Austin TX to Knoxville, Nashville or Chattanooga?? (living in, move to)

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by AnnaRex

There's something about Knoxville (based on the vast research that I have done, just short of visiting) that just screams Americana to me. I don't need a town that's radical in any direction. I may politically liberal myself, but I like to be surrounded by all types. Perhaps I've been listening to too much Springsteen, but I love the idea of a blue collar town. The pictures of the old brick buildings, train tracks and bridges make me want to grab my laptop and start writing again. I like my city to have a little dilapidation. I don't need art to be dictated to me, I can find it just fine in every day America.

Out of all the people that I have come across, Knoxville seems like the best fit for you and your quote underlines my hunch.

I know some people may find it campy, but I cannot wait to visit Dollywood. You gotta understand, I regularly wear country dresses and cowboy boots, listen to bluegrass, and idolize the like of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. If anyone at home asks why I chose Knoxville and I don't feel like giving the long-winded answer, I just going to say Dollywood! Most of my friends already think I'm weird, so it won't surprise them.

You'll probably love the Dolly Parton museum at Dollywood.

Finally, when people talk about Knoxville, they seem to talk about the people first and the city second. It's as if there's a transparecny to the town. I was afraid of that at first, but that's just silly. Yes, cities have personalities like people, but that doesn't mean that it has to be the dominant personality in my life. Plus, Knoxville is large enough that I'm sure I'll find my niche. I could probably find a niche in any of the cities I was looking at, so why stress?!

Some cities have stereotypes; it's true, but we know that a city is more than that, and in Knoxville it seems to be difficult to peg, anyway. Probably the most accurate stereotype would be to call it "Vol City" because most of its inhabitants love the Vols. And a case could be made that "Volunteer City" isn't a bad moniker, either, since the people are so helpful.

Anyway, I think it's pretty neat to be known as a city full of nice people; probably better than the city with the nice beach but rude people.

Different neighborhoods have different vibes in Knoxville, though. I tend to agree with creeksitter's picks. I can see you in Old North Knox, too.

[hiknapster]

I almost forgot! Here is our bus website. They just built a new transit station and we have a new website which is really nice. I love Kat's slogan: Ride For Change.

I'm thinking that our bus system is probably nothing like Austin's. That's one thing that is going to be very different for you, Knoxville is a much smaller city and it has the feel of a very large town.

[AnnaRex]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I almost forgot! Here is our bus website. They just built a new transit station and we have a new website which is really nice. I love Kat's slogan: Ride For Change.

I'm thinking that our bus system is probably nothing like Austin's. That's one thing that is going to be very different for you, Knoxville is a much smaller city and it has the feel of a very large town.

I hope it's nothing like Austin's! For a city this size, our transportation is pretty pitiful. I did manage to get by without a car for 4 years, but it took effort.

Thanks guys!

[creeksitter]

Another neighborhood you should drive through is Mechanicsville. Drive down deadrick ave, etc. A little dicey for walking at night but it is close to downtown & UT. Do you ride a bike?

[AnnaRex]

I do have a bike and I would love an excuse to use it more. I'm definitely going to start looking at neighborhoods online. I want to have places to look at before I visit because it will be a short trip.

Thanks again!

[hiknapster]

I think almost all bus systems are not very good, unless it is in an enormous city.

We have great parks and surprisingly good greenways. Remember, we are 44th in the country for tax burden, yet we seem to bring it when it comes to services.

City of Knoxville Parks and Greenways Map

[Tiger Beer]

I, for one, would love to see the OP come back and tell us where she ended up!

Interesting thread!

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

I, for one, would love to see the OP come back and tell us where she ended up!

Interesting thread!

I, for one, would love to know where YOU finally land.

[hart12]

So where did you end up?

[creeksitter]

About a year ago I got an e-mail from someone named Anna with an Austin area code. Said she'd been living in 4th & Gill and just found out about Parkridge. So I wondered if that was our OP.

I hate it when posters don't check back with an update.

So where DID you wind up, tiger beer?