Lahr

Before moving, Ms Lahr researched extensively the most climate-resilient places to live, with Asheville ranking near the top because of its milder temperatures and inland location, shielding it from flooding.

But last year, Hurricane Helene ploughed through western North Carolina, killing over 100 people in the state and decimating Ms Lahr's new hometown of Asheville.

In 2024, a Category 4 Hurricane destroyed over 2,000 homes and businesses in Kelsey Lahr's climate haven of Asheville, North Carolina.

"Clearly southern Appalachia is not the 'climate haven' that it was built up to be," Ms Lahr said.

Neither does Ms Lahr regret moving to Asheville.