I was raised in the Western Carolina area, and WOW! I miss it. The Cherokee area is wonderful. Even towards Pigeon forge Tenn. That whole area is very nice. Asheville NC is wonderful, and has a ton of great shopping, services, and the medical care is great there as well. Hendersonville is quite crowded, and over run right now, but even south of there, like Saluda, or Columbus is quite nice. Very rural, while being close to ammenties.

Look up Western NC on line. Or check out the Tenn area on line. it will give you some idea as to whats out there. Make sure to check tax rates, and things like income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and so forth. Do you need public transportation? would you like to be able to grab the bus? or would driving your car be what you want? Look at the real estate stuff on Realtor.com and see what stuff is selling for in your target cities.

I am so jealous! I would love to move back to the mountains, but the DH and his family are all here, so for now...we stay.