Considering move to Tri-City area - wonder about Elizabethton? (Knoxville: real estate, eyeglasses)

[festus2]

I have read many posts on the Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport area and smaller areas like Gray are often mentioned. There doesn't seem to be much (if any) reference to Elizabethton as a place to live. Is there a reason for that? Any information would be helpful as I have found some real estate listings that look promising. Thanks.

[md21722]

Many prefer to live closer to work, shopping, or dining options that are not available in Elizabethon. Whether or not it is a good idea to move to Elizabethon depends on your situation. What exactly are you looking for?

[festus2]

Thanks for responding. I'm self-employed and have some fixed income. I'm looking for access to a fairly good size town/city with a University, but enjoy being somewhat outside of "city limits". The Tri-city area appears to be fairly compact and therefore one can take advantage of all of the area without long drives. I have no need to commute. Have looked at Gray and it looks promising but I plan to visit the area in about a month. I like the idea of being near the Lake and National Forest and the housing seems reasonable. If I have a 20-minute or less drive to town, high-speed internet access and easy shopping for essentials like groceries, I'm good. Eastern Tennessee seems to meet all my requirements but I do need to visit. Any suggestions?

[rccrain]

Not sure how to say this, but on the whole, it's just not as nice as the other areas that come more recommended. Is it awful? No, it's just not in that top tier.

[festus2]

Thanks rccrain and md21722. I think you've answered my question. Sounds like Gray might be a better choice. Guess I'll check out the area including near Bristol and Kingsport on my trip and keep searching the internet in the mean time.
I appreciate your timely responses. Anyone out there a strong booster for a particular town/area I should concentrate on? Thanks again.

[md21722]

I would not say the Tri-Cities area is compact. It can take 45 minutes to get from Bristol to Kingsport depending on where you live. Consider that you will inevitably be making trips to Johnson City regardless of where you live and sometimes Knoxville.

As an example, say you are buying eyeglasses. There is a Lenscrafters in Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. You will find that the shopping in Bristol caters to a lower market, so you may end up driving to Kingsport or Johnson City to get the frames you want.

Just a heads up, its "East Tennessee". The other grand divisions of Tennessee are Middle & West Tennessee. They are actually written into the State Constitution and carry legal/legislative meaning.

[festus2]

Thanks md21722. "East Tennessee" is duly noted. It sounds like I'll want to concentrate my search around Johnson City because of the shopping and the University. The posts say Gray is well within 20 minutes so it is on the list. I'll look at others within a close proximity to Johnson City.
I really appreciate your input. It helps me narrow my search. Looking forward to visiting in the near future and that should finally determine the best place for me.
Thanks again!

[rccrain]

For what you're looking for Etown wouldn't be that bad. Most folks that ask are worried about schools, jobs, etc. If you don't need a job or the best schools, Elizabethton might suit you just fine - just check on the availability of high speed internet. You might also check out Boones Creek, Piney Flats, Bluff City, and Blountville.

[festus2]

Thanks rccrain. I'll definitely check out the high speed and the other communities you mention. Looks like I have my work cut out for me...but you nailed it. The "usual suspects" of schools, job and commute are not on my agenda.

Thanks again. Seems like folks in "East Tennessee" are very helpful to strangers. Looking forward to seeing everything first hand.

[md21722]

If you want to be near ETSU then look at the "Tree Streets" area, so named because the streets are named after trees like Pine, Cherry, etc. You cold walk or bike to work. The area is full of college students, liberals, and hippies. If you're looking for acreage, Elizabethon/Carter county offers more bang for the buck. There you will find mostly conservative folks. As you get out into the country remember that a house in the country is not a house in an urban subdivision with 5, 10, 20, or 100 acre lots. You'll be living with rednecks, hillbillies, farmers, and other country people. In the city there are ordinances that outlaw recreational firearms use and noise ordinances to protect against dogs barking. In the county you can pretty much expect to hear rifles, shotguns, and handguns as people will be hunting day or night, or target shooting and dogs can bark at all hours of the day or night sometimes for hours on end.