Oak Ridge (Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa: home, school, college)

[SoCalNative_TN Dreaming]

OK sorry if anyone has asked this before but I have never been to Oak Ridge. How long does it take to drive from Oak Ridge to Knoxville? Is Oak Ridge a smaller town than Maryville? We are looking to relocate in a few years to East TN. Finding work isnt an issue but a good school system is.

[Brian]

It really depends as Oak Ridge is kind of spread out in 2 or 3 counties. Should be less than 30 minutes.

Both cities have population close to 30,000. Oak Ridge has more people, about 1,000 more than Maryville. Maryville/Alcoa have more shopping and restaurant choices than Oak Ridge.

[hiknapster]

It's going to come down to what town is a better fit for you so you'll probably have to visit.

Here's a map showing you the drive time. It indicates about 39 minutes from downtown to downtown.

https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=&saf...ed=0CC0Q-A8wAA

[TooHappy]

We just took a trip to the area last month and liked both locations based on the little time we were there. Of those 2 locations you mention, they seem to have more in common than differences. The biggest differerence that struck us the most was the amount of open areas of land vs only trees.

Oak Ridge seems to have very little open land so we felt a little closed in by trees. Maryville obviously has plenty of trees but the areas around it, especially heading southwest, have more open areas and agriculture that allow you to be able to see beyond the side of the road. I could be wrong but that is how it felt.

As to the drive-time to get to Knoxville, there is little difference between Oak Ridge and Maryville. They are basically the same.

[theoldnorthstate]

Originally Posted by TooHappy

We just took a trip to the area last month and liked both locations based on the little time we were there. Of those 2 locations you mention, they seem to have more in common than differences. The biggest differerence that struck us the most was the amount of open areas of land vs only trees.

Oak Ridge seems to have very little open land so we felt a little closed in by trees. Maryville obviously has plenty of trees but the areas around it, especially heading southwest, have more open areas and agriculture that allow you to be able to see beyond the side of the road. I could be wrong but that is how it felt.

As to the drive-time to get to Knoxville, there is little difference between Oak Ridge and Maryville. They are basically the same.

This is such a good answer and explains what I have mentioned before. I like TN and the numbers look strong to retire there. ( went to college and sis and mom live there etc) but I do not like open areas, valleys, farms, pastures, and that ilk. So each time I visit there looking for a place I am always dissatisfied and can't say yes. It just isn't home to me.

It all depends upon what You like because it is all good. Just got back from there and visited all the places you mentioned. couldn't find much wrong with any of them.

good luck

[Barking Spider]

Oak Ridge spread out in 2 or 3 counties?? I realize the the west end is Roane County, but....?

[MetropolitanTN]

It's in two counties, Roane and Anderson.

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by Brian

It really depends as Oak Ridge is kind of spread out in 2 or 3 counties.

Actually, it is Oak ridges's neighboring city of Oliver springs that is in three counties Anderson, Roane, and just a small part of Morgan County.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by weisgarber1

Actually, it is Oak ridges's neighboring city of Oliver springs that is in three counties Anderson, Roane, and just a small part of Morgan County.

Thanks Weisgarber. I remember now about Oliver Springs being in three counties.

[danielj72]

Oak Ridge is in Anderson county. Parts of several counties are close or part of the Oak Ridge area (Roane, and Knox), but the city itself is clearly in Anderson county.