Considering Athens? Any Suggestions? (Knoxville, Chattanooga: home, find a job, schools)

[mia_magination]

My mom is planning on following me up to Tennessee to relocate but she is interested in Athens and Cleveland areas. I have read a few posts and have been researching the entire Tennessee area for possibilities for a while now. I want to see her in a nice, safe place that has some space to breathe good clean air and raise her younger adopted children.

Any information on this area would be a real help. I remember hearing something negative about Athens but now can't remember what it was so I am open to all opinions....that's really the best way to get a feel for any area when you hear both sides of the story. I like the Tri-cities area and that is not far from these towns so it would be a good choice if all works out well.

If anyone has teenage children that would also like to give opinions about school, life, play that would be very welcome also.

Thanks in advance for all your opinions!

[oldmanbob]

Athens, I think is one of the oldest cities, and you did not state where you were. Tri-cities, is about one hour and half, east of Knoxville, and Athens is about the same going southwest. Cleveland is home of the Church of God schools, and loaded with several schools, such as Lee University, and is a booming town, with loads of positives.

[JMT]

No doubt about it, Athens and Cleveland are in beautiful settings. Both are near the Smoky Mountains and are full of friendly, wonderful people.

Does your mother need to find a job? If so, she might have a tough time around there. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor, in the last year McMinn County (Athens) has lost 600 jobs and went from a 5.8% unemployment rate (Feb 07) to a 7.6% unemployment rate (Feb 08).

The Cleveland area didn't do any better, losing 1,140 jobs from Feb 07 to Feb 08.

The Chattanooga metro area also lost jobs (1,670 in the last year).

If she needs to get a job, your mom might want to consider getting closer to Knoxville which added over 3,000 jobs.

Good luck!

[mia_magination]

My mom is trying to retire when she gets there, but will have to see how things go financially. My little sister attends Lee University and my mom wanted to be close to her also. I would like to go to Kingsport area but that may be a bit far for her to travel to see her grandkids.

She wants somewhere that has property to build on, possibly get a horse for the kids yet still close to town.

She fell in love with Cleveland and have heard wonderful things about the schools there but nothing else as far as living.