Moving to Asheville, or anywhere for that matter, is when you want to make sure you have some things in order. You want to have the right people and connections, or at least have direction on where to find them. Even though southern hospitality rules this neck of the woods, people can get lost in the shuffle and feel like strangers for a long time. There is no need for this! There are so many groups and micro communities in Western North Carolina, that there is a place for anyone and everyone.
When our family first entertained the thought of moving to Asheville, we were happy it was "in the middle" of the East Coast. Same distance from NYC as it is to Florida, so we could live in paradise, and also have the best of those two other worlds. We purchased some property in the mountains of Weaverville, and lived the "semi-secluded" life for a few years. Then we moved to North Asheville.
Here is a Checklist of items you may want to consider when moving to Asheville and Western North Carolina:
1. Asheville Real Estate
- Are you looking to purchase a home, or a piece of property, or just rent for the time being? Do you need some information about the area, the school district, restaurants, shopping etc? An Asheville Real Estate Agent can assist you with this.
2. Asheville Insurance
- Making sure you have the proper Insurance policy in place for the moving, your new home, rental insurance, and your automobiles. You want to make sure you are covered all across the board, and that your are properly insured. An Asheville Insurance Agent can help you with this.
3. Asheville Automotive
- Finding an Auto Mechanic in a new town is not that easy. All of us know people that have been around the block a few times with their Auto Repair Shop. When moving to the area, make sure you have an Asheville Automobile Mechanic like Jimmy that you can get to know and trust.
- Looking for a New Car connection in the area? Rob Smith from Anderson Nissan can help.
- Used Cars? See Appalachian Motors in Enka Candler NC, and also opening up a new shop in south Asheville.
4. Asheville Jobs
- Finding Employment in the Asheville area is important for you, your family and the whole community. Finding a place to work, or the funding and resources to open a business is vital to growing us as a whole. You can see the NC Employment Security Commission for some great opportunities. RelyLocal Asheville and AshevilleJobs.com also have job listings on their website.
5. Asheville Friends
- Some people have friends in the area already, while others may not know too many people. There is everything from an Asheville Mommies network to an American Outlaws fan club.
6. Asheville Faith
- The are many faith based groups and congregations represented in the area. You can find this in action at The Asheville JCC - Jewish Community Center, The Basilica of St. Lawrence. North Asheville Baptist Church, Seacost Church, The Rock of Asheville, Jubilee and Missio Dei Church. These are just a few of the places doing great works in the City.
7. Asheville Health
- Chiropractor - There are many choices in the Asheville area. We use One Love Chiropractic. They may come in handy especially after a big move; your back hurting, neck pain etc. Packing and moving boxes is a pain in itself!
- Dentist - Dr. Stuart Yoon DDS is a Dentist in the area that covers both Family and Cosmetic, and has proven very valuable in us getting the proper treatment we needed.
- Eyeglasses and Contacts - Asheville has many beautiful things to see, so your eyesight is of utmost importance. The Optical Shoppe in West Asheville can assist you greatly in this area.
- Asheville Health Span MD specializes in Aesthetics, Hormone Replacement and Weight Loss.
- Doctors - Here is a list of Asheville Family Doctors.
8. Asheville Movers
- Two Men and A Truck is based in the WNC area, and they are our locally preferred Moving Company. They come with all of the necessary insurance options, and have taken great care of us.
Other items include Duke Energy for your Electric, PSNC for Gas, Asheville Water Department, Verizon for Mobile, Charter for Phone, Cable TV and Internet.
Also see the City of Asheville and Buncombe County websites.