Moving to Asheville: Insights from a Charleston Native

Are you considering a move from Charleston, SC to Asheville, NC? In this blog, we interview Charleston native and Asheville real estate expert Justyn Thompson about his experience making the transition. Discover the cultural differences, home considerations, outdoor adventures, and more that come with moving from the coast to the mountains.

Table of Contents

• From Charleston to Asheville: A Tale of Two Cities
• Surfing, Fishing, and Outdoor Pursuits
• Charleston and Asheville: Sister Cities with Distinct Art Scenes
• Navigating the Road to Asheville
• Homes in Charleston vs. Asheville: Key Differences
• Culinary Delights: Charleston vs. Asheville
• Music Scenes: Comparing Charleston and Asheville
• The Great Outdoors: Why People Move to Asheville
• FAQ
• Getting Started on Your Asheville Adventure

From Charleston to Asheville: A Tale of Two Cities

Are you considering a move from Charleston, SC to Asheville, NC? In this blog, we interview Charleston native and Asheville real estate expert Justyn Thompson about his experience making the transition. Discover the cultural differences, home considerations, outdoor adventures, and more that come with moving from the coast to the mountains.

Cultural Differences

Asheville is steeped in the history of Scottish Highlanders, while Charleston has a mix of Scotch Irish, English, and French Huguenot influences. The lifestyle in Charleston revolves around the beach and ocean, while Asheville offers a mountain town experience.

Outdoor Adventures

Surfing, fishing, and outdoor pursuits are integral to both cities. While Charleston boasts a beach lifestyle and shrimping community, Asheville offers river-based activities like white water kayaking and fishing in mountain rivers.

Surfing, Fishing, and Outdoor Pursuits

Both Charleston and Asheville are known for their outdoor activities, but the nature of these pursuits differs greatly between the coastal and mountainous regions.

Surfing in Charleston and River Activities in Asheville

Charleston's beach lifestyle includes surfing, while Asheville's river-based activities, such as white water kayaking, offer a thrilling alternative for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing Culture

In Charleston, fishing revolves around catching redfish, trout, and other saltwater species. In contrast, Asheville's fishing culture is centered around mountain rivers and the pursuit of freshwater species like trout.

Connecting with Nature

Whether it's enjoying the ocean waves in Charleston or exploring the scenic rivers of Asheville, both cities offer unique opportunities to connect with nature and indulge in outdoor adventures.

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Charleston and Asheville: Sister Cities with Distinct Art Scenes

When comparing Charleston and Asheville, it's evident that they share a unique connection, almost like sister cities, despite not being officially designated as such. Charleston, with its cobblestone streets and a rich history, offers a distinct art scene influenced by various cultures, including African, French Huguenot, and English. Meanwhile, Asheville boasts a more eclectic art scene, reflecting a different cultural blend. Both cities have thriving art scenes, but each with its own unique flair.

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Navigating the Road to Asheville

For those considering a move from Charleston to Asheville, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. From the differences in road infrastructure to the impact of weather on homeowners insurance, transitioning to the mountains from the coast involves some adjustments. Here are some essential factors to consider when making the move to Asheville.

Driving Differences

Asheville's winding and curvy roads may come as a surprise to those accustomed to Charleston's grid-like, flat streets. The mountainous terrain presents a stark contrast to the straight roads of the coastal city. While some may find the winding roads charming, others may need time to adjust to the new driving experience.

Homeowners Insurance

One notable difference between Charleston and Asheville is the impact of weather on homeowners insurance. In Charleston, the risk of flooding due to storms and high tides often necessitates flood insurance, which can be costly and difficult to obtain. On the other hand, Asheville experiences rare instances of flooding, primarily during torrential downpours. As a result, obtaining homeowners insurance in Asheville is generally a more straightforward process compared to the coastal city.

Homes in Charleston vs. Asheville: Key Differences

When comparing homes in Charleston and Asheville, there are several key differences to consider before making a move. In Asheville, most homes feature a large crawl space or basement, providing ample opportunity for expansion and extra space. Unlike Charleston, where saltwater causes deterioration, Asheville's main concern is rain, as it is located in a rainforest area. Additionally, the prevalence of bugs differs, with Asheville having fewer large roaches compared to Charleston.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Asheville homes typically have a large crawl space or basement, offering potential for extra living space and expansion, a feature less common in Charleston homes.

Impact of Saltwater

Unlike Charleston, where saltwater causes deterioration to cars and homes, Asheville's main concern is rain, which is not as damaging as saltwater.

Bug Differences

Asheville has fewer large roaches compared to Charleston, offering a more favorable environment in terms of bug presence.

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Culinary Delights: Charleston vs. Asheville

Both Charleston and Asheville boast remarkable culinary scenes, but each city offers its own distinct style and flavor profile. While Charleston is known for its comfort food and seafood lifestyle, Asheville's culinary scene is characterized by farm-to-table dining and world-renowned chefs.

Comfort Food and Seafood Lifestyle in Charleston

Charleston's culinary landscape features a mix of comfort food and seafood, with renowned establishments offering a variety of delectable dishes, including comfort food and fresh seafood.

Farm-to-Table Dining and World-Renowned Chefs in Asheville

Asheville's culinary scene shines with its emphasis on farm-to-table dining and the presence of world-renowned chefs, creating a vibrant and diverse culinary experience for residents and visitors alike.

Music Scenes: Comparing Charleston and Asheville

Asheville and Charleston both boast vibrant music scenes, each with its own unique venues and offerings. In Asheville, music enthusiasts can experience incredible performances at venues like Rabbit Rabbit, The Salvage Station, and The Orange Peel. On the other hand, Charleston features renowned venues such as Charleston Pour House, which consistently hosts great music acts. While both cities offer diverse musical experiences, Asheville stands out for its ability to attract bigger acts to smaller, intimate clubs, creating a memorable and immersive experience for music lovers.

The Great Outdoors: Why People Move to Asheville

Asheville's allure as a relocation destination is strongly tied to its abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its majestic mountains, meandering rivers, and picturesque waterfalls, Asheville truly is the "land of the sky" offering a myriad of outdoor activities. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a different hiking trail or mountain bike ride every day, along with the opportunity to discover new swimming holes and exhilarating river activities. Additionally, the proximity to local ski resorts such as Boone, Laurel, and Cataloochee, as well as the availability of tubing down the French Broad River, further enhances the appeal of Asheville as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those considering a move to Asheville, the abundance of outdoor activities and the region's favorable climate provide an enticing lifestyle opportunity. Whether it's exploring the mountains, enjoying the rivers, or partaking in various outdoor pursuits, Asheville offers an unparalleled outdoor experience that beckons individuals to embrace a life of adventure and natural beauty.

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FAQ

What are the main cultural and lifestyle differences between Charleston, SC and Asheville, NC?

Charleston has a rich history influenced by Scotch Irish, English, and French Huguenot cultures and offers a beach-centric lifestyle with activities like surfing and shrimping. Asheville, on the other hand, has Scottish Highlander roots and provides a mountain town experience with river-based activities such as white water kayaking and fishing in mountain rivers.

How do the outdoor activities in Charleston, SC compare to those in Asheville, NC?

Charleston offers a beach lifestyle with activities like surfing and saltwater fishing for species such as redfish and trout. Asheville provides river-based adventures, including white water kayaking and freshwater fishing in mountain rivers, with trout being a popular catch. Both cities offer unique ways to connect with nature, tailored to their coastal and mountainous environments.

What makes Asheville, NC an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts considering a move?

Asheville is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. The city offers majestic mountains, meandering rivers, and picturesque waterfalls, along with activities like hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and river adventures. The proximity to local ski resorts and tubing down the French Broad River also adds to Asheville's appeal, providing an unparalleled outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike.

Getting Started on Your Asheville Adventure

If you're considering a move to Asheville, NC, there are several key factors to consider. From the cultural differences to the outdoor adventures and culinary delights, Asheville offers a unique lifestyle that's worth exploring. To get started on your Asheville adventure, it's essential to understand the various aspects of living in this vibrant mountain town. From navigating the road to Asheville to understanding the real estate landscape, there's a lot to discover as you plan your move to Western North Carolina! 

Contact us if you have questions or planning to make a move to Asheville:

Phone: 828-523-9211

Email: beth@livinginasheville.com

Website: www.livinginasheville.com