Another Floridian considering TN - what communities do you suggest for families?

[daniellefort]

Originally Posted by momof2gr8kids

Thanks...I did read most of that thread. There's so many here, though...it's kind of overwhelming and hard to weed through all of the info to get to the relevant posts, especially with all of the side conversations...just thought maybe someone could help me with a list of possible areas to look into. Guess I'll just do some more board searches.

I just bought 8 acres just North of Newport in a subdivision but the restrictions we have are so minimal compared to what i'm used to hearing about. The smallest lot is 1.5 acres along the river and the biggest lot is 20 acres. They even allow 1 farm animal for each acre you own. Imagine having farm animals in a subdivision. I thought that was pretty cool. Only major requirement is a 1500 sq/ft home with a 2 car garage and keeping the place looking nice outside but hiding things from view of the road like a camper, a boat or things like that you might own. Just park them behind your home. Nothing out of the ordinary or strict. No HOA. Plenty of room between each other. I was looking at unrestricted land at first but that got scary pretty quick. You just never know if a junk yard is going to pop up next door because there sure are a lot of car junk yards i've seen and i'm not talking 2 or 3 cars in the yard, i'm talking 100's of cars. The subdivision is also just 5 miles out of town too and i really think it's going to be a nice place to build our home as the homes will all be nice ones. Several people from FL own property in there now. There are so far only about 3 homes built with 73 lots total. The town of Newport i think is in the growing stages with about 7000 people right now. Not sure on the schools as my daughter is special needs (blind) and we don't plan to move until she's done school. I don't think she would have the school funding or needs provided like she does here in FL and it's hard to find a Mobility specialist (teacher of the blind) here in FL i can't imagine it being any easier in such a rural state so we won't chance it and will tough it out 5 more years here and slowly prepare our land to build on.

[Jon F Moss]

We have Shoneys down here....its some the grossest food in town. I know that's not how most of them are but this one takes the concept of the greasy spoon to a new low.

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by TriDad

We have Shoneys down here....its some the grossest food in town. I know that's not how most of them are but this one takes the concept of the greasy spoon to a new low.

TriDad -

I am in east Tennessee and there are a lot of Shoney's here. They are very busy and have a lot of loyal customers. I am not one of them. I agree with you that I find them a greasy spoon. I don't mean to sound like a food snob, but they just aren't for my family. We do like going to Cracker Barrel for the same type of food that they serve at Shoney's.

Kind regards.

[Beretta]

Sorry to get off of topic on the Original Poster's question. There are soo many great small towns for families in Tennessee. I am on the eastern side of the state so my list only includes this area:

Maryville
Johnson City
Certain Suburbs of Knoxville

Best of luck to you on your search!

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

Maryville is a great place. We live in Panama City, FL and we will be moving to Maryville in a year. I just spent two weeks there and I absolutely love it. We bought 1.2 acres in Candlewood Subdivision Phase 2 and it has mountain views with very little restrictions. The schools are great here, traffic is tolerable compared to Florida, lots of nice people, lots to do, VERY family oriented. I told my daughter that we are going to have to relax a bit when we finally move there. We are both high strung and easily irritated with people in Florida so TN was a breath of fresh air.

One thing that impressed me the most with the people of Maryville. We were at a campsite renting a cabin and a local church youth group visited Mon through Fri mornings and again in the evening to do crafts and play family games with all of the kids. They brought everything they needed for the crafts and were very organized. I was really touched by the commitment of the youth group and their ability to work with the kids, without asking for anything in return. It was a big hit with all of the campers and it made the kids feel like they were really a part of the spiritual community and not just "visiting". I have never seen this in the 34 years I have lived in Florida.

[Beretta]

Hengy -

Let me know when you move in. I will show up to welcome you with casserole in tow! I am in Maryville city but you won't be far!

Kind regards.

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

I will be looking forward to that

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnGal

Hengy -

Let me know when you move in. I will show up to welcome you with casserole in tow! I am in Maryville city but you won't be far!

Kind regards.

[TOP SALES]

Hello TN is a grea place to be...It sounds like the community that you are looking for is Providence in Mt. Juliet...I live there myself and have 2 kids. The community has shopping in the front with restaurant, movies, & shopping, everything you would need. Then in the back you have several communites in the back that are just filled with families..you have 4-pools and a play ground when you pull into the community...it's great.

Hope this helps....
This is Wilson County in Mt.Juliet TN

[david adams]

We just purchased 5 plus A. east of Newport. Parrottsville address. Great Views, looks like a great school 1 thru 8th. Newport for high school but very close. Seems to be layed back but growing.