Please help us with your opinion of TN-everyone (Memphis, Knoxville: houses, buying)

[takemebacknorth]

Originally Posted by karen48089

We don't use the airports at all so that is not an issue. Any school is better than the one she is in now so that should not be an issue. Michigan has the #1 highest unemployment rate so I just thought that any state would be better than here. The people down in TN has always been real nice and polite and helpful. The whole way of life is so different down there that's why I chose TN.

Yes, it is certainly DIFFERENT in West TN. I am from Wisconsin originally, and it was one thing to visit here, and quite another to LIVE here. As beachmouse said, being "an escapee of West TN" about sums it up. As far as everyone being nice, beware.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by karen48089

We don't use the airports at all so that is not an issue. Any school is better than the one she is in now so that should not be an issue. Michigan has the #1 highest unemployment rate so I just thought that any state would be better than here. The people down in TN has always been real nice and polite and helpful. The whole way of life is so different down there that's why I chose TN.

You're right that as a whole Tennessee's economy is better than Michigan's. But there are pockets of high poverty and very high unemployment in Tennessee that would be comparable to what you'd find in Michigan. By and large, West Tennessee has more poverty, more crime, and more unemployment than the rest of Tennessee. Memphis and Jackson both have pretty high crime rates and lousy public schools.

As others have said, you really should concentrate on some of the small towns around Nashville and Knoxville if you need to find a job. Here are some towns I'd recommend, given your parameters of small towns, decent schools, and close to jobs and shopping:

Nashville area

• Kingston Springs -- small town with easy access to West Nashville
• Portland -- small town not too far from Gallatin and Hendersonville (North Nashville)
• Watertown -- small town but not far from Lebanon (East Nashville)
• Woodbury -- nice little town within fairly easy driving distance of Murfreesboro which is a booming city near SE Nashville

Knoxville area

• Clinton -- close to Oak Ridge and not too terribly far from Knoxville
• Dandridge -- easy access to East Knoxville via I-40
• Harriman -- easy access to West Knoxville and Oak Ridge
• Jefferson City -- small farming community between Knoxville and Morristown

[BlueyedCat]

Originally Posted by takemebacknorth

Yes, it is certainly DIFFERENT in West TN. I am from Wisconsin originally, and it was one thing to visit here, and quite another to LIVE here. As beachmouse said, being "an escapee of West TN" about sums it up. As far as everyone being nice, beware.

I agree with this post 100%. I would suggest before moving here or anywhere for that matter to really study an area before uprooting and moving your family. Not to mention the expense.

[aquila]

I am...always have been, and always will be...a Knoxville fan, even though I don't live there. I have lived in Maryville before, and think it's one of the greatest little towns in the region, so I'd definitely consider it.

After that, check out Nashville.

Out of all the places in TN, I'd think you'd have a decent shot at finding a job in those two metros moreso than the other areas.

[jabogitlu]

I think JMT made some excellent suggestions as far as towns go. If you're not necessarily looking for a "town" identity I would also encourage you to look into the South Knoxville area, along the Chapman Highway. Home prices are less expensive, and a few miles out the entire area becomes very rural. The big plus is that you're extremely close to downtown Knoxville and to Baptist hospital.

[Adam'smom]

Move to the Knoxville area. Great place to live, big enough to be able to find a job (although right now it's like anyplace else...jobs are very scarce) but there is good education opportunity (U of T) for your kids later on. Also, there is beauty all around you. You're minutes away from Smoky Mountain National Park, and it doesn't get as hot up in the mountain area as it does around the Delta area in West Tennessee.

[Adam'smom]

It's me again and just one more thing. I lived in the Detroit area for 10 years, in Inkster to be specific, so I do know Detroit metro. I know where you're coming from. Knoxville is a great area to call home.

[frtwome]

Bean Station is a very nice small town. And regarding your job situation, Large town Morristown is on about 7 miles from Bean Station. Bean Station follows Cherokee Lake. Great fishing. Lots of public boat ramps. Are you looking to purchase a home? You might want to do an internet search of Bean Station. It might be just what you are looking for.

[mrs1885]

I can't believe no one has suggested Chattanooga!! I love Chattanooga!!

I'm in middle TN, outside McMinnville but in Van Buren County. I'm in love with where I live, but if I could get land in the outlying area of Chattanooga for what I paid for what I have, I'd go in a heart beat.

The mountains are breath taking. There is tons of water. Fishing boating hiking, etc. Chattanooga has it, and the people are just incredibly friendly and wonderful. I prefer the east side of the state to the central part. And by far central to west. I've driven through west TN and don't even want to go back to visit. *blech*

[Capt. Dan]

Im happy to see all the negative comments about west Tennessee. Maybe it will discourage more Yankees from coming down here and buying up cheap land and bringing thier liberal attitudes with them!