Yes, Adrienne [Fortune], you will be welcome here in Asheville [Letters, “Will I Be Welcome in Asheville?” July 11, Xpress]. Not by all, but by most I believe. There is a growing number of people here in A-Town because it has what many people want — culture, diversity, acceptance of varying lifestyles, nature, food options, music and art and most importantly — you.
As you stated, you are one of the reasons Asheville is what it is today: a melting pot of people from other states, backgrounds and lifestyles. You are drawn to this city because of its “energy,” which has everything to do with connection, with contribution, with wanting to be a part of an actual “community,” embracing all those of us who have already landed here, as well as all those who have called Asheville home for generations. Asheville is the cultural mecca it is due to the spirit of all those who have been here for generations welcoming the rest of us. I don’t/can’t speak for all, but I know I speak for many. We welcome you.
Jason Ference
— Swannanoa
Yes please visit our town. Then write up your observations as your original LTE generated so many funny opinions. Ferences’ crystal sucking quip about ‘energy’ aside, it is a nice town.
Watch this video first, as caveat emptor.
Behind every “Namaste” is a greedy capitalist.
This from the leftiest of lefties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkBbiy57TH4
Yes we do! (as long as you do not become dependent on the city taxpayers for your existence…) Bring your job and your fat bank account for a more pleasurable experience ….
Asheville is only diverse if you like seeing many white people walking around aimlessly and making terrible life choices all while blaming everybody else for their poor decisions all in one spot.
Adrienne, dear, why be so common? Go to a town that will glory in a new face…a town that hasn’t been abused by the powers that “manage” it. It is silly and a questionable decision to spend valuable time and money to come to a town like ours, and expect positive treatment from residents who are downtrodden by the abuse of power where they reside. Certainly you can empathize. Don’t put yourself in the middle of it. The town managers need to come to terms with their disconnections concerning the residents before the town can present itself as a hospitable place. Otherwise, you will feel the bad vibe too, and go home with a sour attitude. Good luck, and be wise.
It does have everything you need (if you are lily-white). The biggest misconception about Asheville is that it is a diverse community offering something for everyone.
Bogus.
Agreed. I am lily white and get sunburned walking from my house to my car at 8 in the morning.
I turn red by noon and peel by 4pm.
If the blame game must be played, let’s point the finger at those who flood the market so to speak with promises of the best vacay you ever had via ahem local entertainment rags,
a Tourism Dept. with zero shame and (drum roll)
hipsters who convince their friends to move here.
Maybe, just maybe, Asheville is not for everyone.
“Asheville is not for everyone”. Boy that sure is true, it’s definitely NOT for people who actually work here. Over fifty percent of Asheville workers live OUTSIDE THE COUNTY. Asheville, as we all know by now, is for tourists and wealthy white retirees. PERIOD.
I think Adrienne should visit, spend lots of discretionary $$$, then return with as many others as she can convince to relo back to a place they will truly love and fit in — say Manchester Center, VT or Hanover, NH.
Adrienne, it really depends on your perspective. If you like big government, socialism, gender neutral, high taxes, over inflated property, anti America. This is the place for you.