lmao. ok, I'm a blondie.

Actually I really am.
If you want to stay around family. Wait for someone to post that knows more about that area. I'm in Upper Middle TN. I love it here. There are plenty of carpenter jobs. Centrally located and mild weather. More work days.
Property affordability and cost of living. Lowest to highest. imo. There's 4 counties that are great to live in. I'm sure the other are. I just don't know alot about them. Clay, Jackson, White and Putnam. Altho Clay county is a bit farther for work purposes.