You will find many Ex Norton users, now happy avast! users in these forums.
I personally feel avast is better for many reasons, not a resource hog, doesn't get so embedded into your system as to cause issues when you uninstall it. These forums are littered with threads about conflict even after Norton is removed.
Norton is a big name with a big budget for adverts, etc. but I still think avast is a more configurable and flexible anti-virus that provides protection at least as good if not better than Norton, Oh if you use the home version you aren't paying an annual arm and a leg to Norton
If you feel that paid for is better than free, then you can use the avast! Pro version
which has even greater flexibility and functionality than the home version.