Info on Bristol TN (Knoxville, Johnson City: sales, crime, houses)

[NewAdventure]

Hello! My parents are considering moving to Bristol TN. They are in thier late 70's but are still young at heart and spirit. My Dad likes to golf and my Mom likes to shop- loves antiques. Florida summers are just too hot and long for them to enjoy a good qualilty of life and we've been visiting up in the mountains for years over the summer and ready for a change of pace and lifestyle from the busy west coast of Florida.
I'm considering Johnson City for my family. I've heard the schools are really good but if anyone has any information about the Bristol area for my parents, my school age children or myself I'd greatly appreciate the feedback.
Also, any nice campgrounds up around these parts?

Thanks so much!!!!

[bobbie]

Bristol and Johnson City are very nice places with great schools and comfortable climate. Johnson City is the larger of the tri-cities and has a strong art community. I don't know as much about Kingston, but as far as JC and Bristol go, it is a good quality of life. Both cities have good park systems also, Bristol has a beautiful park near the edge of the city limits called Bendingover Mailman park. It is always a little crowded and reminds me a lot of San Francisco's Castro district. Of course; my personal favorite is a litte place called Winged Deer park in JC. It's a nice place with long hiking trails and plenty of nice folks willing to extend a friendly back rub to a passing hiker.

Good luck with your decision, and if you happen to be interested, i know of several great bathhouses in the Knoxville area.

[tokyopapa]

Bristol is really beautiful, but I actually prefer shopping in the northern part of the city as opposed to the southern part (gotta love those Virginia sales taxes =D). As far as parks go, both Johnson City and Bristol have beautiful recreational facilities and outdoor landscape. The schools are good in both but maybe a bit less crowded in Bristol, as Bristol is about 12,000 people less populated than Johnson City. Johnson City, despite its smalls ize, definitely has most things offered in a big city, like Target, a decent, mall, two large bookstores, and plenty of parks without any of the crime or poor school funding. If you are interested in somewhere in the middle, might I suggest Hale or Gray? Both are progressive and have very nice scenery in addition to short commutes to any of the Tri-Cities.

[NewAdventure]

Originally Posted by tokyopapa

Bristol is really beautiful, but I actually prefer shopping in the northern part of the city as opposed to the southern part (gotta love those Virginia sales taxes =D). As far as parks go, both Johnson City and Bristol have beautiful recreational facilities and outdoor landscape. The schools are good in both but maybe a bit less crowded in Bristol, as Bristol is about 12,000 people less populated than Johnson City. Johnson City, despite its smalls ize, definitely has most things offered in a big city, like Target, a decent, mall, two large bookstores, and plenty of parks without any of the crime or poor school funding. If you are interested in somewhere in the middle, might I suggest Hale or Gray? Both are progressive and have very nice scenery in addition to short commutes to any of the Tri-Cities.

Thank you for your feedback. We are looking forward to checking out the area. I have heard Gray is a nice area but I'll have to look into Hale. Any info on the school districts in either of these areas? Thanks again!

[tokyopapa]

Gray and Hale are both in the Washington County School District, which is not known for extraordinary schools, but they are okay. According to greatschools.com, Gray has two public elementary schools, both of which average test scores are only slightly above the Tennessee state average. Hale and Gray, both small towns fairly close together, feed into the same schools. Tri-Cities Christian School is a private school that serves all of the northeastern Tennessee region, but if you do not practice the Christian faith, public schools will probably be your best bet. Johnson City has 10 public schools and 1 private school: 8 public elementary, 1 public junior high, 1 public high school, and 1 private high school. With nearly 2700 students, Science Hill, Johnson City's high school, is pretty crowded, but the average scores here are significantly above the Tennessee average. I do not have any information about the Bristol or Sullivan County school systems, but you can find more information at www.greatschools.com.

[NewAdventure]

Originally Posted by tokyopapa

Gray and Hale are both in the Washington County School District, which is not known for extraordinary schools, but they are okay. According to greatschools.com, Gray has two public elementary schools, both of which average test scores are only slightly above the Tennessee state average. Hale and Gray, both small towns fairly close together, feed into the same schools. Tri-Cities Christian School is a private school that serves all of the northeastern Tennessee region, but if you do not practice the Christian faith, public schools will probably be your best bet. Johnson City has 10 public schools and 1 private school: 8 public elementary, 1 public junior high, 1 public high school, and 1 private high school. With nearly 2700 students, Science Hill, Johnson City's high school, is pretty crowded, but the average scores here are significantly above the Tennessee average. I do not have any information about the Bristol or Sullivan County school systems, but you can find more information at www.greatschools.com.

Thanks again. I will check out the great schools site. I've been trying to figure out the county web sites but this site might be easier to understand. Hope you have a wonderful day!

[FASandy]

Does the Tri-Cities area offer year-round schooling like NC? If my daughter decides to move to the area after I relocate, she would be interested to know this.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by FASandy

Does the Tri-Cities area offer year-round schooling like NC? If my daughter decides to move to the area after I relocate, she would be interested to know this.

Not as of yet but I believe Washington County and Johnson City are discussing this option for the near future. Not sure if they are going to do it or not now they build two new schools and expanded a few others.

[jabogitlu]

Greeneville City has one year round elementary (K-5), Highland. No year round middle or high schools there, though.

[FASandy]

Thanks for that information. I'll pass it on.