Thinking of Moving to Norma (Houghett?) area. (Knoxville, Crossville: house, inspector)

[Flyinglead2]

Hi Everyone!!!

I am in New England now, but I am looking at property on Houghett Road I have a background in Animal Control and as a State Animal Inspector as well as a lot of dog/cat/bird and other rescue experience. I also have trained and worked with horses for most of my life.

I don't want to do anything with Law enforcement anymore (Animal Control or inspection) but I would like to board some horses, possibly put up a SMALL dog boarding facility and do some grooming. (Oh and does anyone know if there might be a need for help with tropical birds? Do many people in have them?)

Does anyone know if there a market for dog boarding kennels, groomers and horse boarding in the area?

I am looking at a property that is a couple of acres, so it wouldn't be anything to big. Just maybe a 4 stall barn with pasture and a 10 dog kennel and some grooming.

Dog boarding up here is very understaffed and horse boarding is common, however, this state is ridiculously expensive to live in, especially for a single mom and the people haven't been as friendly as I had hoped. And I'd be happy to not have to work outside during a brutal winter again!

Anyone in/around Norma/Houghett area who might have any input? I'm a pretty easygoing gal and am really good with the animals.

Thanks in advance.

[weisgarber1]

Do you mean Norma in Scott County?

[Flyinglead2]

Yes, I think so. I'm sorry. I spelled the name of the road wrong. It's Hughett. Zip code is 37756. The closest town that I could get mapquest to recognize is Huntsville, TN. I havne't seen what county it's in yet. Hopefully, this will help.

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by Flyinglead2

Yes, I think so. I'm sorry. I spelled the name of the road wrong. It's Hughett. Zip code is 37756. The closest town that I could get mapquest to recognize is Huntsville, TN. I havne't seen what county it's in yet. Hopefully, this will help.

That is Scott County and the area is very rural.

[hiknapster]

I'm originally from New England. The people aren't as friendly as down here!

But wow, I wouldn't want to live in the area you are looking in. It's about an hour from Knoxville. City-Data says there is 981 people that live there. Out in the rural areas people can be very close-knit. Sometimes not very friendly. Sometimes worse than that.

Why did you pick that town? Do you know someone that lives there?

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Not to mention, people in rural areas rarely have a need for boarding for animals of any kind-they either have family or neighbors that critter sit the small animals and in the case of horses, most with horses either have property or friends/family that do.

[Kitties of Domination]

I think you may find a larger clientele in Loudon or Blount Co. Both areas are fast growing with a mixture of suburban and rural areas. Far west Knox is also a good option, but probably more competition. There is NOTHING in Scott Co. I promise you.

[Flyinglead2]

Thanks for the great responses. I picked the area because I found a really wonderful house there. But if there is no business, the house doesn't mean much. It looked pretty rural when I looked it up on Zillow.com.....so I guessed that there probably wouldn't be a need. Thought I'd ask anyway. I originally had found some great prospective property in Crossville in Cumberland County. I think I'll stick to the original plan of researching that area. It seems to be much better populated, and with people that would be better clientele prospects. Too bad...the house is a lovely old place that has been very well restored and maintained. But, like I said......if there is no way to support it, then it's not worth much to try and move there. Thanks very much for all the good advice.

[Barking Spider]

Did you actually visit the area and see the house for yourself?

[creeksitter]

I think Crossville would be good for boarding pets because there is a huge pupulation of retired folks.