28 y/o Colorado gent moving to Knoxville, on meeting new friends and jobs? (debt)

[RangerDuke08]

Howdy! I have visited the Knoxville area and like it very much and am planning to move there next year ... I just want to weigh my opinion against some of the Natives there. Thanks for your advice in advance.

I don't know a single soul out there in Knoxville, I have some friends out in Asheville and Greenville not too far a drive away but is it hard meeting people in Knoxville in general? Not really into meeting college kids anymore but mature people in their mid-late 20s.

I will be done with a Masters in Public Policy and was considering going to UTK for a PhD in American History but when I thought about it, it would be a good way to meet people but another 4 years in school = a lot in debt! I still might consider it but probably not the first year there. I heard that it was easy to get a job there, since companies are used to giving college kids jobs. I worked as a Park Ranger, Coast Guard, Teacher and Customer Service before. I would prefer to Teach junior college level or go into Government. Is there particular qualifications I would need? What to look out for and how is the local government there?

Also as for living stuation, I love the great outdoors and would prefer to be closer to the Smokeys eventually but in the first year I guess I should live near downtown/UTK, what would be a good neighborhood that is still biking/walking distance away? And what neighborhoods should I avoid? If any of you want to visit the Rockies or are moving to CO, don't hesistate to contact me for some suggestions as well.

[NJDevil]

will you be renting, or buying a home?

[RangerDuke08]

Originally Posted by NJDevil

will you be renting, or buying a home?

I'd like to get a starter home at around $100,000.

[NJDevil]

I think the only homes available within walking distance to UT (not downtown) is in the area just west of the college, off Cumberland, from 17th to 21st St. That's where a lot of campus kids live. I am not aware of any housing developments within walking distance of downtown, but there's always public transportation. Maybe others in the forum can help you better.

I think south Knox would be good for you because of price, nearness to downtown, and it puts you a LITTLE closer to the Smokies. You may find posts about the ugliness of south Knox, but that really is just along Chapman Hwy. There are a lot of smaller, beautiful homes and lots of trees.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by NJDevil

I think the only homes available within walking distance to UT (not downtown) is in the area just west of the college, off Cumberland, from 17th to 21st St. That's where a lot of campus kids live. I am not aware of any housing developments within walking distance of downtown, but there's always public transportation. Maybe others in the forum can help you better.

I think south Knox would be good for you because of price, nearness to downtown, and it puts you a LITTLE closer to the Smokies. You may find posts about the ugliness of south Knox, but that really is just along Chapman Hwy. There are a lot of smaller, beautiful homes and lots of trees.

I agree with NJDevil. There are precious few neighborhoods within walking distance of U.T. or downtown, unfortunately. But hop across the river and you can find some lovely neighborhoods of older homes in your price range. That part of town, South Knoxville, really does have some nice, inexpensive neighborhoods as you venture off of Chapman Hwy. And while you won't be within walking distance of U.T., you could easily be within biking distance. But be warned, Knoxville ain't flat!

[RangerDuke08]

Ah that is wonderful! I will look at South Knox, biking and hills is great, it's a CO thing as well! God bless the South!

[NJDevil]

as far as finding friends your age, I don't think that will be a problem. If you don't make friends by going to the places where singles tend to hang out, then you can always meet people online (craigslist, yahoo groups, this forum, etc). Knoxville has a nice variety to choose from!

[RangerDuke08]

Originally Posted by NJDevil

as far as finding friends your age, I don't think that will be a problem. If you don't make friends by going to the places where singles tend to hang out, then you can always meet people online (craigslist, yahoo groups, this forum, etc). Knoxville has a nice variety to choose from!

Thanks, I checked out a couple colleges to apply for a teaching position, looks like they have quite a few openings so I'll probably meet some people there too, if not at UTK. I have good faith, looking forward to it.

[creeksitter]

I think South Knox will be great when you are ready to buy but as always I recommend renting for a year first. You'll find a lot of young people renting converted victorian homes in 4th & Gill just north of downtown. There are a couple of complexes south near downton - Woodmeade South & Cherokee Ridge - that have pools and that might be a good place to meet people.

[RangerDuke08]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

I think South Knox will be great when you are ready to buy but as always I recommend renting for a year first. You'll find a lot of young people renting converted victorian homes in 4th & Gill just north of downtown. There are a couple of complexes south near downton - Woodmeade South & Cherokee Ridge - that have pools and that might be a good place to meet people.

Ah will do, I'll prob be in Knoxville in October and staying at an acquaintance house for a couple months and renting a room from her while I shop around for a house. Let me know 3 things though ... South Knox as in cross the bridge, behind the Baptist Hospital area? And what other good ways of meeting people besides bars? Any good places to ride horses? Thanks.