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The Golden South - the most livable cities ?


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Secrets of Best Places to Live:

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2009/07/09/pf_best_places_mos.moneymag/

No.1 - Louisville, CO:

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2009/07/09/pf_best_places_louisville.moneymag/

 

Beating the Gas Crunch:

http://money.cnn.com/video/moneymag/2008/07/13/bpl.gas.crunch.08.moneymag/

 

And the winners are...

These terrific small towns stand out in the qualities American families care about most - great job opportunities, top-notch schools, safe streets, economic strength, nice weather, plenty to do, and more.

 

Louisville, CO

Milton, MA

Solon, OH

Leesburg, VA

Papillion, NE

 

Hanover, NH

Liberty, MO

Middleton, WI

Mukilteo, WA

Chanhassen, MN

 

• See the top 100: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/top100/

 

Great Smoky Mountains Railway

==========

Penrose

Hendersonville

Asheville

Canton

Waynesville

Dillsboro

Bryson City

Andrews

Murphy

/see: http://local.yahoo.com/info-24470979-great-smoky-mountains-railway-dillsboro;_ylt=An7VbdDJmtURFie9ImiQUvGKNcIF;_ylv=3?viewtype=map

Sylva

Judaculla Rock

Judaculla+Rock+Key.jpg

Huge boulder with yet unexplained hieroglyphics said to be carved by Indians.

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I wonder what JHK thinks of the Edgar Cayce etc thread and any walkable communities remaining. I recall 'the great lakes will empty into the bay of Mexico, etc...'

I suppose it is hard/worthless project to try to find the perfect place covering one's ass for the Long Emergency and the rather Sudden Emergency -one which could be coming in September 25/26 according to others.

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I wonder what JHK thinks of the Edgar Cayce etc thread and any walkable communities remaining. I recall 'the great lakes will empty into the bay of Mexico, etc...'

I suppose it is hard/worthless project to try to find the perfect place covering one's ass for the Long Emergency and the rather Sudden Emergency -one which could be coming in September 25/26 according to others.

How will you know if it is perfect?

 

I think you have to rely on intuition, and visit a location, and see if you feel it is "right" for you.

We decided to visit locations in the foothills of the Appalachians, that were at least 1,000 ft above sealevel.

 

In fact, I think we have identified 2-3 cities that we could live in, with more still being evaluated.

 

JH Kunstler, who is little worried about things like Casey's predictions, seems to prefer small cities

in upper state NY. He lives in Sarasota Springs, I believe.

 

Saratoga Springs, NY, population 28844, is located in New York's Saratoga county, ...

Elevation, 300 feet above sea level. Land Area, 28.4 Square Miles

/see: http://www.idcide.com/citydata/ny/saratoga-springs.htm

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  • 2 weeks later...

Greenville makes the Top 10 again...

 

The 10 best places to live in the U.S.

Job growth, cultural attractions help push cities onto Top 10 list

 

# 6

===

Greenville, S.C., is another one of those “smaller big cities,” said Steve Nickerson, RelocateAmerica’s president. Companies including BMW, Michelin, GE Energy and Lockheed Martin have a presence in the region, and Greenville’s downtown is also a draw, thanks in part to recent improvements to the city park, Nickerson said.

 

MW-AL849_Greenv_20110801193537_MG.jpg

Pictured here are the falls in downtown Greenville.

 

The rest:

===

# 1: Austin TX

# 2: Grand Rapids MI

# 3: Boulder CO

# 4: Raleigh NC

# 5: Dallas TX

# 6: Greenville SC

# 7: Augusta GA

# 8: Boise ID

# 9: Omaha NB

#10: Olkahoma City OK

 

/see: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-10-best-places-to-live-in-the-us-2011-08-02?link=MW_story_popular

 

#7:

The Riverwalk in Augusta, Ga. The city’s low cost of living, affordable housing, many cultural opportunities and mild climate make it popular with retirees. Plus, the area has seen a lot of business growth, according to RelocateAmerica.

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  • 7 months later...

The Appeal of Asheville NC

 

 

Situated in the gorgeous French Broad River valley amid the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, Asheville’s natural beauty sets the tone for a place you will remember with your heart. Selected by AARP magazine as a top 15 dream town, “one of the best places to reinvent your life,” it offers a little bit of something for everyone.

 

Asheville’s size makes it the largest city in Western North Carolina, but surrounding towns in Buncombe County offer small town flair and varied amenities. Asheville offers retirees all the amenities that they need with a small town feel.

 

The four-season temperate climate with average snowfall of only 13 inches makes year-round living easy.

 

The quality of life in Asheville is outstanding, with low crime rate, broad employment opportunities, incredible educational opportunities with two universities and many colleges nearby, and diverse housing markets for rental, purchase and retirement.

 

http://portfoliownc.com/more-about-wnc/asheville-2/

 

Here's a "complaint" from YT, which may reveal something:

 

You do NOT have a decent Mexican population. People in Asheville insulate themselves from ethnic minorities and then preach openness and tolerance. People in the places you refer to with "that attitude" rub elbows everyday with people of different backgrounds and are challenged daily to cooperate. Asheville is 86% white. Birmingham, AL? 25%. Asheville is the most self-delusional hub of hypocrisy I have ever visited.

 

Boondoggle2222

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  • 6 months later...

Davidson, NC: An Extreme Walkable Community

by ERIC FREDERICKS on SEPTEMBER 4, 2005

 

mapdavidson.jpg

/ map source: http://www.ourtownci...tions/davidson/

 

Davidson, North Carolina has tagged itself as a walkable community. Following the recent increase in gas prices, perhaps there is no community doing more to live up to this tagging. According to a Lincoln Tribune article, it seems that all government employees are walking, biking, or using public transit to get to work. “I have instructed department heads to implement practices to conserve fuel,” said Leamon Brice, town manager.

 

I really think this is amazing, and you must read this article. I had no idea that the rising gas prices would start to affect decision making this quickly. I figured that it would take much higher gas prices to really start changing mindsets. But, I guess everyone is starting to see that there really is no end in sight to the increasing prices. I hope more places follow Davidson’s lead. If every town in North America started doing this, can you imagine the positive results? Of course, not every town has the advantage of its residents being able to walk and bike everywhere.

===

/source: http://neighborhoods...able-community/

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Luxury Living and Walkability in Davidson NC: Harbour Place Townhomes

 

by Alyssa Roccanti on FEBRUARY 16, 2012 in DAVIDSON NC, LAKE DAVIDSON, LAKE NORMAN LIVING

 

Luxury Living and Walkability in Davidson NC: Harbour Place Townhomes.

 

Townhomes-in-Davidson-NC-near-Lake_Harbour-Place-300x225.jpg

 

Harbour Place in Davidson NC is a great location about a mile away from I-77 access, Lake Norman and Lake Davidson. You are also about a 10 minute walk from Downtown Davidson which has great shopping and restaurants to choose from. Harbour Place in Davidson NC has two types of town home styles in Harbour Place with several different floor plans.

  • The Brownstones at Harbour Place: There will be 29 units total with several floor plans to choose from. Many of The Brownstone floor plans have a roof top deck that overlooks Lake Davidson or the beautiful landscape of Davidson.
  • The Townhomes at Harbour Place: There will be 15 units total with several floor plan choices. Each Townhome model has a front porch and a private courtyard.
  • Harbour-Place_Town-Homes-in-Davidson-NC-300x225.jpg

Harbour Place is also walking distance to grocery stores, hotels, schools, a gym and multiple restaurants. One of my favorites is Sabi, you can literally walk out of your place of residence at Harbour Place and have a one minute walk to Sabi. Harbour Place also has walking trails and bike paths along with a view of Lake Davidson. Please contact Alyssa Roccanti to view one of these great town homes today!

/more: http://lakenormanliv...lace-townhomes/

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Main Street : Downtown Davidson NC

 

( Described as: Davidson, NC, a close-knit, walkable community located in the northern edge of Mecklenburg County.")

 

by Alyssa Roccanti on DECEMBER 6, 2011 in DAVIDSON NC, FAMILY ACTIVITIES, LAKE NORMAN LIVING

 

Downtown-Davidson-near-Davidson-College-in-NC-300x225.jpg

 

Main Street or Downtown Davidson NC is a town out of a picture book. Friendly faces, brick store fronts, a soda shop, the list goes on. Stroll down the main street of Davidson NC and you will find multiple stores to pop into and great places to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. You also are walking distance to Davidson College where you can take in a play or stroll around this beautiful college campus. The public library is within walking distance from Main Street Davidson as well. Downtown Davidson also has a Farmer’s Market as well as Concerts on the Green in the Spring. A few of my favorite spots in down town Davidson are:

The-Soda-Shop-in-downtown-Davidson-NC-300x225.jpg

The Soda Shop: You can’t come strolling on Main Street in Downtown Davidson without stopping in the soda shop and grabbing a mint chocolate shop shake, yum! This is also wonderful in the Spring to grab a cool drink when Concerts on the Green are taking place.

Toast Cafe: If you love good coffee and great breakfast, this is the place to stop! Indoor and outdoor seating and great breakfast and service. Toast just opened another location in Dilworth NC too! Check out both locations.

Main Street Books: A great book store to pop into and see books on the history of the area as well to browse for a good read.

Summit Coffee & Tea: A great place to grab a cup of coffee or some tea and sit outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery

The Village Store: Great place to browse for knick-knacks and fun items for friends and family.

There is so much more to do, eat and see in Downtown Davidson. Come check it out for yourself. If you are looking for homes in the Davidson area I would love to help you on your endeavor. Please feel free to contact me to get a personal tour of Davidson NC and homes in the area today!

==

/more: http://lakenormanlivingnc.com/main-streetdowntown-davidson-nc/

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Antiquity-Ryan Homes in Cornelius, North Carolina from $141,990

 

(704) 612-5529

Price Range: $141,990 - $192,990 /

 

7f3fb969-99d2-41bb-8eb3-6492772d0148.jpg

 

THE AREA Within walking distance to both downtown Davidson and Cornelius, Antiquity is truly an amazing location!

This charming 128 acre new home community, featuring charming architectural details, is tucked in between Cornelius and Davidson, just north of Charlotte and Huntersville, and just south of Mooresville. Living in Antiquity offers easy access to shopping, dining, biking, activities at Davidson College and all the things you like to do. Living in Antiquity allows you to spend your time at the Davidson Farmer's market, stroll through the boutique shops in Davidson and Cornelius, enjoy a wine tasting at the local restaurant, or a book reading at the local coffee shop.

 

THE COMMUNITY Ryan Homes at Antiquity offers maintenance-free garage townhomes near Davidson offering two award-winning designs. The Hepburn plans offer affordable luxury with 2 bedrooms, an available loft and a garage from the $140's. The Quartermaine collection offers luxury townhome living with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 car garage, and private rear courtyard. Amenities in Antiquity include a sparkling pool with beautiful clubhouse, walking trails, dog park, and numerous other park areas. In addition, the master plan offers a proposed amphitheater and retail shops designed for a grocery store, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and more. Access to the Davidson Greenway bike trail and walking trail is located just outside the neighborhood. FEATURES Unbeatable, AWARD WINNING

 

/more: http://www.ryanhomes...elius/antiquity

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Davidson, North Carolina Case Study »

This case study on small town Davidson, North Carolina describes how the community encourages pedestrian and biker-friendly design for all new development.

===

/see: http://www.landof.or...able_small.html

 

CASE STUDY:

Smart Growth In Action:

Davidson Land Plan & Planning Ordinance, Davidson, North Carolina

 

To the residents of Davidson, North Carolina, located just 20 miles from Charlotte, the essence of their small town is great neighbors and great neighborhoods. This small community is setting the standard for creating healthy and vibrant neighborhoods in a historic setting.

 

To preserve and enhance Davidson’s character, the town adopted the Davidson Land Plan in 1995 and an innovative Planning Ordinance in 2001. The ordinance seeks significant public involvement, a critical component for any community that wants to plan where and how it will grow. For example, the Planning Ordinance provides charrettes for every new development project. These charrettes allow the developer and the community to understand each other’s goals. One developer says, “the [charrette]…forced me to come up with a new plan that was better than the original.”

 

Principles

Includes Mixed Land Uses tablestar.png

Exhibits Compact Building Design tablecheck.png

Provides Range of Housing Types tablecheck.png

Promotes “Walkable” Neighborhoods tablestar.png

Exhibits a Distinct Sense of Place tablestar.png

Preserves Open Space tablestar.png

Utilizes Existing Development tablecheck.png

Provides Transportation Choices tablecheck.png

Practices Fair Decision-making tablecheck.png

Promotes Stakeholder Participation tablecheck.png

 

The town requires pedestrian, bicycle, and street circulation plans for all new development. Streets are designed to discourage cars from speeding, making it easier for Davidson’s 7,800 residents to walk and bicycle around the town. To further encourage walking, the town requires narrow, tree-lined streets with on-street parking and sidewalks on both sides of the street.

 

»» more

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  • 2 months later...

Rock Hill, SC : WS-40, Population: 66,154 / Elevation of around 676 feet (206 m) above sea level

 

rockhill.jpg

 

Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, South Carolina and the fourth-largest city in the state. It is also the fourth-largest city of the Charlotte metropolitan area, behind Charlotte, Concord, and Gastonia. The population was 66,154 as of the 2010 Census.[4]

Rock Hill is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Charlotte and approximately 70 miles (110 km) north of Columbia.

 

The racial makeup of the city was 54.6% White, 38.3% Black. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.7% of the population.

. . .

Early colonization

Although some European settlers had already arrived in the Rock Hill area in the 1830s and 1840s, Rock Hill did not really start to become an actual town until the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad Company made the decision to send a rail line through the area. Originally, the railroad had hoped to build a station in the nearby village of Ebenezerville which was squarely between Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina.

 

Bus (regional)

Rock Hill has one regional transit system, The Charlotte Area Transit System that offers express bus service from Rock Hill to Charlotte

  • 78X Celanese Road to Cherry Road to Uptown Charlotte.
  • 82X Downtown Rock Hill to Manchester Village to Uptown Charlotte.

Colleges and universities

There are three colleges within Rock Hill. The most prominent institution of higher learning in Rock Hill is Winthrop University, founded in 1886 as a women's college. It is a thriving, public, co-ed four-year liberal arts college with an annual enrollment of well over 7,000 students. Clinton Junior College is a historically black, two-year institution founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1894. It is now a community college for the city of Rock Hill and York County.[22] York Technical College opened in Rock Hill in 1964. This two-year community college offers associate degrees and provides continuing education for approximately 9,000 area residents annually and is growing each year.

 

Economy

Top 10 Largest Employers[15]

3D Systems

Amida Industries, INC.

Carolina Energy

City of Rock Hill

Comporium Communications

Cytec Carbon Filters, LLC.

Hyosung Corporation

Langer Transport Corporation

Rock Hill Schools

Winthrop University

 

Rock Hill's economy was once dominated by the textile industry, but the restructuring of that industry in moving jobs overseas has caused a decline in the local economy. The median income for a household in the city was $37,336, and the median income for a family was $45,697. Males had a median income of $32,156 versus $24,181 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,929. About 9.7% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over. The unemployment rate of the city was 8.7 percent and 11,874 of the 71,459 residents lived and worked in the city with a daytime population change of +5,208 as of March 2011.[16] The city is transitioning to a retail and manufacturing economy, and has been working to attract national and global companies.

===

/ more: http://en.wikipedia...._South_Carolina

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