We Live In A Temperate Rainforest:

Yes, North Carolina has a temperate rainforest.  We live two miles from the N. Georgia state line and about 10 miles from the Tennessee state line. We are in the western end of the state. As such we can get up to  80 inches of rain per year. We have a cooler milder climate than the rest of the state. 

It is also known as a cloud forest and it has a unique ecosystem. It is one of the most biodiverse temperate areas in the world. Our heavy rainfall creates lush vegetation. Our temperatures range from cool to crisp to warm which makes it desirable for those from nearby states where the temperatures are triple digit in the spring, summer and fall. 

We have a wide range of plant and animal life and it is reported that we have over 10,000 native species. Because of the mild climate it faces threats from development as more and more people want summer cabins or homes in this area and hence land is being gobbled up and developed. With our heavy rainfall and mountainous terrain not all land is suitable to live on. 

Those who do move or build here discover that we have  numerous insect life and some like chiggers and mosquitos are the biting kind. We have snakes with some species being poisonous plus bear and many other species that share our area. 

When we moved to the mountains of S. Colorado it was sparsely populated but over time more and more people gravitated to the area from cities and urban over crowding and they demanded the same amenities that they were leaving and the area lost its appeal quickly. 

With an influx of population and their demands the county and state  doubled property taxes and then every two years doubled them again. Amenities have costs and the state passes those on to others. Self reliant homesteaders are now becoming fewer and fewer and only a few will remain. Those who do will  face higher taxes and costs. 

I am seeing the same thing happening here in our area. Since we moved here there are new developments adjoining ours. Summertime traffic is increasing  It is sad to see but over the years we have seen it numerous times. I have also noticed that there is a vast difference between those who live and work here and those who just want to use the area for their enjoyment and comfort.