Moving to TN? Need help w/schools and small town info near Nashville (Knoxville: how much, private schools)

[Michigander1]

Hi,
First timer here so go easy on me. We (family of 4) live in Michigan and may be moving to TN - Nashville or Knoxville area. Not certain which location for hubby's job. We are looking for small town atmosphere to raise our children. Not used to BIG CITY life and long commutes either. Our son will be a freshman this coming year and another entering Kindergarten, but with all the research I've done so far, I'm not finding info regarding smaller schools. It looks like most schools are based on Counties which means large. Am I getting this right? I'm a bit confused because up north, our schools are arranged by districts and can range from small to large depending on city/town size. Am I making any sense? We are looking for small town, small schools and not a horrible commute to larger city. Sounds like a perfect life? Is it available. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
L from Michigan

[pambraun]

Try Williamson County...close to Nashville with plenty of jobs locally and great schools. For an even smaller hometown feeling try Leipers Fork. It is very hot right now with its music scene and beautiful location. Only unfortunate thing about Williamson County is that it is almost too popular and the prices reflect that.

[susiek]

It really depends on how much you want to spend on a home. There are nice small towns around Nashville but the closer to town (shorter commute) the more the housing proces are. Nolensville is a town that is growing a lot lately but still has a nice small town feel. the schools are decent in Williamson County but Davidson County schools are terrible! There are some fairly decent private schools in the area and those that can afford to usually send their kids to private schools. It sounds like Knoxville might be a better choice for your family from what little I know about that area but I wouldn't know where to tell you to look.

[hiknapster]

Need to find out about that job, first.

[SteveMissall]

Hey there,

Maybe I can be of some assistance. Southern Williamson County is a great place. My wife and our (2 ELM and 1 Preschool) kids live there. Thompsons Station / Spring Hill area. We moved here 4 years ago from Fort Laud, FL and love it. The people are so friendly, the schools are great even the new high school from what I have heard from others is great. Williamson Cnty is one of the richest counties in the US because all the Recording $$$ is here, which feeds into the county and the schools... The southern part is what is just coming on the map as folks are catching wind of it. Email me and I'd be happy to get you started with some resources...don't be overwhelmed..be excited!!!

Blessings,
Steve

[ejk67]

Originally Posted by SteveMissall

Hey there,

Maybe I can be of some assistance. Southern Williamson County is a great place. My wife and our (2 ELM and 1 Preschool) kids live there. Thompsons Station / Spring Hill area. We moved here 4 years ago from Fort Laud, FL and love it. The people are so friendly, the schools are great even the new high school from what I have heard from others is great. Williamson Cnty is one of the richest counties in the US because all the Recording $$$ is here, which feeds into the county and the schools... The southern part is what is just coming on the map as folks are catching wind of it. Email me and I'd be happy to get you started with some resources...don't be overwhelmed..be excited!!!

Blessings,
Steve

I've taken a job down on Gaylord Street in Nashville. Wouldn't Thompson Station / Spring Hill too far? I don't wish to have over an hour commute though I want my childeren to be in a good school system.

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by ejk67

I've taken a job down on Gaylord Street in Nashville. Wouldn't Thompson Station / Spring Hill too far? I don't wish to have over an hour commute though I want my childeren to be in a good school system.

I certainly wouldn't want the commute from Spring Hill to Donelson every day. Especially since there's other choices. People here have said the schools in Hendersonville are good (I'm not familiar with them personally); if I were you, I might look there first. Or at least to the north and northwest of downtown Nashville. You'd almost be driving all the way across two counties to go from Spring Hill to Opryland.

[ejk67]

Originally Posted by alleycat

I certainly wouldn't want the commute from Spring Hill to Donelson every day. Especially since there's other choices. People here have said the schools in Hendersonville are good (I'm not familiar with them personally); if I were you, I might look there first. Or at least to the north and northwest of downtown Nashville. You'd almost be driving all the way across two counties to go from Spring Hill to Opryland.

Thank you - this is the kind of advice I'm looking for and it's appreciated. I've found other areas too expensive like Brentwood and Franklin though I'm continually hearing great things about Williamson County. It boils down to weighing what you can afford and trying to find a decent education for your kids. Murfreesboro is looking like a good fit though I will definitely research Hendersonville.

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by ejk67

Thank you - this is the kind of advice I'm looking for and it's appreciated. I've found other areas too expensive like Brentwood and Franklin though I'm continually hearing great things about Williamson County. It boils down to weighing what you can afford and trying to find a decent education for your kids. Murfreesboro is looking like a good fit though I will definitely research Hendersonville.

Remember that if you live to the south of Nashville (as far south as Murfreesboro), and work in the northern part of Metro, your commute could be a long one time-wise. Some days it might not be so bad, and some days it could be aggravating. Just a friendly warning.

I'd suggest looking first at some of the smaller towns closer in: LaVergne, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet (Wilson County), Hendersonville, Goodlettesville (part of G'ville is in Sumner County I believe), Millersville.

[AlandDee]

hey Michigander1, have you moved yet and what advice can you give to a fellow Michigander? Also looking for a smaller family oriented community for our family. Any advice. Thanks!