Things to consider for me would definitley be temperature changes. I am in a good location in Virginia because I live smack in the middle from Richmond, to DC, If I go east I have the beach and if I go west I have the mountains. But we also have hot summers and cold winters. I have never looked foward to the cold winters before.

Asheville is gorgeous and not too far away. You may want to check out

http://retiretennessee.org they have a lot of information about cost of living, and surrounding attractions and different neighborhood information.

Good luck with your move!