How did you discover the Tri-Cities? (Franklin, Henry: buying, live, moving)

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by Tennesseestorm

I was born here in March of 1976.

Schweet!!!! That's cool you've stuck to your roots as others have.

[sethmctenn]

My father did his medical residency here starting in 1989. I've previously lived in Nashville, Ga; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Enigma, Ga; Jacksonville, FL; Orem, Ut; and Boynton Beach, FL. This is by far my favorite place I have ever lived. After farm life in South Georgia, I was thrilled to see all that the area had to offer while maintaining a sense of charm. At the time, there were more fields in town (like the areas on Knob Creek). Although that has decreased some, the area is still beautiful and the people nice.

[jabogitlu]

JoshB, yep, Cherokee. Of course everyone native to this area claims to be somewhat Cherokee, usually.

[rccrain]

I was born in Bristol in 1985. In 2007, I decided I needed to uproot and see the world a bit ... so I moved to Johnson City. It's been a long and tumultuous journey; however I remain awestruck by the bright lights of HWY11-E and the sundry of establishments that the city has to offer, namely Education and Java Rush.

[Pacamama]

I grew up in Johnson City on a farm, though I moved away after college (1976) I came back in 1991. I now live on what's left of my family's farm with husband, daughter, 22 alpacas, 2llamas, 3 goats, 2 pigs, 3 dogs and a cat. I've seen many changes. Some are good, - others disturb me. My family roots are deep and I love family being near. The Tri-Cities is one of the most beautiful places I've been and I've been to alot of places. There's so much here for people to enjoy and I am glad to be home. I used to say East Tn. was God's best kept secret.... but now the secret is out. Merry Christmas to all.

[jjbradleynyc]

I was born in Kingsport in 1971. I grew up pretty much in Church Hill. Although I no longer live in the area (in Stamford, CT now). The area is gorgeous and every time I visit, I do miss it.
My parents have different stories about their past and the tri-cities: My father was born in a house in Church Hill in the late 1930s--near Old Stage Road. His mother and father worked in the elementary and middle schools in the 20s/30s/40s in Church Hill. His father was also born in Hawkins County, while his mother moved to the area from Ireland.
My mother was born in Barboursville, KY in the mid '40s, and her family moved to Surgoinsville, TN in the mid 1960s--for construction jobs. She met my dad while working at a factory in Church Hill/Surgoinsville.

[tvlcompanygirl]

In 1995, I was going to move from CT to TX to live with some friends. When planning my possible drive, I found Johnson City to be about 12 hours away, and a good first stopping point. I never did move there. In 1996, I was in an AOL chat room and a guy mentioned that he was from JC and no one in the chat room knew where that was except me. So, we got to talking and a year later, we were married!

[JoshB]

Great stories everyone! I love hearing where y'all are from!

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

Mom wanted to leave the Southern California desert, and my sister needed to get out of Florida's Treasure Coast. They got a map out, looked for a low-key place with a sense of four seasons ... and there you go, Tri-Cities. I wish they had looked at the job market a little more closely first, though.

[mbmouse]

I grew up in CT, got forced to move to S. E.FL before I had a choice, was young and dumb, got married and had 2 kids. When the oldest started school in FL, I said " No way! I am getting back to the country life to raise my kids." Then husband got a job in Knoxville but I did not want to live in the city so we landed in Jefferson County. Well....that was a little bit "too" country for me. Then we moved to Greene Co. bought an old farm house, got a divorce and was there for 5 years. After some time my boys grew out of the school and was tough to get a better job in Greene Co. Started working and commuting to JC, was tough as a single Mom so I sold the house and moved to JC, met a wonderful native Tennessean (and yes, has traceable lines to his Cherokee roots hahahha), fell in love again and got married. So, took me almost 10 years in TN to find the Tri-Cities area but now that I am finally here, I will be here for ever God willing.