Tips on Relocating to a Rural Setting and for Purchasing a NC Mountain Home

Western North Carolina is experiencing a growth spurt. Many of the new residents to the area are relocating to a mountain home from an urban or suburban setting and this can involve some adjustments to lifestyle. They are not major changes, just areas that need to be addressed before relocating and purchasing a piece of NC mountain real estate. For instance, as with any move, a general familiarity with the location of hospitals, grocery stores, banks, schools and other activities is a great way to begin.

There are other matters that may also factor into a move to a North Carolina mountain home, such as the proximity to work, availability of wireless Internet services, and opportunities for social interaction. Relative distance to urban areas such as Asheville, where dining, entertainment, and cultural activities can be found, are also important. Many people who choose to live in a North Carolina mountain home will want to be 30 TO 45 minutes from Asheville.

Here are a few areas to consider for anyone contemplating a move to a North Carolina mountain home:

NC Mountain Home Electric Service

Underground utilities are preferable to above-ground utilities for power and telephone service. Some of the power providers permit homeowners to sell back power or offset their power usage from solar panels. For example, French Broad Electric allows both offset credits or will purchase power generated from solar at a $.21 per Kilowatt hour.

Asheville NC Real Estate and Cell Phone Reception

Due to the number of people relocating to the mountains of Western North Carolina has prompted cell phone providers to improve their coverage. For instance, AT&T, Inc. has plans to invest more than $110 million in upgrades and expansions in North Carolina and South Carolina in 2008. They are planning to invest $80 million in North Carolina and will add 85 new cell sites, with additional sites being deployed in Raleigh and Greensboro. Currently, many people report better cell phone reception at higher elevations.

Internet Service in Western North Carolina Mountain Communities

Many businesses and individuals now rely upon high speed and/or wireless Internet services to survive and thrive. And, there are plenty of mountain homes with high-speed Internet service. For areas that have connectivity issues, wireless cards can solve some Internet connection challenges in more remote areas, provided there is good satellite coverage and reception. Better yet, seek out a property that has a fiber optic network for high-speed service and maximum productivity. An article on CNNMoney.com, voted Asheville number 41 out of 100 places to relocate. It noted that the city has seen a steady increase in the number of local firms innovating in the areas of communications, software, digital media, fiber optics and tech commercialization.

Water and Septic for the NC mountain property?

The Western North Carolina Mountains have abundant ground water and the vast majority of mountain properties have private water wells and septic systems. Before purchasing an existing property, ensure that the well is deep enough for daily use and clear of harmful chemicals or toxins. Consider testing existing well water to confirm that it is healthy. With the purchase of a home site, be sure that the lot has a county permit for an approved septic system and check with the community to ensure the area wells are adequate.

So, purchasing a North Carolina mountain home can be an exciting, life-altering event. Although some slight adjustments in lifestyle may be integrated over time, it is best to plan for more practical needs in advance.

As more growth occurs in outlying areas, and more mountain homes are built, services and amenities are quickly becoming more widely available. Even with the surge of people relocating to North Carolina mountain homes, it is still best to ask pointed questions when purchasing a mountain property. Asking detailed questions is the best way to ascertain that your personal needs will be met for the NC mountain property or home that you are considering.