Tell me something you don't like/concerns you about Knoxville & surrounding areas (Kingsport: apartment complex, homes)

[JMT]

Originally Posted by BlueyedCat

I have witnessed it in and around Nashville; so it's not only in the small town areas. Not all are rude but the majority are. It's really sad.

The majority of people in Nashville are rude? I don't believe it for a minute.

[socal4life]

Originally Posted by JMT

The majority of people in Nashville are rude? I don't believe it for a minute.

I don't believe that you don't believe it.

[anothertntony]

Originally Posted by MrsMtnsOnTheMind

Now back to the subject. Anyone have any other issues with Knoxville? Our move is coming up and I want to be sure that this is really where I want to be.

I no longer live in Knoxville, but I did for nearly ten years and will throw out some of my opinions. Keep in mind that many of these things are subjective.

Pros:

• The weather. Some consider it too hot/humid/rainy, but I prefer hot and humid to frigid.
• Cost of living. Most things that you buy in the store are the same price as everywhere else, but housing is reasonable and taxes are low (yes, there is a high sales tax, but no state income tax and low property taxes - TN is typically in the lowest 10% of states for total tax burden).
• UT. The University provides a constant influx of young people and many of them stick around for a while. I have since realized that cities that lack the mid twenties to early thirties age demographic (i.e., many rust-belt and Northeastern cities) are far less interesting to me.

Cons:

• Generally insular population. To truly feel welcome in Knoxville, I think that you need to attend church and either be a bombastic Christian OR feel comfortable around others that are. Now don't get me wrong, not everyone in Knoxville is this way and you will not be attacked if you are not. Also, almost anyone would be able to find other similarly minded people in Knoxville; it is not a homogeneous population. However, it is the only place I've lived where people came to me door on many occasions to "save" me and offer to take me to their church on Sunday mornings. That would be fine as long as they accepted it when I thanked them and told them that I was not interested, but instead they would become offended that I was rebuffing their offer to "save my soul". Then again, I only had this experience when I lived in an apartment complex that was almost exclusively UT students, so that complex was apparently targeted by the area churches. I also remember being in a group of about eight people after Hurricane Katrina. One of the people asserted matter-of-factly that God sent Hurricane Katrina to punish the sinners in New Orleans. Only two of us found this opinion objectionable.
• Traffic. Sure, it's not as bad as a big city, but Knoxville is not a big city, so why should the traffic be so bad? Actually, I should just put this under poor city planning as a con.
• Air quality. The air quality in Knoxville is among the worst in the nation and there has been no real attempt to address it. If you proposed emissions testing in Knoxville, the populace would freak out.

[anothertntony]

Originally Posted by anothertntony

I no longer live in Knoxville, but I did for nearly ten years and will throw out some of my opinions. Keep in mind that many of these things are subjective.

Oh, I should also point out that even though there is more text in the cons section than the pros section, I actually like Knoxville quite a bit. This thread title was geared toward dislikes / concerns though, so I answered accordingly.

[Kitties of Domination]

Originally Posted by MrsMtnsOnTheMind

I thought so too but the experience that dehmar had was in Knoxville. Is it touch and go there? Perhaps a gamble as to who you will come in contact with? With the economy doing so poorly I wonder if people will just have to tolerate the abuse because jobs are few and far between.

There are bad seeds everywhere Mrs. Mtns. Knoxville has its faults, but I do not think unfriendliness is one of them (I would worry about air quality). Nonetheless, I think it may sometimes be the mindset of the specific individual. As traditional wisdom holds, if you go somewhere looking for something negative, you often find it. As a Knoxvillian, I can't wait to have you as a new resident.

[SingaGal]

Whatever happened to the concept of "America, the melting pot" where people learn to assimilate into the culture of the place they choose to live in? They came, they saw, they liked the place enough to move in, and then they try to change the place into the very place they had left? Speaking as an immigrant to America, we should respect the culture and way of life that has been, ok improvements may be recommended where relevant, but not to alter the way of life for others!

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnGal

Yep mb, point made for sure.

<sigh>

This is TN folks, this isn't North Florida, South Jersey, the inner coastline or whatever. Like it or leave but keep your "my way is better" yap to yourself. (so happy mb opened that door for me ) Obviously we're doing something right here since y'all are wanting to flock to our towns.

[weisgarber1]

Originally Posted by SingaGal

Whatever happened to the concept of "America, the melting pot" where people learn to assimilate into the culture of the place they choose to live in? They came, they saw, they liked the place enough to move in, and then they try to change the place into the very place they had left? Speaking as an immigrant to America, we should respect the culture and way of life that has been, ok improvements may be recommended where relevant, but not to alter the way of life for others!

Since most migration, by percentage within the country, occurs from the north/NE/MW to the south and west, the attempt at altering the lifestyle/culture of others, when that occurs, seems to follow that same migration pattern.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by SingaGal

Whatever happened to the concept of "America, the melting pot" where people learn to assimilate into the culture of the place they choose to live in? They came, they saw, they liked the place enough to move in, and then they try to change the place into the very place they had left? Speaking as an immigrant to America, we should respect the culture and way of life that has been, ok improvements may be recommended where relevant, but not to alter the way of life for others!

Melting pots require ingredients and time.

In large cities where lots of people are moving in, it occurs much faster, but still takes a generation or two, not just a few years. In smaller towns where minimal population growth occurs from move ins it can take many generations.

The best way is to adapt without causing problems and your presence will ultimately impact the community. Over time with new people being in the same mold and children being born and raised side by side, it will change.

Unfortunately one stinker can mess it up for all. That can apply to an arrogant newcomer as well as a bigoted native.

[Pam& Bill]

The one thing I don't like about Knoxville is that I have nothing to whine or complain about! Wah!!!!! I haven't been able to jump on this thread in months!!!!
I'm a happily adjusted transplant from the North. My daily life includes meeting people who work or live at my apartment complex, cab drivers, store clerks or wait staff in an area East Town restaurant. All are friendly, interesting and are good natured enough to talk with me, make my life interesting for a moment or two that they touch it. Folks hold doors open, give up their seats and are sincerely helpful.
When we first moved to Knoxville three years ago, I instantly fell in love with this city. I previously was from a very small, backwards rural farming community. The thought of moving to a city petrified me but I'd follow Bill to the ends of the earth. Anyway, we left Knoxville to pursue a dream of home ownership that didn't pan out. But we moved back to the same complex in Knoxville. Knoxville is my home and I love it here and quite frankly I could care less about the Sushi, corporate dress codes, lack of zoning in the county or the perceived lack of diversity.
I subscibe to the live and let live mentality. I love it here and it is home and sorry I can't think of a thing to complain about. Knoxville is everything I make it to be or want it to be and it is my beloved home.
Pam

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by raitch in michigan

What are the things I need to consider before relocating to knoxville area??
In me last post someone stated I should have 6 month savings if I don't have a job already when I get to knoxville. I have the savings but is that true???
Will it take 6 months to get a job in this area???

Raitch,

If you are out there please come in. I see that you haven't logged in since December 2008. Has this thread helped you at all? Where are you and what are your plans at this point?