Considering Relocation to Middle or East Tennessee (Knoxville, Murfreesboro: homeowners insurance, condo)

[BikeChick]

I currently reside in South Florida and like many residents am fed up with hurricanes, high housing and homeowners insurance costs. I like living in the South due to the climate, but would like to experience the seasons (I'm originally from NJ). My research has led me in different directions, but I seem to be focusing on the Knoxville area. However, don't know much about it. I'm only in my late 30's so I've still got a lot of working left to do. I'd like to hear from folks who either recently relocated to Tennessee to tell me how they like it, perhaps ex-floridians. Also, maybe native-Tennesseans can provide a local perspective on relocating.

I'm looking to relocate to a small/medium-sized town but that's close to jobs. I'd like to purchase a single family home with property (maybe an acre). Not sure what I'll do with so much property, but I live in condo now and I need space! I'd also like to be in a location that has a nightlife, community events, etc.

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[kar]

Originally Posted by BikeChick

I currently reside in South Florida and like many residents am fed up with hurricanes, high housing and homeowners insurance costs. I like living in the South due to the climate, but would like to experience the seasons (I'm originally from NJ). My research has led me in different directions, but I seem to be focusing on the Knoxville area. However, don't know much about it. I'm only in my late 30's so I've still got a lot of working left to do. I'd like to hear from folks who either recently relocated to Tennessee to tell me how they like it, perhaps ex-floridians. Also, maybe native-Tennesseans can provide a local perspective on relocating.

I'm looking to relocate to a small/medium-sized town but that's close to jobs. I'd like to purchase a single family home with property (maybe an acre). Not sure what I'll do with so much property, but I live in condo now and I need space! I'd also like to be in a location that has a nightlife, community events, etc.

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Welcome to the board. We moved from Fort Myers, Florida for the same reasons to Nashville two years ago and love it here. From what you have described it sounds like Nashville would be the place for you. You will find a number of communities in and around Nashville that has very good buys on homes with land. Nashville is great place for people who enjoy the arts and nightlife. Jobs are plentiful for a wide range of occupations. Also, we have some of the best colleges in the nation here. Hope this helps.

[BikeChick]

Thanks for the input. I've been looking at Nashville as well, but worried that it might be too much of a "city" and wouldn't have the down home feeling I'm looking for. I'm also worried about crime. In my area of South Florida the crime rate is increasing and we now have quite a bit of gang activity. So, I'm looking for a quiet, laid back, don't have to lock your doors all the time kind of place. I'm sure that the smaller towns surrounding Nashville offer that kind of lifestyle.

[kar]

Originally Posted by BikeChick

Thanks for the input. I've been looking at Nashville as well, but worried that it might be too much of a "city" and wouldn't have the down home feeling I'm looking for. I'm also worried about crime. In my area of South Florida the crime rate is increasing and we now have quite a bit of gang activity. So, I'm looking for a quiet, laid back, don't have to lock your doors all the time kind of place. I'm sure that the smaller towns surrounding Nashville offer that kind of lifestyle.

There are a number of towns that will have that quiet and laid back feel that are an easy commute into the city. You don't have to travel that far from the center of Nashville to find a country setting. Some of my favorite towns would be Franklin which has a beautiful historic town center. Other areas I would recommend would be Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Mt. Juliet, Nolensville and Hermitage. If you want to get a bit further out Lebanon which is very nice and more of a country type of setting and has access I believe to a fantastic new commuter train into downtown Nashville. As you can see the area has a lot of choices.

[SPLIT]

B.C. Sort of cool today, but last weekend 70 degrees both days for rides. HalfBack here to say Tenn river valley is paradise. South of Knoxville Rt # 411 foothills pkwy all good area down to Tellico and WWW.tAILOFtHEDragon.com
highway lots of recreation. New license plates today $24/vehicle $5 Title and $8 new 5yr plate. Bargain,no mpact fee as other states. Lots of activity here www.roadRashMag.com . Ex-Breveard Co. Cocoa beach / Daytona B.W. fan. Welcome to the neighborHOOD.

[Lutz Lady]

My family and I just returned from an 8 day trip of TN. We went to Nashville and liked it but it was a "big city". Headed east toward Cookeville where we stayed for a day and did not see much there for us. Also visited Crossville as my husband spent many summers there as a boy visiting his grandparents. But we absolutely loved Johnson City. Many more mountains than Middle TN, and found Johnson City to be very clean, nice roads and very friendly people. My husband will be transferred to either Cookeville or Johnson City area and we hope it will be Johnson City. We are also from Florida and cant wait to get out of here. Should be by July 1st. We loved that things were going at a much slower pace, we found no traffic to speak of and we loved that it was much cooler than Florida. We have a daughter that will be attending Milligan College in the Fall and another that will be in middle school by then and I here the schools there are great. We have a lot more research to do and will be taking another trip back in April, once we know where my husband is being transferred. Can't wait to get back there!

[mbmouse]

Glad to know you enjoyed your trip Lutz Lady! Wish I knew you were in town, you could have stopped by and I would have bought you a coffee and given you some maps. Milligan College I understand is a wonderful college, I'm sure your child will love it.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Lutz Lady

My family and I just returned from an 8 day trip of TN. We went to Nashville and liked it but it was a "big city". Headed east toward Cookeville where we stayed for a day and did not see much there for us. Also visited Crossville as my husband spent many summers there as a boy visiting his grandparents. But we absolutely loved Johnson City. Many more mountains than Middle TN, and found Johnson City to be very clean, nice roads and very friendly people. My husband will be transferred to either Cookeville or Johnson City area and we hope it will be Johnson City. We are also from Florida and cant wait to get out of here. Should be by July 1st. We loved that things were going at a much slower pace, we found no traffic to speak of and we loved that it was much cooler than Florida. We have a daughter that will be attending Milligan College in the Fall and another that will be in middle school by then and I here the schools there are great. We have a lot more research to do and will be taking another trip back in April, once we know where my husband is being transferred. Can't wait to get back there!

I think either one of those places is a good place to live. I'm a big fan of both Cookeville and Johnson City. Johnson City is certainly bigger and is part of a larger metropolitan area and is closer to the mountains.

One thing that's important to me is proximity to airports. It might not be that big a deal to you, but for me, I'd rather live closer to an airport that has cheap flights. I love to travel. The Nashville airport is a big hub for Southwest Airlines and also has JetBlue. The Tri Cities airport does not have any cheap airlines and has some of the most expensive air fares in the country. If you plan on flying back to Tampa, for example, you can do so from Nashville non-stop and for about $100-200 cheaper than from the Tri Cities, where you'll have to change planes in Charlotte or Atlanta.

Just something to consider.

[DreamingofTn]

We are moving to Cumberland County this summer sometime.

Love it there. Can't wait to get out of Illinois.

[BikeChick]

Johnson City seemed like a nice area from what I could tell online. I also looked into Cookeville but it kind of seemed like it wasn't as close to things. What's the job situation like in Johnson City? Are there any major corporations?