Moving to the area (Johnson City, Kingsport: mortgage broker, lender, broker)

[apeachyteachy]

My husband's job will be taking us to the JC area around the first of the new year. We have not made a trip up to the area yet, but plan to do so in the near future. All of our information we have has come the internet and the great info you all have provided on here.
We are looking to buy a home in Carter co. or Unicoi County (our current lender will finance us with a great deal if the county borders NC). Which would be the best county in which to live AND which would provide the easiest commute to JC (the mall)? Are there any specific neighborhoods you would suggest OR NOT suggest? We have 3 sons so schools are important as well.
Thanks in advance

[AppalachianAngler]

Carter County would probably be the easier commute, and I think the schools are probably a tad bit better. Can't really help you on specific neighborhoods though, unfortunately. Good luck!

[Beretta]

I agree with Appalachian Angler. Best of luck with your move.

[mbmouse]

Hello,
Well...to be honest, if you are looking for really good schools, being limited to a NC bordering county doesn't really leave much options for the best of schools. They are not bad per say, but they are all pretty much very rural and not many extras as far as funding and facilities go. Can I ask why your lender has required you to be on the boarder of NC? I am a mortgage broker and have never heard of such a strange requirement. I can not even imagine why they would have said that except if it is a rural property program, which in general are harder to get requirements wise and usually at higher rates due to being rural. Sorry, I don't mean to discourage you but I was just rather thrown by that statement.
Anyhoo, the closest and easiest commute to JC would be in Carter County west of Elizabethton. The school system there is Carter County and the schools would be Happy Valley Elementary and Happy Valley High.
Hope that helps.

[apeachyteachy]

mbmouse, i send you a personal email

[jabogitlu]

Agree with mouse etc. Parts of Erwin aren't difficult to reach via I-26 but I feel that the schools there are inferior to Carter County's. That having been said, neither are great. The only schools in NETN I would consider enrolling my kids in are Johnson City and Kingsport city.

If you can find a house along the freeway that runs between JC and Elizabethton, your commute into south JC would be ten minutes or so, twenty to most other parts of the city.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by apeachyteachy

mbmouse, i send you a personal email

Got it! And ok, now THAT makes sense and I understand hahhahaahhaa
No worries folks, no one is trying to scam them.
I believe if you live in the part of Carter County that has a Johnson City postal address I think you can enroll you kids in Washington County schools, but the only Washington county school out that way....well not so great.

[dcommander]

It is my understanding that the West Side school disctrict in Elizabethton is the one most people there prefer. Have no personal knowledge.... just what I've heard from friends and other realtors.

[apeachyteachy]

Thanks for all the info. We're planning a trip up there in a few weeks

[rccrain]

I second Erwin/Elizabethton. For schools, Elizabethton HS is the best bet.