I have lived in Detroit, 3 different towns in NC, Chicago, and I have been in central GA for the last 3 years. I have basically lived half my life in the North and half in the South.
Here is what I have learned:
People from the North have an incomplete understanding of life in the South, and vice-versa.
As long as you keep in mind that you are moving to a different "country", and refrain from comparing, you should be ok. Just as you don't expect London to be the same as Philly, don't expect it of Asheville either. You will find there are good people and bad people everywhere - except some speak with a "twang" and some speak with a "drawl".
Food will be an issue at first. For example, you may find that you miss authentic cheesesteak, but perhaps you will get an appreciation for pulled pork BBQ with that famous NC sauce. Asheville in a lot more diverse than many places in NC (and certainly more so than Macon!), so perhaps there is a lot more to offer than back in the 80s when I still lived in NC.
In addition, in the South, it is considered "harsh" to outright refuse an invitation. If you propose a gathering with a southerner, and they do not give you an definite "yes", but instead say something like "that sounds nice", consider that a "no" This is an important cultural difference. Southerners refrain from saying "negative" things because in their culture, such things are considered rude. If your wife gets a new hairstyle and a southerner says "I love your hair", it means just what you think. But a comment like "You changed your hair" really means "I want to let you know I noticed the change, but I really don't like it"
The "niceties" are expected in the South. A business meeting may start out with a discussion of family or church life. Such familiar conversation is de riguer prelude to actual business issues.
Let me reiterate: these are things the way I understand them, based on my life experiences.
YMMV
