Moving from NY (Kingsport, Oak Ridge, Bristol: how much, home, employment)

[lakombert]

My husband and I are currently living in NYS. I've been living here all my life, my husband was born and raised in Florida. My husband will be retiring in about a year and since our youngest child is 18, we've decided that we want to move south.

He wanted Florida but with the heat, hurricanes, and gators..thats 3 strikes you're out. LOL We decided on Tennessee. We have been looking on the internet and we have fallen in love with the eastern most part of the state. Maybe around Mountain City.

Of course being in NY poses a slight problem with being able to look at different areas. Can anyone make some suggestions?

We dont have a ton of money but we want someplace where we can live out our days with our dogs, cats, and parrots and be happy.

Thanks!

Laurie

[GrannyLois]

I live in NE TN and met a guy just today from Albany, NY. He is about age 20 and a college student in Bristol, TN. He was going on about how much he loved Tennessee. I have no doubt that you will also love it.

I don't think there is any way to guarantee a correct choice of where to live when you move here. You have to do your research (like you are, on this website) and then come for a visit and see how things feel.

Look for the lay of the land that you like - my friend from the Utica (NY) area came and liked the look of Greene County because it reminded him of upstate NY.

Go to public places and check for responses to your accent. See if people are friendly or stand-off-ish. This changes from town to town and place to place.

But the main thing is your own attitude. If you consider it an adventure and a positive experience and don't talk down to people (not that you would) and don't tell people how to solve problems according to the way it's done back home (not that you would - but sometimes others do - which shows a lack of respect), then you'll be fine with the people and absolutely LOVE living here.

I have been here since 1983 and will never be a native, but I'm okay with that. Although I travel several times a year, I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Keep us up-to-date on what happens with you. I'd love to meet you when you come.

[lakombert]

Thanks so much. My husband and I have decided that we're going to visit Tennessee in a few months time. I have a friend who lives in Sparta, (a transplant from Florida) and he loves the area that he's in.

Although I march to the tune of a different drummer so-to-speak, Im also one who likes to be outgoing but knows better to get in debates about politics, religion, and such. Especially if its something that I know very little or nothing about.

Thanks again and I would love to meet you to! Its been a pleasure chatting with you!

Laurie

[klosk]

We are also planning to move to east Tennessee. We have visited there for the past four years and just love it. This past summer we went to Mountain City. There is a reason for it's name. It seemed to be a very self contained small town tucked back into the mountains. It was a long way from any other town through winding mountain roads. Sorry to say, it was not for us. To find your perfect spot I feel you really need to travel to the state and spend time in several areas to get a real feel for it. You need to consider your religion, age, education, employment opportunities, recreation and hobbies as well as retirement needs; Hospitals, public transportation, theatre, continuing education etc. We find Oak Ridge and Kingsport perfect for us. Although we love Erwin, (you just can't find a more beautiful area up HWY 19, I think). The mountains around Coffee Ridge Rd is just breathtaking but there just isn't anything to do. I think we will settle in Oak Ridge area.

[inave]

I agree on Oak Ridge. We've been here 7 months and, although I wish it were more in the mountains, it has much to offer people in all stages of life, especially retirees.