"easy living' -- where is this true in E. TN? (Knoxville: home, shop)

[shamity]

Hi Folks,

If I said to you, "ok Tennessee experts, where would I go if I wanted to move somewhere in East TN where the livin is easy? You know, low traffic, grocery store within 10 or so miles, pet friendly, nice relaxed people, where everyone just goes to work and comes home and does their thing and doesn't stress?" What would you all say?

Once, someone told me Athens, GA was "easy livin'," and they were totally right. I moved there and damned if it wasn't easy living. Great way to live. But we want TN.

Thanks!

[Pam& Bill]

I'm partial to Knoxville. Knoxville gets my vote. Besides "easy living" using your definition could pretty much mean any where in East Tn.and to me it is a state of mind, don't you think so?
Pam

[shamity]

It is a state of mind, for sure, but when you are surrounded (and I mean SURROUNDED -- neighbors, coworkers, strangers) by people who have the exact opposite state of mind, it's hard to maintain it. I am like a sponge -- no matter how hard I try to chill out, when everyone around me is stressed, I become that way, too. So for our own personal sanity, we need to find a place with similar values as us with regard to just daily living, you know? It's super fast-paced where we live and everybody is always grouchy and rude in public, and it is wearing on us.

[jabogitlu]

Pretty much anywhere in east TN is going to be easy on you. The major question is do you want to live in/near...

1) Knoxville
2) Chattanooga
3) Tri-Cities

Each area has a totally different feel. Knoxville is big, sprawly and pretty blue collar. So is Chattanooga, but the city overall has a more spirited, artsy feel. I've almost always lived in the Tri-Cities, so it's difficult for me to judge what it feels like here, but it's a lot like Knoxville, only less cultured (don't get me wrong, Knoxville feels pretty backwater after a trip to Toronto, NY or Tokyo!), smaller, and more Appalachian.

[Pam& Bill]

Knoxville has charm and I love it here. I'm not stressed or rushed living here.
Pam

[Dave_n_Tenn]

Maryville would fit.... and if your looking for a more "rural" setting... Walland.

[Hishiad]

Oak Ridge, TN...


It gets a lot of bad media because of its infamous history as the "secret city"...but it's a good size town with a lot of shopping options some good areas close by convient to Knoxville (15-30 minutes depending on how far in Knoxville you're going)...and it's close to a few major highways 95 and 62. Also there's an absolutely beautiful Lake near there where they hold some of the biggest and most competitive rowing competitions in the southeast US. People from all over the nation come to row on Melton Hill Lake.


But also to answer the question you need to think of what type of work you want to do and how far you want to travel for work...is 30 minutes too far of a drive? Do you want to work where you live?

[ylisa7]

Originally Posted by shamity

It is a state of mind, for sure, but when you are surrounded (and I mean SURROUNDED -- neighbors, coworkers, strangers) by people who have the exact opposite state of mind, it's hard to maintain it. I am like a sponge -- no matter how hard I try to chill out, when everyone around me is stressed, I become that way, too. So for our own personal sanity, we need to find a place with similar values as us with regard to just daily living, you know? It's super fast-paced where we live and everybody is always grouchy and rude in public, and it is wearing on us.

You should also not watch the news on TV and read newspapers. Very stressful.

Do you need to work? What other hobbies do you like? I like the small town of Mountain City. It's quiet, friendly, and no one is rushed, lol. If you go out for a loaf of bread it might take an hour because you are bound to run into someone you know and then you have to talk about how the whole family is doing.

It's a small town that is really trying to grow. New highways have been added, festivals each year, small street fairs, a hiking, gardening, and many other clubs. It's also a great location. Easy driving to larger towns like Elizabethton and Johnson City, TN, or Damascus, Abingdon, and Bristol VA, and Boone, NC.

There is no work in town so that is the biggest downfall.

Good luck to you. My hubby and I wouldn't live in any other state.

[SPLIT]

S: .How about ATHENS , TN. New mag article in FEB issue of Southern Living Page TN-2 or pg 40 - 41 . Along side I-75 interstate North of Cleveland.
... If that is too small for ya. Just south of Dayton is quiet Soddy , hwy # 27 .
Great retirement town along the Tenn river & many COVES for fishing , kayak , boating , etc. Walden plateau building new 305 mile State Linear park called the Cumberland Hike Trail " CT " or also known as Great Eastern.
..............