Hampton information (Johnson City, Greeneville, Elizabethton: homes, neighborhood, high school)

[fafnir]

Hello All...I'm interested in a residential property midway between
Limestone Cove and Hampton. The wife doesn't want to be too
far away from "civilization". Can anyone out there provide me
with any information pertinent to stores, doctors, etc., in
Hampton. Having been to the Erwin area several times, I'm aware
that Johnson City is pretty close, but the wife grew up in the
"boondocks" and doesn't like it.

Thanks for any information received.

[Bailey.]

The only experience I have with Hampton is driving through it on the way to and from Roan Mountain. Really nothing going on out there that I saw, very rural. It took us about 40 minutes, maybe less to get ther from JC.

About how far are you okay with being from hospitals (one in Elizabethton, I think there is one in Greenville?) and major shopping?

[rccrain]

From the center of Hampton:

Driving directions to Sycamore Shoals Hospital 7.8 mi – about 15 mins
Driving directions to Walmart, Cato, Fatz Cafe, other "civilization" 6.9 mi – about 12 mins

The above establishments are in Elizabethton a decent size town with a nice little downtown area.

Some things in Hampton include McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Plus, The Captain's Table, Shirleys (homestyle), and a BBQ place.

[rccrain]

Just noticed you said half way to Limestone Cove, add approx 7 miles and 15 minutes to the drive times.

[Jim37680]

"Halfway" could be in the area between Tiger Valley and Limestone Cove. If this property is back in the foothills and not on one on one of the principal roads (TN 173) then it could truly be in the boondocks. It is also possible that it could be closest to Johnson City via Limestone Cove and I-26. That is a big search area back in there not knowing the exact road location.

[fafnir]

The property is 1/4 mile east of 173, 3 miles south of Tiger Valley. Getting in and out looks easy, problem is, my workload is so high I can't get up there to look at it till
the end of the month (hopefully it will still be on the market)!

[Jim37680]

I just noticed that photo crew from Google Earth has recently completed TN-173 (Simerly Creek Road) so it is possible to make a cybervisit to the neighborhood. Fairview Road is not on the photo trip but you can see the intersection from ground level on 173.

My judgment is that Johnson City is the easier access and would probably be the main shopping venue. Per Google maps the distance to Elizabethton's Sycamore Shoals Hospital through Hampton and Elizabethton (passing Walmart) is 16.2 MI and 30 MIN, and to same hospital via Limstone Cove, and I-26 (going through south Johnson City) is 23.7 MI and 38 MIN. Frankly I am suspicious of the 30 MIN though Elizabethton as being a bit optimistic. The distance to the much larger Johnson city Medical center is given as 21.2 MI and 37 MIN. Both hospitals are part of Mountain States Health Alliance.

Hampton doesn't have too much except a few gas stations and eating establishments, including McDonalds. It is primarily residential and is home to an elementary and a high school. Parts of it is also subject to flooding from the Doe River ever few years. The Appalachian Trail passes through Hampton and a large, frequently visited limestone cavern called "Grindstaff Cave" is located near the trail crossing. A century ago it was a booming place served by two railoads and hosting a huge lumbering operation. The trees have grown back but the mill and the railroads are gone. Nice recreation opportunities abound on nearby Watauga Lake. I drive through Hampton occasionally.

The area along 173 should be a pretty area in the summer and fall. The location you identified might feel a bit isolated in the winter months expecially when snow accumulates. The state route is well traveled and the state usually gets snow crews out promptly. I have no knowledge of Carter County's snow removal efforts, good or bad.

[jabogitlu]

Originally Posted by Bailey.

About how far are you okay with being from hospitals (one in Elizabethton, I think there is one in Greenville?) and major shopping?

Greeneville has two major hospitals (one Wellmont), but I'm confused as to why anyone would drive there from Hampton? It's 30+ minutes *past* Johnson City.

[Bailey.]

When you Google Hampton, TN - the closest hospitals you get are Greeneville - hence my confusion.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&cl...&cd=1&resnum=1

This may not be the right area??

[rccrain]

"Greeneville has two major hospitals (one Wellmont), but I'm confused as to why anyone would drive there from Hampton? It's 30+ minutes *past* Johnson City."

Could be that Limestone Cove was confused with Limestone. Limestone being close to Greeneville, Limestone Cove being no where near Greeneville.

"Frankly I am suspicious of the 30 MIN though Elizabethton as being a bit optimistic. The distance to the much larger Johnson city Medical center is given as 21.2 MI and 37 MIN."

19E is a really fast drive from Tiger Valley 55mph all the way, never been down 173 but it looks like maybe 35-45mph. I do think the extra drive time for shopping in JC would be worth it - especially trips to Sams.