Helping parents find a place (home, YMCA, school)

[ORION83]

My mother just called and asked me to help her and my father narrow down an area for them they are considering the corner of Tn,NC,Ga or the coasts of NC and SC. They both live off of SS and are retired and only requirement is lower cost of living as that's all they live off of. Only other thing she asked about is price of vehicle taxes....so help me please! Oh and near a large/larger hospital!

[kyle19125]

I would suggest Johnson City, which is part of the Tri-Cities metro area in East Tennessee. It has a rather low cost of living, no annual car tax (or impact tax) and is the home of East Tennessee State University's Johnson City Medical Center which is a teaching hospital (ETSU School of Medicine), a regional referral center and Level One Trauma Center.

Mountain States Health Alliance | Johnson City Medical Center

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I would suggest Johnson City, which is part of the Tri-Cities metro area in East Tennessee. It has a rather low cost of living, no annual car tax (or impact tax) and is the home of East Tennessee State University's Johnson City Medical Center which is a teaching hospital (ETSU School of Medicine), a regional referral center and Level One Trauma Center.

Mountain States Health Alliance | Johnson City Medical Center

There is an annual wheel tax there but it's only $28. Tennessee also taxes food.

Tennessee has no personal income tax, but there is a "hidden" income tax affects seniors the most. The Hall Tax is a tax on investment income and dividends.

The state legislature is in the process of phasing it out, but it still affects seniors disproportionately.

[NJBoy3]

What about southern most Virginia.

[ORION83]

Alright parents WERE interested in moving to the coast but are not convinced they want to stay in the mountains. We are moving to Va here this summer or next and they are interested in staying on or around the blue ridge mtn range. I have suggested Abingdon,Va,Wytheville,Va,Erwin,Tn etc....where else should I help them look? This is a LITTLE MORE in my area since I have studied most of these areas for a year now but not for a couple wanting to retire. Criteria is as follows

Rent a max of 750$ for 1/2 bedroom place-needs to be flat for wheelchair bound father
Dog friendly-again probably varies from place to place but town should be dog friendly as well. He is an old boxer
Yard is of no issue,less the better but if there is one its gotta be flat
At least 890 SF
Near a YMCA Or Pool Facilities
Close to wheelchair accessible shopping


Those are my mothers wants now from knowing them I can tell you they want something more
Laid back
Quiet
No college towns
Close to a major medical center and doctors
Close to interstate as well


I will add anything else if I can think of it or as they let me know.

[DubbleT]

There are quite a few smaller towns in the tri cities area of TN (and including Bristol VA) where it should be possible to meet most of your criteria.
Maybe clarify a few points-
-Dog friendly town? as in welcome in most businesses type of thing? Probably not many places other than pet stores and some restaurant patios, and I believe there are some dog parks around.
-Wheelchair accessible shopping? Is that a problem in many areas? Other than some smaller/older boutique type stores I think most of your everyday type shopping in this area shouldn't be a problem.
-budget seems a little on the low side, is that for an apt or a sf home?