Looking for a good town? (Johnson City, Kingsport: schools, living, shop)

[familymom]

Started reading a few threads and seeing all the beautiful pictures and would like to do more research on different towns. Would like a few recommendations. Our background is that we are from NJ and have 4 school age children, so schools are important. Would like to be in a small town of about 15,000 with decent shopping within 15 min. Looking for great parks and recreation programs for the kids and newer developments on the outskirts of town with decent property sizes. Would like to also be in a well educated area that doesn't feel depressed by the economy. My husband is in the service and installation of heating and cooling equipment, so an area that is building and expanding would be a plus. Thanks Familymom

[jabogitlu]

Sounds like you want to be in the Grey/Boones Creek area, or up towards Piney Flats, or over around Jonesborough. Most of the Tri-Cities haven't been wholly consumed by the economic disaster. Decent shopping in Johnson City is within 15-25 minutes from all these places, and from Grey you can easily get to Kingsport, and to Bristol from Piney Flats.

Just please don't move here, and enjoy it, then one day realize we don't have your favorite store from NJ and start to view living here as backwards.

[mbmouse]

I agree with Jabogitlu and would like to add the Colonial Heights area of Kingsport as well as the ones mentioned above.

[familymom]

Thanks I will check them out.