Where do i go in tennessee?? (Knoxville, Chattanooga: real estate, employment, good schools)

[dsboxer1]

I'm a single mom of 3 young boys and want to get out of florida i would like a smaller town but not in the middle of no where, good schools, reasonable housing, no "ghetto" areas. preferably in the knoxville-chattnooga area

thanks

[mbmouse]

Check out Maryville maybe?

[JD5DAD]

you should check out Manchester I just moved here from Michigan I like this town so much I made a myspace about it check it out there are pictures http://groups.myspace.com/ManchesterTennessee

[brcomm0]

Check out the spencer area. Small town good schools. Close to state Parks.
Sparta and other towns within 20 -30 mins away. I bought in Hawks Bluff area which is an upcoming area in the future.

[dsboxer1]

i few thing i forgot in my first post is i like the small town atmosphere but would also like to somewhat near stuff like a walmart (single mom budget) places for the kids to go bowling roller skating stuff like that maybe possibly a mall in the near distance but i also like small town festivals and mom/pop shops as well i also work in the veterinary field so a few of those around for employment purposes would be great

[Jmott]

You should check out Dunlap.... it's about 30 miles North of Chattanooga...
that's where I'm going next May, from Florida of 62 yrs...

[insanesmooch]

Originally Posted by dsboxer1

i few thing i forgot in my first post is i like the small town atmosphere but would also like to somewhat near stuff like a walmart (single mom budget) places for the kids to go bowling roller skating stuff like that maybe possibly a mall in the near distance but i also like small town festivals and mom/pop shops as well i also work in the veterinary field so a few of those around for employment purposes would be great

Here is a link that will take you to a page with links to school info. like no child left behind data and TCAP test results:
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/education/k12.html (broken link)

I have heard that Maryville schools are good. And one I looked up said kids overall were well into the 90% + percentile on testing.

There is a Walmart and should be another one coming there soon. I know the guy sold the land to them awhile back. Anyway, there is a Target (they have the best clearances), Kmart, as well as many other places like that. They also have a mall. Of course, it is close to Knoxville for any other shopping you would want to do.
Here is a link to the city. It does mention a Foothills Festival (though at least part of it costs. I know there are things that go on in Townsend too.
http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/
I know they have at least one skating rink that I see on Maryville Pk. I'm sure there is bowling. I know there are parks for the kids to hang out.
You can look at the local paper at:
www.thedailytimes.com
It should give you a feel for the area as well as give you insight to job and real estate info.
As with any place, there are parts of down that are less desirable. I wouldn't say they have a "ghetto", though you would want to stear clear of 'the projects'. Overall, I'd say it is a safe place.
The only thing about that area though is the air quality. For some people on the board, it has been an issue. I've not really known people to have a lot of breathing trouble being from the surrounding area, but it could be different for people who move to the area- especially if you or one of the kids has breathing issues. Just thought I'd throw that in.

[heathersmom]

That would be me...and my narotisism with fresh air and water...sorry! Maryville does sound great as long as you don't breathe...just joking! It does "sound" and "look"** via the internet-great! Good luck in your quest!

[insanesmooch]

Originally Posted by heathersmom

That would be me...and my narotisism with fresh air and water...sorry! Maryville does sound great as long as you don't breathe...just joking! It does "sound" and "look"** via the internet-great! Good luck in your quest!

How dare you come to TN seeking fresh air and water. The nerve of some people. (Just kidding)

I'm sure that air quality could be a threat to those with resperatory problems like asthma. Maybe the lungs of people from areas with bad air sort of adapt and it is not noticed by them. People from places with cleaner air may be able to tell the difference. It's not something I gave much thought to until being on here. Now, I do have a little more trouble breathing with the changes in altitude. I'm about 1,000 feet higher in Northeast TN than I was in Middle TN and about 500 or so higher than when in Knoxville and sometimes it is a little harder to breathe (like when doing exercise).

[dsboxer1]

Well my youngest son who's 2 years old has severe asthma and has been hospitalized multiple times for it. I havent read to much about air quality up there i know there are a few manufacturing plants up there but is it really that bad ????