Kingsport (Johnson City, Bristol: house, work, news)

[klosk]

Hi All, Just got back from the Kingsport area. Made an offer on a home close by. Looking forward to the move. One thing I discovered everyone is in a hurry there. Riding each others bumpers and driving over the speed limits. Got to get use to that!!!!! But all in all we acomplished what we set out to do.
Great to meet MBMouse too.

[jabogitlu]

Kingsport has some of the most dangerous traffic in the area, if not in the Appalachian region! This has been documented based on the number of traffic accidents, though I don't remember when/where.

So be careful up there! I love the old downtown, with its neat street parking. Also, Kingsport Press (now the also-defunct Quebecor World) was where the Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew books (as well as others) were printed for decades. Fun trivia.

[mbmouse]

Yes, certain parts of Kingsport has some traffic issues, but good news on that. They have just (last week) installed cameras at two of the bad intersections and there are plans in the works to change some roads and traffic patterns to try and correct that.
It was nice to meet you too Klosk Keep us informed on how it goes with the house and glad you made it back safe and enjoyed your trip.

[Ridgerunner]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Kingsport has some of the most dangerous traffic in the area, if not in the Appalachian region! This has been documented based on the number of traffic accidents, though I don't remember when/where.

So be careful up there! I love the old downtown, with its neat street parking. Also, Kingsport Press (now the also-defunct Quebecor World) was where the Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew books (as well as others) were printed for decades. Fun trivia.

There are reasons for the heavy traffic. Most of Sullivan County's 160,000 people live within 10 miles of Kingsport. Many from outside the immediate area work for Eastman Chemical and its spin-off industries. There are also shoppers from neighboring counties including much of Southwest Virginia and portions of Eastern Kentucky.

[mbmouse]

Well, not to be disagreeable, but you have to remember that 160k people also include Bristol TN. I know it is easy to forget that Bristol is in Sullivan County too as they do seem worlds apart. But yes, I am one of those who live in another county but commute to the Kingsport are for work and I know I am sure not alone.
Still, compared to both South East Fl and CT, traffic even in Kingsport is a breeze! I guess it is all relative to what you are used to.

[Ridgerunner]

I know what you mean, Mbmouse. We lived in South Florida for a while. Spent a lot of time SITTING on I-95. After moving here, it was very amusing to read letters to the editor complaining about the Johnson City traffic.