South - Staying in Asheville-Fletcher-Hendersonville (NC) area

My wife and I will be in the area for a few days in late February. While we will want to see the attractions of Ashland/Biltmore (and go to one concert in Ashland), we'll be mainly looking at possible places for a second home (and eventual retirement home). My wife strongly prefers a gated community (for several reasons), and in this area it appears that there are most around Hendersonville, with a few in the area around the airport (Fletcher, and mountains to the west), and a small number east of Asheville.

If we were just going on vacation we'd stay in Asheville, but in order to get an idea of what it might be like to spend time in an area we might buy in, which would be a more pleasant area to stay in, Fletcher or Hendersonville? I've driven by the area just once, many years ago, and my wife has never been.

Fletcher or Hendersonville? Hendersonville is actually a real town. :)

If you don't need to live near AVL there are many places to live that are more secluded, more "mountainy" and probably more affordable than the I-26 corridor. Check out Brevard, Waynesville or Madison County.

AVL isn't that big and you might find yourself driving to CLT often anyway. West of Asheville (Haywood/Jackson counties) TYS becomes an option too.

Fletcher or Hendersonville? Hendersonville is actually a real town. :)

If you don't need to live near AVL there are many places to live that are more secluded, more "mountainy" and probably more affordable than the I-26 corridor. Check out Brevard, Waynesville or Madison County.

AVL isn't that big and you might find yourself driving to CLT often anyway. West of Asheville (Haywood/Jackson counties) TYS becomes an option too.

Thanks. I probably wasn't clear. My immediate question is actually where to stay during our upcoming visit (maybe 4-5 nights). Your input on living locatons still welcome, however.

What's your budget for hotels in Asheville?

B&Bs:
Albermarle Inn !!!
Montford
Biltmore Village Inn!!!
Reynolds Mansion
Lion and Rose
1891 Cedar Creek
Chestnut Street Inn

Hotels:
Haywood Park Hotel
Residences at Biltmore
and of course Grove Park Inn!!!!!!!

Grove Park Inn!

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Looks great, but way over our price range. I was hoping to stay under $150. Renaissance looks fairly nice.

I'd try Pricelining a 3.5* or 4* in downtown. Do not go any lower. You should be able to come in well under $150 a night and ought to be happy with the results. Crowne Plaza, Renaissance & Indigo come up on betterbidding.com for as little as $50. I strongly recommend a downtown property for the dining and drinking options.