Asking for information regarding possible relocation to Knoxville. (Chattanooga, Portland: find a job, theater)

[barefoot_always]

Good day all,

If I'm sure about anything, it is this: I am determined to relocate from South Georgia (where I have spent my entire life) to a larger city with cultural, recreational and entertainment amenities.

I have spent the better part of two months researching every city that seems to fit criteria for a future home.

I've thought about So Cal (too far), Seattle/Portland (not the best weather), Chattanooga (seemingly too small), Greenville, SC, and Atlanta/Charlotte (perhaps too big and lacking in natural beauty).

Savannah, though pretty, is also a little small.

I understand that I am being picky, and searching for some form of personal utopia, but I really want to make this decision the right one... I may only get one chance at it.

I'm looking for a place with:

Plenty to do. A big-city feel with a theater, parks, concerts, sports (close would do)... Places where a 24-year-old single guy can meet a wonderful girl (though not into the church scene. One thing I've seen mentioned in regard to Greenville).

I also want (and here's the tricky part), a place that is beautiful and offers access to many outdoor recreational opportunities. Sports, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Hiking...

Which brings me to Knoxville. I've never been, but in looking, the place seems to offer a nice balance.

Can anyone offer their insights?

(Greenville seems to offer a close comparison. My reservations there: folks have mentioned that it is SUPER conservative, quiet after dark, and may have placed all of its eggs in one basket so to speak... beautifying just Main Street and leaving the rest of the city lacking).

As far as jobs go.. I'm currently a Newspaper reporter looking to get out of that game. I'm open to a number of things. But I would like to be outdoors. Of course, with my degree, I may have to look at Public Relations/Community Outreach positions. My worry with Knoxville, can someone find a job with SO many college students and recent grads also looking?

..............

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[BST]

Everything you've described can be found in the Knoxville area. The proximity to 7 different lakes, the Smokies, and a couple of TN State parks make Knoxville a great place for outdoor activities.

Forbes Magazine snapshot of Knoxville business climate.

There are several good PR firms in town, along with a few national/international corporations that have HQ's in the area.

Be confident in your work! You probably have more to offer than a 1000 recent college grads. Good luck with your job search, barefoot.

[barefoot_always]

Very much appreciated BST.

Does the city actually have a large downtown feel? Coming from this part of the country, anything would seem large... But I'm looking for something smaller than Atlanta (it'd be impossible to walk around and enjoy that place I think) and larger than Savannah (you can knock out River and Bay Street in an hour or two).

Also, are the outdoor recreational offerings just out the back door? I'd love to be able to leave work in the evening and still have time to hit a mountain bike trail (for example)?

[creeksitter]

Downtown is very compact but it is well developed. There is a lot going on even in the evening.

Look up the urban wilderness initiative for mountain bike trails - some start right across the river from downtown. There is also a long established system of paved greenways.

[Barking Spider]

Knoxville's downtown is quite small. You can walk it all in a short time. It's a great downtown, but it's not large at all.

Well, the river runs right by downtown, so I guess you could do river stuff in less than 10 minutes if you worked downtown. Mountain biking is a little further away, but probably less than 30 minutes by car to trail head.

Asheville might be a good place to look too. Close to outdoors activities, and a pretty cool downtown vibe too.

[barefoot_always]

That was kind of my issue with Chattanooga during a short visit. The downtown looked great, particularly the park and many trails along the river front, but was very small and had little to do (aside from the touristy aquarium and Imax) - only a few restaurants.

It would be nice to have a variety of places to visit or hang out for an evening.

Within 30 minutes is acceptable I believe. Because most kayaking, hiking, etc.. would take place on weekends. As long as there are places to bike within the city... @Creek.. It sounds as if there are.

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I've heard good things about Asheville, but from reading, I fear it is too small.

[creeksitter]

Try to schedule a visit sometime this spring. The downtown admittedly isn't much bigger than Asheville but you get completely different vibes from Market square, Gay street (don't read anything into the name), and the Old City, even though they are just blocks apart. Then there's the Cumberland avenue strip by UT, a few places in Happy Holler, and a looooong sprawling corridor out Kingston pike to Turkey Creek. You could go to a different nightclub or bar/restaurant every night for a month if so inclined. Probably 2 months, maybe 3. I bet you'd be exhausted by then.

[barefoot_always]

I'm certainly planning on doing that. Thought I may try to check out Knoxville, Asheville, Greenville and even Charlotte on the same trip.

I think it's down to Knoxville or Greenville though (since I'd like a place bigger than Asheville but not quite Charlotte)... Unless I'm forgetting someplace.

[creeksitter]

Will you be bringing your bike when you visit?

[oldmanbob]

Hey Barefoot, thanks for looking at Knoxville and like the many posters have stated, sounds like you would like. The waterfront area, has biking trail, that called Third Creek and can bike it, as a good easy ride and runs to Sutherland Ave. The downtown life is fairly neat and lots to choose from. Good luck on your search.