How's life in Tennessee? (Knoxville, Hendersonville: houses, schools, college)

[TeamWalsh317]

We want to try living outside of New England. Life is to short to be stuck somewhere you aren't happy.

[piedmont]

Here are a few thoughts:

-The economy around Knoxville is more diverse and supports a great range of employment.
-The scenery around Asheville and surrounding areas is much more dramatic, as Knoxville is about 60 miles away from higher mountains. It is also less smoggy around Asheville.
-While both areas are fairly conservative in culture/politics, Asheville is much more liberal than suburban/rural Knoxville (city of Knoxville is more of a blend with plenty of dems).
-You will see more snow around Asheville than Knoxville. We're lucky to get one 4 inch storm a year.
-Overall, the schools in both areas are worse than typical in New England, but perhaps not in NH (which is rather uneven).
-The cost of living in E TN is lower than western NC. Of course, sales tax is higher and services are fewer.
-If you like NH's "Live free or die" motto, TN is more of a match than NC.

[TeamWalsh317]

Thanks Piedmont.

Sounds like we would be happy with either. Maybe if we found some place between Knoxville and the Great Smoky mountains. We have plenty of time to plan. Thanks to everyone with all the help and info. Ill be on here some more asking questions in sure. We have already had some light snow this past weekend. Not looking forward to the winter at all.

[piedmont]

I am just now noticing that you are in Tamworth. That is a really pretty area!

[danielj72]

Originally Posted by TeamWalsh317

Thanks Piedmont.

Sounds like we would be happy with either. Maybe if we found some place between Knoxville and the Great Smoky mountains. We have plenty of time to plan. Thanks to everyone with all the help and info. Ill be on here some more asking questions in sure. We have already had some light snow this past weekend. Not looking forward to the winter at all.

Maryville..... It is closer to the mountains and it is close to Knoxville. Blount county in general may be an area you would like. Townsend is not far from Maryville and its one of the entrances to the SMNP. It is no where near as crazy with tourist and traffic as is Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. If your looking for easy access to the mountains then this area is worth considering.

[Rangerred]

Don't forget about the Tri-Cities. Beautiful scenery, good schools, great access to outdoor recreation and Asheville is a quick hour or so away.

[TeamWalsh317]

What are the tri cities?

[AnotherBravesFan]

Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, TN. In NE TN; Bristol abuts SW Virginia town of the same name.

[TeamWalsh317]

Thanks

[Rangerred]

The Tri-Cities are a metro of about 500,000 consisting of Johnson City(~65,000), Kingsport(~53,000), and Bristol TN/VA(~42,000) along with many smaller communities throughout. Johnson City sits right at the base of the mountains, has very good schools and medical facilities, and his home to 15,000 student East Tennessee State University giving the city a youthful, college-town vibe. It is only an hour or so to places in WNC such as Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, and Grandfather Mountain along with numerous ski resorts. Might be worth checking out.