Blowing Rock
would probably be our choice if we didn't love going back to Columbus in the summer. We just arrived back in TV (we are Florida residents, here about 7 months). This year, we spent 2 nights in Asheville (interesting, but don't think I'd want to live there). Then we stopped in Black Mountain, just east of Asheville, which was cute but a little small. Had lunch and walked around in Blowing Rock next, would like to go back and probably will on the way up or down next time. We also have grandkids in Cary (as well as Columbus).
Talked to a woman who owned a quilt studio (does custom quilts for people) who just bought a condo to live there year-round. She and her husband moved from a retirement community in Lake Worth, FL, decided to move while on vacation and bought a condo. So far, she loves it. Says she's heard that in winter many of the hotels have special events/pricing for locals to keep going and that is a good way to get to know the year-round residents. My husband talked to a guy who owned a dulcimer store and also lives there year-round. Many musical groups to play in during the season (summer) but also cultural stuff going on in Boone (Appalachian State U) which is only about 8-10 miles away.
2 bedroom, 2 bath condos that were walkable to town started in the $170s. To get a condo with a pool area was a little higher, but we didn't look seriously. You likely get great springs and falls, short winters with some snow and summers that can get hot during the day but cool off more evenings and mornings.
Will have to check out Waynesville too.
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