Knoxville and Northern Transpants (Maryville, Seymour: relocate, transplants, jobs)

[amyevansmom]

I'm from Michigan and moved to Sevierville. Started out in Seymour. Moved here for an excellent job opportunity---which has turned out to be even better than we imagined.

I do come into contact w/ a lot of transplants from MI and OH and also FL. For some reason, those 3 state seem to have a lot of people here. Do I feel welcome? Well, yes, I guess. I don't have any "problems". I've been here a year and haven't made any "friends." THere are no newcomers clubs here. We met our neighbors, but it's just friendly "hellos" in passing. We have co-workers we talk to, but not socialize with outside of work. We work at the same place, so that limits that. THe person I felt most friendly with was my realtor, she is almost the same age as we are, and from the North. I like it here, but am still not sure if it is my perfect place. THis may sound awful, but know it's not meant to, the people we've come into contact with seem to have a lot of issues and want you to help them fix them. So, it's hard for me to "connect" with people here as I feel they want something from me. Now, I live in Sevierville and work in G-burg and the locals here---the true locals---have no money. Very poor and very needy. Perhaps Knoxville would have been a better "living" place for me, but the work we are doing can't be beat so it ended up being Sevierville. Sometimes God has a different plan than us, but I am determined to bloom where I am planted. I am a city girl transplanted to the country......not an easy adjusment by any means, but one I am determined to do. Friends or not, I guess. If only I could find a newcomers club!!!

[mhd2136]

I've only lived here in Powell since April, but I'd been planning it for a while (bought a house almost 2 years ago) and had visited the Knoxville area several times over the past 8 years or so, since my son transferred to UTK. I'm lucky as far as "friends" in that I had a ready-made base here: my daughter, my son, his wife, & her kids. They are among the main reasons I moved here. Getting involved in my church is serving as my "newcomers club."
Besides family, I moved here because of the climate, the beauty of the country here, the cost of living, the style of living (I drive past a mare and her colt every morning on my way to work, for example) and the fact that many of the values I hold are well-respected here. God and religion are not swept under the rug, and patriotism is considered a positive character trait. Many businesses close on weekends (or at least on Sunday) to allow families to be together, the kids' sports teams and other activities try not to meet on Wednesdays, so there is time for the church activities that are planned for Wednesday evening, folks actually say "Hi!" ( or "Hey!") like they mean it, whether they know you or not.
Culture shock? Sure! I grew up in NY City and raised my kids there, until they were in their mid-teens. A move to Long Island was a much smaller culture shock, but the dozen years we lived there helped me not to be so jumpy when a stranger speaks to me, for no apparent reason.
I love the area; I love the people I've met (mostly), who have been warm and welcoming, friendly and helpful; I love my "new life" here. AND if I never again in my life have to shovel a driveway, it'll be too soon!

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by mhd2136

AND if I never again in my life have to shovel a driveway, it'll be too soon!

I still keep a shovel in the trunk of my car...just in case.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by mhd2136

I've only lived here in Powell since April, but I'd been planning it for a while (bought a house almost 2 years ago) and had visited the Knoxville area several times over the past 8 years or so, since my son transferred to UTK. I'm lucky as far as "friends" in that I had a ready-made base here: my daughter, my son, his wife, & her kids. They are among the main reasons I moved here. Getting involved in my church is serving as my "newcomers club."
Besides family, I moved here because of the climate, the beauty of the country here, the cost of living, the style of living (I drive past a mare and her colt every morning on my way to work, for example) and the fact that many of the values I hold are well-respected here. God and religion are not swept under the rug, and patriotism is considered a positive character trait. Many businesses close on weekends (or at least on Sunday) to allow families to be together, the kids' sports teams and other activities try not to meet on Wednesdays, so there is time for the church activities that are planned for Wednesday evening, folks actually say "Hi!" ( or "Hey!") like they mean it, whether they know you or not.
Culture shock? Sure! I grew up in NY City and raised my kids there, until they were in their mid-teens. A move to Long Island was a much smaller culture shock, but the dozen years we lived there helped me not to be so jumpy when a stranger speaks to me, for no apparent reason.
I love the area; I love the people I've met (mostly), who have been warm and welcoming, friendly and helpful; I love my "new life" here. AND if I never again in my life have to shovel a driveway, it'll be too soon!

Thanks for sharing, what a nice story! Why not come to our City-Data Forum get together and maybe meet some more friends?!

[roanoker 4]

Although I live about 300 miles north of Knoxville in Roanoke, VA, the two areas are very similar with mountains, urban amenities and people who don't move away! When I visited Knoxville I found the people to be extremely friendly(more so than Virgnia) and they would come up to me and talk for no apparent reason. I think if someone is thinking of re:locating to this area visit it first and see the different cultural views. A local reporter from the newspaper in Roanoke visited Knoxville and said it was the most similar to the Roanoke area. Enjoy this beautiful region!!

[JMT]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

Although I live about 300 miles north of Knoxville in Roanoke, VA, the two areas are very similar with mountains, urban amenities and people who don't move away! When I visited Knoxville I found the people to be extremely friendly(more so than Virgnia) and they would come up to me and talk for no apparent reason. I think if someone is thinking of re:locating to this area visit it first and see the different cultural views. A local reporter from the newspaper in Roanoke visited Knoxville and said it was the most similar to the Roanoke area. Enjoy this beautiful region!!

How interesting that you brought this up. I, too, have often thought that Roanoke and Knoxville are very similar, although I do think Roanoke has Knoxville beat in the beauty contest being right smack in the middle of the mountains.

Mountain people have traditionally been very reserved and not as open to outsiders. Friendly, yes, but not warm and cuddly. Knowing that, I agree with you that people in Knoxville are remarkably open to outsiders.

[roanoker 4]

I also think that if Va Tech had not located in Blacksburg(outside Roanoke) and located in downtown Roanoke the two cities would be even more similar.
I am glad to see Knoxville is focusing on its downtown area for future growth in housing, etc as I feel in mountainous areas the only way to go is up, instead of endless sprawl which is choking our cities with too much traffic and air pollution.

[Pam& Bill]

Originally Posted by sthepoet

What are the differnce that would make you want to move back to Knoxville vs. staying in Dandridge, just wondering because we are lloking a a home in Dandridge.

Poet,
Dandridge is a great town to live in. My reasons for choosing Knoxville over Dandridge are because my husband and I are both Stroke survivors. I don't drive and miss the convenience of shopping in East town and the hospitals in Knoxville are better equipped to handle the complex medical case that is my husband. If he goes to the ER in Jefferson City, he is shipped off to Knoxville anyway.
Those are my only reasons for Knoxville over Dandridge. Where're you looking at houses in Dandridge? I'm presently in Mathews Estates.
Pam

[mhd2136]

Great idea.. I wasn't aware of the get-together...I'll have to look into it. Thanks!

[Jammin4]

Crossville is considered a "retirement area." That said, many here are transplants. Which makes it easier for us other transplants. It's become pretty obvious to the "natives" here that we bring with us increased opportunities for work, so it's been my impression that they're happy to have us.

Being from the Washington, DC area, I've had some culture shock. There is practically no people of color anywhere. Very strange ...there are a few and I've seen some Mexicans. Not many of either culture. I do have a congregation which is considered part of an international brotherhood. When I came here I was made to feel that I'd just come in on another part of my extended family, so I'm quite happy and at home. But I do miss my "brothers and sisters of color." So I go "jammin" around town listening to reggae and R&B. No one seems to mind.

My fleshly family is interracial. Sooner or later they'll come for a visit. I sincerely hope that my neighborhood doesn't feel "threatened." My grandchildren are all different colors...a very interesting lot!!