Retirement in Knoxville? (Oak Ridge, Maryville, Alcoa: health insurance, crime, houses) - Tennessee (TN) - City-Data Forum

WantingWarmAndDry · 12-28-2022, 08:00 AM

Hi All,

I am a single woman from NY looking to retire in the south. When I move, I will be in my late 60's. I am Jewish and politically conservative.

I have been looking online at Knoxville, TN because it seems to me that there's so much to do (unless I'm being misled by the Internet). I'm considering getting a dog and it seems that Knoxville is very dog-friendly. And I would be interested in volunteering at a living museum, and it seems that there are a few in the Knoxville area.

I guess I'm concerned about moving to a new place alone and starting over without knowing anybody. Is Knoxville a friendly place? Is it fairly easy to make new friends?

How dangerous would it be for a single woman to live in a house alone? I don't want to live in the city-proper, but rather out of the city in some surrounding area.

If there are any retirees out there in the Knoxville area who are in the late 60's and 70's, please comment on your retirement experience in Knoxville. I'd like to know what all you retirees do with all your free time in Knoxville. How is health care? Any other concerns or comments?

Thanks!

Barking Spider · 12-29-2022, 04:11 PM

First of all you should visit and spend a few days just looking around Knoxville. When someone makes a comment about the City proper, and surrounding areas, it's pretty obvious to me they have never been here.
Knoxville is very spread out, and if you look at the map, and see what looks like a bunch of towns, surrounding KNoxville, You will soon realize that they are just part of Knox County, and the general Knoxville area. There are surrounding towns like Oak Ridge, Alcoa, Maryville, etc, but they are really just outside Knox County. Alcoa, is where the Knoxville airport is (TYS).
I would say the generally the people in Knoxville are very friendly. While Tennessee is a red State, it's pretty hard to tell where people stand politically unless you get into a discussion with them. There are several Senior Centers that are pretty active. Obviously Houses of Worship are also a source of getting to know people and developing friendships.
Health care is pretty good, with several hospitals in the region. Obviously it depends on your health insurance.
Knoxville is a fairly safe are, but there is crime everywhere in the Country. Some parts of KNoxville are sketchy, but they are pretty obvious when you are in them, and they are easy to avoid. That said, crime does not limit itself top only certain zip codes.
Tax wise, you will be in much better shape than being in New York. Cost of living is likely much better here as well.
Come in the spring and stay a few days.

WantingWarmAndDry · 12-30-2022, 06:10 AM

Thanks. I would love to come, but right now I'm taking care of a very elderly father and can't leave. For now, I have to do all my research online. I keep hearing about crime in Knoxville, but it can't possibly be worse than in NYC. That said, I live in a rather safe area. I'm looking forward to exploring the Knoxville region one day, although I would probably move to one of the outlying towns.

WantingWarmAndDry · 12-30-2022, 06:12 AM

As for health insurance, being over 65, I have Medicare. Plus a supplemental.

WantingWarmAndDry · 12-30-2022, 06:23 AM

Hi.
I know there is a Reform, a Conservative, and a Chabad synagogue in Knoxville. Please, could someone comment on Jewish life in Knoxville (or the Knoxville region)? I am a single, senior woman, so family life and schools are not my focus. Are there seniors at these synagogues? Are there adult education classes? Sisterhood groups? Or activities? What about the community center? And the Hadassah chapter? Does anyone keep kosher? Is it possible in Knoxville?
I would appreciate reading your comments! Thank you!

creeksitter · 12-30-2022, 01:37 PM

Best to just contact the synagogue you would likely attend and ask the questions. Quite likely they have an online presence that will give you an idea of the activities.

Barking Spider · 12-30-2022, 07:39 PM

Not really sure why you are fixated on the outlying towns. As I said, the greater Knoxville area is 30 or so miles by 20 or so miles. There are many "towns" on the map, but they are really just communities in the general Knox County area. Knoxville is not just a city square with houses around the downtown area.
You are making assumptions about the area, and your desire to live in outlying areas, not based on actually knowing anything about the area. The cities I listed outside of KNoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, and Oak Ridge, all have their own issues, and crime is certainly one of them. You are not going to find a crime free area anywhere. Mayberry, only exists in TV land, and even Mayberry had crime.

Even with medicare and supplemental insurance, it depends on what company you have insurance with. Im pretty sure you have different insurance in New York, than we have here, but maybe not. I have Humana and the coverage is great here, but my friends in Connecticut have another company.

creeksitter · 12-30-2022, 08:14 PM

?? Are you speaking of an advantage plan? Regular medicare is accepted by all providers that accept medicare.

The OP may be asking do we have a wide variety of specialists and the answer is yes. Maybe someone can comment on the ease of finding a GP. You can call Summit medical which is a big outfit and they should be able to say who is taking new patients. UT Medical is another big network in addition to a hospital.

grampaTom · 12-31-2022, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WantingWarmAndDry

Hi All,

I am a single woman from NY looking to retire in the south. When I move, I will be in my late 60's. I am Jewish and politically conservative.

I have been looking online at Knoxville, TN because it seems to me that there's so much to do (unless I'm being misled by the Internet). I'm considering getting a dog and it seems that Knoxville is very dog-friendly. And I would be interested in volunteering at a living museum, and it seems that there are a few in the Knoxville area.

I guess I'm concerned about moving to a new place alone and starting over without knowing anybody. Is Knoxville a friendly place? Is it fairly easy to make new friends?

How dangerous would it be for a single woman to live in a house alone? I don't want to live in the city-proper, but rather out of the city in some surrounding area.

If there are any retirees out there in the Knoxville area who are in the late 60's and 70's, please comment on your retirement experience in Knoxville. I'd like to know what all you retirees do with all your free time in Knoxville. How is health care? Any other concerns or comments?

Thanks!

We don't live IN Knoxville but are retired near enough to shop there and visit venues. In my opinion it is a very safe and friendly city -- but like any other city you will need guidance not to wind up in the wrong neighborhood.

There are many neighborhoods/suburbs that I believe would fit your needs.

You might also want to look into Tellico Village which is close to Knoxville but is a retirement community and has tons of amenities.

Barking Spider · 01-01-2023, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creeksitter

?? Are you speaking of an advantage plan? Regular medicare is accepted by all providers that accept medicare.

The OP may be asking do we have a wide variety of specialists and the answer is yes. Maybe someone can comment on the ease of finding a GP. You can call Summit medical which is a big outfit and they should be able to say who is taking new patients. UT Medical is another big network in addition to a hospital.

Yes advantage plans. When my friends moved to Connecticut, they had a few issues finding Drs and specialists.