Looking for somewhere to relocate (Knoxville, Oak Ridge: job market, standard of living, to move)

[phenomshel]

We are currently in Northwest Illinois, about an hour and a half out of Chicago. Being a native Texan, the winters here are just too much for me. My husband will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Sciences in a year. After that time, we would like to relocate somewhere with a bit less winter than Illinois; but yet with a decent standard of living, and good opportunities for him to work in his chosen field. He is also planning on pursuing a Master's degree. We looked at the Asheville, NC area but it seems people are begging you NOT to move there, and though I know times are tough all over, I see lots of posts about the economy being "thin" there with few opportunities. Can someone tell me if Eastern Tennessee might have possibilities? Thanks

Edited to correct a typo and to add that we don't have small children.

Shel

[landwood05]

There is an new development close to airport, Maryville and Knoxville called Lowe's Ferry. Check it out, it's got a clubhouse, pool, trails and the best views on the lake. I bought a lot here and will be ready to build in about 2 years, you should give it a look.

Lots of luck and welcome to Knoxville, I moved here from CA about 5 years ago and love it!!

[oldmanbob]

Congrats and welcome to Knoxville. We are blessed with several places, communities, and the job market should be great. I would look for jobs in Oak Ridge, like the ORNL, and several gov places to check, and you could live around Hardin Valley, and be only 15 minutes from work. Anywhere around the Pellissippe hwy, would make it very convienent. Good luck.

[gsp4ever]

Don't know what specific type of computer science jobs your husband might be interested in, but you might check the following locations depending on how large of a city you want:

Huntsville AL
Nashville, TN
Atlanta, GA

None of these would have the hippie or mountain culture/atmosphere that Asheville has so that may (or may not) be appealing to you.

[phenomshel]

Thanks to all of you for your perspectives. I don't think either of us really wants a large city atmosphere, where we live now in IL is a mid-size town. We find that we very seldom need to go out of town to get something we need, yet it's easy to drive in for me (I hate city driving). It sounds like the Hardin Valley and Lowe's crossing areas might be good to check out

[Kitties of Domination]

I know that Scripps (HGTV, etc) recently had multiple openings in IT.

[shannonM]

good luck to you i hope you find the perfect place for you and your family