Confused about to moving to E. TN!?! (Knoxville: relocating, real estate)

[KenandLori]

Hi everybody! Let me start with a little background. Like alot of other people I have seen on this site, I too am from Michigan. I am married with two children 6 & 8. The economy, job situation, real estate...... are really bad and getting worse every day. My wife and I have often thought about relocating. East Tenn. is where we always seem to go back to when researching. We have looked at Knoxville, Marryville and surrounding areas. After finding this site today I am more confused than ever. Lots of input supporting both sides of the fence. Some posts make me feel like I should hurry up and get down there, I was darn near ready to hop in the car this morning and come see for myself, (which I will do, just not today!). Other posts have made me feel like outsiders are unwelcome. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I should be able to come down within the next few weeks to see more for myself. We are a very active family and enjoy the outdoors and the water. We are involved in Karate, Baseball, Football, Wrestling with the kids. Enjoy camping, fishing as well. Currently I am employed and my wife stays home. I have been in inside sales and management for the last 11 years. Again, any input Would be greatly appreciated and thanks for your help. Ken

[gailli]

I've been here for seven months and I have never felt like an outsider. People here have been nothing but friendly and I love the kindness that people here have shown. Guess your age bracket its a lot easier to make friends than in my Senior Bracket so you wont have a problem and I know you will love it here. Sports are a big thing around here.

[knoxmomma]

I second Outsiders thoughts. You will find some narrow-minded people everywhere (including in the North and their attitudes towards those with Southern accents!), but I feel that Knoxville is very welcoming. Attitude is everything. If all you do when you move down here is put down our city and say how Knoxville doesn't compare with Detroit/Phoenix/LA/etc, then yes people may not be as welcoming. However, if you are friendly then the locals will be friendly, too. Especially with kids I think you'll do great.

When you read the negative posts (ie about how the "locals don't accept me" or "northerners can't get a job") it is pretty easy to see that those people simply have a bad attitude that is keeping them from doing well here.

Good luck!

[KenandLori]

Thanks for your thoughts. I hope to hear from more of you soon. Thanks again!! Ken

[JMT]

Originally Posted by KenandLori

Thanks for your thoughts. I hope to hear from more of you soon. Thanks again!! Ken

This topic has been discussed to death, and I'm not sure what else can be said that hasn't already been said. That's why I haven't responded.

In essence, if you move down here with the attitude that you're glad to be here and that you're eager to live like Tennesseans, you'll be fine. If you move down here with the attitude that we should be grateful that you're gracing us with your presence, then yes you'll probably have some problems.

[creeksitter]

The important thing IMHO is to move down here with a job. That may mean you have to job hunt from afar or come down and stay in temporary quarters until you can send for the family.

[hiknapster]

The entire country is in a recession. Right now, I wouldn't make any sudden moves unless you know that you can get a job and understand the cost-of-living here vs. there. You need to do your research. That's the most important thing.

[SmokyMtnGal]

Originally Posted by JMT

This topic has been discussed to death, and I'm not sure what else can be said that hasn't already been said. That's why I haven't responded.

In essence, if you move down here with the attitude that you're glad to be here and that you're eager to live like Tennesseans, you'll be fine. If you move down here with the attitude that we should be grateful that you're gracing us with your presence, then yes you'll probably have some problems.

Originally Posted by hiknapster

The entire country is in a recession. Right now, I wouldn't make any sudden moves unless you know that you can get a job and understand the cost-of-living here vs. there. You need to do your research. That's the most important thing.

Excellent points. Read this forum, used the Advanced Search, and then read it some more. Don't move here without a job, have a good attitude and be flexible.

And, don't make fun of us and don't whine. You are now good to go!

[LilCabinGirl]

Originally Posted by JMT

This topic has been discussed to death, and I'm not sure what else can be said that hasn't already been said. That's why I haven't responded.

In essence, if you move down here with the attitude that you're glad to be here and that you're eager to live like Tennesseans, you'll be fine. If you move down here with the attitude that we should be grateful that you're gracing us with your presence, then yes you'll probably have some problems.

I second what JMT says. We've been here just short of two months and are doing great.

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by KenandLori

Hi everybody! Let me start with a little background. Like alot of other people I have seen on this site, I too am from Michigan. I am married with two children 6 & 8. The economy, job situation, real estate...... are really bad and getting worse every day. My wife and I have often thought about relocating. East Tenn. is where we always seem to go back to when researching. We have looked at Knoxville, Marryville and surrounding areas. After finding this site today I am more confused than ever. Lots of input supporting both sides of the fence. Some posts make me feel like I should hurry up and get down there, I was darn near ready to hop in the car this morning and come see for myself, (which I will do, just not today!). Other posts have made me feel like outsiders are unwelcome. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I should be able to come down within the next few weeks to see more for myself. We are a very active family and enjoy the outdoors and the water. We are involved in Karate, Baseball, Football, Wrestling with the kids. Enjoy camping, fishing as well. Currently I am employed and my wife stays home. I have been in inside sales and management for the last 11 years. Again, any input Would be greatly appreciated and thanks for your help. Ken

The last person to cut my hair thought I was from Michigan (not even close) so I would have to believe she must encounter a number of people from Michigan to mention that state. I think the Tennessee town I live in is very pro-kid and very pro-family but you won't be happy here if you can't find a job so, I would put that at the top of your list.