Tell me something you don't like/concerns you about Knoxville & surrounding areas (Maryville: to buy, school)

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by H10

Well I said 7-figures in the bank. The most recent poll I've seen, surveying America's "elite," surprisingly considers any household making under $9m per year to be middle-class . I don't know about that, but I'm pretty sure even a few million in the bank isn't considered "rich" by most "blue bloods."

I've only seen the middle class defined by its income, and have never seen less than $9M income considered as such.

[goodbyehollywood]

Well, the number would shift with population statistics. The upper class has traditionally comprised about 1% of the population, with the middle class comprising the moral majority at around 45%. The upper middle class used to be the six-figure earners, with lower middle class households bringing in between $25K and $100K annually. I would guess the boom-boom years and the national housing ATM revised those numbers to the up side, and I would further guess that the bust-bust we're entering now will revert them downward.

To bring us back on topic, I observe that there are a lot of people living an upper middle class lifestyle in Knoxville, and the local pay scale does not seem to support this. There are also a few one-percenters and their wealth is either inherited, imported or the gains of starting a profitable business. So that would be a plus for Knoxville: it's affordable for the middle class, however we define it.

[H10]

Originally Posted by goodbyehollywood

Well, the number would shift with population statistics. The upper class has traditionally comprised about 1% of the population, with the middle class comprising the moral majority at around 45%. The upper middle class used to be the six-figure earners, with lower middle class households bringing in between $25K and $100K annually. I would guess the boom-boom years and the national housing ATM revised those numbers to the up side, and I would further guess that the bust-bust we're entering now will revert them downward.

To bring us back on topic, I observe that there are a lot of people living an upper middle class lifestyle in Knoxville, and the local pay scale does not seem to support this. There are also a few one-percenters and their wealth is either inherited, imported or the gains of starting a profitable business. So that would be a plus for Knoxville: it's affordable for the middle class, however we define it.

Well said!!!

I agree wholeheartedly!

[gayleinAZ]

It would be nice to again live amongst people that looked like me, spoke like me, had my same European heritage and traditions and where I didn't have to press #1 for English. I chat from time to time with our office in Chattanooga and those folks out there are always friendly and FUNNY. Even though I'm assured Chattanooga has the 3rd highest pollen count in the US - I still think Tenn always seems to have something going on. It's a sleeper state. Regardless of the topic, somehow Tenn ends up in the mix and I think it gets overlooked or ignored somehow. Lately since I've been checking out city-data in regard to Knoxville I hear about one thing or another happening in TN that I never even know was in that state. It's hard to explain, but once the word Tennessee is stuck in your head you hear it almost daily in conversation. Hopefully this credit / Wall Street crisis will be resolved in a manner to benefit (for once) the American tax payer and people can start moving about the country again on vacations. I'd love to see the Smoky Mountains and hang out with artists and BUY AMERICAN again. Maybe this spring. What's Eastern Tenn like in spring? My dad lived about 10 years in Berea KY so I know what SUMMER there is like. Are the foothills and mountains of TN that hot and humid in spring?

[terri.geiser]

The lack of a "good" public transportation system into the city

[gemkeeper]

Originally Posted by gayleinAZ

. . . I'd love to see the Smoky Mountains and hang out with artists and BUY AMERICAN again. Maybe this spring. What's Eastern Tenn like in spring? My dad lived about 10 years in Berea KY so I know what SUMMER there is like. Are the foothills and mountains of TN that hot and humid in spring?

GayleinAZ, I hope you don't mind that I have edited your post and just respond to your question at the end. (Although, your entire post was very interesting.)

Being familiar with the Berea, KY area during all seasons of the year, I think that you will find that the climate conditions are similar in E. TN. Although, as you go up in elevation in E. TN, unlike Berea, you will find it does get cooler.

The springs are beautiful in the Smoky Mountains, as are other seasons, but nothing can surpass the beauty of nature sprouting forth anew in the spring with the dogwoods, azaleas and rhododendron blossoms. Daffodils, jonquils, tulips and bluebells brighten the ground at your feet. The air smells of the flowers and newness that spring ushers in.

You are right about your impression of the people that you talk to on the phone in Knoxville. They are some of the kindest, friendliest folks you will ever meet. They are a few holdouts, but not many.

DH and I are anxious to make our final move northward about 150 miles to E. TN, but until then, we do content ourselves with stayover visits and many times, just a long day's drive up throught the mountains and back again to the hills of N. GA.

If you have the opportunity I am sure that you would enjoy a visit to the area, and perhaps someday, make the decision to be a Tennessean yourself. We love it.

[lochmoigh]

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnGal

Very, very good sushi about 6 miles south of the airport:
Lemon Grass

And I just can't resist this one: we're so smart here that we don't even need college degrees to make latte's much less masters! :P

I will let a secret out about lemon grass.....

$2 Wednesdays. There are several rolls available on Wednesday for $2 a roll. great deal at a great place

[William Sold]

I will let a secret out about lemon grass.....

$2 Wednesdays. There are several rolls available on Wednesday for $2 a roll. great deal at a great place

The best thing I love about Lemon Grass is the opened West Knox location, and the fact I can have it delivered by takeout taxi. I don't even have to leave my house to gorge on Philly rolls. Though the $2 weds's aren't available on Takeout Taxi...

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by lochmoigh

I will let a secret out about lemon grass.....

$2 Wednesdays. There are several rolls available on Wednesday for $2 a roll. great deal at a great place

Shhhhhh! just kidding!

Originally Posted by William Sold

The best thing I love about Lemon Grass is the opened West Knox location, and the fact I can have it delivered by takeout taxi. I don't even have to leave my house to gorge on Philly rolls. Though the $2 weds's aren't available on Takeout Taxi...

I did not know they opened another location. That's great!

[William Sold]

I did not know they opened another location. That's great!

Oh yes!!!! I was so excited....I'm not in Maryville too much, but always made a point to stop there when I was. They asked how their sevice was, and I said, well.... it would be better if I didn't have to drive 40 minutes to get their scrumptous rolls. Voila!!! They opened a location on Executive Park drive off Cedar Bluff. Very exciting weekend that was...Breakfast, lunch, dinner....all sushi or rolls...seriously