what dissappointed me about moving to East TN (Knoxville, Murfreesboro: property taxes, jobs)

[JR&Chris]

Originally Posted by amyevansmom

Relocated here from MI in July. I've always wanted to live here for the weather and the scenery. My husband got a great paying job in Gatlinburg. Here's where the problems started.

Could not find housing. We have a home back in MI we have to sell before we can buy one here. There are no Apartments close to Gatlinburg. We ended up renting in Seymour. Nice apartments, but 40 minutes one way to work.

Prices of housing. B/C we work in Gatlinburg, we need to be fairly close to it and home prices are way to much $. Rip-off as far as I'm concerned. Maybe b/c home prices in MI are so good? My home in MI is 1500 sq ft, 3 bed 2 1/2 bath, 1/3 acre. $120,000 in a great safe neighborhood with great schools. Here in Gatlinburg/Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, I can't touch that home for less than $175,000.

Milk prices. Anywhere from $3.25-$4.99 a gallon. Store brand, not name brand. Michigan prices: $2.79.

No Meijer. Those of you living in MI, IL, OH, IN, and KY....can you imagine not having a Meijer????

Price of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Ooooohhh...that one really irks me. Why is it that a nice warm area has no Fruit Stands? Grocery store pricing for veges is a crime! $3.99/lb for tomatoes in August is highway robbery! MI tomatoes are $.99/lb at the same time! And $4 for a cauliflower???? Come on!!

After all of my complaining, I have to say, I do like TN. Maybe I'm just in the wrong part of it. Knoxville would seem better for me and my family, but the drive to work would be over an hour and that's not happening. It is a bit of a culture shock as everything moves slower down here and the people are nonchalant about EVERYTHING. I guess, you just take the bad with the good.

If anybody has any insight on what I've expressed concerns on, I would love you to death!

I would have to say you should stay in MI. The cost of housing is not everyting. Besides the area you selected is a tourist area and there are a lot of high dollar homes. GO HOME.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by JR&Chris

I would have to say you should stay in MI. The cost of housing is not everyting. Besides the area you selected is a tourist area and there are a lot of high dollar homes. GO HOME.

Well that was rude. This is only your 6th post so I will let it ride as you are new and it steps on the line and not over it. However this IS a heavily moderated site, insults are not allowed. Please read the T.O.S.
Also, didn't I just read on another post that you just purchased in Morristown, by the lake? You might want to look up what houses were selling to locals just a few years ago verses what they are selling for now (talk about over priced!) verses the cost of homes in Gatlinburg a few years ago verses now. They have always been a bit high in Gatlinburg and with good reason. Can't see a reason in Mo'town.

[hiknapster]

Right. Why would you buy in Morristown and get snotty about it?

Sounds like Morristown is not what you think it is, JR&Chris.

I bet it isn't.

[leavingFlorida]

Why is it considered bad to be in an easier-going area? I think it's great! Of course, I'm from GA, but I've lived 26 yrs in FL with all the northerners. And some FL Crackers here and there. Sounds like you got in a bad area for prices on everything. I'd look elsewhere.

[gemkeeper]

About a week or so ago on the Knoxville forum there was a long thread of info going back on forth on Farmers' Market days and the best roadside stands.

I didn't go back to check to see if they are still active, but you might want to do a search so you can save yourself some $$ on those veggies. I'm sure that SmokyMtnGal and maybe hiknapster had commented on those posts.

After living in Detroit metro area for 16 yrs. (left 11 yrs. ago) the one thing I don't miss are the Meijers. They did have everything, but they aren't much different than the Super Wal-Marts. I think the grocery areas in their stores seem smaller and offer less of a selection than say, Krogers. I know most mid-westerners love them, but I save my love for the mountains and a farm stand with big juicy tomatoes!

Just explore a bit and as everyone has noted, you will find the things you need at more reasonable prices. You'll soon latch onto your favorite store for groceries.

Best of everything with your move. We all hope you enjoy your new home. Sometimes it's like buying a new pair of shoes. They aren't quite right the first time you put them on, but boy, do you hate to throw them away when they get worn in.

Can't wait til we make our move. As of today my husband is officially retired (Oh, dear!), and we can get busy with our plans, too.

[vkf]

I've lived in the south most of my life. I've traveled all over the U.S. and have found that travelling even one hundred miles in any direction can yield cultural differences. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone moves from one area to another and then gripes because the culture is different. DUH! Of course it's different and viva la difference...

Instead of lamenting that the area you're in doesn't have everything you had in Michigan (cheap veggies, a certain grocery store, etc), why not look for what is better here? You moved here for employment opportunities. Aren't you grateful for the jobs? Do you plan to thrive where you're planted or continue to wistfully long for what you left behind?

If you look for the positive, you will be happier and as a result may find more joy in the current culture.

[sthepoet]

Originally Posted by Grizzlybear34

Susan - Good luck with your move and keep us informed. You hear about the southern accents all the time, but I always love a good distinct Minnesota accent! By chance, is your accent very strong? I am sure you will get some smiles(if it is) when you move to the area.

What areas have you settled on for your relocation?

looking at several areas, as soon as we think we made a decision we see more info on other areas, guess the biggest things for us, is employment, and not wanting to be in a large town, nothing more than like 10 thousandish, ya that must be a minnesota word huh? LOL! Really like some of the communities in Jefferson county... Dandridge looks great. Like the Bybee area and Cosby areas of Cocke county, and the Maryville and Alcoa areas of Blount county. Will definately let you know. Just wish we could make up our minds and stick to it, this forum makes it hard, so much good information, I am for sure addicted to this forum. Can't wait til I am there and can hopefully help someone else like you all have done for us. Thanks so much to all.

[1967hammer]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

Well that was rude. This is only your 6th post so I will let it ride as you are new and it steps on the line and not over it. However this IS a heavily moderated site, insults are not allowed. Please read the T.O.S.
Also, didn't I just read on another post that you just purchased in Morristown, by the lake? You might want to look up what houses were selling to locals just a few years ago verses what they are selling for now (talk about over priced!) verses the cost of homes in Gatlinburg a few years ago verses now. They have always been a bit high in Gatlinburg and with good reason. Can't see a reason in Mo'town.

Thank you Mouse! That post made me cringe.

[jimlee]

As a long time Knoxville resident I can testify that we have lots of fruit & vegetable stands all over town if you look.

Also my wife goes to a farmer's market with only local farmers every Saturday morning at 8:00 AM in Oak Ridge near Jackson Square and Big Ed's pizza. Great stuff for great prices; corn, tomatoes, okra, homemade baked goods, honey, etc.

I also used to live in Gatlinburg and things have always been pricier there than Knoxville and Sevierville because it's so heavily tourist oriented.

Around here Wal-Mart and Kroger are the big guys in the grocery store game.

Moderator cut: Advertising is not allowed on this forum

[hiknapster]

I went to the Oak Ridge and Knoxville farmer's markets and were very disappointed. Maybe Maryville is better. I haven't come across a farm stand in two years of living here.