I know this is an older video but I am about to move to Asheville but intending to rent for one year and then find a land property to buy within that year. I was astounded by the rental prices and the little you get, especially the older houses look terrible and you’re paying $1800-1900 for terrible looking houses. I got lucky with a nice $1500 2/2 condo in the Biltmore Villages area. And it’s well maintained. I’m coming from Miami so we’re used to high cost of living and I feel that with today’s opportunity to work online and from home you can have a better chance working from home with a good paying job or creating your own online business. Finding a job in Asheville would not be good to make ends meet. When I find a land property will definitely not be Asheville but I’ll rent for a year here to be close to the other towns I’ll explore. But I have to say Asheville is a great fun city and the food is great! The people are also nice and loving. Been coming here for 15 years!
Elena - it was refreshing that you are so open with your personal information as an example, showing your home and family. It certainly makes the information more real knowing it is your actual bills rather just some random examples. I'm not sure there is any inexpensive ways to live in this country unless you are off-grid, paying no mortgage, no kids, so no taxes and eating twigs and berries. In reality, as you note, compared to the larger cities, Asheville is much more agreeable. Your videos are very professional and I particularly like the drone work, and the roadwork showing you driving to the various locales. For anyone contemplating a visit or moving to the Asheville area, your videos are invaluable.
Thank you so much for such feedback! Yes, i hear that too- compare to other cities it’s way more affordable. We still have problems and I would like to think there’ll be a day when i can contribute to affordable housing for all
@@livinginashevillenc You contribute plenty. You are a productive member of your community, you work, pay taxes, raise a family, and with all you have to do, still take the time to provide this service of informing the public. And you do it with a smile. Seems to me you are an ambassador for Asheville. Perhaps you should consider running for mayor of Asheville. Or, Senator Kovrigin. Under the Constitution you do not have to be a natural born citizen.
@@rdm1000 well that’s the thing- I don’t want to promote Asheville or be an ambassador. The purpose of this channel is to educate and inform people who already have Asheville on their radar. The goal is to tell as it is and if it’s the right fit, then great! But if not, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time by portraying it as something it’s not. The worst thing for me (and I’m sure for a lot of people) is to see new comers come here just to get disappointed. So I want to stop it right here!
It ain't cheap, that's the damn truth and the jobs are all mostly minimum wage so if you work in Asheville you probably live in McDowell county cuz it's thousands of dollars cheaper
@@livinginashevillenc I wasn't trying to be hateful or anything but this Asheville money situation got me shook lol thank God someone know and understands lol❤️
Yes, Asheville sucks for working class folks. Poor have to live 30 to 40 miles out which defeats the purpose. Not to mention when you don't make enough and have to drive all that distance each day takes its toll on your car and you end up with frequent costly repairs. Driving in the mountains is hard on the car.
I have lived in many major cities in the US and travelled to many countries. Developed & Developing. What I can say about Asheville is what I was told 6 years ago when I arrived. Come to Asheville with money or a good job. Unless you are a retiree. The reality is Asheville prices in many ways are like any other major city in USA. As far as eating out in trendy restaurants goes. Unlike major cities with developed industries, Asheville mainly depends on service industry jobs. 12 / 15 bucks an HR ! You can just make it on that kind of an income. You will never be able to enjoy the great city as you cant afford it. Same goes for housing. Do a google search and look at the average income in the area. Then look at the housing & cost of living and you get a picture. Yes its beautiful. I being a professional and still too young to retire have decided to work my way out of Asheville as I don't want to be poor and broke in my 60s ! All the young folks I met when I moved here, in their late 20s to 40s have moved on to other cities due to economics. This is a very transient city. Its not practical for a young career oriented person to make it in Asheville. I have know a few who work for Mission hospital but even their , wages are too low compared to other cities.
When I first moved to Asheville I rented a one bedroom apartment with a separate garage for $275 a month in 1991. Without the garage it would have been $235/mo and this was on Grove street. Look that up for reference. It was great I could walk everywhere downtown and I loved that for a couple of years. I got the garage because I had to take care of my 1989 barely used Ford Escort. LOL
I remember how cheap it was in the early '90s! (I've lived here since 1993). It was just beginning to get recognition as the cool new city to move to. I was in the first wave of transplants, sounds like you were too. I currently live in Candler, just a tad cheaper than Asheville and very close.
@@luckyotter623 When I lived there I used to walk home from the law office I worked for (across from Pritchard Park) many times well after dark. I would not want to try that now and that is sad.
I've lived here since 1993 and I love it. I was part of the early wave of transplants; Asheville had just recently become the "it" place to live. It has gotten more expensive, and a LOT more crowded with more development in recent years. In the early '90s, it still had sort of a sleepy/industrial feel to it. Not anymore! The infrastructure hasn't been able to keep up, and the traffic is INSANE, but I love the culture, the food, the music and art, the progressive politics (not so much outside Asheville though, lol) and most of all, the incredible SCENERY and the many, many outdoor activities that are available. To relax, I like to pop onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and just drive and drink in the scenery. The weather is pretty amazing too. We have all 4 seasons but none are that intense, and like you have said, we rarely get severe weather of any kind. If you like a lot of snow (I don't), you will be disappointed, since we don't get a lot of snow and when we do, it's not that deep. Go up to somewhere like Boone for that.
Just so you know, the videos you put together are really helpful. The cost of living costs you summarized are actually pretty reasonable compared to many parts of the country. Eventually we'll move back to the South and Asheville specifically. I would definitely hunt you down to be a well-informed realtor. Now that Russian accent CAN'T BE REAL, right? I heard you were from West Texas and naturally have a twang as you talk.
Well thank you for a kind feedback, I really appreciate it! And the accent...can’t be more russian, I’m from Siberia 😆- can it get more russian than that? 🤣
Hi, newer subbie. I'm in the Portland area, but I have been to Asheville and other major cities in NC. I love Oregon, but there are a lot of issues here that are compelling me to explore other areas. Asheville's vibe is similar to Portland's in that it's artsy -- which I LOVE. QUESTION: You mentioned child care being at roughly $900. Did you mean MONTHLY (ouch!) or annually? ALSO, One of your other videos (I can't seem to find it again) pointed out surrounding areas ... would you have to pay "Asheville" property taxes in those areas? I was especially intrigued by an area I believe you identified as "Oak" something. It started with an "O" but I can't recall the name. Thanks! Your videos are the BEST on Asheville. I don't even bother with any others.
Hi! Thank you for great feedback! Childcare is EXPENSIVE, and yes it's a monthly cost. We pay $950 for one, and $850 for the second child (discount, LOL). You are probably talking about Oakley. Here's a video ruclips.net/video/xh_0A2MRkis/видео.html Asheville city limits are weird shape, and even some Asheville addresses might be outside of city limits. So, if it's outside city limits, then only county taxes and maybe fire dep/school tax which is very low. Let me know if you have more questions. Text me 828.301.7781
@@livinginashevillenc - Wowza! To the childcare costs!!! That's outta sight .... shocking. And YES! It WAS Oakley, I remember now that you identified it. Since I started watching so many of your videos, I've been getting recommendation videos on my RUclips feed. But YOURS are BY FAR the BEST!!! I want to take a look at the video link you just sent ... you are one of the best RUclips presenters on RUclips. It's not just the subject content, but it's how THOROUGH you are!
Not as high, that’s why the cost of living is higher than the National average. I’m going to make a video about jobs in Asheville and get more into that
We are on city water/sewer. Private well and septic won’t have any monthly costs, unless it’s a shared well and there’s some kind of well maintenance agreement.
My husband and I have been really considering a move to North Carolina and your videos have been super helpful in my research! We are moving from Phoenix, Arizona and Asheville seems to be right on par with averages for property, groceries, and daycare in our area too...our 3 year old daughters daycare is about 1100 a month and I cry a little inside everytime it comes due 😅 I lived in San Diego, CA for 10 years too and nothing ever seems quite as bad compared to that. Only thing I can't figure it is whether we would move to Charlotte or Asheville but considering I most want to experience the outdoors and some GREEN for once in my life, I was leaning more towards Asheville.
Oh wow, I’ve been to AZ (Fountain Hills) twice and loved it! It was a little too dry for me 🤣🤣, i needed a humidifier, lol. Well, Charlotte is a bigger city and offers more opportunities (jobs, for kids, etc), but Asheville has the best climate and outdoors hands down! We have mountains (not like what you are used to in AZ), we have endless trails, and it’s not as stuffy and humid as it’s in CLT. Totally different vibes too.
@@livinginashevillenc I lived in south Charlotte and currently reside in the Triad area. I have been considering a move to the Asheville area. I lived in Charlotte in my early 20s. That was the kind of lifestyle I sought at that time in my life but now I want to slow down and enjoy nature and my kids. Charlotte does have a ton to do for couples and families. There are plenty of museums for kids, history and art. Fantastic cuisine from around the world. Great parks dotted around the city and nearby lakes for recreation. Plus the white water rafting center is near there. Lots of places to shop as well from high end at South Park mall to outlets galore right down the road in Concord. There is also a nice botanical garden and greenways. However it is faster pace, congested, and a higher crime rate. My ambition now is to become as self sustaining as possible and homestead. I want wide open spaces and a laid back atmosphere. I have visited Asheville many times recreationally and to take my Dad to the VA hospital for treatment. So I know the area decently and love the atmosphere. It is the largest city in the mountain region but still keeps that small town charm. I love that it is 'weird', that is my kind of people. Living in the South I sometimes find it hard to fit in because I am not your cookie cutter southern. So this little liberal progressive pocket looks very enticing.
Is higher cost of living a deal breaker for you?
@ I hear this from many other people moving to the area!
I just moved to Asheville! It’s a wonderful city!
where from?
I know this is an older video but I am about to move to Asheville but intending to rent for one year and then find a land property to buy within that year. I was astounded by the rental prices and the little you get, especially the older houses look terrible and you’re paying $1800-1900 for terrible looking houses. I got lucky with a nice $1500 2/2 condo in the Biltmore Villages area. And it’s well maintained. I’m coming from Miami so we’re used to high cost of living and I feel that with today’s opportunity to work online and from home you can have a better chance working from home with a good paying job or creating your own online business. Finding a job in Asheville would not be good to make ends meet. When I find a land property will definitely not be Asheville but I’ll rent for a year here to be close to the other towns I’ll explore. But I have to say Asheville is a great fun city and the food is great! The people are also nice and loving. Been coming here for 15 years!
I love Asheville Nc Soooo beautiful mountains I was born and raised here and I still live here
We love Asheville too❤️
You are SO LUCKY!! I want to move there,too!
Elena - it was refreshing that you are so open with your personal information as an example, showing your home and family. It certainly makes the information more real knowing it is your actual bills rather just some random examples. I'm not sure there is any inexpensive ways to live in this country unless you are off-grid, paying no mortgage, no kids, so no taxes and eating twigs and berries. In reality, as you note, compared to the larger cities, Asheville is much more agreeable. Your videos are very professional and I particularly like the drone work, and the roadwork showing you driving to the various locales. For anyone contemplating a visit or moving to the Asheville area, your videos are invaluable.
Thank you so much for such feedback! Yes, i hear that too- compare to other cities it’s way more affordable.
We still have problems and I would like to think there’ll be a day when i can contribute to affordable housing for all
@@livinginashevillenc You contribute plenty. You are a productive member of your community, you work, pay taxes, raise a family, and with all you have to do, still take the time to provide this service of informing the public. And you do it with a smile. Seems to me you are an ambassador for Asheville. Perhaps you should consider running for mayor of Asheville. Or, Senator Kovrigin. Under the Constitution you do not have to be a natural born citizen.
@@rdm1000 well that’s the thing- I don’t want to promote Asheville or be an ambassador. The purpose of this channel is to educate and inform people who already have Asheville on their radar. The goal is to tell as it is and if it’s the right fit, then great! But if not, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time by portraying it as something it’s not.
The worst thing for me (and I’m sure for a lot of people) is to see new comers come here just to get disappointed. So I want to stop it right here!
It ain't cheap, that's the damn truth and the jobs are all mostly minimum wage so if you work in Asheville you probably live in McDowell county cuz it's thousands of dollars cheaper
Asheville is not known for great jobs- you got that right!
@@livinginashevillenc I wasn't trying to be hateful or anything but this Asheville money situation got me shook lol thank God someone know and understands lol❤️
Well yeah, totally. The cost of living here is higher than Charlotte or Raleigh even.
@@livinginashevillenc I wouldn't doubt it
Yes, Asheville sucks for working class folks. Poor have to live 30 to 40 miles out which defeats the purpose. Not to mention when you don't make enough and have to drive all that distance each day takes its toll on your car and you end up with frequent costly repairs. Driving in the mountains is hard on the car.
I have lived in many major cities in the US and travelled to many countries. Developed & Developing. What I can say about Asheville is what I was told 6 years ago when I arrived. Come to Asheville with money or a good job. Unless you are a retiree. The reality is Asheville prices in many ways are like any other major city in USA. As far as eating out in trendy restaurants goes. Unlike major cities with developed industries, Asheville mainly depends on service industry jobs. 12 / 15 bucks an HR ! You can just make it on that kind of an income. You will never be able to enjoy the great city as you cant afford it. Same goes for housing. Do a google search and look at the average income in the area. Then look at the housing & cost of living and you get a picture.
Yes its beautiful. I being a professional and still too young to retire have decided to work my way out of Asheville as I don't want to be poor and broke in my 60s ! All the young folks I met when I moved here, in their late 20s to 40s have moved on to other cities due to economics. This is a very transient city. Its not practical for a young career oriented person to make it in Asheville. I have know a few who work for Mission hospital but even their , wages are too low compared to other cities.
When I first moved to Asheville I rented a one bedroom apartment with a separate garage for $275 a month in 1991. Without the garage it would have been $235/mo and this was on Grove street. Look that up for reference. It was great I could walk everywhere downtown and I loved that for a couple of years. I got the garage because I had to take care of my 1989 barely used Ford Escort. LOL
I remember how cheap it was in the early '90s! (I've lived here since 1993). It was just beginning to get recognition as the cool new city to move to. I was in the first wave of transplants, sounds like you were too. I currently live in Candler, just a tad cheaper than Asheville and very close.
@@luckyotter623 When I lived there I used to walk home from the law office I worked for (across from Pritchard Park) many times well after dark. I would not want to try that now and that is sad.
It use to be cheaper until all the outsiders moved in am a Tuscarora my family is the original people of NC
Why do tou still live here and were is the quality better.
Great information. Thank you for another informative video.
Glad you liked it!
I've lived here since 1993 and I love it. I was part of the early wave of transplants; Asheville had just recently become the "it" place to live. It has gotten more expensive, and a LOT more crowded with more development in recent years. In the early '90s, it still had sort of a sleepy/industrial feel to it. Not anymore! The infrastructure hasn't been able to keep up, and the traffic is INSANE, but I love the culture, the food, the music and art, the progressive politics (not so much outside Asheville though, lol) and most of all, the incredible SCENERY and the many, many outdoor activities that are available. To relax, I like to pop onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and just drive and drink in the scenery. The weather is pretty amazing too. We have all 4 seasons but none are that intense, and like you have said, we rarely get severe weather of any kind. If you like a lot of snow (I don't), you will be disappointed, since we don't get a lot of snow and when we do, it's not that deep. Go up to somewhere like Boone for that.
We are very close to everything- ski resorts, lakes, hikes/trails, rivers.
I want to move to Asheville or Black Mountain in a few years
Let me know if you have any questions!
Good observation ,i like your videos a lot.Thanks.Thinking about moving to Asheville.
Thank you! Reach out any time
Great videos! I used to live in Wilmington NC
Thanks! Where are you now?
@@livinginashevillenc dead center LA haha. Much different than Wilmington
I’d say😆
My daughter moved to Wimmington a year ago. She loves it!, Boy its growing like crazy😱😱
@@jillmorton3096 Its a great location! The beach and downtown is great
Just so you know, the videos you put together are really helpful. The cost of living costs you summarized are actually pretty reasonable compared to many parts of the country. Eventually we'll move back to the South and Asheville specifically. I would definitely hunt you down to be a well-informed realtor. Now that Russian accent CAN'T BE REAL, right? I heard you were from West Texas and naturally have a twang as you talk.
Well thank you for a kind feedback, I really appreciate it!
And the accent...can’t be more russian, I’m from Siberia 😆- can it get more russian than that? 🤣
@@livinginashevillenc Hi, Yep I guess you can't more Russian. Your videos are wonderful, Elena. Ken "Southern boy in the Pacific NW"
Thank you Ken))
Great video. How about the luxury tax? For your vehicles. Registration and insurance?
I'll include it on the second video about cost of living (part 2)
Hi, newer subbie.
I'm in the Portland area, but I have been to Asheville and other major cities in NC. I love Oregon, but there are a lot of issues here that are compelling me to explore other areas. Asheville's vibe is similar to Portland's in that it's artsy -- which I LOVE.
QUESTION:
You mentioned child care being at roughly $900. Did you mean MONTHLY (ouch!) or annually?
ALSO,
One of your other videos (I can't seem to find it again) pointed out surrounding areas ... would you have to pay "Asheville" property taxes in those areas? I was especially intrigued by an area I believe you identified as "Oak" something. It started with an "O" but I can't recall the name.
Thanks! Your videos are the BEST on Asheville. I don't even bother with any others.
Hi! Thank you for great feedback! Childcare is EXPENSIVE, and yes it's a monthly cost. We pay $950 for one, and $850 for the second child (discount, LOL). You are probably talking about Oakley. Here's a video ruclips.net/video/xh_0A2MRkis/видео.html Asheville city limits are weird shape, and even some Asheville addresses might be outside of city limits. So, if it's outside city limits, then only county taxes and maybe fire dep/school tax which is very low. Let me know if you have more questions. Text me 828.301.7781
@@livinginashevillenc - Wowza! To the childcare costs!!! That's outta sight .... shocking. And YES! It WAS Oakley, I remember now that you identified it. Since I started watching so many of your videos, I've been getting recommendation videos on my RUclips feed. But YOURS are BY FAR the BEST!!! I want to take a look at the video link you just sent ... you are one of the best RUclips presenters on RUclips. It's not just the subject content, but it's how THOROUGH you are!
I finally know more about our bills
Alexey Kovrigin if I could answer with a GIF...🤣
Elena, what about salaries in Asheville area?
Not as high, that’s why the cost of living is higher than the National average. I’m going to make a video about jobs in Asheville and get more into that
Are the water charges private well and septic, or public sewer and water?
We are on city water/sewer. Private well and septic won’t have any monthly costs, unless it’s a shared well and there’s some kind of well maintenance agreement.
@@livinginashevillenc Thank You!
Why in the world would your husband take 2 or 3 showers a day??! Weird
Idk...in the morning, after a workout and in the evening- i agree, totally too much
Exactly what I was wondering!!
@@erichayes2890 you say too much showering?
My husband and I have been really considering a move to North Carolina and your videos have been super helpful in my research! We are moving from Phoenix, Arizona and Asheville seems to be right on par with averages for property, groceries, and daycare in our area too...our 3 year old daughters daycare is about 1100 a month and I cry a little inside everytime it comes due 😅
I lived in San Diego, CA for 10 years too and nothing ever seems quite as bad compared to that.
Only thing I can't figure it is whether we would move to Charlotte or Asheville but considering I most want to experience the outdoors and some GREEN for once in my life, I was leaning more towards Asheville.
Oh wow, I’ve been to AZ (Fountain Hills) twice and loved it! It was a little too dry for me 🤣🤣, i needed a humidifier, lol.
Well, Charlotte is a bigger city and offers more opportunities (jobs, for kids, etc), but Asheville has the best climate and outdoors hands down! We have mountains (not like what you are used to in AZ), we have endless trails, and it’s not as stuffy and humid as it’s in CLT. Totally different vibes too.
@@livinginashevillenc I lived in south Charlotte and currently reside in the Triad area. I have been considering a move to the Asheville area. I lived in Charlotte in my early 20s. That was the kind of lifestyle I sought at that time in my life but now I want to slow down and enjoy nature and my kids. Charlotte does have a ton to do for couples and families. There are plenty of museums for kids, history and art. Fantastic cuisine from around the world. Great parks dotted around the city and nearby lakes for recreation. Plus the white water rafting center is near there. Lots of places to shop as well from high end at South Park mall to outlets galore right down the road in Concord. There is also a nice botanical garden and greenways. However it is faster pace, congested, and a higher crime rate.
My ambition now is to become as self sustaining as possible and homestead. I want wide open spaces and a laid back atmosphere. I have visited Asheville many times recreationally and to take my Dad to the VA hospital for treatment. So I know the area decently and love the atmosphere. It is the largest city in the mountain region but still keeps that small town charm. I love that it is 'weird', that is my kind of people. Living in the South I sometimes find it hard to fit in because I am not your cookie cutter southern. So this little liberal progressive pocket looks very enticing.
Victoria it’s really lovely here.
When did you buy? What years are this data from?
The cost of living data is from 2019 I believe and it’s on chamber of commerce website.
better set aside a few more dollars for that reparations check you gotta write.