Cost of living differences in e.tn counties (buy, retire)

[TN Gal now]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

Grainger County 2.54
Knox 2.36

I understand your husband doesn't mind the commute but if you are concerrned about an additional $35 a year in a wheel tax, I would think that an additional $800 in gas, or whatever, is going to be a big consideration, too.

And don't kid yourself, schools are always a concern, whether you have kids or not. There is the rate of return on your investment for starters.

All of these counties are fine, but I am just pointing out that farther away is not always the most frugal decision. Just food for thought and that is all.

So true!

And, you can find rural in any direction and still be within Knox County/Knoxville area. Also, keep in mind that depending on location, 10 miles on a winding country road will feel like 20 and take much longer than 10 miles on the interstate, or even many city streets.

[370z]

Originally Posted by JMT

Oh yes, you can definitely find lots of rural areas in Knox County, particularly in the eastern and northern parts of the county. Here's a post I made last year with some pics of rural parts of Knox County:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/11981434-post12.html

So very beautiful. Thanks so much.

[370z]

Originally Posted by TN Gal now

So true!

And, you can find rural in any direction and still be within Knox County/Knoxville area. Also, keep in mind that depending on location, 10 miles on a winding country road will feel like 20 and take much longer than 10 miles on the interstate, or even many city streets.

We have been on some of those winding roads & realized it takes much longer to get through. We will definately stay clear of those. I'd want to be close to the interstate.

[370z]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

Grainger County 2.54
Knox 2.36

I understand your husband doesn't mind the commute but if you are concerrned about an additional $35 a year in a wheel tax, I would think that an additional $800 in gas, or whatever, is going to be a big consideration, too.

And don't kid yourself, schools are always a concern, whether you have kids or not. There is the rate of return on your investment for starters.

All of these counties are fine, but I am just pointing out that farther away is not always the most frugal decision. Just food for thought and that is all.

We are not concerned about the $35.00 a year wheel tax. Just wanted an overall cost of living difference, if it was major or not. I understand that some counties you pay extra for emergency services.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Bufford

We are not concerned about the $35.00 a year wheel tax. Just wanted an overall cost of living difference, if it was major or not. I understand that some counties you pay extra for emergency services.

Well, that's true in Knox County. If you live in the city of Knoxville, not only is there a discount on your insurance but you do not have to pay the subscription, whereas in the county you have to buy Rural Metro. Further, you get trash, refuse and bulk pickup. However, the taxes are higher. I believe the cutoff point is around $200,000 where it is cheaper to live in the county, but if you have a house assessed lower than that then it pays to live in the city.

I live in Fountain City.

[black powder hunter]

We are looking to move to TN hopefully in about 1 yr. My husband will be retiring, but I will still need a job with benefits. We will need a place to live with a garage and/or woodshop area. My husband likes to build muzzleloading rifles. Hard to do here in FL. Would also like to see mountains. Can anyone help us?

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by black powder hunter

We are looking to move to TN hopefully in about 1 yr. My husband will be retiring, but I will still need a job with benefits. We will need a place to live with a garage and/or woodshop area. My husband likes to build muzzleloading rifles. Hard to do here in FL. Would also like to see mountains. Can anyone help us?

How would you like us to help you?

[RamblinRoseRanch]

Then you have folks like us who willingly choose to drive the drive, just so we CAN be so far out in the country

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[370z]

That's what we are trying to decide!I really love to be out in the country, but still need to think about work. But then on the other hand what we buy now will probably be where we live when we retire, which isn't too far away from now. Your area looks absolutely beautiful also, but I think it may be a bit too far for my husband's work. When we come out again we will then make a decision. Thanks.

[370z]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

Well, that's true in Knox County. If you live in the city of Knoxville, not only is there a discount on your insurance but you do not have to pay the subscription, whereas in the county you have to buy Rural Metro. Further, you get trash, refuse and bulk pickup. However, the taxes are higher. I believe the cutoff point is around $200,000 where it is cheaper to live in the county, but if you have a house assessed lower than that then it pays to live in the city.

I live in Fountain City.

Our house will definately be under $200,000!