Moving to Knoxville from California

[saricher]

Airen, we have found that to be very true! I like Kingston Pike - drive it all the way into downtown and watch the neighborhoods change as they go by!

[ReloLori]

Interesting that others have moved away from SoCal to Knoxville. I would like to know about the economy there- jobs? And again about where to live? No school age kids- sort of used to suburbs- but don't want big drive to local grocery or shopping

[Barking Spider]

Lori,
Suggest you start reading the Knoxville threads. You will quickly get an idea of what the Knoxville area is like.

I don't think there is any place in the country where the economy and jobs are going great guns, or hasn't been affected in the past 3 or so years. While the Knoxville economy may not have suffered as much as other parts of the country, it has still suffered.

As far as jobs go, it depends on what kind of jobs one is looking for. There are still lots of people that can't find a job in their field, while there are some that seem to land jobs with little effort. Most of the jobs here will probably earn less than the same job in CA. Of course, the cost of living is lower here than CA.

A "big drive" is also very difficult to define. Where you might expect a 10 mile drive down the 405 to take you 30 - 45 minutes, it might take 15 here. I used to work 7 miles from my home in Long Beach. There were some days that I could have ridden my bike on surface streets and did better than the 605. Traffic in Knoxville is NOT an issue.

[hiknapster]

The unemployment rate in San Diego is 9.5 and it is 5.7 in Knox County. Don't move anywhere without a job, however.

If you live in the burbs you will be within minutes to most stores.

I believe the weather is drier in San Diego and warmer in the winter. We don't have cold, cold temps nor lots of snow like up north but it may be a big difference from what you are use to.

[Atlguy39]

One California store I am happy to see coming to Knoxville (since I may be moving there for a job) is Trader Joe's. But it said on their website that they will sell beer only. What??? What is up with that? Trader Joe's is known for its wine. Is this a TN strange alcohol law or something?

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Atlguy39

One California store I am happy to see coming to Knoxville (since I may be moving there for a job) is Trader Joe's. But it said on their website that they will sell beer only. What??? What is up with that? Trader Joe's is known for its wine. Is this a TN strange alcohol law or something?

It is. Grocery stores sell beer but not wine. Liquor stores sell wine and other alcohol. Strange but true.

[ReloLori]

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

Lori,
Suggest you start reading the Knoxville threads. You will quickly get an idea of what the Knoxville area is like.

I don't think there is any place in the country where the economy and jobs are going great guns, or hasn't been affected in the past 3 or so years. While the Knoxville economy may not have suffered as much as other parts of the country, it has still suffered.

As far as jobs go, it depends on what kind of jobs one is looking for. There are still lots of people that can't find a job in their field, while there are some that seem to land jobs with little effort. Most of the jobs here will probably earn less than the same job in CA. Of course, the cost of living is lower here than CA.

A "big drive" is also very difficult to define. Where you might expect a 10 mile drive down the 405 to take you 30 - 45 minutes, it might take 15 here. I used to work 7 miles from my home in Long Beach. There were some days that I could have ridden my bike on surface streets and did better than the 605. Traffic in Knoxville is NOT an issue.

Thanks! I appreciate the info

[ReloLori]

My daughter moved to west Knox in June. I visited her there for a couple of weeks. Certainly the weather is different than San Diego, but so is the pace of life and the cost to live. And honestly the people there are far more friendly. Strangers say hi to each other! I did find the traffic- or lack of it, a pleasure. The trees and green areas and the setbacks on the streets are beautiful. I am planning a return trip in October.