Tennessee Bound, but what town? (Knoxville, Chattanooga: apartments, homes, employment)

[CarolynB]

Hi Everyone,
We are relocating to your beautiful state, but are undecided on which city to live in and could use some help with making this decision. We are now living in S.Florida and are unhappy with the area. After doing some research we found Tennessee to be the state we want to live in. I am originally from Long Island NY and miss the change of climate, trees, flowers and friendly people, unlike here in S Florida. Everyone I have made contact with in Tennessee has been so friendly and helpful, I cannot wait to move there, but we are undecided between Chattanooga or Knoxville areas. We have decided on East Tennessee, as I was told there are no tornadoes there (is this true?) and it is warmer (is there alot of snow?). Need to find a place with employment opportunities and good schools with affordable housing. We want a view of the mountains, but do not want to live in them. In a few months we are going to visit the areas, as we have never been to the state and would appreciate any help from anyone as to the right direction to take.
My daughter and grandkids are also moving there and need information on the schools, and apartments in those towns.
And for a 3/2 home approx 2000 sqft what is the norm for heating bills, air conditioning, cable, phone, taxes etc. in those areas. We want a home with 1/2+ acres but do not want to live in a real rural area.
Thank you for your help whether it's negative or positive, would appreciate either.

[mbmouse]

Hi, I sent you a respond email, you know my personal vote is East of Knoxville in the Tri-Cities are. That is where I am and raising my children I was closer to Knoxville and worked there some, we MUCH prefer East of there for a slower way of life and if you don't like traffic and road constructions, over passes and such, Knoxville may not be right for you. I can't answer much about Chattanooga as I don't know much about that area, but the few times I was there, traffic seemed to be about the same as Knoxville, But I could be wrong, it was a few years ago. Hope that helps

[swampbuck]

I hate to say this but my vote would be for the LBL area . The reason I hate to say is I don't want a land rush to happen. My farm is in PARIS TN which is is kind of nothwest of Nashville. Now this is a very rual area. But as I've said before I like it because it's growing real slooooww....... OOPS NEVER MIND I see you don't want a rural area.

[mbmouse]

What is LBL area? .................................

[CarolynB]

I was going to ask the same question, What is LBL area?

[wellkids]

LBL stands for Land Between the Lakes and refers to the area between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley close to the TN/KY border. It is a beautiful area ~ especially if you are a fisherperson!

[CarolynB]

Thank you wellkids , now I know what LBL stands for Do you have any suggestions on what areas I should look to relocate to in your beautiful state?

[wellkids]

Hi Carolyn,

I am a native Middle Tennessean so I can't be of much help regarding East Tennessee. I currently live in Murfreesboro which is only about an hour and 45 minutes to Chattanooga, probably a little less from my home.

I personally like the Middle TN area and think you should consider Murfreesboro, Franklin, Spring Hill, Thompson Station, or Mt. Juliet as possible relocation areas. Each of those areas has great schools, friendly people, excellent shopping and city convenience, and a variety of homes. Williamson County will give you a view of some of the hills that you love so much, but the housing prices are going to be higher there than in Wilson or Rutherford County.

If you decide to consider Middle TN, I'd be glad to help you all I can!

[CarolynB]

Thank you wellkids for your offer,, we are leaning toward East Tennessee because it is a little warmer there I was told,, and not as much snow,, is that correct?

[Jhubtin]

Originally Posted by CarolynB

Thank you wellkids for your offer,, we are leaning toward East Tennessee because it is a little warmer there I was told,, and not as much snow,, is that correct?

I would say no. But I would like to know myself also. We live in Florida but have a home on the Plateau. It's sits at almost 2000'. If you look at average snow accumalations you mostly see there is more snow in the East. But I also see where we get more snow than alot of the eastern towns. Is this because they are in the valleys next to the mountains at a lower elevation? Personally I want to see snow. I know we had one snow last Febuary where we got 7". Wish I was there.