Relocation/retirement suggestions (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol: real estate, vehicle registration, low crime)

[Chowgirl]

Hello
We are considering relocating from Idaho this spring. Here is what we are looking for:
We have no kids/ schools not important(just our fur kids!)
Low crime/ quiet area, but within 5/10miles of shopping, restaurants, etc.
Where there are nice neighborhoods to purchase a smaller home for up to $250,000, is that possible?
Do you have vehicle emission testing?
Is vehicle registration fees only $60?
I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thank you. :

[Serious Conversation]

If you want more urban, I'd look into the southern parts of the city of Johnson City. If you want more suburban and spread out, I'd look into Gray, Piney Flats, Boone's Creek, or the northern parts of the city of Johnson City. Keep in mind most of the area has a very suburban feel.

If you live in the city limits, you pay additional city property taxes, but county residents who use city services, like water/sewer/trash, pay increased rates for those services. The county may come out slightly cheaper, but it's not by as much as a lot of people think, and you also get things like paid firefighting and access to other city services.

Crime in Washington County is low. Most crime in the area is random property crime - something left loose that's stolen, something stolen out of an unlocked car, etc. There is basically no random violent crime. There is a lot of domestic/drug related crime, less so in Washington County, but that is mostly behind closed doors among people who know each other, and doesn't impact the general public.

The budget will work, but do not expect a mansion. The budget will go farther in Bristol/Sullivan County unincorporated areas, but IMO, it's not as nice of a place to live as Johnson City/Washington County. Some parts of Bristol are really nice, but it's much more working class than JC/WC.

Virtually anywhere in Washington County and fairly close to Bristol in Sullivan County will offer reasonable access to shopping/dining/etc.

There is no emission testing in Sullivan/Washington Counties. Registration may be around $60 for an out of state plate transfer, but it was under $40 last year for my renewal.

[rccrain]

Good advice above...

Not sure what lot size you're wanting and there are people that post that are in the real estate profession, so they may tweak my numbers. I think you would want to start in JC and the JC burbs. You could expect to pay close to $200/sqft for new construction with above average finishes down to $125/sqft for a decent used house that needs quite a few updates. The latter properties are hard to find under current market conditions because flippers seem to be snapping them up for cash before they are even listed.

Depending on your shopping preferences, Bristol and Kingsport are also options. There is a general consensus that JC has the most, Bristol is a solid second and improving, Kingsport is stagnate/declining.

TN has no property tax on vehicles and no emissions testing. VA does have BOTH.

[Chowgirl]

That helps greatly. Thank you.

[Chowgirl]

Would the weather all be the same for Bristol or JC?

[TheShadow]

Vehicle registration fees vary from county to county, depending on if that area has a "wheel tax", and how much it is. In our county, we have no "wheel tax" and we pay only $29/yr per vehicle. You could go to the .gov website of the city or county you are considering and check their taxes there. There is no emission testing.

[VinceTheExplorer]

Erwin, Tennessee - about 15 - 20 minutes south of Johnson City. A little conservative but the people and location are awesome. We keep our doors and windows open and unlocked with zero issues, vehicles included.

Can't beat the location for all things outdoors and the mountains. Lots of options under $200k like the one below, but they go pretty fast. The home that we bought there earlier this year has appreciated by nearly 50%, although we got a great deal on it to begin with then Covid hit.

Just an example of a home there for $189k and some things to do in the area. Good luck!

House Link

Area Link

[Chowgirl]

Originally Posted by VinceTheExplorer

Erwin, Tennessee - about 15 - 20 minutes south of Johnson City. A little conservative but the people and location are awesome. We keep our doors and windows open and unlocked with zero issues, vehicles included.

Can't beat the location for all things outdoors and the mountains. Lots of options under $200k like the one below, but they go pretty fast. The home that we bought there earlier this year has appreciated by nearly 50%, although we got a great deal on it to begin with then Covid hit.

Just an example of a home there for $189k and some things to do in the area. Good luck!

House Link

Area Link

Wow. So beautiful! Thank you

[Chowgirl]

Originally Posted by VinceTheExplorer

Erwin, Tennessee - about 15 - 20 minutes south of Johnson City. A little conservative but the people and location are awesome. We keep our doors and windows open and unlocked with zero issues, vehicles included.

Can't beat the location for all things outdoors and the mountains. Lots of options under $200k like the one below, but they go pretty fast. The home that we bought there earlier this year has appreciated by nearly 50%, although we got a great deal on it to begin with then Covid hit.

Just an example of a home there for $189k and some things to do in the area. Good luck!

House Link

Area Link

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Vehicle registration fees vary from county to county, depending on if that area has a "wheel tax", and how much it is. In our county, we have no "wheel tax" and we pay only $29/yr per vehicle. You could go to the .gov website of the city or county you are considering and check their taxes there. There is no emission testing.

Thank you

[Jim37680]

I am surprised that no one (except for SC, of course) hasn't mentioned this article. Interesting research by Jeff Flemming. https://www.timesnews.net/news/local...efe270370.html