Biracial family looking for good family town to relocate... (Knoxville: fit in, 2014)

[RN_mommy]

Hello all,

Our background...We currently live in GA, in a small town near savannah. I don't care for Savannah at all, crime etc, but our small town is nice, good schools, good sense of community, rec sports for our children, etc. I have two boys almost 13, and 4 years old, and we hope to have more. My husband was active duty army stationed here and got out last year. Is in school getting an associates to work at a power company. I am nurse, a neonatal ICU RN, so my job is pretty specific. It would need to be driving distance to a hospital that has a NICU. Hopefully no more than 1 hour drive, I doubt that most small town hospitals would have a NICU, even thought we do love small towns! We met in VA and loved the seasons, etc. I want my family to grow up with outdoor activities, playing in the snow, having 4 seasons, etc. We hate the heat and humidity here (and I lived half my life in AZ!) I feel like we hibernate inside for the summers!

We just recently started looking at moving to NH, Ashevile/ western NC area, or eastern TN. The things we were worried about in the TN side, or small towns in NC was racism since our children our mixed black/white. We are very aware that it exists everywhere and our ready for that, but would like to move to an area were our family fits in... we have no problems were we live here. I was wondering if there is any places in that might be better for us. We are very involved in church activities, youth group, after school sports etc. And a good school system is a must. Our oldest son is in gifted classes at his current middle school, so would love for him to stay challenged! He is in 7th now, and would like to get moved and settled before high school starts. An area that does not have a big drug problem, and low crime is also a must. I was wondering what areas, towns, suburbs of Asheville in NC or Knoxville in TN etc might meet most of this criteria. I've been looking at Maryville, and have heard wonderful things, but just don't know how my children would fit in there.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide any guidance, information, etc... We would greatly appreciate it!

[hiknapster]

Not sure about Maryville.

Knoxville has a large-town vibe. Everyone knows everyone, mixed race couples are standard around here.

Lots of great hospitals. UT Medical is just one of them. Schools are very good. My daughter is 13 and at one of the best middle schools and she loves it. She will be pre-law.

Only thing is, there is not a lot of snow. We get enough, occasionally, to make a snowman but that only happens every five years or so. You could venture further to the northeast portion of TN but then I wonder how accepting they would be, availiability of jobs, hospitals.... It just might not be what you want.

By the way, I'm from New England. New Hampshire doesn't have a lot of blacks, period. Latest figures (2012) have it at 1.4 percent. Don't be fooled. I've found less prejudiced people in the cities of the South than some areas of the north. And it is expensive up there.

[RN_mommy]

Thank you for your reply, that is very helpful! What area in Knoxville to you recommend for the good schools, neighborhoods, community feel, low crime, etc.

Thanks!

[Barking Spider]

The good schools, safe neighborhoods, etc has been covered over and over again here. Just do a little search of past threads and you will find LOTS of discussions on this topic.

[Dandy_Dan]

Live where you want to live the heck with the haters! I like many areas of Tennessee and I beleive that if you conduct yourselves as people that are open to different opinions and ideas then people around you will do the same! Best of luck to the both of you!

[CompassNorth]

I see several threads like this. If you're so concerned about an area not accepting you, why would you even want to consider it? It is almost like you and the OP's of similar threads want to move an area more so because you know you might not fit in.

[NicaNica28]

RN-mommy, I know this post is rather old, but I'm curious as to whether you decided to move or not. If so, where, and how do you like it? We are in a similar situation, living in a suburb of Savannah and wanting to move for some of the same reasons (better weather, less crime, more outdoor recreation). If you're still active on C-D, let me know. Thanks!

[Barking Spider]

She hasn't posted since January of 2014.

[NicaNica28]

Wow! Thanks for the info, Barking Spider!

[onetoughkitty]

Well, the OP may not be here but since Nica asked, I can provide some feedback. We are a bi-racial family who recently relocated to Knoxville from Southern California and I have to say is that people have been very friendly and welcoming. This is truly an amazing little city and I love it here. OH I have my complaints but it has nothing to do with racism, that's for sure.