10 Questions For Those Who Moved To Tennessee (Seymour: insurance, transfer)

[lifechanges]

LauraC ....you are a wealth of information.
No matter what we have to go thru to get there we are thinking of it as an adventure.
How cold (or snowy) does this section of Cookeville get??

I have seen lots of homes (rent to own) is this a huge thing there?
Rents I have seen many ups and down on price.
How low is the average wage for pper hour employment.

I have been salary for many years my biggest fear is that "I'm spoiled"

Thanks, Laurie

[WOWAddict]

Hey Kim

I live just south of Hypoluxo and Jog road. Thats interesting your husband is a programmer. I was a.net programmer but have been a systems anaylst for a government agency for the past year. I love my job and it would be hard to leave but need to move out of FL for my son. If I could make up there what I make down here it would be great.

I am going up to Murfreesboro next month. My wife and I want to get a feel for the dead of winter. We have family in Chattanooga and Maryville so we are going to take a tour from Chat to Nashville to Knoxville then to Maryville.

[Kim918]

Originally Posted by WOWAddict

Hey Kim

I live just south of Hypoluxo and Jog road. Thats interesting your husband is a programmer. I was a.net programmer but have been a systems anaylst for a government agency for the past year. I love my job and it would be hard to leave but need to move out of FL for my son. If I could make up there what I make down here it would be great.

I am going up to Murfreesboro next month. My wife and I want to get a feel for the dead of winter. We have family in Chattanooga and Maryville so we are going to take a tour from Chat to Nashville to Knoxville then to Maryville.

I know where you are. Not far at all from where we lived. Lake Worth was just getting so bad and we felt we needed to get out. You are raising a young son and as you said, it would be best for him. Your job there sounds like a good one. It might be hard to duplicate completely, but you never know. You might start out with less money here. My husband took a big hit at first, but I think that they just wanted him to prove what he could do and then paid him what he asked for originally when he did. Remember the cost of living here is less as well so naturally the pay would be somewhat lower in some cases.We didn't want to commute at all so both of us working in Murfreesboro, made our choice much easier. Something tells me the bigger cities might be better work wise for you. Murfreesboro is pretty big, and I would not be afraid to send my child to the schools here at all. When you get here you will see how much nicer and safer things feel. It is nothing like Lake Worth. From what I hear it might be a tough job market in Chatt. Don't know much about Maryville at all. I'm sure Nashville would have something to offer you. You could always commute and live elsewhere.

I wish you lots of luck on your trip here. I hope you and your family find what you are looking for.

[WOWAddict]

Originally Posted by Kim918

I know where you are. Not far at all from where we lived. Lake Worth was just getting so bad and we felt we needed to get out. You are raising a young son and as you said, it would be best for him. Your job there sounds like a good one. It might be hard to duplicate completely, but you never know. You might start out with less money here. My husband took a big hit at first, but I think that they just wanted him to prove what he could do and then paid him what he asked for originally when he did. Remember the cost of living here is less as well so naturally the pay would be somewhat lower in some cases.We didn't want to commute at all so both of us working in Murfreesboro, made our choice much easier. Something tells me the bigger cities might be better work wise for you. Murfreesboro is pretty big, and I would not be afraid to send my child to the schools here at all. When you get here you will see how much nicer and safer things feel. It is nothing like Lake Worth. From what I hear it might be a tough job market in Chatt. Don't know much about Maryville at all. I'm sure Nashville would have something to offer you. You could always commute and live elsewhere.

I wish you lots of luck on your trip here. I hope you and your family find what you are looking for.

Yea Lake Worth is getting pretty bad. Especially East of Military. I think we are a couple of years away from moving. My son is still really young so we have some time before school becomes an issue. We want to have another before we move so the grandparents can get to know them. In the mean time any convention, workshop, or conference I am networking with people from TN.

We visited Chatt and didnt really care for it(no offense to anyone from there just a preference) my sister-in-law lives there and moved up from FL only to have her husband have tons of trouble finding a job. Maryville is more likely due to its proximity to Knoxville and my Aunt-in-law (that a word) works for the city. Really the job thing is least of my worries I am pretty well rounded and done flexible so even setting up a small consulting business is not out of the question.

The biggest problem like most people is selling our house. Luckily I bought before the bubble and still will make some money but homes are just sitting. Even houses below market in Palm Beach are sitting. I have seen the actual foreclosure numbers for Palm Beach county and they are not good at all. Seeing them in the media is one thing seeing the actual numbers is really shocking.

How is the weather? Not so much the cold, I can live with that but the gray skies is kind of a bummer I love my sunlight. How long have you been there?
Any downsides?

[Kim918]

Originally Posted by WOWAddict

Yea Lake Worth is getting pretty bad. Especially East of Military. I think we are a couple of years away from moving. My son is still really young so we have some time before school becomes an issue. We want to have another before we move so the grandparents can get to know them. In the mean time any convention, workshop, or conference I am networking with people from TN.

We visited Chatt and didnt really care for it(no offense to anyone from there just a preference) my sister-in-law lives there and moved up from FL only to have her husband have tons of trouble finding a job. Maryville is more likely due to its proximity to Knoxville and my Aunt-in-law (that a word) works for the city. Really the job thing is least of my worries I am pretty well rounded and done flexible so even setting up a small consulting business is not out of the question.

The biggest problem like most people is selling our house. Luckily I bought before the bubble and still will make some money but homes are just sitting. Even houses below market in Palm Beach are sitting. I have seen the actual foreclosure numbers for Palm Beach county and they are not good at all. Seeing them in the media is one thing seeing the actual numbers is really shocking.

How is the weather? Not so much the cold, I can live with that but the gray skies is kind of a bummer I love my sunlight. How long have you been there?
Any downsides?

I felt very lucky to sell my house so I know what you mean. We owned it 11 years so making money on it was not an issue for us, just finding a qualified buyer was. We actually contracted 3 times before a 4th buyer finally was able to get financing. It took 9 long months. We almost gave up. I told my husband if the 4th buyer fell through, I was done, but all went smoothly so I guess it was meant to be. We have been here since August. It was still hot when we arrived. Plenty of sun and swimming. Then fall came. It was late in coming this year from what I have been told, but it was a welcome change nevertheless. I was so tired of no real season change in Florida. It is not as sunny now. The skies are not as blue as Florida, but not gray all the time. Sun comes in and out. It is not nearly as strong a sunshine as Florida. Right now it is about 60 degrees. It will get colder again come the weekend. I happen to like 4 seasons and since the winter is pretty mild it works for me, but you have to like it. That's important. It is much dryer here too. Your skin will feel that. Mine does. I was so used to the humidity that I felt it right away, but a good lotion took care of that. LOL! The only downside or surprise is that there is more traffic than I anticipated. It is not gridlock by any means, but it is busy in spots. I have noticed where there is shopping and things to do there is traffic and plenty of it. The neigborhoods are all quiet though, which is great.
People take care of their homes here too. So much different then Lake Worth. You are right too. East of Military is disgusting! I was on the west side, but that was still WAY TOO CLOSE for me. I honestly have not found any real downside here other then the traffic. I was hoping for a little bit more of a small town feeling, but coming from Florida, I think it made the transition very easy. Lots of people are moving here so growth is for sure happening! People here are very nice and pleasant in stores etc. A real welcoming change. No real downside. Anything else I can help you with or find out for you please let me know.

[WOWAddict]

Originally Posted by Kim918

I felt very lucky to sell my house so I know what you mean. We owned it 11 years so making money on it was not an issue for us, just finding a qualified buyer was. We actually contracted 3 times before a 4th buyer finally was able to get financing. It took 9 long months. We almost gave up. I told my husband if the 4th buyer fell through, I was done, but all went smoothly so I guess it was meant to be. We have been here since August. It was still hot when we arrived. Plenty of sun and swimming. Then fall came. It was late in coming this year from what I have been told, but it was a welcome change nevertheless. I was so tired of no real season change in Florida. It is not as sunny now. The skies are not as blue as Florida, but not gray all the time. Sun comes in and out. It is not nearly as strong a sunshine as Florida. Right now it is about 60 degrees. It will get colder again come the weekend. I happen to like 4 seasons and since the winter is pretty mild it works for me, but you have to like it. That's important. It is much dryer here too. Your skin will feel that. Mine does. I was so used to the humidity that I felt it right away, but a good lotion took care of that. LOL! The only downside or surprise is that there is more traffic than I anticipated. It is not gridlock by any means, but it is busy in spots. I have noticed where there is shopping and things to do there is traffic and plenty of it. The neigborhoods are all quiet though, which is great.
People take care of their homes here too. So much different then Lake Worth. You are right too. East of Military is disgusting! I was on the west side, but that was still WAY TOO CLOSE for me. I honestly have not found any real downside here other then the traffic. I was hoping for a little bit more of a small town feeling, but coming from Florida, I think it made the transition very easy. Lots of people are moving here so growth is for sure happening! People here are very nice and pleasant in stores etc. A real welcoming change. No real downside. Anything else I can help you with or find out for you please let me know.

Great stuff. Exactly what I was looking for. I noticed the traffic also when I was up there especially in Maryville around the mall there. They are making the roads better but no where in the country do the roads keep up in population.

Though have to give Palm Beach County some credit. The 95 expansion from Lantana down to the county line is a great drive they planned it with growth in mind. It can be slow but its rare.

The house thing is really bad now. What also makes me uneasy about leaving is the looming recession. I have been in the private sector during one of those and it is not fun at all. Nerve racking day after day hearing how sales or customer base is down. Ill get there eventually. Hopefully before it becomes New Florida.

Thanks again for the answers. I am sure I will have more questions later

[Dave_n_Tenn]

LauraC;1817457I saw this on the Florida forum and thought I'd modify it for Tennessee.

For those who moved to Tennessee:


1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Tennessee?

I'm originally from New Mexico and my wife from Pa. Currently we live in Florida and are part time residents in Tenn. , since 2006.

2. What was the most important reason why you moved to Tennessee?

Most is hard to answer... but I'd say the "views".

3. What made you pick the particular town in Tennessee that you moved to?

Well.... I wanted very rural and the wife wanted convienences. See answer #2. It came down to Coker Creek (rural) or Townsend. We live in Townsend.

4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?

Right away.... we reseached and visited Tennesse for about 3yrs before deciding.

5. If you had to do it over again would you still move to Tennessee? If no, would you have chosen a different town in Tennessee, moved to someplace other than Tennessee or returned to the place you left?

a)Yes... Tenn is perfect for us.
b)Let me ask the wifey.... she says "Townsend is perfect" for her.
c)We still like Florida. I'm a big time fisherman ... and the wifey can't take the cold.

6. Is your "overall " life better or worse in Tennessee than where you moved from?

Better... (subjectively) YES!

7. Do you have friends of relatives in other states that tried to either directly persuade you not to move to Tennessee or showed their displeasure/disapproval/incredulity/disgust/non-enthusiasm in more subtle ways? Why, do you know?

Yes.... they wanted us closer to them for family reasons... but you know... you pick your friends and love your family. However...I think our kids are "quietly" concerned that we may move out of Florida.

8. Do you think the town where you live now in Tennessee will eventually turn into the place you left? If so, how long will it take?

Naw... completely different setting. Change/growth is a sign of life. To much change/growth is a sign of cancer, no change/growth is a sign of death. Guess which one I want!

9. Since you got here, what has surprised you most either about Tennessee or your town in Tennessee? (good or bad)

The fishing isn't as good as I would like, and the weather is warmer than I would like (summer), don't like 9% sales tax, fire ants. Love the people, love the secret places (Shhhhhh), love the history.

10. Would you recommend others move to Tennessee?

I tell everyone the same thing... not everyone is a good fit. If you try to make over your life in a different setting, example; live in a city and then move to the country in a different state... your "I made a mistake factor" is probably off the chart. People still rush in like fools. Ya'll can't "know" the place, unless you put some good ole Tennessee dirt under your feet... and that applies for every where.

Adaptability is very important. If your world is services, convienences and what others can do for you...then please... please... live in a setting that provides what you are used to. The great state of Tennessee was not established to provide for needs on an individual basis. This is called the volunteer state for a reason. Get it? The people of Tennessee are independent, self providing, and extremely capable. Those who are demanding, having a sense of entitlement, and loud will find a wall of resistance. (off the soap box)

Extra Question: What haven't you done yet since moving to Tennessee that you would like to do?[/quote]

Find a home church, Bag a Ten point Buck and catch a ten pound Trout.

[ACTS Mom]

Originally Posted by beachbette

Momma123:

Prices in FL have definitely changed since you lived here two (2) years ago. If you are only paying $5.35 for a gallon of milk in TN, be thankful....in FL, we are paying $6.49 a gallon. The cost of groceries overall is ridiculous down here! We transferred here from NC a year ago, and even with paying 7.25% food tax in NC and dropping to zero (0) food tax in FL, you would think there would be a drop in my grocery bill.....WRONG!! My grocery bill for basically the same items, increased by over $200 per month - so food tax isn't the problem. (An example is my favorite ice cream....it cost $2.00 MORE per gallon here - and even when it's on sale, it is still more expensive than NC or TN!!)

The overall cost of living is much higher here.....(As of yesterday - 12.14.07 -gas is $3.23 / gallon!!) I bet you're not paying that much in TN!

So, if you are thinking about moving back to FL because of 'expenses' - you might want to do some more research! It sounds like you are really just missing your 'home' and I can definitely understand that. Just be sure that you know what you will be facing financially when you move back!

I KNOW for a FACT, that the reason that I hate living in FL is because I miss living close to my family and I miss having four (4) seasons!!! I am counting down the days until we can call East TN home!! (Just 110 more days!!!!) Lower living expenses will just be 'gravy'!!

Everyone else, please keep the fires burning, 'cause I can hardly wait to enjoy real 'winter' again!! It's 85 degrees today.......just can't get in the Christmas mood while you are sweating from the 'winter humidity'!! LOL

We are thinking about setting the aircondioner down to about 70 and just pretend it's winter......but the electric bills are already so high, that we better not!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas season - no matter where you are living!!

Wish that I was on ol' ROCKY TOP!!!

Beachbette...

Your post indicates you're in the Keys...that's a lot different than most areas of Florida. Everything in the Keys is more expensive -- for instance if I want to take a winter trip there, I'll have to pay $300/$400 a night for a decent hotel room. A campsite is $100 or more per night!

Central Florida certainly doesn't have milk to the tune of $6.49 a gallon! I can get organic for less than that. Regular old milk is something like $4.35/gallon.

We just paid $2.91 for gas today. (12/22) I don't know what kind of ice cream you prefer, but Edy's or Breyer's go on sale frequently here at $3.00 half gallon.

I know Florida is not perfect...but the Keys are not representative of the entire state either as far as costs go.

I love Tennessee -- just made a quick trip there a couple of weeks ago and have lots of family there. Housing, taxes & insurance are about the only things less expensive than where I live.

[momma123]

Beachbette,

I agree with actsmom. I lived in florida for 30 years and it is not as expensive as you say. All my family lives in Melbourne, Florida and they definitely don't pay the prices you do. You live in one of the most expensive part of florida. If you live there than you can afford paying those prices!!!!!!!!!! You are in a tourist trap. I wish I had the 85 degree temp problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chero]

Originally Posted by momma123

I myself moved up here in Eastern Tennessee from Melbourne, Florida. I've been living here for 2 years. If I had to do it all again I would have never moved up here!!!!!!!! Sure it is pretty up here, but the job situation here is awful. Food taxes are high as hell!!!!!! Don't let people fool you about Tennessee, it's not as great as everyone brags. I'm looking forward to coming back to Florida. Miss the beach and sunshine!!!!! Winter in Tennessee is gray and gloomy for weeks on end. All of you floridians looking to move to East Tennessee make sure you spend some time up here before making the big move. Housing is a little cheaper than Florida but that's about it. Food taxes 9%!!!!!!! Gallon of milk $ 5.35!!!! Honestly give me a break on Tennessee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe should give us a break and do some research before you slam down Tennessee. Sales tax on food went from 6% down to 5.5% as of January 2008. As for jobs, I have many friends who moved here to Tennessee both to east and middle Tennessee and found good jobs. Just depends on what line of work you are in. If you love the change in seasons, than this is the place for you. Sure, Tennessee has some bad days, but overall, the winters are very short and the climate is very mild. Perfect for most. I highly recommend you move back to Florida soon instead of whining about how bad things are here. At least Tennessee doesn't have hurricanes! I love Tennessee