back to nashville, TN (Franklin, Brentwood: fit in, transplants, for sale)

[dmiller91]

hello all, I have spent some time perusing the existing threads and wanted to state our specific situation.

I'm in mid-life, currently in Madison, WI, but I lived in Nashville for a year about 12 years ago. I had to go back to WI for personal reasons.

Anyway, all those reasons have changed and I want to move back. At the time I lived northeast off Briley Parkway. Now my job is near hillsboro village, and my income level is somewhat higher than it was then.

I'm looking for a smaller community with newer homes, and I prefer a place like Franklin, where there are lot of transplants so I would feel less like an outsider than in some parts of TN. I like to be close to conveniences such as groceries, gas, etc., but I like to be close to the outdoors too. My husband likes to hunt and fish and we both enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.

The thing I didn't do a lot of then that would be important to myself and my husband now is bicycling. I remember the roads as being very narrow where I used to live and not all that bicycle friendly. Is the area around Franklin conducive to 15-25 mile bike rides without danger of automobile collision?

Are there other areas to consider given my interests? We will be looking for buy a home in the $200k - 300k price range. I was curious about the number of houses that seem to be for sale in the area. Did the economy dip have a big impact on local residents?

My other work option (same company) was Arlington, VA, so to me the housing seems affordable in Franklin (I don't remember that to be true when I was there before). Arlington homes are very expensive and hard to come by.

Thanks!

[BirdieBelle]

There are so many houses for sale because of the tremendous growth the area has experienced since you left. The recession did affect homeowners, but the worst affected were those who bought $600K+ in 2006-2007, right before the crash. Those homes have taken a HUGE hit, value-wise, while the older homes under $450K actually increased in value according to the most recent assessment.

There are plenty of opportunities for you to pursue your outdoor interests, and your price range is doable.

The entire Middle TN area is full of transplants. I can't think of anywhere you wouldn't "fit in."

When you say "small community," how small?

What age of homes do you prefer when you say "newer"?

What size lot do you prefer? Quarter-acre? One acre? More?

As far as cycling, I will offer this. We still have plenty of windy roads, and width or traffic volume does not deter some cyclists. There are plenty of beautiful places to ride, and cycling is very popular. This is one club that has grown: Harpeth Bicycle Club | Welcome to the Harpeth Bike Club

They have tried to increase awareness with the "3 foot rule" campaign, where drivers are supposed to give cyclists three feet of space when they pass. Not everyone likes the "share the road" law, and not all cyclists use common sense.

Still, you will find plenty of places to ride, including some amazing paved trails in city (Brentwood) and county parks.

[dmiller91]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

When you say "small community," how small?

What age of homes do you prefer when you say "newer"?

What size lot do you prefer? Quarter-acre? One acre? More?

Wonderful... thanks! I was worried when I saw all the homes for sale. I wasn't there for the flood, and I saw there was damage near the Harpeth.

By "fit in" I simply meant I tend to have a rather direct style. I'm a regional analyst, so in my work I've definitely noticed my style can be a bit off putting the more south I go....At least I'm aware of it!

As far as homes... we're 51, so we are closer to retirement than we are to child raising. We don't have the energy and interest to do renovations, so I prefer a home built within the last 10-20 years. I want something that in theory I wouldn't have to move away from to retire. We have two grown children. I like the bigger closets and modern kitchens and baths. I work at home though, and do have a few pets, so I don't want a tiny home. As far as lot size, I don't have to have a big lot at all, especially if it's on a busy road, but with my husband's passion for the outdoors, I think I'd be willing to drive a bit if we did manage to find a property with some land. I pretty much ruled it out though, thinking that would be difficult in our price range. And I do like to get on my bike and go to the drug store.

We don't have much land at all where we are now, and the yard care is minimal, which I kind of like! So if we buy a home in a more urban area, I'm not all that concerned about lot size. Heck, compared with VA, the lot sizes in TN are huge!