Reply #34: yeah - there's an elk refuge now in/near Balsam Mountain,

[Flaxbee]

which is not far from Waynesville. Big movement to bring them back to the area... nice to have them back!

I don't love this area - it is beautiful, but unless you're in Asheville (we're not) it can be very close-minded and fundie. The area where we previously lived in Virginia (where we want to return to) is just as lovely, and a little more 'civilized', I guess. Waynesville is OK, has a cool little downtown, and has the benefit of being close to Asheville. Sylva is also sorta OK, mostly because WCarolina U is nearby in Cullowhee -- but otherwise, meh. Beautiful, yes, Long-term livability, not so much.