There is a massive misperception about Applachian State and Boone here in this forum and down in Texas. Boone resides in Watuaga County, which likely boost some of the highest elevations in the eastern US. As such, the High Country has median property value in excess of half million dollars, which I am guessing is higher than College Station, TX. Furthermore, most of the students that attend App State are not from the mountains at all. Many are urban North Carolina kids who couldn't get into UNC because UNC accepts very selectively in state or kids from the northeast and other urban cities in the southeast who want to ski and hike on the weekends. The only thing hillbilly about App State is their name and mascot.