We are considering a move to Tennessee (Knoxville: for sale, house)

[Out West]

I've been reading the threads here with interest. I would appreciate your input.
My wife and I are considering a move to Tennessee. While my wife grew up in East Tennessee, we have lived in Idaho and Montana for almost 40 years. We are retired teachers. We have a set income. While we are grateful for our retirement, it is not large. I do realize we are better off than many and I am grateful.
For many reasons, The area around Knoxville is attractive to us.
Any advice on an area where we could buy a home for $65000 in a safe and attractive place? Am I dreaming? I see some such homes on realter sites, but I wonder what the catch might be.
You input would be great!
Thanks!

[Barking Spider]

You MIGHT find a decent house for $65000, but you probably would have to give up the safe and attractive place. If you double that figure, you will have a much better chance of finding something that might fit your needs.

[creeksitter]

You aren't going to find the perfect house in the perfect area for that price but you might get something liveable. You really need to be in town so you can talk to the neighbors, etc. Sometimes scruffy areas can be quite safe and vice versa. Most likely the house will need updating but could be liveable. Maybe needs a new roof,updated kitchen or new H/A.

If you are cash buyers I suggest looking at auctions. Those can be good deals.

[Serious Conversation]

$65,000 is not a sufficient budget virtually anywhere in Tennessee, or most of the country for that matter. Like was said, you aren't going to find anything nice. It might be habitable, but even if it is, it's going to require a significant amount of work to get up to most people's standards. The house linked below is probably about the standard for this price range.

4908 Gettysburg Road, Knoxville, TN For Sale | Trulia.com

If you simply cannot afford more, I would advise you to just stay put - there's no need in disrupting your support system and everything you've known if all you can afford is a place like that.

[creeksitter]

even if it is, it's going to require a significant amount of work to get up to most people's standards

Let me tell you about an auction I attended last weekend. Typical 3 BR 2 1/2 ba split foyer. Impeccable condition though kitchen and bath were originals. Repairs needed were driveway replacement, original resistance central heat (though new outside unit). Windows could stand replacement.

In one direction are well maintained homes of friendly neighbors in the 80 - 120K range. In the other direction more modest homes with one "problem property" and one abandoned house. Unique setting with natural beauty. Fenced yard.

Now the OPs might be more comfortable in an area with more uniformly maintained homes. I pictured them in a small post war home in a well maintained neighborhood. It might need a new heat pump or a roof. Most likely an estate sale. But my point is there are options out there if you can take the time to search them out.

[creeksitter]

Having problems editing but I forgot to mention the split foyer described above sold for the mid 50K range.