It strikes us as terribly ironic that Asheville recently was ranked No. 24 on Joy Organics’ survey of the Top 150 Best U.S. Cities and Towns to “Escape the Rat Race,” inasmuch as, given its skyrocketing real estate and population growth in the last 10 years or so, it personifies “the Rat Race.”

We can’t stop laughing at one of the survey question, which was as follows:

“Participants were asked to name American localities where they would prefer to relocate to start afresh, far from the demanding environment of their current professions.”

Given that the rents are the highest the state, along wth the relatively low wages for the Asheville-area workforce, the so-called “Paris of the South” is ultra-demanding — and anything but laid-back and carefree for those who are not among the economic elite, meaning most of us.

Regarding Asheville, Joy Organics’ survey describes the city as follows:

“Known for its vibrant arts scene and its historic architecture, Asheville offers a unique blend of bohemian culture, craft breweries and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to escape corporate life.”

While its description of Asheville is flattering, it is — more accurately — descriptive of the city at the turn of the century.

As for the alleged “vibrant arts scene,” in today’s Asheville, only artists “of means” can afford to pay for the overpriced food, housing and studio space needed to live and work here. As a result, the city could be said to have... a limited number of real artists.

Regarding the “historical architecture” (mostly art deco), we do not disagree that the Biltmore Estate area and downtown Asheville area were blessed with some of the best work by the best architects during and after the building of George Vanderbilt’s masterpiece, the Biltmore House (in the 1890s).

However, since then, no significant building worthy of architectural note has been built in Asheville. Truth be told, we’re resting on our laurels, folks! And the scenic beauty of the area is currently being bulldozed for development.

And let’s not even get started on the so-called bohemian culture and craft beer culture, leaving much of local populace unemployable, as they are either (or both) high on drugs or falling-down-drunk, in our observation.

In conclusion, we think that Asheville would be among the worst choices in the U.S. to “Escape the Rat Race.” We recommend that the Joy Organics survey readers — looking for an exit from the race — move, instead, to... Charlotte!