North Carolina and we also spent a little time in Charlotte and the Triangle area. That all said, we’re planning a scouting trip in the not too distant future to look at possible landing spots in North Carolina.
We want to avoid the coastline because we have had our fill of tropical storm and hurricane threats, particularly over the past 15-20 years.
I would love a property that we could simply lock and leave, so that would likely be a loft/condo or townhouse. I would really like to be near civilization with walking opportunities to restaurants, breweries, and the like. We also would like to explore some golfing, hiking and periodically hit the casinos at either Cherokee or Murphy. Asheville checks a lot of boxes, but downtown properties look very inflated. Are there any smaller towns or cities in central or western NC that check those aforementioned boxes and warrant a visit? Thanks in advance if anyone has any suggestions.

Sincerely,

Sweating in South Florida

I own some handed down family property in Shelby NC. It’s a quaint enough town on its own famous for its Livermush Festival and rivalry between two of the best Western NV Style bbq places Red Bridges versus Alston Bridges. But the best selling point to me is the location. As it’s basically midway between Charlotte (45 mins) and Asheville (1 hr 15 mins). Cherokee is 2 hours 10 minutes away and Gatlinburg is 2.5. To me those are no big deal but judging from the Norfolk thread where people were unwilling to drive 50 mins from the infinitely better and more entertaining Williamsburg, I have to assume that 50 mins is now some impossible distance away for everyone else. Meanwhile I go up to Shelby at least once a year and always hit up Cherokee and Gatlinburg as part of the trip.

 

[RangerNole]

Interesting timing on this thread. We have discussed moving up there for years and just returned from Black Mountain area. This time we decided to get serious. Looked at land and did some research on building homes. I would say we are 2-4 years max from making the move. Probably find a lot in the next year or so and then go from there with selling our house etc. We just love it up there. Coming from a place that is just outside of hell in the summer temperature wise it will be a welcome change. Even with water views and amazing sunsets from our front deck, would just rather be in the mountains. Wife moved every few years, I grew up in Miami and the beach has just never been our thing. Crazy how things in your life change. When I bought this house I thought it would be the house I would die in; not so much anymore.
I have a friend who is a retired FF and now a realtor I can give you his contact info if you want it. He basically does the winter in HHI and summer in NC mountains. Really good guy and takes real estate seriously, not just as a hobby.

 

[OrlandNole]

Franklin, Dillard, Black Mountain

 

[FSUDoles]

Interesting timing on this thread. We have discussed moving up there for years and just returned from Black Mountain area. This time we decided to get serious. Looked at land and did some research on building homes. I would say we are 2-4 years max from making the move. Probably find a lot in the next year or so and then go from there with selling our house etc. We just love it up there. Coming from a place that is just outside of hell in the summer temperature wise it will be a welcome change. Even with water views and amazing sunsets from our front deck, would just rather be in the mountains. Wife moved every few years, I grew up in Miami and the beach has just never been our thing. Crazy how things in your life change. When I bought this house I thought it would be the house I would die in; not so much anymore.
I have a friend who is a retired FF and now a realtor I can give you his contact info if you want it. He basically does the winter in HHI and summer in NC mountains. Really good guy and takes real estate seriously, not just as a hobby.

Thanks Ranger...I would gladly take his info....not booked with airfare but I definitely want to start in Asheville and work outward in any direction. My email is Fsudoles1@bellsouth.net

Much thanks,

Tom

 

[FSUDoles]

Franklin, Dillard, Black Mountain

Thank you sir!

 

[RangerNole]

Thanks Ranger...I would gladly take his info....not booked with airfare but I definitely want to start in Asheville and work outward in any direction. My email is Fsudoles1@bellsouth.net

Much thanks,

Tom

Sounds good we like Asheville as well but want some land and the boss lady has some specific ideas on the lot she wants. Well till the price comes in at least. Joe is calling me later tonight and I will hook you guys up with an email.

 

[scalpem_all]

The Lake Norman area north of Charlotte is beautiful. About an hour and a half from the mountains. Wouldn't be a bad place to retire to at all.

 

[FSUDoles]

The Lake Norman area north of Charlotte is beautiful. About an hour and a half from the mountains. Wouldn't be a bad place to retire to at all.

Our neighbors have a home on Lake Norman where they will eventually settle....they gush about the area as well. Thank you so much for the response.

 

[F4Gary]

What about taxes?

 

[JohnnieHolmesNole]

Cashiers or bust.

 

[OrlandNole]

What about taxes?

The OP is interested in North Carolina. That's a far cry from the Lone Star state.

 

[FSUDoles]

What about taxes?

Gary,

All of these considerations are/will be part of the final decision. Currently we don't have a state income tax, but property taxes (partially assuaged by SOH after our move into our new property in 2014) and flood and windstorm insurances are pricey particularly since we are on a barrier island between the ocean and the Intracoastal. We will maintain an owned property either south or north, so one of the properties will be rented...which one? Not sure yet...tbd.

 

[FSUDoles]

Cashiers or bust.

Thanks...I have a fraternity brother who retired there...will definitely take a visit.

 

[FreeFlyNole]

How much of a difference is it really? I went to Asheville a few summers ago in June and it was just as hot and miserable as it is here in Florida. Did I just go on a bad week?

 

[LesClaypool]

How much of a difference is it really? I went to Asheville a few summers ago in June and it was just as hot and miserable as it is here in Florida. Did I just go on a bad week?

It appears you may have...

Those summer temps looks great!

 

[FreeFlyNole]

It appears you may have...

Those summer temps looks great!

Maybe I’ll have to give it another go.

 

[LesClaypool]

Maybe I’ll have to give it another go.

My daughter and went last year for a couple of days during early August. It was like 55-78 each day. I couldn't believe it.

 

[FSUDoles]

How much of a difference is it really? I went to Asheville a few summers ago in June and it was just as hot and miserable as it is here in Florida. Did I just go on a bad week?

Free,

I just finished a 3.5 mile brisk walk along A1A a few minutes ago and I'm drenched....actual temp according to Weather Underground is 88 with a real feel of 98...and that was before 9am. Humidity in the upper 60s and Dew points in the upper 70s....it feels like it did in Tally during Summer semesters. Right now, Asheville is 71 with a real feel of 71...humidity and dew points similar...but real feel temps are 27 degrees lower than here and that is with a decent sea breeze! It's not all about the temps and the storms every single afternoon though, it's ramping up to that "fun" time of year where we always have to keep an eye on the tropics....that is really getting old.

 

[RangerNole]

How much of a difference is it really? I went to Asheville a few summers ago in June and it was just as hot and miserable as it is here in Florida. Did I just go on a bad week?

I was there last week and it was nice. We were at a roof top bar and it started raining for about 30 minutes. After the rain ended we went back outside and other than the water on a few things there was no noticeable humidity. I have been there in June/July/August and unless I am doing manual labor outside you are not sweating.

 

[1handsomenole]

How much of a difference is it really? I went to Asheville a few summers ago in June and it was just as hot and miserable as it is here in Florida. Did I just go on a bad week?

Probably not "just a bad week". Having owned a summer home in N. Asheville, cooler temperatures are not always guaranteed, but generally speaking, they're typically better than those in FL. Elevations in the city range between 2,000' - 2,300' and most residents believe you have to be above 3.000' to reliably experience cooler temps.

My friends who have homes in Cashiers and Highlands rarely complain about unseasonably warm temperatures...

 

[TripTych]

I'd take a look at Boone. Boone has the small town feel, good skiing/food/beer options, still 'big' time football/basketball programs and I think better hiking than Asheville. Asheville is only at 2000', which just won't get those really cool summer nights, but it certainly has more to do.

In-laws have a house in Blowing Rock which is at 3500' and watching the fireworks from the back deck this past July 4th weekend it was really f'n cold. Jacket weather. Probably low 50's. Blowing Rock is nice, just a little snoozey/retirementy for me. But you don't get the views in Boone like you can get in BR.

 

[FSUDoles]

I'd take a look at Boone. Boone has the small town feel, good skiing/food/beer options, still 'big' time football/basketball programs and I think better hiking than Asheville. Asheville is only at 2000', which just won't get those really cool summer nights, but it certainly has more to do.

In-laws have a house in Blowing Rock which is at 3500' and watching the fireworks from the back deck this past July 4th weekend it was really f'n cold. Jacket weather. Probably low 50's. Blowing Rock is nice, just a little snoozey/retirementy for me. But you don't get the views in Boone like you can get in BR.

Thank you!

 

[billanole]

You have to decide how big a place that it will take to suit your wants/needs... There are lots of little towns in the mountains, but if cultural events, plenty of food choices, shopping, health care access, etc... are high on the list, the choices go down numbers wise.

As you mentioned, prices in Asheville are no bargain these days. It is a fun town, but the traffic is a cluster for a town that size and will soon be worse...a new bridge over the French Broad River
(to separate local traffic from I-26), widening of I-240 thru town, and a redo of the 40-240-26 malfunction junction south of town are all upcoming. I hope to stop my commute over there for work prior to this multi year clogupathon.
Smaller options...
Sylva over in Jackson County is kinda nice, has WCU nearby for a college kinda feel, and is close to lots of outdoor fun.
Our little Waynesville has an active Main Street and is close to lots of outdoor stuff as well.
Southwestern Virginia, such as Abington, Damascus, Floyd, etc... is nice, but kinda out there.
Saluda, NC is an awesome little joint perched on the edge of the escarpment that drops off into SC.
Marshall, NC is north of Asheville on the river, but is getting pricier these days.
Bryson City, NC if you wanna get more remote and plugged into local culture/ Cherokee roots, Fontana Lake fun, Smokies Park access...

Bigger places...
Greenville, SC has a newly recharged downtown scene and is cooler relative to So. Fla., but not Boone kinda cool.
Winston-Salem, NC is a nice spot, if you can deal with Piedmont heat. Good downtown, minor league ball club, easy access to mountains, great health care, home to Foothills Brewery, whose patty melt and People’s Porter are a good mix....
Tri-Cities area of TN and VA is not bad. Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport area has good water sport activities close, lots of outdoor stuff, Bristol Racetrack, etc... TN has no income tax but high sales tax.
Roanoke, VA is an interesting spot nestled in a bowl with access to plenty of fun and I would guess that it is still relatively affordable. Smith Mountain Lake nearby is a jewel.

 

[FSUDoles]

You have to decide how big a place that it will take to suit your wants/needs... There are lots of little towns in the mountains, but if cultural events, plenty of food choices, shopping, health care access, etc... are high on the list, the choices go down numbers wise.

As you mentioned, prices in Asheville are no bargain these days. It is a fun town, but the traffic is a cluster for a town that size and will soon be worse...a new bridge over the French Broad River
(to separate local traffic from I-26), widening of I-240 thru town, and a redo of the 40-240-26 malfunction junction south of town are all upcoming. I hope to stop my commute over there for work prior to this multi year clogupathon.
Smaller options...
Sylva over in Jackson County is kinda nice, has WCU nearby for a college kinda feel, and is close to lots of outdoor fun.
Our little Waynesville has an active Main Street and is close to lots of outdoor stuff as well.
Southwestern Virginia, such as Abington, Damascus, Floyd, etc... is nice, but kinda out there.
Saluda, NC is an awesome little joint perched on the edge of the escarpment that drops off into SC.
Marshall, NC is north of Asheville on the river, but is getting pricier these days.
Bryson City, NC if you wanna get more remote and plugged into local culture/ Cherokee roots, Fontana Lake fun, Smokies Park access...

Bigger places...
Greenville, SC has a newly recharged downtown scene and is cooler relative to So. Fla., but not Boone kinda cool.
Winston-Salem, NC is a nice spot, if you can deal with Piedmont heat. Good downtown, minor league ball club, easy access to mountains, great health care, home to Foothills Brewery, whose patty melt and People’s Porter are a good mix....
Tri-Cities area of TN and VA is not bad. Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport area has good water sport activities close, lots of outdoor stuff, Bristol Racetrack, etc... TN has no income tax but high sales tax.

Thanks for the detailed post Bill...I have a strong suspicion we will need to take a few trips, with extended stays, to see what our final landing spot will be.

 

[billanole]

Thanks for the detailed post Bill...I have a strong suspicion we will need to take a few trips, with extended stays, to see what our final landing spot will be.

A couple of other quick thoughts...
Somebody mentioned Black Mountain which is east of Asheville and will not be impacted by the big upcoming road work nearly so much. Nice little spot.
If you don’t want stoplights, drive out to Barnardsville and soak in the quiet with easy access to lots of woodlands.
Old Fort and Marion down at the foot of the mountains have good things happening, but the heat is much greater down there.
Good luck.

 

[FSUDoles]

A couple of other quick thoughts...
Somebody mentioned Black Mountain which is east of Asheville and will not be impacted by the big upcoming road work nearly so much. Nice little spot.
If you don’t want stoplights, drive out to Barnardsville and soak in the quiet with easy access to lots of woodlands.
Old Fort and Marion down at the foot of the mountains have good things happening, but the heat is much greater down there.
Good luck and oh, BTW. Please leave South Florida behind if you move up this way. Embrace your new home and the local culture. Meet your neighbors, help out in the community, learn what makes the place tick.

Thanks again....the relo venue will be our Summer home....as we will still spend a good part of the Fall/Winter/Spring either here in NE Broward or perhaps a little further up the coast. Living in Tallahassee during college and having my headquarters there for thirty years taught me quite a bit about cultural differences between South Florida and North Florida, Georgia and NC. As hard as it may be to believe, old Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding beachside cities (Lauderdale by the Sea for example) have that small town feel...in spite of the craziness that surrounds us to the south, west and north.

Have a great weekend!