I was born in Reidsville and spent my early years there. Later we moved across the border into Virginia. I don't recommend Reidsville unless you are trying to get away from everything and want a more secluded lifestyle. It's hot and humid there in the summer, and it really doesn't have much to offer in the way of amenities. Reidsville, like a lot of towns with economies based on tobacco, furniture and textiles, it was left for the dead long ago. The Asheville area is outstanding, but prices are hideously high now. As stated above, its a mini San Francisco. An outlying town near Asheville, such as Franklin, Cashiers, Saluda, etc., would be a better bet since they coattail off the Asheville area in general, offering much of what Asheville does at lower prices and with less traffic/congestion. And cycling is outstanding in all the surrounding areas. Good healthcare around Asheville too.

My advice, a permanent home in Florida with a cottage in the NC, SC or GA mountains for summers. I can't stress how nice it is in Florida in the winter months, and there is no state tax.

If you can only have one place, then Gainsville, Ga is nice. As already mentioned, Greenville, SC too. You will need you A/C there, but less than an hour's drive will put you at higher elevations, with beautiful scenery and good bike riding. You will need your climbing legs.