We are moving to tri-cities due to new job. (Chattanooga: extended stay, to rent)

[markend]

Hello, I work in healthcare and will be moving to the tri-cities area to start a new job later this month. My husband is retired and will not be seeking employment but is a very active kind of guy. We know very little about the area. We are relocating from Chattanooga and previously were long time residents of Nashville. We have both traveled quite a bit and have a large dog. My husband has long hair and wears a diamond stud in one ear. I use a different last name professionally. After searching these forums we decided to stay at Bradford Extended Stay Suites in Kingsport since it will be convenient to my place of work and will allow us to locate a place to rent for a while before making a decision to purchase. We will be seeking a place convenient to Holston Valley Medical Center but also need a place where we won't be considered too "odd" as I am getting the distinct impression from the forums that the tri-cities is quite a conservative place. Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

[chipperi]

Not as conservative as you would imagine, and the ones that are are pretty tolerant. We are a big college area with NE State, ETSU, King, Milligan, etc. so there are a lot of open minded young people in the area. Johnson City is a bit more open minded then Kingsport, but Kingsport isn't bad. We moved here from Baltimore so it was culture shock moving here, but we survived.

[Ted Bear]

You will find that the cross currents in JC are plentiful. With a large medical community bringing in folks from around the world, and a large university bringing many youthful perspectives (as well as an educated faculty which, in most towns, tend to be more liberal), there are plenty of social circles into which you weill fit.

Unless you wish to stick out like a sore thumb, just don't go where you/your attitudes are not welcome. If you are sitting with a bunch of church going conservatives, it is best not to start a debate over abortion. If you are in a group of right wing republicans, it is best not to talk about liberals values. Just use your head and you will be fine.

There are plenty of gays, democrats, liberals and progressive folks. Long hair, an earring, purple hair, tats, kooky head wear or a three piece suit and tie will barely get you a notice in JC. It is NOT The deep south. Folks are tolerant. MOst are doing the same thing you are doing: trying to get through each day with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.

Fuggedabout all the other crap. Get here. Enjoy the mountains. Hike your heart out. Enjoy the music. Experience the theatre. Attend a church (or twenty!) if that is your choice. Go to a church breakfast (regardless of your religious interest) and savor some damned fine cookin'. No-one will start hounding you about getting closer to god. Get out on the water. Sing in the warm rain.

Live! You'll be fine no matter your personal proclivities. No one really cares, and if they do, they are gracious enough to keep it to themselves. People are polite, welcoming and helpful. Really, it is a breath of fresh air (pun intended).

Now, if you have a hyphenated last name.....good luck with the motor vehicle folks......

[markend]

Thank you for your comments.

I am looking forward to starting a very interesting job in the tri-cities.

My husband is looking forward to: finding a turn of the century house in need of loving and skilled restoration, designing and installing a koi pond/water garden, vegetable garden, music studio, art studio, and a gourmet kitchen in which to wield his considerable culinary talents. Yes, friends, workaholics do not go gently into retirement.

I think we'll do just fine.

[jabogitlu]

I would recommend Johnson City but that is purely a personal suggestion. My reasons are: more liberal/worldly population as a percentage of overall population; closer to the mountains (Roan Mountain, Asheville, NC Ski Country, etc.); building an awesome greenway from downtown JC to Elizabethton; downtown Johnson City is finally, finally picking up major steam whereas Kingsport's had some great growth but seems to have plateau'd (is that a word?).

Like other posters said, JC is the cultural hub of the TRI. It has the gay bar, the live dinner theatre, the faculty and student groups, etc. That said, you will find reasons to drive to all 3 major cities plus Jonesborough, Greeneville, Elizabethton. There is great stuff all over the Tri-Cities. Just open your arms and welcome it for what it is; not the most progressive place in the world, still some small town feeling.

As far as turn of the century houses, what is your overall budget? There are still some diamonds in the rough in the Tree Streets area of Johnson City. Also some beautiful giants on the Watauga/Unaka corridors that need loving attention. There are also some nice historic neighborhoods in Bristol, like Solar Hill.

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by markend

Thank you for your comments.

I am looking forward to starting a very interesting job in the tri-cities.

My husband is looking forward to: finding a turn of the century house in need of loving and skilled restoration, designing and installing a koi pond/water garden, vegetable garden, music studio, art studio, and a gourmet kitchen in which to wield his considerable culinary talents. Yes, friends, workaholics do not go gently into retirement.

I think we'll do just fine.

You both sound like interesting people! Your husband will definitely find plenty to do and his wish list will be very doable here. There are tons of houses in which one can re-do, I am not sure of your price range but Fairacres, White City and surrounding Holston Valley all have older homes that are gorgeous and ripe for an update. You will have to check out Evergreen for the gardening/plants/water garden. Two of my friends have art galleries in downtown Kingsport and there is a love of arts and East TN is definitely a home to music. What kind of interesting work do you do?