retiring to middle eastern Tn should I worry? (Knoxville, Monterey: Home Depot, purchasing)

[silvercar]

Hi to all I'm a Hispanic American male, married to also a Hispanic American woman. We have been looking at places to retire to when our time comes, here within the next 15yrs or so. Looking at purchasing land and building a nice little home so that we can spend the rest of our lives in peace. I've been reading a lot lately about how Hispanics are treated in Tn which from what I can see its not so appealing. People have this negative and confusing misconception on race, probably not understanding that the world is made up of only three races. Whites, Blacks, and Asians. Everyone else is a mix of the races, thus that mix makes up all the different color of people that we presently have in this world. I believe treat people the way you want to be treated and the same will be returned to you. I know racism exist, but I guess I just never have had the experience as those that I've been reading about have. Please say that negativism isn't vast in such a wonderful and beautiful state. I look forward to becoming a Tennessean and contributing to its society.

[TVofM]

Do you mean middle OR east TN? There are places in middle TN that are much more cosmopolitan and open minded than most of east TN.

[2mares]

Racism isnt the problem as I see in Mid TN. For being small town, there is quite a bit of diversity in my area and Im not aware of any racial tensions. As far as being Hispanic, what you may be referring to is people speaking out against illegal immigration, which is a totally different issue.

I fail to see how incorporating the Spanish language, hiring interpreters, bilingual teachers, police and medical personnel, groceries catering to international foods, embracing the many Hispanic Churches and businesses is not appealing or would be considered bad treatment.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by silvercar

Hi to all I'm a Hispanic American male, married to also a Hispanic American woman. We have been looking at places to retire to when our time comes, here within the next 15yrs or so. Looking at purchasing land and building a nice little home so that we can spend the rest of our lives in peace. I've been reading a lot lately about how Hispanics are treated in Tn which from what I can see its not so appealing. People have this negative and confusing misconception on race, probably not understanding that the world is made up of only three races. Whites, Blacks, and Asians. Everyone else is a mix of the races, thus that mix makes up all the different color of people that we presently have in this world. I believe treat people the way you want to be treated and the same will be returned to you. I know racism exist, but I guess I just never have had the experience as those that I've been reading about have. Please say that negativism isn't vast in such a wonderful and beautiful state. I look forward to becoming a Tennessean and contributing to its society.

I'm curious what negativism you're referring to.

All of Tennessee, including East Tennessee, has a lot of Hispanic immigrants. There are Spanish-speaking newspapers, radio stations, churches, and cable TV stations in most larger towns, and even many smaller towns (such as Monterey) have Hispanic grocery stores and bilingual teachers. I'm sure there is some anti-Hispanic sentiment here and there, but you'll find that in Miami or Los Angeles, too.

[2mares]

I've been reading a lot lately about how Hispanics are treated in Tn which from what I can see its not so appealing.

I am curious as to what you have been reading? Are you refering to newspaper articles, blogs or what specificially.

I have read quit a few post on the TN forum over a few years with concerns over racism and I am just not understanding where this is coming from.

[silvercar]

Well blogs to be specific. This is my believe if any one wants to come here legally they should and would be I think welcomed with open arms. But anyone that comes here should adhere and conform to the ways of our country not the other way around. If anyone has read about the early western development days, the Chinese population that arrived in this country conformed their lives to ways of this country, learn to speak the language and obey the laws. That has changed tremendously with all types of people. One should not abandon their customs but should not exploit in an are where the countries original custom takes precedence.

[2mares]

I would suggest reading local newspapers, articles and local magazines in the area you are interested in for a more accurate picture of community. Blogs are most often uninformed biased opinions based on isolated experiences or hearsay.

You must be very organized. I cant imagine lining up my retirement location 15 or more years beforehand. Who knows what this area will be like by then. I have seen a lot of change over the past 15 yrs.

If I may ask what made you look to TN as a state to retire in. Seems most of our retirees come from FL, CA and more northern states. I seldom hear of folks relocting from TX. I have visited TX a few times briefly and found the people their very friendly and much like people around here.

[silvercar]

One word Hurricanes and of course cost!!!!

[hiknapster]

People are pretty accepting and friendly in East Tennessee. We know more than a few people of Hispanic descent in Knoxville. There are not a lot of Hispanics here, like where we lived in Florida, but they are around.

Funny story. My husband and I were walking into Home Depot, about a month ago, and in front of us were several Hispanic males. One said to the others, as they walked through the entrance, "The people in Knoxville are very nice. I think you will like it here."

[2mares]

Originally Posted by silvercar

One word Hurricanes and of course cost!!!!

Have you been thru a hurricane? It must be terrifying. A lot of people seem to worry about torrnados here, but I have never thought of them as a problem.

If cost is your main reason I would suggest doing your research and make sure you would enjoy the way of life here, especially if you are thinking of relocating to a more rural area. Its just that some ppl choose this area because they have heard of the cheap land prices and low cost of living compared to their area, but when they get here they are not happy about many other aspects of living here. Of course I have always thought TX and TN were somewhat similar.