Dandridge (Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville: credit, relocating, real estate)

[Jenikat]

In a recent trip to East Tennessee, my husband and I fell in love with Dandridge. While we won't be able to relocate for another 10 years or so, I was wondering if anyone had thoughts about the growth of the city in that time. One of the things we loved was the small-town-charm. Will Dandrige still offer than in 10 years? One thing we noticed while touring that side of the state is that development abounds. We were shocked at the size of homes going up EVERYwhere. The sprawl didn't seem to hit Dandridge too much, but in 10 years... any thoughts?

[Lastchance4gas]

We are presently selling our home and intend on moving to eastern TN. Having watched the real estate lisitngs in the Smoky Mountains area for quite a while, the number of available new construction and re-sale homes is a bit overwhelming from a buyers standpoint. Although Dandridge is not putting up homes as quick as say, Sevierville, the number does seem well above average. I would guess that in 10 years the sprawl would edge it's way into Dandridge too, if the pace of construction continues as it is now.
Can you comment further on your impressions of Dandridge and other communities you toured in that area?

[Jenikat]

Certainly! Here's a lit of cities we toured and initial thoughts we had. Keep in mind that these are very superficial. Some of the cities we were only in for a few hours, others were a little longer. Some we were able to get city facts from townspeople, and some are just our own impression.

Knoxville - Way too big and too metro for us, but walked through downtown, along Gay Street. The town seems very clean and respectable. Beautiful historic area and they're fixing up more as well. We've heard that most of the executive workers work in the West side of the city, so if you're going to work in Knoxville, look for cities to the West of town.

Oak Ridge - A lovely town. This city was built in total governmental secrecy while the atomic bomb was developed during WW2. We had a chance to speak to a young lady at the CVB who laughed when we asked her how much snow they got each year, saying, "Oh we get snow... about once every three years". Has some very nice middle-class neighborhoods, some building, but not overwhelming. Has some nice museums. Some of the highest city taxes in the state, partially because the garbage pick-up come to your door.

Maryville/Alcoa - Growing exponentially, lots of big houses being built, reminds me a little of a resort town. Consists of a few main business areas, then the rest is residential. Maryville College is there and very elite, though, I've been told, not private (?). Schools were named second best in the state by the governor (and I understand one will pay for that). We spoke to a realtor there... property values are high, so are taxes. Many areas have city and state property taxes.

Lenoir City/Loudon - We liked these areas too. Small, but close to something with the more major shopping (see Farragut). Lenoir City is waterside with a dam, I believe, for Tellico Lake. Properties are nice, not too much new construction, nice average home areas. Perhaps a little too remote for us, but serene none the less.

Farragut – Loved it at first as we came in the back way. HUGE houses being developed, but had a nice mix of middle class as well. Then we turned a few corners and found there a giant shopping center filled with the most elite stores. Kinda turned us off. My feeling is that it’s becoming a country-club setting. Certainly right for some, but not for us.

Gatlinburg - Very touristy, very expensive, high property values. Possibly the Vail of East Tennessee. Would highly recommend visiting, very pretty. Would also recommend the Ripley's Aquarium. We thought it would be a tourist trap, but it's actually accredited by the National Aquatic Foundation, or something. We were very impressed. Also loved Rocky Mountain National Park. Main entrance is just South of Gatlinburg.

Dandridge - County seat for Jefferson County. Very quaint historic area. Dandridge was supposed to be flooded out of existence by Douglas Lake, but WW2 forced the idea of damming the area for energy production instead. Named after Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, it's the second oldest city in the state. Boasts the NARROWEST long bridge I've ever seem... kinda scary, but some absolutely gorgeous property on the other side. Most hills offer spacious views, many are lakeside as well. Most citizens shop in Jefferson. I'd be okay if that area were developed a little more. Would be perfect if, over 10 years, Jefferson had more business and Dandridge was left alone.

Pigeon Forge - Think "mini-Vegas" with a Six Flags.

Sevierville - Didn't dive too far off the freeways here. Assume that many workers from Pigeon Forge live in Severiville. Seemed like a nice area, again many new construction areas, quite a bit of business, a little too metro for us.

There ya go, I hope I've helped. I certainly would never mean any insult to any of these areas, as they are all beautiful and viable in their own right. Again, most is just personal opinion. Good luck to you!

[Island Girl]

Hi Jenikat,

You seem quite knowledgeable about many areas of TN. I posted earlier obtaining info about the Harrogate and surrounding areas (Lincoln Memorial University) or at least commuting distance. I'm interested in any area that might meet the commuting criteria, complete with great schools (I have a 7 year old daughter), awesome views and housing in the moderate range.

We are from the US but have lived away for several years now. We spent 20 some years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana prior to moving here. We have become spoiled by the natural beauty of this volcanic island and the rain forest. However, we are looking forward to returning stateside and have heard that TN is awesomely beautiful!

My husband is originally from Chicago and I am a southerner to the bone! We live north of South America right now. My husband thought I had taken him as far south as he could possibly get...then we moved here!

He is considering a job position in the Harrogate/Tazewell area. I am hoping that there will be something there for me, too! If you (or anyone else) has information on any of the sub areas, topography, schools, lifestyle, or just any info! Any suggestions would be so helpful. Do you know anything about the Harrogate, Tazewell, Cumberland Gap, Caryville, Jacksboro or any area in between that might work for us? We have also looked at Midd*****ro, KY. We like the countryside and don't fancy living in a large city. Though, we do enjoy some aspects of the a larger city~ie bookstores, concerts, plays, and the like which we do not have available on island. Right now, just a real grocery store is extremely appealing!! LOL

It is a bit intimidating to conduct research from out of the country since I don't know a soul in TN and my last visit was about 15 years ago to the Knoxville area.

Thanks to anyone who can provide assistance or advice.

[snapline]

My wife and I are planning on relocating to eastern Tenn. within the next two years.
One of our daughters lives in Blountiville, TN. with her husband and two children. We have visited them a few times and find the area to be wonderful! Really like the tax structure too, [no personal income tax within Tenn.] Much better than here in Pennsylvania. The weather, well I cannot even compare the two areas. So much better in Tenn. than PA.!
We plan on ' running around' thru eastern TN. over the Easter weekend as much as we can. Need to start 'educating' ourselves to the eastern,TN. area. I will post our 'findings' upon our return in this thread if that sounds OK with folks!!?
Let me know.
Thanks..................
snapline

[Jenikat]

Would LOVE to hear your thoughts, Snapline...

and Islandgirl, I'm sorry, but I didn't see the area you were asking about. Best of luck to you all. Since being back home... well... it's a bummer weather-wise. Hope may spring eternal here in Michigan, but we need all the hope we can get because SPRING comes so late!

[shoshana56]

I'm from East TN and you will find that houses are going up at a alarming rate. I have always enjoyed riding the back roads and looking at the mountains, now, there is nothing but growth. One day TN will be one big subdivision. It is very dishearting.