dandridge? (Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Morristown: transplants, to rent, homes)

[mysticfire0213]

We are going to be relocating to Eastern TN soon, and have been looking at homes in the Dandridge area. I assume my husband's job will prob be in Knoxville, and I know so many people say to rent first--we have been coming to TN at least twice a year for 7 years now and with 3 kids, i would rather not have to move twice. Curious as to what the deal with Dandridge is-I understand it is a quiet "farm town"...from what people have told me, but I am wondering if there are any special taxes in Jefferson co and if there is something missing as to why it is still such a small town. Looks as though there is some new construction happening there, but the "poverty level" scares me a little....

thanks!

[Eat]

Dandridge is a bit of a commute. It's not too bad to downtown, but if you need to go to the west area or Oak Ridge, it's a long drive. If you need to go to the labs, it's a real long drive.

The state website, Tennessee.gov has assessment data and tax rates for all of Tennessee, along with lots of other useful information.

[mysticfire0213]

Thanks for the info and the site addy! Will check that out now!

[Pam& Bill]

Dandridge is a small rural town that is little more then a half hour outside of Knoxville. I don't understand your question regarding why it is still a small town and your comment on the poverty level???? I don't know where you are getting your info to compare?
I happen to live in Dandridge and I notice no "poverty level" that would scare anyone.
Gee, I hope your "Poverty level" question is a valid one based on something you read or saw and not based on some dry stats you read somewhere or comparing incomes from where you are coming from???If so, then check the pretentous attitude at the state line.
Pam

[mysticfire0213]

Pam,
I am sooo sorry for offending you, apparently I was not clear in what I was saying. What I was reading was the school stats on the county school website that states that over 50% of the children are "economically disadvantaged" their wording, not mine. I in no means meant that as compared to where we are now, it is two TOTALLY seperate worlds, which is a huge reason why we are moving. From the day I moved to MD, I have wanted to move BECAUSE of the pretentious attitudes, rude people, etc. I sincerely apologize for offending anyone, I certainly did not mean to, and I by no means meant that we thought that living here and living there were to be compared. We are a middle income family, not rich snooty people trying to be pretentious.

I think what we are worried about is that HERE we know if the housing prices are lower, it means it is a bad area where we wouldnt want to raise our children. From all our research, and the people we have met while we were there, Dandridge just seems too good to be true--almost scared to be excited about it, KWIM?

[Pam& Bill]

I do know what you mean, no offense taken. In fact you gave solid reasons as to why you should rent before you buy. Where I came from lower housing costs, meant a undesirable area to a middle class family to live and I cringe as I write those words.
We've been here in Tn. about a year and a half. I love everything about Tn. and I call this home.I've never been like other transplants, that move here but refer to where they came from as home. It is a subtle but important difference IMO.
Dandridge is a small charming town that is rural. I would venture a guess that the reason the stats show this area to "economically disadvantaged" because of where it is located and there aren't any industry jobs. It is a small rural town and most small rural towns don't fare as well on on stats and surveys any where in the country.
It all comes down to how rural do you want it? If anyone is looking for a mall that has anchor stores like Penney's, Sears, Dillards it won't be found here in a small rural town.
Personally I was thrilled that Dandridge offered a Food City as the small rural town I left only had a post office, funeral home and phone company in it. So to me Dandridge offers more then what I left. But that is a choice that changes for every family.
I know you said you have 3 kids and don't want to keep moving, I can understand that but wouldn't you rather be comfortable in where you buy? Get to know the area because living someplace day to day is sure different then visiting a few times a year.
All the best to you and your family.
Pam

[mysticfire0213]

I agree wholeheartedly, esp with saying that living there is different that visiting. : ) That's something that is in the back of my mind constantly. The "economically disadvantaged" part makes sense too--like you said, here it would mean BAD neighboorhood!

I cant WAIT to leave MD and if I had my say would probably never look back...when I was 8 and we moved here (yes, 8...lol) I swore I would leave as soon as I was old enough. We moved here from CO, and even though I am positive it is different now, the people THERE were so much nicer there than here also. I am not saying al MD people are bad, I have LOTS of good friends here (and of course my DH) but it is not where I want to spend my life...KWIM? It has been 20 years now, my only sibling turned to drugs and worse and ran away to NY at the age of 16, my Dad passed away 4 yrs ago, and when he did, my mom shut down their business and moved to NM. I am not the only one LEFT here...how ironic is that?!?!

So we are excited to be able to move and call TN "home" and to ENJOY not living 3 minutes from 4 different grocery stores within 3 miles in each direction--lol....in the last few years we have moved closer to the Baltimore area (which I am not happy about anyway) from a more rural part of MD, and I didnt like THAT change, so I am ready for some quiet and peace and being able to just SLOW DOWN our pace of life. I feel like we are missing a lot.

Thank you for your help, Pam, and I am glad we cleared the air ; )

[Pam& Bill]

Mystic,
Air clear in Dandridge!Slower pace is a given here. Also Jefferson City and Morristown are close as well as Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Lots of restaurant choices to choose from in those towns.
All the best in whatever you do and
Welcome to Tennessee!
Pam

[Kitties of Domination]

Why would you want to visit Morristown? Just kidding...

[mysticfire0213]

LOL...WE were actually visiting Gatlinburg/Sevierville area, but went driving around and ended up in Morristown, dandridge, white pine...