relocating possible Kingsport location (Johnson City, Bloomingdale: appointed, real estate, renters)

[Y and R]

We are relocating office closing current location company has two availabilities we think would best suit us Kingsport being one of them. We have an 8 year old and an 18 year old who is away to college atm. We do have two dogs one is a service animal. We would most likely rent for a year before purchasing to give us time to select a nice area. How is the availability of rentals? Best areas for schools? We prefer rural areas.

Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated to help our desicion.

[rccrain]

W/o knowing much about your company and the other location, I can only say that Kingsport will likely suit you very well. I would recommend "rural living" near Kingsport including Bloomingdale, Church Hill, Gray, and Fall Branch. Gray is one of the hottest real estate spots in the Tri-Cities - ideally located between Johnson City and Kingsport. Fall Branch is the only area low on rentals, but I wouldn't write it off.

With regard to pets, I bet a lot of "no pet" renters might reconsider if you mention your service dog.

[fivekitten]

I just moved to Church Hill from NY and love it. Wish I moved here earlier! I have a 16 year old and a 9 year old I homeschool.

No idea what the rental situation is down here though.

It is a safe area, rural, but easy access to 11W highway that leads to Kingsport and civilization. But in Church Hill you have the necessities, grocery stores, takeout places, dollar general kinda stores, thrift shops and gas stations - so you're really not "stranded." (Actually closer access to businesses than I had in my NY rural home!)

Church Hill is a nice area with nice houses, hardly ever see any run down places. It's a mix of fancy houses, with suburban area, farm houses and mobile home lots. Kind of everything nicely put together. VERY pretty views during the fall.

The school is so-so - not great, but not horrible. Not violent or anything. According to my 16 year old it's much easier than NY. (If you have a B student in NY they'll likely be an A student here.) But they are nice. Very sports oriented however, and we're not sports-oriented. Didn't care much for my daughter's guidance counselor, felt he was pushy with some ROTC stuff and things she wasn't interested in, I had to "stick up for her" I felt. Didn't care for how her registration was handled, but all worked out. Just stay on top of things, once she was in, everything is smooth and the first day she came home saying she liked the school and she made friends real easy. She's very happy here - both my kids are. Oh and she said she couldn't believe how good the school lunches are!! I guess they have a buffet/sub bar kinda thing and there's a lot of choices and flexibility with what you want and she said the food is good and she wants to take me there for lunch

I'm LOVIN the weather!!!!! I wished I moved here years ago!!!!

Anyhow, I've only been here two months - but I do recommend the area. People are very friendly and helpful, but there are some busybodies - but I guess you get that everywhere...

And if you like sweet tea you'll be in heaven.

I also noticed that dogs run around a lot more here than in NY. In NY we had very strict leash laws. Dogs had to be on a leash at all times unless in a fenced in yard. Here - it seems pretty opposite. It's definitely a dog friendly area though.

Overall, I don't think you'd be disappointed moving here.