Relocating to the Tri Cities area? (Johnson City, Kingsport: buying, schools, camping)

[deo]

Would appreciate thoughts on which city to relocate and thoughts on housing market. Am looking at areas near national forest or similar as I am interested in hiking etc.. Thanks in advance.

[jabogitlu]

The entire TRI region is enveloped in forests/mountains - hiking abounds. An article posted recently talked about how Kingsport-Bristol (as a metro) is enjoying a very strong housing market (even appreciation, I believe), even more than Johnson City (as a metro). But then again, K-B had more to gain in the first place, as JC's market had come closer to topping out previously.

So anyway, all three are pretty strong market-wise... just make sure you're buying smart, obviously.

Could you be a little more specific for us? What's your lifestyle? Are you retired? Medical care? Schools? etc. etc.

[deo]

Jaboglitlu:
Thanks for the reply. We are not retired but looking for couple of acres, possibly wildlife on or near property, potentially near or on golf course, or water? It seems like this NE TN area have all these features. I take pictures of scenic mountainscapes which are prevalent here. May be a lot to ask for but given the scenery and topography it might not be? Whatever information about the different areas would be most helpful. Thanks again.

[rccrain]

I have 3 recommendations.

#1 Elizabethton - has the nicest public golf course in the area. Nice small town close to national forest and Johnson City.

#2 Kpt (Colonial Heights area) - Scout the boarder of Warriors Path State Park. The park has your trifecta - nice golf coarse, the area's only year round lake, and plenty of hiking.

#3 Bristol (Steele Creek area) - You want to be near Steel Creek Park - 9 hole golf coarse, a lake (more suited to wildlife than jet skiing, etc), and plenty of hiking.

[kukarooza]

Abingdon, VA (just a few miles from the Tennessee line) is an awesome place to live. Hiking, biking, camping, etc. are all within a few miles and the town is beautiful, not to mention historic.

[williboy]

Check out the area around Buffalo Valley Golf Course in Unicoi which is just outside of Johnson City. We almost moved there last year when we moved up from Florida. We finally decided we wanted to live near Jonesborough, but from what you stated I believe you would like the area around Buffalo Valley GC a lot.

[beachdiver]

Yes, check out the Unicoi area around Buffalo Valley GC. We moved here two years ago, and it's quiet, with beautiful scenery. There's a Wal-Mart & groceries close by for quick trips and Johnson City is only about 5 miles away for more varied shopping. We're surrounded by the mountains, so lots of hiking opportunities.

One area I wish we would have looked at is Flag Pond, in Unicoi Co. It doesn't seem to be a "town", but more a wide spot in the road. Very isolated, but soooo pretty! When you narrow down your search, be sure to make a visit.

[jabogitlu]

Flag Pond is beautiful. If you're wanting *remote*, with quick (relatively) access to good amenities, you can't make a better choice. Plus, you're already halfway to Asheville!