Looking to relocate (Johnson City, Oak Ridge, Morristown: employment, housing, price)

[abrauer]

I need some help. My wife and I are in our 40s and looking to relocate to a warmer climate (we're in the Chicago area). We have a 15 and 10 year old. We'd like a waterfront property but don't want to get into a high end area. We'd prefer a smaller town atmosphere. Employment wouldn't be a priority. Can anyone give us some information on areas and lakes that we could consider where we can buy, and what the cost of housing would be.
Thanks
~AJB

[hkeenan]

Great local community close to Nashville and near Old Hickory Lake.

Moderator cut: links cut
Hope this helps!

[mrradio]

throught TN. Around Oak Ridge, Morristown, etc. there are a lot of lakes as well as Center Hill Lake (TVA) near Smithville/Cookeville and lake properties abound near Celina. There are also many other areas. Into the mix of course must go your need for proximity to shopping and services, degree of privacy you seek, etc.

Housing in various price ranges abound. It really comes down to the size of the house you're looking for, features, size of the lot, whether it's actually on a lake, etc.

If you're not familiar with these areas, you might well consider some scouting trips to see how you like them as well as reasearching beforehand the various towns and localities on the web.

Good luck in your search!

[GrannyLois]

The areas surrounding Boone Lake in Sullivan County are nice. There are several neighborhoods - the locations would be Johnson City, Piney Flats, Bluff City, or Blountville. Some are high end, but others are medium. Small town atmosphere, too.