[Normy]

My parents live in Asheville, where they moved to from Michigan when my dad retired in 1999.

-I think it is a nice place, and I recommend it overall, but there a few negatives. First of all, there is little "zoning" in that area. What this means is that you might be living in a $400,000 home of 3500 square feet with all the upgrades and a three-car garage, while the people right next door are living in a mobile home with an old truck up on blocks in the front yard. Also, though the winter is gentle...you still have winter. Figure on some snow every year, though it will be gone in a day. Finally, the police up there are heavily into "revenue enhancement". I've not had any run-ins with them during my visits, but my parents and brother sure have!

Asheville's downtown area is wonderful, and the place is growing rapidly. But right now there is only one real mall, and I think only one Wal-Mart and only a few other big-box stores. It really is still a fairly small place.

Good luck!