and take a 15,000 dollar pay cut? 

I have an opportunity to reallocate to Pisgah but it would mean my wife would take a big pay cut.  My pay would stay the same.

Would probably never get this opportunity again as this posting is highly sought after and there is only ever one position open.   

Always wanted to live in the mountains. 

What is the COL difference? Commute expense? The cost could be less than just a wage drop.

I'm reimbursed for my commuting expense and I could live anywhere in western NC.   

Housing around the asheville/pisgah/black mountain area looks to be more expensive than Charlotte.   

It would be a 20-25% decrease for my Wife.  Shes okay with that since she has always loved the Mountains as well.   

She made much less than that when she was part-time last year so we could definitely get by.   

Just trying to think logically about this and filter out the biking portion of my brain which is screaming do it!!!

Yes

I could give up a few things here and there for a happier, better quality of life

This may sound weird, but there's another thing you should consider so you go into this eyes wide open depending on where in the Pisgah area you live, and that's yearly rainfall and number of sunny days. My wife and I have seriously been looking at the Brevard area, but it's also close to the only temperate rainforest this side of the rockies. Big difference between Asheville and the Brevard area. Here's the skinny compared to Huntersville where we live.

Huntersville avg yearly rainfall is roughly 47 inches (caveat some websites vary)
Asheville is 37 inches.
Brevard is 66 inches.

Move to be closer to Pisgah? No. 

Move because the lifestyle, current and future economic opportunities, quality of life, etc., etc. etc. fit my long term plans and goals? Oh yeah.

Locomoto wrote on 10/30/14 at 11:39am:


^^^THIS for real....

EAutry wrote on 10/30/14 at 1:34pm:



^^^...and THIS.  I actually rode more when I lived in Charlotte area.  I never knew just how much rain this area got.  This spring/summer has been ridiculous...  no joke that this area is a temperate RAINforest.


No regrets in my move up here though, and I know another named Banjo who doesn't regret the move either.
Hurry up if you do, the seasonal trails are open...

Robert C. wrote on 10/30/14 at 8:38pm:

Already tried Vancouver   Wife would not move that far away from her family.


The job is very stable, guaranteed to be funded (The job i have now is actually less secure). The job I would be taking would give me greater opportunities down the road and less travel.. 

I would not just move for biking.  I like the area in general and love letting my kids play in the pristine mountain streams.

JR wrote on 10/30/14 at 7:43pm:


It does rain a good bit but you can ride the trails after it rains. Like literally an hour after 2" of rain the trails are good to go.

I say do it. I took a nasty pay cut to move up here and Mrs. Banjo did as well. Ya know what we said... "F' it!" live life regretting the things you did not the things you didnt do...

I love it here and not just for the mountains and recreation stuff. The people are awesome. Everyone is friendly as s***. Strangers talk to you in restaurants and on the street. The culture (arts, music, etc.) cant be beat anywhere on the east coast, BEER!!!, and if you get homesick its just a few hours down the mountain...

and seriously its just money...paper and metal. As long as you can make it financially and your not in the poor house whats the big deal? Life experiences are worth more than any dollar amount. Live Man!!

and as far as exotic trails becoming mundane when your a local?? Would you rather ride Beatty on a random tuesday or Black Mountain? Sherman Branch on saturdays or a 40 mile Pisgah epic?
No offense David and Jerry

The only thing i miss about Charlotte area is the people i used to ride with on the regular. The Beatty crew and everyone else. You know who you are.


just holler when you get here 

I would.....Would You?

Spoke wrote on 10/30/14 at 3:53pm:


IMO the best answer yet. This may seem off topic, but I went to grad school at Virginia Tech, and when I moved up there I was wondering if I would get used to the mtns and end up loving them less than when I arrived. Just the opposite. I absolutely loved living there and hated to come back.

Move for love of the mtns and for lifestyle. The trails are the icing, not the cake.

If you have your wife's support AND you are not concerned about the job being less stable AND you ride a lot AND you love the mountains and don't mind the cold a handful of months a year.  DO IT!!!!  Especially if you think you will always wonder if you should have.   

Now, Do you have an XC bike you can just gift me?  Because they only let you ride Enduro bikes up there.

Buncombe county has decent schools. Henderson county's are slightly better. Asheville city schools are great. Dunno about Transylvania county. There are also many fine private and charter schools. 

I live in Asheville and the taxes are high but to me its worth it. I've been very happy with the services over all and im close to everything i need. I can ride a bicycle anywhere (groceries, music, bars, etc.). 

I grew up in Hendo. My dad retired from the Jobs Corps center beside Davidson River Campground. 

Growing up, I couldn't wait to get out. I moved to Charlotte in 99. 

Now - I can't wait to move back. Mills River would be my ideal area. 

So, yes - I'd move.

Definitely other things to consider though...  (Including rainfall in context) 

Let us know when your wife makes the final decision.