Moving to TN, working in Tullahoma ... where to live? (Chattanooga: sales, lofts)

[granth]

I may be relocating to a new job in Tullahoma. My wife and I are a young couple in our mid/late-20's and would like to live as close to Nashville without making my commute to Arnold AFB too long. She will be graduating from law school and would like to live in or as close to the city as possible to find work there. No kids, so we don't care about schools.

Does this mean Murfreesboro is as close as we can get?

Google Maps driving directions says it is a 51 minute commute from M-boro to Arnold and 1:17 commute from downtown Nashville.

We prefer urban living (think Chicago style lofts in old converted industrial buildings) and would like somethig like that, but can handle the cookie-cutter complexes (should at least have a pool to handle the heat). I can tollerate a 45 - 1 hr commute, but more than that gets a little long for me.

Do you have any suggestions for places along I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro on the southeast side that will allow us to live closer to the city, but not make the commute so nasty?

We bike and I would like to get into sailing at Percy Priest as well.

Also, will this commute be going against the grain of traffic making it easier?

Thanks.

[granth]

So no one here works at Arnold AFB?


Well, someone can surely comment on neighborhoods on the southeast side of Nashville and Murfreesboro close to I-24 .... ?

[Griz83]

If you're in to sailing, be sure to check out Harbor Island Yacht Club on Old Hickory Lake. I've found it to be a friendlier and more inviting place. Both lakes are pretty close to one another; but coming from the SE, Priest might be closer.

HIYC

[granth]

Thanks for pointing me to HIYC. I would loved to get involved with Lightning or even Laser racing.It looks like we will probably end up in Murfreesboro.

[2agray]

I would say your wife would fair better in Murfreesboro once she gets her law degree. Tullahoma is pretty saturated with the old lawyers that don't retire until they die. You might want to consider Beech Grove which is kinda sort a half way point between Murfreesboro and Tullahoma. Be aware that the lay offs are starting to happen at AEDC. Lots of corporate businesses have closed down in Tullahoma.

From Beech Grove it may be a little commute both ways for work for both you and your wife. There are excellent lakes with boating opportunities in Tullahoma. You are also 1 hour from 3 major cities - Nashville, Chattanooga and Huntsville Alabama.

If the boating is your interest I would say Tullahoma would be the best bet. The commute to Murfreesboro would be about 45 minutes and to AEDC about 15. The lakes are all within 15 to 20 minutes.

There is no urban living here. It is very rural. For your lofts and condos - Murfreesboro. There are some charming older homes here but the hottest commodities are those homes built in the late 50's and early 60's. The ranchers.

Interstate traffic is not a problem unless you are inner city Nashville and Murfreesboro. Nashville being the worst, however, Murfreesboro has grown by leaps and bounds and they are pretty congested. There is virtually no traffic here. It is very quiet here. Not a lot to do though but again, you have 3 major cities a short distance away.

[autobuff]

Just wanted to put my two cents worth in. I believe you could be happy in Tullahoma if you would "settle" for a house instead of a loft. Tullahoma is 15 minites from AEDC, 45 minutes from Murfreesboro and little more than an hour to Nashville. Your wife would most likely have an easier time gaining employment in Murfreesboro. I do disagree with the previous statement about Tullahoma's " pretty saturated with the old lawyers that don't retire until they die ". I believe she could find a job here also.

Yes the "recession" is effecting Tullahoma as well as the rest of the country. But in clarifying the statement from previous poster; The closing business' are actually a major regional chain (Goodys) went bankrupt and closed all their stores in the south, a major retailer (Dillards) closing several stores as a result of downsizing. The Tullahoma store had better sales than some other Dillards in the region which remained open. A regional Grocery Chain store closed a while back when the parent company went under. As in any economy; some small business' have failed. But others have opened.

I agree that Tullahoma would be the best choice for your sailing and biking enjoyment. There are three large lakes within 30 minutes from Tullahoma. Tim's Ford State Park has an excellent riding trail thru the park. Depending on what other things you like to do in your free time Tullahoma has lots to offer or not. If you are into the club scene then you are mostly out of luck. If you like nature then there is no better place. Just in Tullahoma there are 2 recreation centers, 7 parks, indoor and outdoor pools, greenway systems and 23 ballfields. Short springs state natural area and Tims Ford State Park are some of the many recreational activities to enjoy. Tims Ford has a Jack Nicklaus Golf course if you Golf. There are several other courses also.

If you do move to Murfreesboro, you will be driving against the grain for the most part as most traffic from Murfreesboro travels north to the Nashville area but there is a good amount headed south also towards Manchester. Many people from Rutherford County (Murfreesboro) work in Coffee County (Manchester/Tullahoma).

Wish you the best of luck and hope you find what you are looking for.