Mountains? Culture? Knoxville? (Jackson: salary, live, eat)

[piedmont]

Knoxville and surrounds sounds like a very good match for you. And, your job skills are a decent match for the area's economy.

Knox is much more homey and local in feel that Asheville IMHO. And downtown life and neighborhoods are interesting and very affordable, with easy access to outdoor adventure. While one can argue that TVA and other developments have "sold the mountains out", it is nothing like the golf course scene outside of Asheville/Hendersonville.

Rating schools is a somewhat delicate matter dependent upon what is important to you and your expectations. I'll say this: Much worse schools can be found outside Knox County (with the exception of Oak Ridge schools) and like William said, you'll have a number of choices within Knox.

Hope you get a chance to visit and explore. I am looking forward to exploring MS in the future!

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

Originally Posted by sarahcakes

hey thanks for the input guys! We're not exactly looking for a Asheville-type city...well maybe a little...like a Asheville minus the pot and patchoulli....well a little patchoulli is ok =)

I think we're just going to take a road trip up there this summer and see what we can see.

BTW, I am a nurse and hubby is a restaraunt manager... think we'll have problems finding jobs?

Wow, you guys sound like us. Looks like we have the same interests, right down to the food. I am a nurse too. We haven't moved there yet but have spent a considerable amount of time there and we have always found a place to eat vegetarian without all the rude comments about why we don't eat meat. The entertainment is great....lots to do and 41 miles of paved greenways to walk. The mountains are a short trip, shopping is great and the cost of living is much cheaper than most places we have been to.

As far as the jobs go....you will definitely find a job. Most are hiring right over the phone with references and restaurants are so plentiful, I am sure your husband will get a job with no problem.

Here is a link to the many hospitals in Knoxville. Just visit their websites and you will see the pages of postings for Nurses.

Tennessee Hospitals and Medical Centers • TN

[jabogitlu]

I agree that out of any professions to have, restaurant manager and nurse are just about the best for Knoxville.

But I feel like someone (me) should say - PLEASE have at least one job lined up before you move. We've heard many stories both on and off-site about people forced to re-relocate out of the area because they couldn't find a job or were unable to sustain the lifestyle they wanted based on their lower salary here.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

I agree that out of any professions to have, restaurant manager and nurse are just about the best for Knoxville.

But I feel like someone (me) should say - PLEASE have at least one job lined up before you move. We've heard many stories both on and off-site about people forced to re-relocate out of the area because they couldn't find a job or were unable to sustain the lifestyle they wanted based on their lower salary here.

Well, it's always best to have a job lined up, but I don't think they are going to take a salary cut, although anything's possible. I think they are from Mississippi.

[sarahcakes]

LOL yeah probably not a salary cut for us...starting salary for nurses here in Jackson is 19/hr. PLEASE tell me Knox can beat that!

Thanks for the continued input everyone. Knoxville is sounding more and more like the place for us!

[tsimmu]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I hate pot. The smell makes me violently ill. Had to go to the emergency room twice just from walking into it. .

Hik, you are a crack-up! That was hilarious. Had to rep you on that one!

But also, so as to stay on topic -- I'm lacto-vegetarian and yes, there are many options throughout the Knoxville area. Three Rivers Co-op's quinoa tabouli is to die for!

I think you'll have no problem in the medical field though can't give advice on hubby's situation. Is he working somewhere that he might transfer within the company?

Best of luck!

[tsimmu]

Originally Posted by MrsMtnsOnTheMind

always found a place to eat vegetarian without all the rude comments about why we don't eat meat.

Wow! That's unbelievable. I've been a vegetarian my whole life and if anything, get sincere questions about what it's like and the occasional comment along the lines of "Oh, I could NEVER do that..." but it's always kind. Sorry you've experienced negativity in the past. Bummer.

[jabogitlu]

Well, it's always best to have a job lined up, but I don't think they are going to take a salary cut, although anything's possible. I think they are from Mississippi.

Agreed, but it's the requisite disclaimer.

[nancy thereader]

How about Knoxville for retirees? (Yes, I'm still looking for a place to call home). I was shocked when I went on that site that compares costs of living . The difference between Long Island and Knoxville is truly amazing. The homes & gardens I have seen in the real estate brochures are beautiful.

[goodbyehollywood]

Hi nancy thereader--

Knoxville is appealing to retirees, because while the upside is the reasonable cost of living, the downside is the difficulty in finding a decent-paying job. Of course, the cost of living isn't as low as it used to be, but comparatively, it's an eye opener when you're coming from the coasts. It's a whole different lifestyle, though. You'll just have to come, experience it and see!