Looking for heaven (Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga: transplants, contractor, to live in)

[mbmouse]

Just a note here, not to upset anyone, just informing. When you find these very small areas on or near mountains with very small populations I suggest you do a few things before you purchase. Go talk to the neighbors, knock on doors, say hello. Not just one, but several. Even if they are a mile down the road. I have found that some small areas are the ones that do NOT like "outsiders" and that can mean anyone that was not born and raised within 50/75 miles. Some are very welcoming and want more people to move in.
The other thing is make sure you can get to the amenities you want and need, in a time frame you are comfortable with. There are a lot of post card perfect looking areas in TN, but looking and living in are two very different things. I have seen many that move here with theses ideals in mind, think they have found there heaven and within a year, are moving out thinking all of TN is like that 10 miles down the road can seem like a different world sometimes.
Just my 2 cents.

[jetjockey75]

Originally Posted by jeweloflight

Signal mountain is pricey though..... .
I am looking to go west, California. Good luck, hope you find your dream town!

No, good luck to you I'm sure you can get a really decent paying job in California with a nursing degree, but home and apartment prices.... whew!!!!

[hiknapster]

When I did my research before moving here, the ONLY thing I didn't do was knock on doors. I think it's great advice.

Also, my husband was hired immediately, but by a Yankee. We didn't realize, until a year later, that it may be tough to get jobs being an "outsider." I had to look for almost a year, and finally got hired by a half-backer!

[Alabamy_bound]

when you knowck on doors in some parts of hill-billy land be careful, they don't 'cotton' to outsiders at ALL. Tn is getting sold like some kind of Mecca which it ain't, they expect you to do all the changin' and pretty much shut up and have not opinion about the way things are, real intelligent folks call that being a wee bit xenophobic and I'd have to agree with that ! really I'm sort of disappointed to read all this rosey stuff about TN like it's a home to upscale ski-lodges and really educated people ! all you've got to do is read about the income level and educational level ! heck I think some of these other posters must be building contractors or real estate agents !

[annie4363]

If you find it, let me know. My husband and I are looking for the same thing, at least where you can find work, afford a home and stay away from the big cities. thanks

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by Alabamy_bound

when you knowck on doors in some parts of hill-billy land be careful, they don't 'cotton' to outsiders at ALL. Tn is getting sold like some kind of Mecca which it ain't, they expect you to do all the changin' and pretty much shut up and have not opinion about the way things are, real intelligent folks call that being a wee bit xenophobic and I'd have to agree with that ! really I'm sort of disappointed to read all this rosey stuff about TN like it's a home to upscale ski-lodges and really educated people ! all you've got to do is read about the income level and educational level ! heck I think some of these other posters must be building contractors or real estate agents !

I won't argue with most of your post here as it does refer to many places in TN. But I would like to mention that TN is a big state. There ARE many towns and cities where there are a lot of "upscale, educated" people.
And no, not a realtor or a contractor, just someone that took 10 years and 3 moves to find my place in TN where myself and my family are comfortable, kids are getting a darn good education, happy, and feel very safe.

[hiknapster]

I worry that people are geting the wrong idea, too.

I read a post earlier (can't find it now) about someone that just moved to Knoxville and was surprised to find nice homes across the street from trailers. I hope that post didn't get deleted!

That stuff should be expected. Heck, I expected it.

I'm afraid that people may not realize what the area is like. The more that show up here whining, the more that the natives are going to take it out on the "outsiders." I'm already trying hard enough to fit in.

[marilyn220]

Well, not planning to move to Knoxville, but I would be one of those "outsiders" that would be surprised too. Most nice homes aren't next to trailers, unless they're in the backyard or further back on the land.

Thanks for the heads up. Also, I won't be trying to "change" the place at all. I expect things to be much "slower" than NYC and I won't trip over it.

[hiknapster]

I would to see more New Yorkers here. I'm from that neck of the woods. Great people. I just think we scare the heck out of the locals with our accents!

Yes, those trailers, people are living in them. Doesn't bother me.

I think that if we all tread lightly, maybe, just maybe, these folks will like us more.

Where are you moving to?

[buzytania]

Look into Paradise Ca it sound like just what you are looking for!