u/RudeCrow2401

*i tried posting this on fayetteville subreddit, but reddit filters keep removing it*
hi all! i am inquiring about utility costs in Fayetteville. I currently live in North Dakota, so the weather and seasons are a bit different here, and I would love to get an idea of what the average utility costs (internet, electricity, heat, water/sewer, trash, etc.) are for apartments. In North Dakota, most apartments include utilities in the rent except for electricity and Wi-Fi, so it's a bit of a change. Can anyone break down rough estimates and best companies to go with for utilities in an average 700-800 sq. ft unit?

I’m planning to move to Asheville, NC this September, but I’ve been running into some challenges with both the job and apartment hunt. (And yes, I know both markets are really bad right now.) Even so, Asheville is still the place I’m most excited about and I have friends there who adore it.

That said, I’m trying to come up with a few backup options just in case Asheville doesn’t work out. Right now, Chattanooga, TN and Fayetteville, AR are at the top of my list.

I’m looking for an outdoor-focused town or small city with a younger demographic, a creative/artsy vibe, great specialty coffee, locally owned businesses, and a strong sense of community. I’d prefer somewhere that doesn’t get brutally hot in the summer or unbearably cold in the winter (I’m coming from North Dakota, for reference), and overall has a more laid-back, easygoing feel.

I’d love to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly about each place. Tell me about the neighborhoods, traffic, people, safety, local culture, weird quirks, smells, things nobody mentions online—whatever comes to mind. I’m looking for the kind of information you only get from people who actually live there.

And if there are any other towns or small cities that have a similar vibe to Asheville or Fort Collins, I’m all ears (that have rent under $1,300, preferably for studio-two beds).

Hey everyone, I’m kind of stuck between moving to either Asheville, North Carolina or Fayetteville, Arkansas and I’m having a hard time deciding. Asheville feels like it really lines up with what I want in my day-to-day life long term—being close to the mountains, having easy access to nature, a good coffee and creative scene, towns all around, thrifting, and just a more progressive, outdoorsy kind of community. It honestly feels like a place I’d really enjoy living in. The issue is mainly cost, because rent and general living expenses seem a lot higher there, and I’m trying to be realistic about my budget and not put myself in a stressful financial situation.

Fayetteville feels like the more practical choice financially, and it still seems like it has some of the things I care about: nature nearby, a decent local community, and a college-town vibe that doesn’t feel too overwhelming. But I keep getting stuck on whether I’d feel as “aligned” there day-to-day compared to Asheville, especially in terms of lifestyle and social scene. I worry a bit that I might move to Fayetteville and then end up wanting to move again not long after because I’m still looking for something that feels a little more like “home” for me long term. Another thing is that Fayetteville doesn’t seem to have a ton of other interesting places nearby, which is something I’m kind of missing where I live now. At the same time, it is more centrally located in a way that could make road trips and traveling west a bit easier, which I do quite a bit of.

So I guess I’m just trying to figure out what matters more long term: going with the place that feels most aligned with how I actually want to live, or choosing the more affordable, smart option even if it’s not quite the same vibe. Would really love to hear from people who’ve lived in either place and what the day-to-day reality is actually like beyond the general reputation.

Hey everyone! My significant other and I are moving to Asheville in August/September from North Dakota and trying to get a realistic idea of monthly living costs from people actually living there.

We are looking at a 2BR/1BA (~750–800 sq ft) apartment around $1,150 rent and trying to budget everything out, but I know online estimates can be pretty off.

If you live in Asheville, what are your actual monthly costs like?

Specifically:

• Electricity with Duke Energy (especially in summer with AC/humidity)
• Water/sewer
• Internet
• Any other monthly utilities or surprise costs

Just trying to avoid the “hidden” costs before signing a lease, especially coming from somewhere that has such different temperatures than North Carolina. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I've been a silversmith for about two years now. Before I learned how to solder, I bought a sterling silver ring blank with a bezel setting and made a resin ring from it. Since then, I've had multiple people ask me to recreate the ring, but I can't figure out exactly how this style of bezel was made. It almost looks like the base metal has a raised lip or wall around the outside, with the actual bezel sitting just inside of it. What's throwing me off is that the higher outer wall appears to be one continuous piece with the base rather than a separate strip soldered onto a backplate. Does anyone have any thoughts on how this might have been fabricated? Has anyone made a setting like this before? I've attached a few photos for reference. Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/uc2uxk199i5h1.jpg?width=1452&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6ba1c5ead07c3c3618b094ae1bba1a9e82888ac

https://preview.redd.it/q1sks4ux8i5h1.png?width=1588&format=png&auto=webp&s=df332549be4c596a97e41a62803f72373004a558

https://preview.redd.it/rkjwg7uy8i5h1.png?width=1588&format=png&auto=webp&s=c8c89de49f3f394e8ed633b35869481b9d9742be

Hi everyone! I’m trying to make the best decision for my 17-year-old cat and would love some real-world input from people who’ve been through CKD/hyperthyroid combos. She was just diagnosed with early kidney changes (creatinine ~1.9) and has a history of hyperthyroidism (now controlled on transdermal methimazole). She’s otherwise still eating and is still very active, but she is VERY picky and has a sensitive stomach. She strongly prefers pâté texture and will refuse foods if they’re too chunky or not appetizing enough.

My vet recommended switching her to a renal diet, and I’ve been looking at Hill’s k/d chicken pate or Royal Canin Renal pate. I’ve read Hill’s is “most clinically backed,” but Royal Canin seems to be more palatable for picky cats. I would prefer to avoid constantly switching foods because she has a sensitive stomach, but I understand we might have to try a few.

I’m also trying to avoid fish-heavy foods because of her thyroid history, so I’m leaning toward chicken/turkey-based options if possible.

My biggest concern is her losing weight because of her hyperthyroidism. I need to keep her eating consistently, maintain her weight (at 9.8lbs rn), and keep her stool stable.

So I guess my question is for people who have had a cat in a similar situation, did you find Hill’s or Royal Canin the best long-term? For reference, shes liked Purina Pro chicken 7+ and 11+ but recently stopped eating it due to getting sick from her methimazole increase. Now she is on Weruva BFF line and the Weruva Pho Focused pate and seems to like it.

Thanks in advance!