Moving to Tennessee early 2010 & have some questions. (Knoxville, Chattanooga: apartments, for rent)

[Maverycke]

My wife and I have recently made a very conscious decision to move from Indiana to Tennessee. For the most part we would like to be closer to nature, but the other is to get away from this dull place where we've been for a majority of our lives (we're 32 btw). So just a few questions which will probably become more as time goes by.

We would like to be near an area of the state where we can hike the mountains, camp, etc. But would also like to be near a Wal-Mart, as silly as that sounds, that's where my wife works and needs to transfer to one down there. So I guess that's our first question, where would you suggest we look?

Also we currently bring in around $1400 a month and pay around $600 for rent for a 2 bedroom apartment, are the prices of apartments in TN comparable?

Thank you for the advice in advance, I'm sure I'll have more questions but thought I'd throw these out there first.

[alleycat]

Many parts of Tennessee offer a lot in the way of outdoor recreation (parks, lakes, trails), probably more so in Middle and East Tennessee. However, if you really want mountains and not just a variety of rolling hills, then East Tennessee is probably your best bet. The Cumberland Plateau might also be an option for you; in places it's "mountain-like".

I throw out some suggestions to start: Chattanooga, Cookeville, Knoxville or one of the areas near Knoxville. The Tri-Cities area in the northeast part of Tennessee might also be an option, but I'm not very familiar with the area (others here are and will probably post shortly).

Most towns of any size around here have a Wal-Mart; the larger towns or cities will have more than one.

[JMT]

If your only criteria is to be near the mountains and a Wal-Mart, there are dozens of places in Tennessee which would work.

As alleycat said, East Tennessee has the mountains. The Cumberland Plateau in eastern Middle Tennessee is a good alternative in case you wanted to be closer to Nashville.

Assuming your take-home of $1400 will stay the same here, you'll most likely want to stay away from the larger cities which tend to have higher housing costs.

My first recommendation is Greeneville in NE TN. Not only is it next to the mountains, but it has a Wal-Mart and a Wal-Mart distribution center. It's in a gorgeous area, and the town itself is very attractive and affordable.

I also recommend Madisonville. It's a small little town south of Knoxville that has a Wal-Mart and is close to the Smoky Mountains.

Jacksboro is worth checking out, too. It's less than an hour north of Knoxville and is within an easy drive of mountains.

Also check out Newport. While I personally don't care for Newport, some people do like it, and it definitely meets your criteria.

On the Cumberland Plateau I recommend you check out Jamestown and Oneida. Both are small towns located near Big South Fork National Recreation Area, a ruggedly beautiful area that's popular with hikers, campers, horseback riders, and rafters.

[Maverycke]

Thank you Alleycat & JMT - Very much appreciated. I'm currently looking into Greeneville and so far it seems like what we're looking for. Prices are cheaper for apartments than they are here that's for sure. And as I said I'm sure questions would arise as I'm doing research for our move, how is the employment there? I've had retail experience for 16 years, have a degree in IT work, and have consulted and managed 2 music stores for 8 years, anything like that around Greeneville? Or any chance of getting a job there at all for me, as my wife should be able to transfer from her Wal-Mart.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Maverycke

Thank you Alleycat & JMT - Very much appreciated. I'm currently looking into Greeneville and so far it seems like what we're looking for. Prices are cheaper for apartments than they are here that's for sure. And as I said I'm sure questions would arise as I'm doing research for our move, how is the employment there? I've had retail experience for 16 years, have a degree in IT work, and have consulted and managed 2 music stores for 8 years, anything like that around Greeneville? Or any chance of getting a job there at all for me, as my wife should be able to transfer from her Wal-Mart.

You might have to travel into Johnson City for work.

You can start looking here. Kingsport Times-News Online - Kingsport, Tennessee Breaking News and Information

[jabogitlu]

Greeneville is nice enough. If you really like that area, then I would also suggest looking at towns/areas more embedded in the Tri-Cities. Check out Erwin and Okolona. There's a Wal-Mart in Erwin, and drive time into Johnson City is generally 20 minutes, depending on where you're going. Also check out Piney Flats and Bluff City, both about 15 minutes to Wal-Mart on Volunteer Pkwy in Bristol and 15 minutes to the Wal-Mart in North Johnson City.

Also check out Jonesborough (could be pricier) and areas west of J'borough moving towards Greeneville: Limestone and Telford. That would be about a 15-20 minute ride to the Wal-Mart on West Market in Johnson City.

[Maverycke]

Thank you everyone, you're making this very comforting will all the help. Seems like such a huge endeavor but we're up to it. I do believe a trip is in order come September, so we'll be able to actually come see everything.

[DonCorleone]

What about Crossville? That's fairly close to Knoxville, certainly has it's own Wal-Mart, and it's right in the middle of the plateau? I don't know the area too well, but my guess is that it's a pretty affordable area.

[andyjohn]

Elizabethton TN is probably the best place that would fit you. there is unlimited amount of places to hike and you have johnson city and bristol near by.

[andyjohn]

Elizabethton has a super walmart lol so you wont miss that