13 Undeniable Reasons For Moving To Asheville, North Carolina
This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Are you thinking of moving to Asheville, North Carolina? Here are 13 reasons why we are moving to North Carolina from the Sunshine State, Florida. Find vegan restaurants, Biltmore, DuPont State Forest, Asheville breweries, fall foliage, and so much more.
We had no intention of moving to Asheville, NC. None at all. Native New Englanders, we didn’t love living in Florida, but we had accepted our career fate.
But then, one weekend, flights thwarted our vacation plans to Puerto Rico. We ended up in Asheville, North Carolina as our second destination of choice.
Within 24-hours, we decided to move to Western North Carolina. Within the month, we bought a house in an established AVL neighborhood. Y’all, we don’t mess around.
So, why are we moving to Asheville, North Carolina? How did this happen virtually overnight? Asheville bewitched us with beer, bookstores, culture, and hiking. I blame the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We are sharing our reasons for moving to Asheville, and will hopefully better inform your questions and decisions if moving to Asheville is right for you.
What We Recommend
But First, Don’t Miss Our Asheville Travel Blog, Uncorked Asheville
Since moving to Asheville over a year and a half ago, we started an Asheville travel blog, Uncorked Asheville. Experience Asheville like a local. That’s our goal — sharing the magic of Asheville, NC with you.
You can sign-up for Asheville updates — including new restaurants, fabulous waterfall hikes, and authentic local recs — here. This Asheville blog is perfect for Asheville newbies, vacationers, travelers, and anyone considering a move to Asheville, NC.
You also don’t want to miss this post about what it’s actually like living in Asheville, NC now. If you are visiting Asheville, be sure to enjoy these Airbnb stays, too.
Why Did We Considering Moving To Asheville In The First Place? One Word: Florida
Bye, Felicia! Oops, I mean Florida.
Florida was our home for the past 8 years. When my husband’s commercial airline base closed, we decided to move to the next base in Central Florida. There may or may not have been sobbing in a La Quinta hotel room with hysterical not-so-whispers of please don’t make me move to Florida.
All of our family is in CT. This New England girl loves her seasons, rolling hills, and uhhhh, let’s call it culture. Let’s just brush that off and leave it there.
For me, Florida is semi-hell disguised as a beach. The traffic is insane, and although I am not a fatalist, driving there makes me want to take up religion. No one has ever said that they will miss Florida Man, either…
My eyes will never believe seeing Confederate flags proudly hanging in so many windows — which you will also see in Western North Carolina. Can everyone read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, please?! Plus, work pays in sunshine (I can’t take credit for that phrase either).
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches, owning a pool, and the fact that everything is open 24/7 for snowbirds and retirees. It is God’s waiting room, after all. Put your thumbs away; I didn’t coin that truth.
Want to go to the brewery at noon? Not a problem. We lived for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. Florida is a great vacation destination. A short-term relationship with no commitment. A one-night stand gone right. Friends with all of the benefits; no strings attached. You get it, right?!
I will be back for the beach and friends — if I have any left after reading this.
So, Florida, I am breaking up with you to move to Asheville, NC and here’s why:
13 Reasons Why We Are Moving To Asheville, North Carolina
1. The Blue Ridge Mountains
Did you ever fly into a destination and just feel like you were home? The number one reason we are moving to Asheville, North Carolina is because of those bluish-green mountains.
The Blue Ridge Mountains surround Asheville. Their smoke and mist must be some magical drug; I never want to leave them. I find the mountains inspirational just like Johnny Depp in Secret Window before it all goes wrong.
Maybe that’s a bad analogy.
Another way to look at it: George Vanderbilt decided that while some of his family members and the elite were settling in thriving cities like New York City, Paris, and Newport, he fell in love with Asheville, NC. In fact, George enjoyed Asheville so much that he built America’s largest home, Biltmore Estate.
F. Scott Fitzgerald also came to Asheville for vacations — staying at The Omni Grove Park Inn — while Zelda resided at Highlands Hospital, improving her mental health. Unfortunately, Zelda perished in the Highlands Hospital fire — so maybe moving to Asheville wasn’t so great for her.
2. Downtown Asheville, NC
The moment the plane landed, I knew that I wanted to live in Asheville. One of the deal-sealers: the knit pig on the lamp post with the mountain sunset and bubble machine in front of the board game cafe (which sadly closed in 2020). That’s too many yuppie words for me to comprehend in one sentence.
Where am I, Toto?
I am an old millennial; what can I say? Hello, rock climbing gym, endless restaurants and cafes, a giant iron, and urban street art. Which way should I turn? Dim sum tapas? Beer at which brewery? A drum circle in the square?
It will take me years to date you, Asheville. Bring. It. On.
Don’t miss all of the Things You Can Do In Asheville, NC.
3. Vegan and Gluten-Free Restaurants
Did you know that Asheville is called Foodtopia? The city is a foodie’s dream.
I have UC and my husband has Celiac Disease. We are both lactose-intolerant. Most Florida restaurants, especially outside of the major cities, completely disregarded our severe food intolerances. It was frustrating as heck.
Asheville restaurants have dietary labels on most of the menus. The wait staff knows their stuff and attentively take care of everything without even blinking.
Our food options spread in front of us like a deck of cards during some magical foodie trick. Plus, although we are not vegan or veggie, we seek out this cuisine frequently.
Personally, I love Plant and Laughing Seed Cafe.
Don’t miss our entire Asheville Food & Drink Guide On Uncorked Asheville.
4. Battery Park Book Exchange
Moving to Asheville, North Carolina is a boozy and literary traveler’s dream. Our first night ever in Asheville, we landed at the Battery Park Book Exchange.
Literary cocktails, champagne between the stacks, and books for sale? Um, can I just live here? Plus, we saw a book club meeting along with other gatherings and celebrations. I’d have my 40th here. You in?! Sold.
P.S. These are my favorite North Carolina books so far.
Be Sure To Check Out Our Asheville, NC Travel Blog
Since writing this post, we, of course, moved to Asheville, North Carolina. AND IT’S BEEN THE BEST DECISION EVER! If you are traveling to Asheville, be sure to check out our Asheville-based blog, Uncorked Asheville. Find local tips, boozy itineraries, where to eat, and fun things to do for everyone. Sign-up for updates here.
5. Breweries Upon Breweries
[Channel Oprah Here] “And you get a brewery, and you get a brewery, and YOU GET A BREWERY.” I am a craft beer gal all of the way.
Asheville grows breweries like Florida spawns retirees and Florida Man memes. Whoops, did I go there? I am paralyzed with hoppy indecision. In fact, Asheville is building even more beer havens as I write this.
A few of my favorite Asheville breweries include Wicked Weed Brewing, Thirsty Monk, Wedge at Foundation, Zillicoah, and Bhramari Brewing Company.
Don’t miss the Best Asheville Breweries.
6. Biltmore Estate and Winery
Did you know that Biltmore is said to be America’s largest private estate and home? George Vanderbilt built this stunning icon, including an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, and gorgeous library.
After moving to Asheville, we traded in our annual Disney passes for Biltmore concerts and access to the grounds for the 22-miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails.
Can we talk about Biltmore Winery, too? One day is not enough to see and experience it all. No oaked Chardonnays and Syrahs are safe. You’ve been warned, Asheville.
Get the most out of your Biltmore Visit With These Locals Tips.
7. Hiking & Waterfalls
The second day we landed in Asheville, NC, we booked it out the door to DuPont State Forest in search of The Hunger Games waterfalls.
Did you know that Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls?” There are over 200+ waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Asheville (NC Micropolitan Statistical Area) and Brevard fall into some of this area.
With gorgeous weather almost year-round, moving to Asheville means living in outdoor clothes 24/7 — if that’s your jam. The hiking trails across Western North Carolina never end. Asheville also has beautiful parks and gardens.
Mother Nature, you and I are going to be besties. Just keep those copperheads away from me, please.
8. Seasons
Speaking of weather: Hello, seasons; my old friend. People always complain about the snow, but when you never see it, you miss it.
And yes, I will death-grip the steering wheel and silently sob as I re-learn not only how to drive in snow and ice but also on winding, hilly roads. Driving in Iceland may have prepared us a little bit, but after 8 years in Florida, I still have to look up “hill” in the dictionary.
Plus, you know about fall in Asheville, right? People flock to see the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway foliage. You also have the famous Hendersonville apple orchards with cider donuts and slushies.
Lastly, since moving to Asheville, we bought a house. It has a gas fireplace. Imagine four kitty stockings hanging on the mantle during a white Christmas — which we had in 2020. It snows in Asheville, but it’s usually a light dusting.
9. Homes With Personality
I can’t complain. My cement, stucco, one-story Florida home saved our butts through multiple scary hurricanes. The house was a tank.
I loved its modern touches, but I miss older homes. New England houses and Asheville homes have character and not just characters lurking outside.
Our new Asheville home is a colonial. Le sigh. The rooms are cozy, and f’ me: is that a basement?!?!?!
10. Traffic and Driving
Everyone tells us how bad Asheville traffic is. Um, I dare you to go on I-4 through Orlando, Disney, and the outlets. It could take me two to three hours to go 20-30 minutes at least once a week. Insert hysterical laugh.
We are stoked that within 30-minutes, we can be across Asheville and into other happening cities as well as the airport. Most places are a 5 to 15-minute drive from us, including the eye doctor, dentist, and GI. In Florida, it’s an hour to get to a good doctor (and don’t get me started on Florida’s healthcare system).
Granted, staying in my lines for those turns is still a challenge. Whereas in Florida, I was a speed demon to stay alive with the aggressive and awful drivers, in NC, I am humbly slow. P.S. Motion sickness is for real in the Asheville mountains.
11. Wine
Wait, what?! Isn’t Asheville home to all of the craft beer? It is, but there is also WINE. Of course, this isn’t CA, and the number one question I receive from Californians moving to Asheville (and yes, there are a lot of you), is if the wine is any good.
In the U.S., I am not sure if anything compares to CA wine. But, there are a ton of wineries near Asheville, especially in Hendersonville and Flat Rock. We missed having good wineries while living in Florida.
Like Florida, the muscadine grape — which I don’t particularly care for — grows in North Carolina. However, unlike Florida, we have more than those fruity wines, too. Our favorite wineries in WNC include Stone Ashe and Marked Tree Vineyards.
12. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) has been named one of the prettiest spots in the United States. In the fall, the BRP lights up with gorgeous foliage.
This winding two-lane road is home to scenic overlooks, wildlife, hiking trails, waterfalls, and cabin getaways. The entire Parkway spans from Cherokee, North Carolina — home to the elk — all the way to Virginia.
Bikers, motorcyclists, road trippers, RVers…you name it…all take to the BRP for the peaceful views. Parts of the Parkway will close in the winter for ice — just in case you are visiting Asheville then.
13. Everything! Quality Of Life, Culture, Community
This goes without saying, but we are moving to Asheville, NC because it rocks.
I love the vintage pinball museum, liberal vibes, and community-oriented, local support. People are friendly, including mountain-giddy tourists.
Outdoorsy folk thrive as well as artists, digital nomads, and writers. There is so much to see and do. I can’t even begin to describe it; so, you better visit us to see for yourself.
Considering moving to Asheville? Want to check out WNC? Where can you stay?
Don’t miss these Asheville Airbnb stays→
Aloft – Downtown Asheville – If you are looking to stay in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Aloft hotel is newly renovated as of 2020. You’ll love the brilliant local murals, updated rooms, and trendy public areas, including a rooftop pool, bar, and ledge overlooking all of Asheville.
Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area – Although this hotel is on busy Brevard Road – NC-191 – across from the Asheville Outlets, we stayed here before moving to Asheville. Clean, updated, and in the middle of everything, you can easily access downtown, Biltmore, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
1898 Waverly Inn Bed and Breakfast — While looking for houses in Asheville, we stayed at this sweet B&B in Hendersonville, NC (35-40 mins from Asheville closer to DuPont State Forest). We loved their social happy hour and friendly hosts. You can walk into downtown Hendersonville.
So, are you moving to Asheville, NC?
We are thrilled to call Asheville, North Carolina our new home. You can see how living in Asheville worked out here on Uncorked Asheville.
Let us know if you have any questions or are visiting Asheville. If you hate that I ranked on Florida, well, don’t let me know.
And thanks, Florida; it’s been real. Real hot.
We originally published 13 Reasons For Moving to Asheville on June 12, 2019 & have updated this post for 2021.
If You Are Visiting Asheville, Don’t Miss These Top Posts:
Asheville Food & Drinky-Drink Guide
Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In Asheville: Hiking, Waterfalls & Biltmore
Book Posts Related To Asheville, NC:
Books To Read Before Visiting The South
Best Books Set In North Carolina
Famous Asheville Authors
Fantastic Books Set In Asheville
Asheville Photo Credits
Did you love many of the pictures in this post? Sarah Resta is an international and local Asheville engagement and wedding photographer for Sarah Resta Photography. As a partner, we highly recommend Sarah. Tell her that Christine, The Uncorked Librarian, sent you when you book her.
Apparently the vegan food festival was a couple of weeks ago in Asheville. I missed it! I’m not vegan, but nowadays I am mostly vegetarian and trying to move as much toward a more plant-based diet as possible. Asheville just gets it. I like to call it the Portland of the Carolinas. In addition to be quirky (dare I say weird?), they definitely “get” veganism. And just in general, it’s a similar feel culturally. Super excited for you!
I didn’t know that they had a vegan festival. How cool! Thanks so much for sharing that tidbit.
We are not strictly vegan or veggie either–in fact, my dad worked for a meat company growing up so we ate tons of meat every day. I’m not sure I could ever completely stop consuming chicken (or eggs). However, like you, I do enjoy moving toward a healthier and more “natural” diet. I really need to cut out processed food and eat more fruits and veggies.
I’ve never been to Portland, but I did hear that it is similar to Asheville. Once we move to Asheville, I am definitely hoping to run into you. Be sure to message me when you are in town.
Thanks so much.
Yeah I’ll let you know! Like I said, I’ve really been missing Asheville, so now I have yet another reason to visit! 😉
Awesome!
I am so excited for you!! Asheville really seems like it’s calling you. I love those mountains, too. My cousins live there and post photos of them all the time, and I just want to magically transport myself to that location every time I see them. It looks SO beautiful, all the colors and the swoops and dips of the outline against a moody sky. 🙂 And I can’t believe you bought a house there! That is some committment. 🙂 So, so exciting. I can’t wait to see more photos and read about your NC adventures. Congrats!!
Thank you so much! I am so sorry for the late reply too. My WP is all jacked up with comment order lately, and I can’t find half of my comments that I know I didn’t see. Sigh. I know you have had the same problem…arg! I guess I shouldn’t approve them until I am ready to respond…that way I won’t miss any?! But that seems lame too.
That’s awesome that you have family in Asheville. Maybe I will see you sometime! You describe it beautifully. I fell madly in love with those mountains. If you ever decide to visit family, please let me know.
Congratulations on your move! My family and I lived in Asheville for 6 years before my husband’s job took us to Minnesota 2 years ago. There may have been a similar hysterical experience when I found out we were leaving. My faves are Sierra Nevada Brewery (the real happiest place on Earth), Pisgah National Forest, Malaprops bookstore, the Vault has the best nachos, and the Sky Top Bar has the best views around. Have fun exploring. The adventures are endless!
Hey Allison,
Thank you SO much! Thanks for sharing your favs too! We only got a glimpse of Sierra Nevada during one of our visits, and I am dying to go back. We didn’t get to tour or anything, but we grabbed a fast dinner at the bar before catching our flight. It’s HUGE!!! I feel like that might become my new Disney World!? That and the Biltmore. Did you ever have annual passes for the Biltmore or see it at Christmas?
I heard that there is a restaurant that overlooks Pisgah National Forest, but I cannot remember the name right now. Our Uber driver said it’s a must and is so beautiful. I will be sure to check it all out.
Thank you for all of the tips and recs. I really appreciate it. Let us know if you come back to visit.
You might be thinking of the restaurant at the Pisgah Inn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway. 🙂
Thank you! We still need to go there!
Can I break up with my city and move to Asheville?! It sounds incredible! A COLONIAL HOUSE! All the vegan food, the hikes, the glorious air (I imagine it will be crisp and clean, I might be getting too much into Colorado territory there though.) I am so happy for you! Sounds like Asheville will be a really great move! I wanted to visit Asheville someday! This makes me want to visit it even more. Good luck on the move!
Please do! If your city is anything like FL, bye buhhhh ; )
I knew that you would love the vegan food, and you have to come visit sometime. Spooky tours and bars, here we come! I will make a list of vegan and veggie restaurants just for you.
I have not seen clean air in so long (the humidity plus city air is a bad combo here in Central FL) that I don’t know how Asheville compares elsewhere. I, however, think it’s much cleaner than what we currently have. I will say, since I’ve been FL shredding today, that FL is, of course, way cleaner than other places we’ve been. Can’t complain too much (but I do, oops). Bye, sulfur water, though. Won’t miss that nastiness.
Thank you so much!
Asheville sounds absolutely perfect! I’ve always wanted to visit. I’ve heard it’s an amazing place to live. I can’t wait to read more posts from you about it.
I don’t blame you at all for escaping Florida. I’ve never been in love with Florida. We did a couple of visits as kids and then as an adult I visited my friend in St. Pete. It definitely was pretty but not the place for me. Actually we went to a bar and it was filled with senior citizens. It was a bar filled with her husband’s lawyer friends and old people. Was a nightmare!?
I’ve said it plenty of times but I’m sooo excited for you! This will be a great move!
Loved your post!
St. Pete and Tampa are definitely more intriguing to us. If we come back to Florida to visit, we will most likely head that way vs Central Florida. St. Pete has more culture and amazing breweries. I like the vibe there. We almost decided to move there, but we really really really wanted out of Florida. St. Pete gets flooded by the snowbirds, and it’s becoming more and more of a troubled mess. The water there is killing people, but the politicians don’t care right now. The whole city smells so bad from algae and other bad things getting ignored. I don’t care what your political beliefs are: there is a problem…and you can see and smell it. The traffic from St. Pete to Tampa is out of this world.
We laugh about the older crowd (and love them since we will be them), but they take over in the winter. The older cougars love to get slammed and childishly mock the younger crowd too. It’s been quite a frustrating experience. I’ve never really seen this anywhere else. Daytona is famous for the shitshows (and I actually love Daytona). I think people think everyone is on vacation and just get drunk, treat our home like crap, and get in the way without caring lol. I sound so bitter. Oops. It’s been a long 8 years, and this lady is OUT.
Thank you! We are stoked for the new adventure.
I am so happy for you guys and your Florida escape!! As a Southerner from TN I love the heat, but even for me, Florida was kind of terrible. That unforgiving sun, sand in unwanted places, and buckets of sunscreen were not my idea of a good vacation. When you are a kid you dont have much choice, though. PCB was a hot destination for folk in my hometown (luckily my family went to Destin, less horrible). Florida is definitely low on my list of states to live in.
This move to Asheville speaks to my soul. I’m a sucker for mountains and nature, breweries and books. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures there! I may even pass through one day. I haven’t been since I was 16, so a visit is due!
Congratulations on the move and good luck in all of your moving adventures!
My husband will totally be nodding his head in agreement with you. The beach kind of gives him anxiety because the sand is relentless. You really cannot get it out of anything. We come home from the beach and it seems to stay in our house year round. I do LOVE the beach, though. I was hoping to visit a few more times before we move to Asheville, but it is too hot. Within an hour, you are freaking toast. It’s so hot this week, we haven’t even gone outside to enjoy the sun.
All of your reasons are why I love Asheville too. Let us know if you pass through. I’m hoping to head to Ohio again this year or next for my best friend there.
Thank you so much!
I’m glad that you love Asheville so much. The only caution that I have to offer is that as more and more people flock to Asheville (in droves at this point), it is loosing its charm rapidly. As a resident for the last 30 years, I can day that traffic, housing, and a few other of those things that you love about Asheville are rapidly changing for the worst. Housing is unaffordable, traffic is more nightmarish, and the seasons have changed dramatically.
I hope you enjoy your time here, but do realize that Asheville is changing so rapidly that it may not be the same town you fell in love with for very long.
Yes, flocking retirees, digital nomads, and tourists are one of our concerns. Thank you for your honesty; I appreciate it. I also feel slightly guilty because I am sure that people like us moving in are part of the problem. We are worried that long-timers won’t warm up to newbie residents for the above reasons (and I don’t blame them).
We just put a house under contract, and the Asheville market is not only hot but fast and competitive. We are definitely getting less for our value by choosing North Asheville vs Arden or Fletcher. I can only imagine it getting worse for a while. Hopefully, this trend peaks, breaks, and chills out.
Florida, in many ways, is the same for us: traffic, housing, and tourists/retirees. We need a change.
@Christine, this article is well-written but stress-inducing. I live in a WNC mountain town that has been absolutely mobbed with tourists (mainly Floridians) since the beginning of COVID. People escaping the larger cities to get away from COVID. The influx of people has been astounding. Lines to get onto the parkway, local wineries/breweries at capacity on off-days. The saddest is three separate friends (two who grew up here) were looking for but unable to purchase homes before people (from Florida) paid cash and snapped them up from under them. I guess I wish the message of this article was more like… “why Asheville sucks and you should stay put” or “13 reasons to move to Arkansas”. We don’t need more tourons.
Hi Lauren, I definitely have heard that all of this is now becoming a phenomenon from the pandemic — especially the buying with cash aspect. My husband and I were just talking about this. It’s wild. Understandably, no one wants to be trapped inside again for that long — it was tough, a tad terrifying, & isolating. I do think that once the post-pandemic, national road-tripping dies down and international travel (and even cruising) is back in full swing, all of these growingly attractive and appealing U.S. cities might somewhat calm down again to the normal flow of people both coming and going — but that’s just, of course, my opinion. From talking with our real estate agent, the current trend is predicted to stay for a few years. I do think we are in for a wild fall season this 2021 in WNC, and we will probably be laying lower than usual for our sanity. We are world travelers and travel a lot (and both work in the tourism industry) so I cannot ever personally complain about tourists since I am one. BUT, we do try to avoid peak times, ourselves. We’ve always lived in popular areas, though. Even CT and MA got slammed in the fall with leaf chasers. Florida and those beaches at spring and summer breaks… I’m sorry your friends are struggling to buy homes. The market is pretty stressful right now. We are trying to do some house renos, and those prices are all way up (ridiculously so) — and contractors are backed up for months. Definitely frustrating and a bummer all around.
Congrats on the move!! I live in the Virginia side of the Blue Ridge Mountains- and I absolutely love it. I’ve heard nothing best the best things about Asheville! ?
xoxo
Thank you so much! Tell me all about Virginia some time. Maybe we will run into you. Actually, I’ll just peruse your blog for ideas as well. Thank you SO much! XXXxxx
I enjoyed the post and I know you are going to love Asheville. Yet again, I am envious of your life. When we went years ago, the hubby and I spent most the time trying to figure out if it would be possible to relocate. Enjoy it!
Hey Amy!! I hope you get to visit us one day soon! Come back and rekindle the Asheville magic. Thanks for reading, and please keep in touch!
Asheville seems like such a popular destination right now. I know about 5 people within the last year or so that upped and moved there. It seems so amazing and tranquil. I definitely want to visit for sure. How you described being in Asheville for the first time was how I felt the first time I visited Seattle. As soon as I landed I knew I would call Seattle home one day. Almost 5 years later and it’s the first place in my life where I’ve truly felt at home. So happy for you and your new adventure — can’t wait to see updates! 🙂
Hey Kacey–so sorry for the late reply. My comments got buried on this one for some reason. I’m not usually this terrible at responding unless I’m traveling.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I’ve never been to Seattle, but I would love to go some time. Aren’t they famous for delicious coffee and beer too? I’ve only heard wonderful things. I also hear people talk similarly about Portland, Austin, and Knoxville. I have to add them all to the list. Asheville is kind of trendy right now–which I am thrilled for as a blogger.
Thank you so much for the good wishes. I appreciate it!
Great post. I’ll have to read it to the hubby this weekend. I can relate to many of the reasons why you want to move from Florida as I feel the same about California. However, I will say California is like a good mix of Florida and NC. We have everything here. If we miss the snow (which I never miss it), we can just drive to it. As a matter of fact, we had so much snow and rain, some ski resorts are open to ski at until the end of the summer. That’s just 2 hours away from me. Not that I’ll ever go skiing lol
Florida is on our list for retirement for many reasons. We actually would love to live by the beach. I am trying to stay away from places like Orlando and Miami. I want to see palm trees outside my window or smell the ocean when I open my window. We had this for a while living in Los Angeles, it was probably my best living situation. Of course, we were renting at the time and we couldn’t afford a house near the sea. So we uped a moved to where there are mountains. I do see palm trees, but no beach, just mountains surround me.
I think BS and craziness can be found anywhere. My sister lives in the middle of nowhere in NC and even surrounded by 10acres, she complains to me about her crazy commutes, the crazy drivers that don’t stop for animals and the stupid crime in the area. We know we aren’t going to get away from the BS no matter where we go and not for nothing, I swear hubby attracts it. He can just be sitting anywhere minding his own business and shit always happens. I don’t get it. His profession maybe? The energy he puts out from it? I don’t know.
I love the sound of Asheville, minus the snow. I hope to visit someday. Probably during the warm months. 😉
Thanks for making me laugh with your reasons to move and being honest. I truly value honesty and will keep this in mind when we really start thinking about investing in Florida.
OMG, I thought I responded to this comment?! WP IS KILLING ME LOL!!! I am so freaking sorry. I thought I finally caught up with reading and responding to comments, but then I found a ton unanswered buried within other comments. Oh dear. I am so sorry, girl! I gotta get my WP reader straightened out or something.
So since I am AWFUL, and it’s a week later, did you read it to Enzo? I feel like we actually had an entire conversation about this on Twitter. We must have.
Speaking of skiing: I *might* try it out in Asheville. I grew up in CT so you’d think I would have gone skiing at least once by now. We did sled and ice skate, though. Our new NC house has a hill. I think I am going to crack my sled out, for sure.
I’ve never been to CA, but I’d love to visit. CA definitely sounds both insane and amazing for polar opposite reasons.
Every place definitely has its shit. I do big states like CA and FL have quite a bit more…more room for the insanity.
Orlando is just ugh. To be fair, the city is hard for us to get to. But, I just never loved it enough for it to be worth it either. St. Pete and Tampa are cool. We had a fun weekend in Miami, and I wish we made it to the Keys. Florida never inspired me. That’s probably why I rarely blog about it lol!!
We can’t wait for Asheville, and I hope to see you there soon! I, for one, am thrilled for the change.
I did not get to read it to Enzo. I did give him some highlights, and his response is, “can we please check out Texas and TN?” I mean Florida sounds nice for retirement for several reasons BUT the truth is I would not move there right now. I honestly just want to be on the East coast when I’m older, close to the beach and a good airport. Is that too much to ask for? LOL
So many beautiful pockets of California. The cities are just not in the best shape right now. It’s sad.
I have family in Tampa and they hate it! They think everyone is just nasty there. They think I’m crazy for considering Florida but I think that if I stick to yuppy areas, I’ll be somewhat okay. Plus I do not plan to spend a lot of time there LOL
What do you think of Naples or Juniper (I think)? Some areas we discussed. We realized the Keys was too impractical lol We have about 10-15 years to decide. Anything can happen!
At least you gave it a shot for 8 years. That’s a long time! You could have given up in 1 yr. You made the best of it. Now onto a new exciting chapter in your life. =D
You know, Orlando is a badass airport, and that is the one aspect that I will miss. We flew direct into Reykjavik from MCO, which was amazing. Same for Dublin. AND when we flew to Indonesia, we went straight to Dubai and then Jakarta. The MCO to Dubai was 16-gosh-awful-hours straight, but it got the job done fast. Asheville will add almost a full day of travel and one or two layovers for us (a price I am willing to pay 4-6 times a year).
I think FL will be good for on older joints, honestly. When I went to Iceland, everything was cracking and hurting. I bet I will feel the snow and cold in NC more too. Part of that is me getting old, and the other part is my damn UC meds that are known for causing major joint issues. But I definitely think that is one of the perks to FL for the elderly too. Along with no state income tax and snow.
Tampa can be super shitty if you live there. The traffic and heat are crazy. The news has some *fun* stories there. Tampa does have a lot more cool stuff going on, but I don’t think I’d necessarily sign-up to live there anytime soon.
We never really made it close to Naples but everyone seems to like it–definitely a huge retirement community and same for Juniper. Sarasota and Venice Beach too.
I tried to give up after a year lol. I was like please nooooooo more, but we were getting married and kinda had to suck it up. Then we bought a house. Then I was screwed. lol
We need to retire in the same place. Like Italy…
Thanks for all the insight! The MCO airport sounds like a dream. I want to be closer to Europe!
Yes, let’s retire to Italy! I’d love to go back and forth.
We can each have a home across the world and share!
I feel the same about New York. Ok, not the same because it’s not hot all year and we’re pretty liberal up here BUT I feel you on the exit plan. I’ve lived here for 30 years and every time I cross the Outerbridge and leave NY I literally feel the weight off of my shoulders. Since my husband’s remote and we can go anywhere, I think we should go anywhere … but here! I know I’ve told you we planned to look in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is definitely making a move there sound appealing!
HAHA, I definitely get that. I know some people get super defensive and offended when I talk about FL too, but let’s be honest as well. No place is perfect and to me, FL is blahhh. I am from CT–which I really love–but it has problems too. Granted, if we didn’t have to leave CT for Tom’s job, I would lived there forever.
However, some places really wear on you. The day we landed in FL, I knew it wasn’t for me. Well, that is a lie: visiting and apartment hunting, I knew it wasn’t for me. But, a Florida move was the best choice for our family at the time, and we made it work. We had a great time and always appreciate our lives. But… it doesn’t mean that FL doesn’t blow chunks for us. Like you said, crossing state lines just feels like my heart can expand. I can breathe again. Doctors and healthcare really blow here, if I am honest.
And as a liberal, it’s stifling to live in Central Florida and Volusia County where our Supervisor of Elections just happens to lose, mis-send, and not even count our absentee ballots (three times we had problems…no joke). We like being surrounded with unique and diverse people–but also people who believe in love, tolerance, acceptance, and education. I won’t miss the Friday protestors in my town that literally tell us we are going to hell because we don’t have the same beliefs or the endless symbols of racism in our face. I know that is everywhere, but in FL, it’s far more prevalent.
Now that I am remote and my husband can transfer to Asheville, it’s time to make our move. Love what we’ve gained here, but I’m equally thrilled to leave. I will miss the friends we made. FL has some really good people and great beaches. And, um… yea… lol
I hope you make it to Asheville. We are in the cool friend market.
Love this post! And I just love Laughing Seed. I hope you really enjoy your Biltmore annual pass. My husband and I have had annual passes since we were engaged. I recommend trying the lunch at Deerpark. It’s amazing! There are lots of vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The Laughing Seed was the first place we ever had dinner in Asheville. It was so delicious, and I am such a sucker for tempeh and local brews. Their service was on point too.
I will definitely keep your recommendation for Deerpark in mind: sounds perfect to me. Cannot wait. Thanks for the tip.
Welcome to North Carolina!!! I absolutely love Asheville (and don’t know how anyone couldn’t!). I grew up <2 hours away, but live in southern NC now and miss my mountains so much! We frequently have girls’ weekends there. I can’t wait to see all your fun adventures!
Thank you so much! We are excited. Those mountains just straight out sing to me. Every time I see them, I hope that I never ever tire of their green-blue hue. Let me know when you are in town sometime! I’ll be there drinking all of the beer and coffee.
Congratulations! So happy for you – it’s a wonderful town and I’m sure you’ll love it! (I do know you’ll miss those Epcot drinks though! ?)
I will totally miss those Epcot drinks. Our annual passes don’t expire until the fall. We’ve been debating coming back for one last round. It’s usually super hot at the beginning, though. Tempting!! Thank you!
As someone who lived in Florida for 18 years, I agree with everything you said. It’s a nice place to visit, but living there is another story. The only reason I step foot in Florida now is because I have family there. Every time I visit, it feels like I’ve gone back in time 20 years.
I haven’t been to Asheville, but I’ve heard a lot of good things. I am excited for you and your husband!
Congratulations on your move. This Florida girl gets it (although I’m closer to Miami which is hotter than hell). I love Asheville and visited for 10 summers where I shipped my kids for sleep away camp — it was that or they would melt like sticky popsicles. Have fun making new memories in your new city.
I wish that we got to head Miami more often. St. Pete, Tampa, and Miami definitely had more culture and perks than Central Florida. Wynwood Walls will always be a favorite just because I had no idea it existed until we brewery hopped down there.
We had no idea about the Asheville camp culture until our last visit. Makes sense! I never grew up camping so maybe one summer, I will volunteer to be a counselor for fun.
Thank you!
We still have family here too–one member who has no sense of humor about FL Man and FL’s craziness lol. It’s unrealistic to think FL is just this amazing oasis and take “the grass is always greener” attitude. No place is perfect, but for us, personally, Florida hasn’t been on our favorite. It needs major fixing.
The state is a bigger mess than many. I think it’s important to see the good and the bad (and there can be quite a bit of bad here). Right now, traffic and congestion are wild. The school systems are flailing, infrastructure is nonexistent, don’t get me going on gun culture regardless of political beliefs, racism and prejudice are rampant and allowed (even at the library I worked at was so prejudice and uneducated–I went to a staff training where they actually said transgender people might rape people in bathrooms), tax dollars go to the wrong places, our leaders have the wrong priorities, and snowbirds and retirees run the state while the working class can’t pay their rent. Driving here is terrifying and you might make $14/hr with a Master’s degree. It’s endless. I don’t even understand it, really, because the state is full of so many transient people and their money (that they don’t put back into the state most of the time). You think FL would have picked up some progressive, strong values over the years. It’s only growth is in tourists, traffic accidents, and luxury gated communities. I think I went on an embittered tirade, lol! It is 20 years backward, though.
I know Asheville suffers from quite a few problems, but I am so ready to move forward and on. Thank you! We are thrilled.
Welcome to Asheville! I found your blog this morning and as a book-lover/addict, I’m loving it. If you ever host an in-person book blogging training, I’d love to be there!
Hey Emily,
Thank you! We are loving Asheville so far. Thanks so much for the kind words. I will definitely let you know!