Asheville
Enjoying the fruits of an exhilarating economic development effort, Asheville is arguably one of the most exciting communities in the southeast today—imagine Austin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In recent years, Asheville has consistently been named one of the smartest, happiest, and overall best places to live in America by magazines such as Forbes and Travel & Leisure. So what makes Asheville so special? The eclectic local culture combines the best elements of a resort town, an entrepreneurial hub, and a bohemian artists’ community. Gorgeous mountain views are everywhere, and outdoor enthusiasts have no shortage of nearby trails to explore, whether they’re hiking, biking, or skiing. The city itself offers a huge variety of restaurants, as well as an impressive array of breweries. The music scene has something for every taste as well, with the most popular musical attractions including the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the weekly downtown drum circle.
Gastonia
Gastonia is a small city just west of Charlotte on Interstate 85. The Standard district surrounding Main Avenue cultivates an atmosphere of classic Americana, with historic buildings housing locally-owned storefront shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Most of the city is residential, consisting of quiet streets, attractive homes, and tree-shaded sidewalks. For weekend adventures, the beautiful forests and dramatic cliffs of Crowders Mountain State Park are perfect for hiking and camping. Numerous smaller parks and golf courses provided excellent venues for more low-key R&R, and shopping centers like Franklin Mills and the Gastonia Mall are close at hand for a little retail therapy. The relaxed environment and stunning natural surroundings have made Gastonia immensely popular with commuters; downtown Charlotte can be reached in thirty minutes by car or 45 minutes by rail via Amtrak’s Crescent line.
Fort Mill
Located along the I-77 corridor in the northernmost part of South Carolina, Fort Mill is one of the fastest growing communities in the state. Fort Mill is ranked among the best places to live in South Carolina and contains the best public schools in the state. Paired with its close proximity to Charlotte, Fort Mill is a natural choice for families. The strong community in Fort Mill is enriched by a number of events and organizations such as the annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival and the Fort Mill Community Playhouse. There are plenty of recreational opportunities in Fort Mill too, from the Fort Mill History Museum to the Fort Mill Golf Club. Additional adventure abounds at the nearby Carowinds, Lake Wylie, and the Catawba River. The urban amenities of Downtown Charlotte are just 30 minutes away as well.
