Asheville's economy is heavily driven by tourism but the city itself does not allow for short term rentals to be established which provides an opportunity for the surrounding mountain towns to become prime str areas.  

Originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin, but I moved here in 1972, from Vietnam.

I don't know about your area in particular, but research the area's tourism demand and yearly visitors.

I know tourism is a big thing considering the annual festivities and charm of the community, but it's mainly single family homes and such.

I have two houses now that I rent on Airbnb in the busy summer months, and rent to college students for the remainder of the year while school is in session and tourism is low.  

Kerr, Gillespie, Kendall, Hays, comal, burnet, and blanco counties are desireable for commercial use, vineyards, vrbo, etc. as they provide higher tourism numbers and retirees.

I'm a Vietnam vet and very, very old school, etc.

AirBnB market is heavily saturated but the park is one of the most visited parks in the US so tourism is still heavy and people from the city still venture out for the weekend or longer. 

Increasingly diverse economy (less reliant on military and tourism than in years past), low cost of living, properties aren't nearly as expensive as bigger markets in Florida.

I can't remember where But I heard Anchorage is a 3 legged stool, Oil, Military, and Tourism (if I'm not mistaken).