Can you tell me about Morristown, Bean Station, etc? (Knoxville: for sale, rent)

[Jude24]

After some years and visits to East TN. it looks like we will finally get to make our move there later this year.
Retired, so not looking for jobs. We have visited much of the area. Some family in Bristol and friends in Surgoinsville. We will rent for awhile while we decide where to buy, we are still open as to where. We like Jonesborough a lot, but are wondering about being a little closer to Knoxville. We have not been to Jefferson City, Morristown, Bean Station area, and just looking for opinions about it. I see a ton of houses for sale in Morristown, what's up with that?

[DubbleT]

I've spent a little time in Bean Station, pretty area and close to the lake, but there isn't a whole lot there. A dollar store, a drug store, an independent grocer, and some mom and pop eateries, maybe a few other places. However Morristown is close and convenient for most of your daily needs.
I know nothing about Morristown other than making a few trips to get groceries or eat out while in the area.

[Serious Conversation]

I don't think that area has anything unique to offer that being either closer to the Tri-Cities or Knoxville doesn't.

My girlfriend's aunt has a lake house in Rutledge, about ten minutes from Bean Station. I'm there more than I care to be. From Bean Staton, Morristown is about fifteen minutes away. Morristown has a small mall, groceries, some chain restaurants, and has improved a good bit over the last ten years or so. Outside of that, it's a good hour or more to Knoxville.

Jefferson City is smaller than Morristown, but has some essentials. Anything big is a trip to Morristown or Knoxville.

[jabogitlu]

Morristown is kind of a dump, more similar to Greeneville than either Knoxville or Johnson City. If you're looking for a quiet life in the countryside with not much other than some mediocre restaurants, Walmart, dollar stores, etc., then Morristown is fine. But if you like Jonesborough's level of quaint amenity, you'll find that lacking in Morristown.