Thanks. I didn't think any city could cost more than Asheville, given it's size and job market, but Charleston is a much higher cost of living. So, staying put for a while longer.

"vapid cesspool of awfulness"...what a great description! I have heard others say something similar.

@ReadyforaChange Yeah, I'd rather live in the cesspool of sin.

Asheville is great but sadly the city cannot keep up with the plethora of newbies moving here in waves. Traffic is awful all the time is some areas, roads are FULL of potholes, and I constantly see trash scattered and strewn about the city. Also, our beautiful wildlife is continuously harassed by scared city folk who freak out when they see a bear in their yard and scream "relocate, shoot, kill".

Problem is, development to accommodate all the new residents means more construction, which means the creatures who were here first are rapidly losing their habitat. On top of that, housing prices are way inflated due to the influx of wealthy retirees and if you can find a job, it often doesn't pay more than 10 or 12 bucks an hour. The only way I can afford it here is because I am a contract worker and therefore make more than most in the area.

@ReadyforaChange
What a shame that some people ruin everything.

@Buddha Yes it is a shame.

It's a lot of hippies who don't bathe lol

It could be if only I could find housing that won't immediately eat up what I could earn over and above what I make here. It is increasingly doubtful, after a week or so of research.

@ReadyforaChange my niece lives in Mt Pleasant, her rent is $1500 a month for a 2 bedroom. But it’s steps away from the marsh and Shems Creek