Family-friendly cities in East TN? (Knoxville, Johnson City: real estate, crime, best schools)

[TeaLeaf]

What makes YOUR list of "Top 3 cities/towns in East TN to raise a family" & why???

Thanks for your insight-
T.

[AppalachianAngler]

1. Greeneville - Small, quaint, safe. Very good family environment. There is not much nightlife - or anything really. Good city public schools.

2. Morristown - I don't particularly care for Morristown, but it is a good place for families.

3. Johnson City - Although this is bigger than the other two listed, it has great schools and overall is a good safe place.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by TeaLeaf

What makes YOUR list of "Top 3 cities/towns in East TN to raise a family" & why???

Thanks for your insight-
T.

1. Oak Ridge. Property taxes are a little high, but Oak Ridge probably has the best schools in the Southeast (hence the high property taxes). Wages in Oak Ridge tend to be pretty high, too. When people move to Oak Ridge, they tend to stay.

2. Maryville. Also good schools, low taxes, plenty of jobs, and a plethora of outdoor activities. It's close to the Smoky Mountains.

3. Johnson City. Good schools, low taxes, more to do--but also a bit more crime than either Oak Ridge or Maryville.

Twenty years ago I would've had Sevierville on the list, but now there's so much traffic there it would drive anyone to insanity.

I would avoid Morristown unless you want your kids to grow up speaking Spanish.

I'd give Greeneville an Honorable Mention. I don't have it in the top 3 only because there aren't many jobs there.

[tnvolfan1971]

Being a native Greenevillian I would put Greeneville in the top 3. Sure there's not much nightlife, but we are just a short drive from Johnson City and Kingsport. The landscape is wonderful. Mountains seem to surround you everywhere you turn. We are just a short drive from the Smokey Mountain National Park. The town is full of history (Home of Pres. Andrew Johnson and Davy Crockett birthplace is not far up the road) We also have the oldest college in the state. Tusculum College. Go to Greeneville's website to find out more. I now live in Texas and miss being home. Am anxiously awaiting the end of the school term because we are planning a move back there.

[AppalachianAngler]

I grew up in Greeneville as well so I am biased in my ranking, but agreed with TNvolfan. The mountain views are unbeatable in Greeneville.

Pic of downtown Greeneville:

[ValerieB]

Claiborne county....i raise my family here and we are doing pretty good.

[Brittanylace]

1. Sweetwater. Small, quaint town (about 6,000 people). It is a historical town. It is about 35 minutes away from Knoxville and 25 minutes away from mountains. There is also 3 lakes close by. Great golf courses. The cost of real estate is inexpensive for now. [moderator cut]

2. Madisonville- I grew up there. A little smaller than Sweetwater, but nice.

3. Tellico Plains- Very small with out 900 people and no traffic lights. I live here now.

Good luck!!!

[LauraC]

What do mountain views and golf courses have to do with raising a family?

Maybe the original poster could say what is her family-raising criteria and someone could tell her what town fits the bill. I'm assuming good schools are at the top of the list but what else?

[mbmouse]

Johnson City and Kingsport are my picks! I have children, left FL to raise them in a better place.
I lived in Jefferson City, schools have good teachers but not much extra activities and rather under funded in technology. Nice farm community but didn't want to raise my children around folks that felt talking about people of other colors and nationalities, using creative names for them was common place and acceptable conversation around anyone and supposed to feel the same. Also didn't like driving an hour to get to a church of our chosen faith and looked at crooked because of that faith (and yes, a Christian faith).

Moved to Greeneville, schools are better but still small and a bit underfunded but great teachers. Rather tough to get work if you have a "long funny last name" and "you aren't from here are you"? Was a common question. I LOVED the church we attended there, such nice friendly people.

Moved to Washington County and work in Sullivan County, still feel like we are out in the country but can get everywhere we need to go in a short time. Schools are great! Bigger but still great teachers. Nice church only 20 minutes from home.

In all these places one thing is the same, kids look you in the eye and say "yes ma'am, no sir" Police don't turn a blind eye to things that should be addressed. Local governments seem to be less corrupt than other places we have lived. (yea none are perfect, it is politics after all!) Community and volunteering is a BIG deal here and people care about their neighbors as a general rule. There are SO many organizations that have a focus on the schools and the kids there. If the government lacks funding for something the kids need, the communities get it. That means a lot to me because I know I am not the only influence on my children and I can't shelter them, so the saying "It takes a village to raise a child " kinda goes far around these parts.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by TeaLeaf

What makes YOUR list of "Top 3 cities/towns in East TN to raise a family" & why???

Thanks for your insight-
T.

Johnson City. Good schools, Safe. There is also a selection of things to do . Also Lake Watauga if your kids like boating, canoeing. Roan Mountain for hiking and camping. Johnson City also has a newly renovated library with special programs for kids; reading room, occasional visits from authors. It is a very good sized library for the area.