Best place to live in Northeastern Tennessee

[AppalachianAngler]

Originally Posted by suzytx

Because in my short time here, political topics have come up a number of times from locals.

And political views can affect the quality of life in any particular area due to any laws that are enacted based on a particular bent.

I think it's fair to point out that an area is conservative or liberal. That is usually going to have somewhat of a correlation on the culture, lifestyle and amenities of the area. I assume OP already knew that considering he is moving to a somewhat rural, mountainous area of Southern Appalachia.

Also, regarding taxes, TN does not have a state income tax, but if you are retired, that is not going to make a huge difference. We have a high sales tax on everything else to make up for it. The property taxes are probably lower than where you are (where are you?). The cost of groceries in East TN were as much if not more than when I lived in Nashville, believe it or not (everything else, not even close, though).

The tornadoes that hit Camp Creek in 2011 were certainly an anomaly for Greene County and East TN in general. It should not be a real issue to worry about.

I'm not a hunter, but deer hunting is not great from what I hear in the area. The Cherokee National Forest is in Greene County, but I am not sure about the regulations on same with it being a national forest. You should take up fly fishing if you have not already.

[Barking Spider]

There is a tax on dividend income though, and that can make a difference to some.

[MTFan]

The tax on dividends is being phased out and should be completely gone in 4 more years I believe.

[Blue Ridge]

Originally Posted by rayzor58

Brian, you will love it here in northeast tn. I left Maine 26 years ago and never looked back. Weather and cost living is excellent. I'm an independent when it comes to politics don't worry about the conservatives. I have no idea why someone would bring up politics on this site.

Because the Religious Rightâ„¢ have long enjoyed a stranglehold on politics in the region, and locals can sniff dissent from a mile away. The breed of conservatism practiced here leans far more toward "Huckabee conservative" than "Reagan Republican."

It's an important consideration for anyone moving to the area, especially those from more traditionally progressive regions. We live in polarized times.

[Blue Ridge]

Originally Posted by Brian1492

Thanks for the replies. We won't be looking for a big house, want to stay under 1800 sq. Ft., but still something halfway decent. I will look into these areas you mentioned, thanks. I'm a deer hunter, so will also be looking to be near some national forest or WMAs. Also would like to stay out of the high tornado areas.

I will echo the suggestions for Greene and Unicoi Counties.

Mountainous terrain (3000'+) in Unicoi Co. sees far more snow than Greene Co. Coming from VT, you're accustomed to double or triple the annual snowfall.

Greene Co. is more prone to severe thunderstorms than most of NE TN, though tornadoes are rare by any measure. The 2011 event was, as Meteorologist James Spann eloquently phrased it, a "once in a career type day." In fact, Greene Co. has experienced only 12 tornadoes since 1955; of those, five (a whopping 42%!) touched down during the 2011 super outbreak.

Nearby National Forests include the Cherokee National Forest (TN) and Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests (NC). IANAH (I am not a hunter), but there are plenty of outdoorsmen in the area. I can, if nothing else, offer the following link: https://www.tn.gov/twra/hunting/big-game/deer.html

Good luck, and welcome to the area!

[suzytx]

Originally Posted by AppalachianAngler

I'm not a hunter, but deer hunting is not great from what I hear in the area. The Cherokee National Forest is in Greene County, but I am not sure about the regulations on same with it being a national forest. You should take up fly fishing if you have not already.

I live in Carter County and saw six deer together grazing on my property a few days ago at dusk. I understand they are a nuisance when it comes to landscaping and vegetable gardens.

[mikeindeland]

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

There is a tax on dividend income though, and that can make a difference to some.

However, the dividend tax is being phased out - I think it'll be completely gone in 2020 or 2021. I saw that in "Where to Retire" magazine.

[Blue Ridge]

Originally Posted by mikeindeland

However, the dividend tax is being phased out - I think it'll be completely gone in 2020 or 2021. I saw that in "Where to Retire" magazine.

This is correct. The Hall Income Tax, as it's called, was 6% on investment interest/dividend income, but is being phased out by 1 percentage point each year. For tax years beginning prior to Jan 1, 2020, but on or after Jan 1, 2019, the rate is 2%. For tax years beginning Jan 1, 2020 through Dec 31, 2020, the rate is 1%. For tax years beginning on or after Jan 1, 2021, it is no longer in effect.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20170712...ncome17-09.pdf