Any Norman Rockwell towns left in TN? (Knoxville, Jackson: high crime, unemployment)

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by DonCorleone

Westmoreland, Portland, Lafayette, Carthage all on the northeast side of town also come to mind.

Portland may soon lose that image with the recent influx of growth, but for the time being, I would agree.

There are several "cute" county seats in small counties, especially the plateau.

For shear aesthetics, I would say it would be hard to beat the small college community of Sewanee, though.

[jody8423]

Yes, I posted the same question on Alabama's forum. I've been looking into retiring either there or TN, thank you all for any help I appreciate it! I'm probably just daydreaming though, but hey it was worth a shot!

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by jody8423

Yes, I posted the same question on Alabama's forum. I've been looking into retiring either there or TN, thank you all for any help I appreciate it! I'm probably just daydreaming though, but hey it was worth a shot!

It might help to know where you come from...

Tennessee might not be the most diverse state, but the cities and towns vary greatly from east to west. One West Tennessean's heaven could be an East Tennessean's hell.

[nashvols]

To clarify: what I mean, is, beyond the front porch tea sippin' small town with cute shops, what are you looking for as far as scenery and local atmosphere? Are you looking for a place to raise kids, or a place to retire?

If you're looking for a place to retire, I would probably suggest somewhere like Crossville. It's not perfect by any means, but it has some of what you mentioned. It's a town of about 10,000 or so on the plateau. There are a number of golfing communities in the area and it is a popular place among retirees. It's obviously slower paced than the big cities, but it has a few amenities. I wouldn't say it's 'cosmopolitan' by any stretch, but very few small towns are. It's situated a little less than an hour from Knoxville, and a little less than 2 hours from Nashville by interstate.

If you are looking for such a place, I would suggest you start your search there. Perhaps you should ask this same question in the Cookeville forum. Cookeville/Crossville are close to each other.

[Lesterw]

Actually I know Hendersonville is large and usually associated with couples raising children but we do have a very active senior group...also low crime. Houses can be expensive but subdivisions like Manskers Farm or Creekside are friendly with people always waving. Actually Creekside houses might be too large but Cambridge Farms subdivision had some smaller homes available and they are every bit as friendly.

[goodman2]

Originally Posted by jody8423

Or Mayberry towns?
With an ol’ fashioned downtown with cute shops/restaurants,
Front porches where you can sip sweet tea on a rocking chair,
Real friendly/nice people where the pace is just a little bit slower,
Folks wave and smile as you walk the dog,
A great place to raise a family that’s really safe and clean,
Any places like this still around?

Goodlettsville,TN has a small downtown and perhaps the other stuff on the list so would it qualify?

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by goodman2

Goodlettsville,TN has a small downtown and perhaps the other stuff on the list so would it qualify?

Rivergate never struck me as very "Mayberry."

[goodman2]

Originally Posted by nashvols

Rivergate never struck me as very "Mayberry."

Ok that's fine I just wanted to ask.

[3dimesdown]

Bell Buckle is the first place that comes to mind.
Or Belt Buckle as I like to calle it

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by 3dimesdown

Bell Buckle is the first place that comes to mind.
Or Belt Buckle as I like to calle it

Bell Buckle is tiny. It's a lovely spot, though. Bell Buckle would make Mayberry look like Murfreesboro.