Are we on the right track for our visit? (Knoxville: to live in, shop)

[Deborah53]

First off thanks for all the advice past and future.
We are finalizing our plans for a visit in two weeks. Here is a list of what we are looking for:
close to shopping(30 minutes)
near a lake with easy access
60 minutes or less to cultural events (this isn't a biggie however)
nearness to bicycling
areas that are clean and neat (sounds like most of the state is)

This is what we are coming from which is unlike most other posters:
Very rural, 20 minutes to any shopping at all.
In fact everything we do except church and work are atleast this far.
We do own 20 acres out in the middle of nowhere but we would like to live in a warmer climate (hate the long winters here) and have things to do other than watch TV for 6 months a year. More neighbors would also help this.

The plan is look around Kingsport, Johnson City ( I am not in favor of this area as it might got more snow than I would like but hubby knows people who love the area) then slide on down to Knoxville area. I have on our list to look at these areas. What do you think?

Jefferson City and Dandridge
Lenoir City and Tellico Lake area
Spring City, Kingston, and Harriman
Norris

I am sorry if this has been answered somewhere already. I have been reading the threads 4+ hours daily and just can't get through all of them.

Thanks again for your help.

[hjlacey]

We found it in Rogersville. Just south of Kingsport, beautiful small town with the Holston River and Cherokee lake nearby. I am from NY (not the city!) and will be moving down and building on our beautiful piece of property soon. Hope you find what you are looking for, and try looking around the area.

[mbmouse]

I agree with hjlacey,
Anywhere between Kingsport and Rogersville would seem to fit your needs. We don't get much snow here. Not that much difference than Knoxville actually and compared to N.E. nothing, it all melts the day it falls most of the time and that is if it snows at all.