Is it better to ask about Bristol,Va here? (Johnson City: job market, schools)

[TattoedDad]

I asked in the Va section but not getting much answers....I had narrowed our list to 2 places in Ky and 2 or 3 in Va and Bristol is my favorite....just curious if anyone can give me more information...mostly about schools,employment chances etc.

[Serious Conversation]

I'm not very familiar with Bristol VA schools. The VA side has had more development over the past few years, but some of that is changing with the Pinnacle on the TN side. If you live in VA, you will have to pay state income tax (which TN does not have) and for a vehicle inspection.

Employment is extremely hard to come by in the area.

[jabogitlu]

Yes, I'd say most of the Virginia forums are focused on NOVA, VA Beach area, Richmond and somewhat Roanoke. SW VA often gets left out of that discussion, and several counties are actually in the Tri-Cities, TN/VA combined statistical area.

[TattoedDad]

I could look for work in Tn and Va wife is a CNA and can only work in a state that will reciprocate her license. They MIGHT do it now that we live in Georgia but when she had her NC license they wouldn't. Is jobs hard to find everywhere there as I know Bristol,Va is close to Kingsport,JC and Bristol,Tn

[Serious Conversation]

If you live in TN and work in VA, you still have to pay that VA state income tax. If I had a job offer in VA, I'd just live closer to the job. The tax is 5.75% if you make over $17k, which is steep at that low of an income.

East TN and southwest VA have an extremely bad job market - in my opinion, among the worst in the country. Both jabogitlu and I are from the area, in our 20s, and there simply is no work there. Most people that need to work move off.

[TattoedDad]

We are looking at Bristol and Abingdon and then 2 cities in Kentucky as well.

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by TattoedDad

I could look for work in Tn and Va wife is a CNA and can only work in a state that will reciprocate her license. They MIGHT do it now that we live in Georgia but when she had her NC license they wouldn't. Is jobs hard to find everywhere there as I know Bristol,Va is close to Kingsport,JC and Bristol,Tn

Bristol is both TN and VA, not entirely separate, as they share some city functions. It's an ODDBALL situation. Yeah, you might want to look elsewhere....

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by TattoedDad

I asked in the Va section but not getting much answers....I had narrowed our list to 2 places in Ky and 2 or 3 in Va and Bristol is my favorite....just curious if anyone can give me more information...mostly about schools,employment chances etc.

Sure, it's fine to ask about Bristol VA here.

[queenladybug817]

I think you are going to really have to do a couple of things.

First, you need to look at the actual job market for you and your wife. Anecdotal stats by us is part of it. Yes there are struggles here with regards to jobs and pay, but maybe not for your qualifications. Gotta do more research than just asking this forum. Look at the job listings and pay scales.

Next, you need to decide if potential income/expenses here are worth it for you. If you are taking a cut in income, but you are willing to make sacrifices to live in a specific area, then ok. Many are not ok with that.

With regard to you and your idea of going back to school, have you looked at the schools and options in this area for what you are doing? Is this area even suited for that?

I'm hugely pro for the Tri-cities, but I'm not going to say for you guys to pack up and move because you love it. Do your research and make a pro and con list.

[jabogitlu]

I think Johnson City is a cool place to live, but I would never move there without a job. Could take years to maneuver into a relatively stable position that matches your skillset and/or education.