Johnson City vs. Bristol

[visionarybee]

Hi, I have you (Karen) same problem; my son and I are trying to decide between Bristol and Johnson City. We moved to Lexington, KY 1.5 years ago and it's not much of a change from So. IL. We both want to move to Eastern Tennessee. We did try to go to Johnson, City a few months ago but ended up not staying. Johnson City's downtown looked old and run down but it was still neat looking. I liked the different look and I wanted to stay. JC had this great billiards parlor downtown that my son really loved. My son and I want to try JC again or actually we're thinking strongly of Bristol. My son is a very good billiards player. We are very low income and have very little money (actually not enough) to try to move but we are so sick of Lexington, KY we really want to give it a shot. We don't have a car which really sucks. Life really sucks when you can't get where you'd like to go especially if you're an adventurer like myself and you love to see new places. Anyways people, which city would be the best place? We are also on that Sec-8 program which is a big pain in the "a", not that I'm unappreciative. Is there any way to book an apartment before you get to the place (Bristol) to avoid motel cost. We can't afford motel costs plus rent & deposit on a place. Any information would be helpful. Thanks! God bless!

Originally Posted by karenr33

I am having trouble deciding what city I like the most, Bristol or Johnson City. Me and my family are wanting to move to TN, but we are still undecided on what city. We want to live in East TN for sure. I have been to Bristol about 11 years ago and loved it. A lot changes in that amount of time. Could anyone give me a comparison of the two? We have five children so that is an important factor in deciding where to live!!

[dragonfly39]

we may be moving to the Johnson City area for my husband's job. I need to know which area has the best school system. I have 1 child in high school, 1 in elementary and a toddler. are there certain areas that are not safe for kids to be out playing?
Thank you for your help

[rccrain]

Well, all the city schools (Science Hill - JC, D. Bennett - Kpt, and Tennessee High) are about equal in a good way. Sullivan South and Daniel Boone are two county schools that are recommendable.

As far as safety, the area is pretty safe. But I don't know that younger kids should be out playing anywhere if they are alone. From what I can tell, in Johnson City the communities of Princeton and North JC are the best, considering both crime and education.

Here is where the state grades the schools: http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=223:1:1169096219333125 - Google Search

To find info on crime:
Google: find the lowest crime areas
Se also: http://www.city-data.com/forum/kings...ts-2007-a.html

[fay grim]

I was born and raised in Bristol Virginia/Tennessee. I can remember whenever you wanted to go out to eat somewhere other than fast food, you had to go to Johnson City. Those days are no more! Bristol's exit 7 has put Johnson City to shame for restuarants, shopping and movies.
I honestly do not see how you could lose regardless of which city you choose! Good luck!

[rccrain]

Originally Posted by fay grim

Bristol's exit 7 has put Johnson City to shame for restuarants, shopping and movies.

I get what you're saying, but I wouldn't go quite that far. I mean the star attraction of the Bristol Mall is Chick Fil A.

That being said Bristol, TN is a fine place to hang your hat for multiple reasons.

[jabogitlu]

The main reason I avoid Exit 7 is lack of planning. I always feel like I'm either being forced to hurtle through traffic, or I'm at a standstill in an intersection waiting to be plowed into... too many two-lane roads and bad (or no) merge lanes, etc.