Hey, With a population of 94,369, Asheville is a smaller city. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
30 upvotes
10 Replies
Julia O.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Andrew Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Jaxon P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Violet Kelly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Arianna Carter
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Abigail Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Gabriella R.
this is the way
13 upvotes
William Richardson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
nyc_landon
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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