24 year old Male Moving to Knoxville. (Chattanooga, Oak Ridge: to rent, house, employment)

[bwburbank]

Hello All,

I am contemplating a move to Knoxville, TN from Central NH. I have visited the area (Chattanooga) and really liked it there. I have lived in several states in the south and enjoyed the people and culture. I enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and pretty much any other outdoor activities. I have a BSME from the University of New Hampshrie with no previous experience. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for employment for someone with a degree in Mechanical Engineering? What part of Knoxville would be best for a single 24 year old male? What shoudl I expect and what kind of pay is average? I come from the northeast where the cost of living is high and the pay is higher as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[hiknapster]

I'm from Massachusetts. I can't answer all of your questions but I can tell you that generally, pay is lower here but our cost of living is much lower. The weather is wonderful, compared to New England. I love New Hampshire and this area reminds me of there. And I know that it sounds like a cop out but we have lots and lots of wonderful areas to live in Knoxville.

I lived in Mass for 34 years, lived in Florida for awhile and we are going into our fifth year in Knoxville. I love it.

[Kitties of Domination]

Knoxville is an engineering city, between TVA and Oak Ridge. I would check into Oak Ridge. I have read that they have been hiring recently.

[creeksitter]

There's a good chance you'll wind up in Oak Ridge, but there are several industrial parks on the outskirts of Knox county and one centrally located in Bearden. Or would you be more likely to work for a consultant in an office environment?

My advice is to rent somewhere centrally located and around young folks the for at least the first year and then look in the direction of your job when you are ready to buy.

[calvinbama]

I am 23 and recently moved to knoxville. I bought a house in the parkridge neighborhood. It is an up and coming area with many young professionals in their first home. It is a little gritty on certain blocks but that is a good tradeoff to avoid auto addiction and lack of community in sprawling west knox

[hiknapster]

Parkridge is a great place for an investor. Maybe. Right now it is a gamble. And it certainly isn't for someone that will end up in Oak Ridge.

Calvin, City-Data is a very popular forum. It's in the top 100. But pulling up old threads, sometimes from years ago, and touting your neighborhood - one that many may call unsafe - won't get you a penny more of equity.

I know you just moved here and you may think that we don't offer many safe neighborhoods. That truth is that we do. In all kinds of price ranges. Knoxville is a wonderful city. Go out and explore it!