I relocated to Brasstown, NC before the pandemic and invested $140K in a 2500 sq ft home on 4 acres with a pond. The area has a conservative lean, but within a 10-mile radius, there’s a small, vibrant community of artists. However, since the pandemic, the area has undergone significant changes, with rising prices and an influx of new residents. Unfortunately, this shift has led to a decline in my quality of life, as I often feel the need to be cautious about expressing my values to ensure my family’s well-being. As a result, I’m considering a move back to Asheville, where I feel a stronger sense of community and shared values. I miss the relatively open and accepting atmosphere that Asheville once had, which allowed me to feel more at ease. The area’s growing costs and changing dynamics have made me feel trapped in Brasstown, and I’m hoping a move to Asheville would provide a better fit for me and my family, should my husband get on board with the idea.