Seeing alot more Fl, NY and NJ plates.... (Knoxville, Franklin: property taxes, transplants)

[mbmouse]

That is the BEST way to find a GOOD Realtor. Ask around and get referrals. I can only help you with that if you are looking in the Tri-Cities area, Maryville or Knoxville ( I only know a few there but they come with VERY HIGH regards) If you are looking in the Jeff County area, take danielleforts offer and PM them.
As for land prices, that varries across the state, but as far as East TN. Washington County and Kingsport City have some great schools and both of those places have water ways. That is kind of generalized. Tell us a bit more in what you are looking for. What stores do you want to have close and please define close as in driving time. What are the kids hobbies?Yours and the Mrs.? Are you children into gymnastics, dance, sports? etc. These will help us all give you more info about the towns/areas we know about.

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by KC38506

Speaking as a native Tennessean, our biggest problems with outsiders that that they usually come with an attitude of "aiding the great unwashed". In other words, they see us as ignorant hicks whom they will condescend to enlighten on the ways of the big, wide world outside our fair state. They usually come in with stereotypes of the Beverly Hillbillies or Jerry Springer. They VERY often decide that our values are narrow-minded and try to change things in a way that isn't necessarily better. Those "narrow-minded", quit-whining and straighten out your own mess attitudes are what make Tennessee a great place to be. .

I picked East Tennessee because it was conservative. I want it to stay that way. I want traditional holiday fare. I want to be around people with conservative values, people who like to hunt and fish, people who have a tremendous pride in things they make and fix with their hands, people who still believe in God and country. People who still fly the American flag. Those of you that are physically building your own houses yourself are are amazing to me. I also picked Tennessee for its natural beauty. I like to take photographs. I like to top water fish in the early hours of the morning. I like Tennessee's state nickname - "The Volunteer State" - that's a good nickname and it says something about what the people pride themselves on. I'm a plain person who likes plain things and I saw a lot of people like me when I visited.

I picked my particular Tennessee town because in addition to being a conservative, I am a nerd. I couldn't believe I found a town that has put on a pedestal three local high school boys that won a very prestigious science award, the same town that's going to offer me in retirement, science and history courses and a nonfiction book club. Do you know what kind of fou-fou classes are usually offered to retirees in some towns across the country that pat themsleves on the back for being intellectually superior? I'm thrilled I'm going to be living in a town that prides itself on research, science, and technology that might make a difference all around the world. I'm looking forward to volunteering in the town, talking to people who have ideas and debating issues that not a lot of people have interest in. I'm going to be 5 - 10 minutes from a fishing dock, 45 minutes from a big beautiful state park and right smack dab in the middle of some of the most interesting, talented people around. I want to sample all of it - the food, the culture, the history, the music - all of it.

I don't want it to change. I'm coming for what's there now. You guys that are coming for "the cheap" or are running away from something and not running to something scare the bleep out of me.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by Old Ironhead

...We (wife and me) Don't really know where to start looking in Knoxsville. ...I would like to buy a 1-2 acre plot overlooking a lake and put a modest 4 bedroom ranch with a 3 car garage...

First, hon, spell it right: Knoxville. No 's' in there. Second, I wouldn't call a 4 bedroom house with a 3 car garage "modest." "Comfortable," maybe, but not modest. Where in the world did you look in WNC? Highlands? Try the area between Boone and Asheville. Knoxville area and the Gatlinburg area is high-demand vacation land...try Maryville, Oak Ridge, Johnson City area. It may take you several trips to get a feel for the area. Good luck.

[MB2]

Originally Posted by LauraC

I picked East Tennessee because it was conservative. I want it to stay that way. I want traditional holiday fare. I want to be around people with conservative values, people who like to hunt and fish, people who have a tremendous pride in things they make and fix with their hands, people who still believe in God and country. People who still fly the American flag. Those of you that are physically building your own houses yourself are are amazing to me. I also picked Tennessee for its natural beauty. I like to take photographs. I like to top water fish in the early hours of the morning. I like Tennessee's state nickname - "The Volunteer State" - that's a good nickname and it says something about what the people pride themselves on. I'm a plain person who likes plain things and I saw a lot of people like me when I visited.

I picked my particular Tennessee town because in addition to being a conservative, I am a nerd. I couldn't believe I found a town that has put on a pedestal three local high school boys that won a very prestigious science award, the same town that's going to offer me in retirement, science and history courses and a nonfiction book club. Do you know what kind of fou-fou classes are usually offered to retirees in some towns across the country that pat themsleves on the back for being intellectually superior? I'm thrilled I'm going to be living in a town that prides itself on research, science, and technology that might make a difference all around the world. I'm looking forward to volunteering in the town, talking to people who have ideas and debating issues that not a lot of people have interest in. I'm going to be 5 - 10 minutes from a fishing dock, 45 minutes from a big beautiful state park and right smack dab in the middle of some of the most interesting, talented people around. I want to sample all of it - the food, the culture, the history, the music - all of it.

I don't want it to change. I'm coming for what's there now. You guys that are coming for "the cheap" or are running away from something and not running to something scare the bleep out of me.

That is so true, and I share your views!
I wish other people would think like you, not trying to overrun an area, and expect the locals to change for THEM!
I know that, after talking to my friends in Knox, that the early sings are there already. Traffic has picked up so much more then a few months ago, and Chattanooga and surrounding areas are buzzing with people, traffic and constructions.
Why do developers push the area around Chattanooga so much, as well as Wilder Mountain???????
Does anybody know???

[Old Ironhead]

Thanks for the info Southlander, I will check out those area's also. P>S> I didn't know I was getting graded for my spelling . I guess I will have to start using my spellchek from now on . I really do want to make a good impression on yur all. And also that is a "modest" home for us "yankees" . There are so many Mac' big houses up here that we are used to calling that modest. I stand corrected and offer my deepest appoligues for any spelling erra that may have happin. . Pleez don't take offence, that is just alittle "yankee" humor. yur tern !! SAL

[hiknapster]

Puh-lease, old Ironhead:

A four-bedroom, three-car garage is not modest by any standards, Yankee included. I'm from the northeast and half my family is from Long Island. The pretentiousness won't wash around here.

Little southern humor, ya know?

[Old Ironhead]

LOL!!!! OK,OK But you have to admit that was Funny. You know what. If we northerners and southerners can't have a good laugh at each other's expense, then we have the collar buttoned alittle too tight. I wonder what a "yankee" with a brooklyneez accent would sound like trying to talk like a "southerner". FORGETTABOTIT!!!!!

[bbkaren]

Well, if ya got 3 kids, you need 4 bedrooms, that's not unreasonable...but the 3 car garage is a soooo New Jersey! lol

Maybe change the garage to a family room and add a quanset hut for the toys!
lol

no, really...!

We've got 2 cars and 3 quads so in theory we'd need the 3 car spaces too...but I'm not gonna squash living space to house a bunch of metal. They can go out in a shed or a hut. Or...the driveway.

Keep in mind that we're looking at a much milder climate and won't have to brave the cold so much to get in the car in the morning.

That said, I've never had a garage to begin with...or even a car that warranted it lol!

[bbkaren]

Originally Posted by Old Ironhead

...I wonder what a "yankee" with a brooklyneez accent would sound like trying to talk like a "southerner". FORGETTABOTIT!!!!!

Probably more like "Fer-git-aboutit!" lol

[Old Ironhead]

Now that is so much like a woman. Just so you know, a guy's toys DO NOT go in a HUT or SHED . Seriously! I need the space to use for a workout area. I rather convert the garage to a gym, then convert a basement. the cost for the concrete especially for 9ft walls is going to be costly. I figure I can build the house on a slab and use the money I save to convert the garage. I still HAVE TO leave room for the Harley. But from now on for everyone's sake I will refer to my home as a "comfortable" home.