Morristown Areas (Knoxville, Jefferson City: transplants, to rent, buying a house)

[HurricaneA]

Are there any areas to avoid in Morristown? I am looking into renting or buying a house. To avoid I mean unsafe or anything of the likes. Thank you in advance for your help.

[JetAgeHobo]

Best areas are on West end, toward Talbot. Not problem from Kidwell Ridge Rd. west. Morristown Center is block to block ok or sketchy, Cumberland Blvd South of AJ Highway and Morris Blvd not so good. Areas around the lake are nice. Be forewarned that the lake levels fluctuate a lot depending on the season, so if you're tempted to rent a lake property it may only be lake property part of the year.

Not familiar much with Morristown east of Hwy 25, didn't look too bad of an area.

Despite what you may hear, Morristown isn't all that bad of a town. What scares people is the higher than you would expect percentage of Mexicans, many of whom (but not all) are illegal. Of course there are some troublemakers, but most just put their heads down and work.

[BushyMule]

Mother's side of the family is from Morristown. The city is going the wrong way. A lot of illegal Mexicans and apparently they're bringing in ever-increasing amounts of violence. Almost all of my family has moved out of the city and few that remain have plans to do the same shortly.

The west end is the place to live but unless you really like it there I wouldn't recommend it. Just my opinion though. Good luck.

[HurricaneA]

I live and grew up in FL the majority of our population is mexican illegal and legal so that is no concern of mine I am use to it and understand spanish pretty well. Thanks for the advice

[BushyMule]

It's not just the Mexican population, I hope I didn't come off the wrong way. In that I mean as a kind of racist or something, because I am not at all. The town is seeing more people move away from it than into it. Fewer industry and jobs for people and the location is about 45min-1hr (Knox/JC) from larger cities for shopping, etc. If your looking for a slice of quiet country with a small city to serve the essential needs, it may be just right for you. Good luck with your move, wish ya the best.

[HurricaneA]

Thanks and it wasn't just you. Many boards have mentioned the Mexican population. I am looking for a teaching position and somewhere away from Florida. Thank you again for the input.

[HurricaneA]

And it wasn't racisit. People here in FL tend to be. No worries I just wanted to let you know.

[hiknapster]

I'm from Florida. We have some transplants in Knoxville from Florida but not many people move to Morristown on purpose. Why there? Teacher opening? Unless you have a job lined up, Morristown is probably not going to be your best bet. Much higher unemployment rate over there, too, compared with Knoxville. Almost double.

[HurricaneA]

Ye, teacher openings. Quite a few in the county as a whole. All I know is I want out of Florida and keeping my options open. Thanks for the advice.

[RamblinRoseRanch]

I have lived in Morristown on and off for several years. I travel all over the city/area and have never had a problem with anything. Yes, the majority of hispanic folks are illegal but by and large they keep to themselves. Several do own businesses- my favorites being an authentic restaurant and a really great bakery- or work for the factories. Never heard anything about this 'increasing level of violence', btw.

We do have several factories in Morristown, along with your regular retail and restaurants. Decent sized mall that has nowhere near the empty spaces Knoxville Center does.
You have your option of living in town- the historic homes are gorgeous- within walking distance of medical services and such or like we do, out in the country but minutes away from either Morristown or Jefferson City.
No, Morristown isn't a bustling metropolis (thank God) but it is a nice little town that offers everything a person would need to have a good life. People still smile at you when they hold doors open for you and will meet your eye and ask how you're doing when you pass in the street or in a store.