Kingston - Like or not? (Knoxville, Oak Ridge: real estate, neighborhood, schools)

[VeritasMatters]

Now that my husband has confirmed his job in Oak Ridge, we are actively trying to figure out where to live. We were in the area for a week recently and liked what we saw. Here is our question: Are there any Kingston(Roane County) residents reading this? Or someone who is familiar with the area? What to do you like/not like about it? Kingston is about as far west as we want to live from OR - as we will probably choose to fly out of Nashville instead of Knoxville airport since Nashville offers much better rates and non-stop to Northern CA. Ideally, we would like to live near the Clinch River or some lake, and still be close to Interstate. We saw alot of great places, but they were on long small roads back into Kingston -- too remote for our needs. We were frankly overwhelmed by the absolute friendliness and kindness of the many folks we met; and LOVED the lack of CA traffic! Can't wait to get ourselves out there! Thanks alot!

[JMT]

Originally Posted by VeritasMatters

Now that my husband has confirmed his job in Oak Ridge, we are actively trying to figure out where to live. We were in the area for a week recently and liked what we saw. Here is our question: Are there any Kingston(Roane County) residents reading this? Or someone who is familiar with the area? What to do you like/not like about it? Kingston is about as far west as we want to live from OR - as we will probably choose to fly out of Nashville instead of Knoxville airport since Nashville offers much better rates and non-stop to Northern CA. Ideally, we would like to live near the Clinch River or some lake, and still be close to Interstate. We saw alot of great places, but they were on long small roads back into Kingston -- too remote for our needs. We were frankly overwhelmed by the absolute friendliness and kindness of the many folks we met; and LOVED the lack of CA traffic! Can't wait to get ourselves out there! Thanks alot!

I think Kingston is a great little town. It's an easy and pretty drive to Oak Ridge. The lake is nice, and you're not far from heavy duty shopping in West Knoxville if that's your thing. I don't think the schools in Kingston are rated as highly as those in Oak Ridge. But your property taxes will be much cheaper, and housing is undoubtedly more affordable than in Oak Ridge.

And you're right about air fares being cheaper out of Nashville. I'm flying out to Utah next month, and my ticket out of Nashville was HALF what it would've cost out of Knoxville or the Tri Cities.

[VeritasMatters]

Appreciate your comments about Kingston. Our children are all grown, so schools (other than potential re-sale value) are not an issue for us. We spent two partial days in Kingston, and thought it might be a good fit for us. We'd really like to live by the Clinch River, ...guess we'll wait and see what the market looks like in a few months. How is real estate moving out there? It is definitely starting to perk here in Northern CA - which will work out well for us (we hope!). Anyone know about history of any flood issues w/river or lake areas in Kingston?
We also visited Maryville, Clinton, Harriman and Cookeville.
Thanks again!
Another Soon To Be In East TN!!

[TN Bound]

My husband and I, both around age 50, are also considering a very-soon move to west Knoxville. Recently, my husband found some fantastic listings in the Kingston area. Since we don't have children and really would prefer a neighborhood more suited for seniors or empty-nesters, schools, etc. are not important to us. I'd love to hear a general impression on the area. As we are aging (could that really happen??!!!), I think it's important to have medical facilities nearby. I'm a real home-body and my husband will be working out-of-state so shopping, etc. isn't that important, except for an occasional trek to Knoxville. We'd like a bit a land and some quiet living. What is your impression of Kingston?

Please e-mail me at: KayFulton@aol.com

Thanks!