What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

My brother and I have been researching the last several months on places to relocate. Our immediate family background has roots in Oklahoma and Arkansas but moved to California where we now reside. Over our lifetimes, California has obviously degenerated and we have never been in agreement with the state's politics and policies.

We've liked what information (mainly just statistics) we've been able to find on some of the locales of NE Tenn and we'll be making a trip sometime in the year after this winter is past. These have been our criteria in the decision making process:

* Population is 95% or greater White

* Area is unfriendly and inhospitable to illegal aliens

* Climate is relatively mild

* Right to self-defense is taken seriously & gun laws are minimal

* Land is available with needed resources (hospitals, etc...) not too far away

* Flooding is not a threat

We are fortunate to be able to relocate with minimal hassles and retain our current employment so jobs are not an issue. We also aren't worried about entertainment or cultural centers as we are comfortable living simple, peaceful lives without a need for constant interaction with others.

If you have an impulse to turn this thread into a criticism about my preferences, please exercise self-control and keep it to yourself.

If you have personal knowledge of any of the areas from Knoxville eastward and/or anything geographically informative to share, I would very much appreciate learning what you know.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I've been looking at the same area...in particular, Gatlinburg and Seveirville. So far just looking on the Internet. I hear it's a little cooler near the mountains.....

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

You might also look into Southern Missouri (Ozarks), the criteria fits fairly well and the real estate prices lower. Jobs not plentiful, though.


Tools:

Aerial photos:
http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/place.aspx

Demographic info:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/
http://www.city-data.com/

Tax info:
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLtaxes.html

Topo maps:
http://www.topozone.com/findplace.asp

Missouri real estate:
http://www.missourireal-estate.com/
http://morealestate.net/multilist/as...gcolor2=B3BCA9
http://www.ozarktrailmls.com/default...d=5800&lid=216

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I live in the Coffee Ridge community 8 minutes from the North Carolina state line. I live 35 minutes from Asheville, 25 minutes from the Wolf Laurel ski resort, 35 minutes from Johnson City, 2 hours from Knoxville, and 2 hour from Greenville South Carolina. This is apple country and I wouldn�t trade for any other placed in the world. I have been out west up north and down south. I am here to stay.

http://www.flagpond.com/

http://local.yahoo.com/?csz=Erwin%2C+TN

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I'd caution against Gatlinburg. It's a beautiful area, but it's such a well-known tourist area and so associated with "going to the mountains" that I have a feeling it might see a lot of refugees heading for the hills (because that's the first place they think of when they think of heading to the hills) if anything drastic enough to set large numbers of people on the road happens. Lots of folks have vacation homes up there.

We've been looking at TN, too. The land appears to be priced better in northern TN, but I suspect we'll end up in southern TN. We know that area very well and have a lot of friends there. Northern AL isn't out of the question, either. I love the Paint Rocks.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

We just closed on a small farm in south tn. I love that area already. I will be moving there as soon as silver hits $50.00.



NOOB

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

The city-data.com site has been one of my resources & has helped all along. Also, Sperling's Best Places http://www.bestplaces.net has been informative.

Sevierville had been on our list but not near the top. One person on the city-data.com forums stated that it had become crowded. I'm not sure if that was an honest assessment or just an attempt to discourage those seeking relocation from coming there. Its population density on the charts does not agree with that statement.

Most of our current favorites are in the Tri-Cities area. They range as far north as Bloomingdale and as far west (at this point) as Bulls Gap. I understand that higher elevations are indeed more comfortable.

Gatlinburg has not been on the list. I can say for sure that most of our favorites are smaller, less populated towns in the range of 1,000 to 6,000 people. Bloomingdale (listed at just over 10,000) was about the largest of the early favorites. Erwin looked OK & might be considered.

I'll have to check out all your links soon. Keep the observations coming, folks. No such thing as being too informed!

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Ghost Recon took the words out of my mouth before I could reply; I've been considering a trip to the Sevierville/Gatlinburg area. I used to consider NC but it's grown a lot in recent years and the real estate and taxes are high now. I may not be able to convince my wife to leave everything she knows, including family and a good job, in PA - but if I can, Eastern TN is high on my list. Western Virginia, like Floyd County, might also be worth a look.

I'm looking for bug-out acreage where I could be self sufficient, away from urban refugees, with a relatively warm climate, well above sea level. Although my future neighbors would probably consider me a big-city Yankee, I'd trade my suburban life for surroundings with farmers and hunters as neighbors if possible.

Good luck in the search and make sure you post what you learn, good and bad, about the different areas you consider.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I'd guess the "Whitey" population isn't too far off that.....though we ARE getting a lot of Mexican folks in the area anymore. We aren't particularily unfriendly to anyone, including people that have given up on their current location.

Climate is great.....four seasons with none of them extreme.

Right to self-defense is taken seriously, however, unlike Virginia who has open handgun carry with no permit, you will need a permit for carry in Tennessee.
But very little other than Fed requirements for gun purchases. Most everybody here ( at least rurally anyway ) are gun owners. I called the District Attorney that was running for election a couple of years ago ( he is in the phone book ) and told him I was a one issue voter: His position on guns.
He replied "I believe in the right to defense, I'm an NRA Life Member ( Yeah, ok.....THAT may be an error on his part ), and I'm teaching my 13 year old son to shoot" Good enough for me.

Land is availiable.....prices of course have been increasing over the years due to the influx of out of state folks coming here.....seems quite a few are retiring from places like CA or up the Northeast where real estate prices are totally insane, and finding they can purchase more here for a lot less. That of course has an inflationary effect on property here, but by and large, reasonable can still be found....depending on your definition of reasonable.
We are also experiencing the overflow from western North Carolina where land prices have gotten a bit insane.

Flooding is not a threat unless you build in a flood plain......we have those......and knuckleheads DO build in them.

Personally, IF employment is not an issue, I would look more to middle Tennessee, west of Knoxville on the Cumberland Plateau or the counties that border Kentucky. Land, although again rising, is still dirt cheap compared to East Tennessee. For many years, it was not uncommon for even folks HERE to go down there and buy hunting property for 200-500 bucks/ac. and property taxes per year about nothing. Now you'll likely see 1000 or so an acre for the same stuff....but that's still pretty cheap. Reason for that is there is very little in the way of employment opportunities.

1000/ac land here is now 6,000 and more......even for fairly rough, undeveloped land. The hillbillies have come into their own......and written off Beverly Hills.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Hancock County. That's a little county next door to my county. Very rural, very private. The county seat is Sneedville. Great place to relocate privately. I live in Claiborne county not quite as secluded. Andy was correct about the attitude towards guns. The license to carry in Tennessee is just that, a license to carry, conceled or not. Both of these counties are north of Knoxville. Let me know when you plan on being in Tennessee, your always welcome to stop by. Might be able to help you find a place. almost forgot, .04% non-white.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

:cool1: I see a pattern here...I think we are about to experience a massive migration of GIM members to the Carolinas and Tennessee as the meltdown deadline approaches.

Not a bad area for survivalist types as Tn__Andy and Mtnman have already stated. I agree...no other area except the Ozarks as hoarder mentioned,is probably safer and more likely to survive intact.

I own property in Watauga County,NC five minutes from the TN state line...mountain country with good people for neighbors.

After California,the culture shock and slower pace of life will make for some interesting adjustments to your perception of safe areas vs ground zero locations if TSHTF.

Come on out and check it over for yourself...might be a little desolate by California standards but that's the reason a few of us already live here.

We got lots of room...move before the hoards arrive and buy up every farm in sight....as Andy stated...the prices are still somewhat reasonable but that's about to change as buying pressure increases.

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Do not even consider Seveirville. It is a nice place but tourist traffic is insane as it is the primary route to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

East Tennessee's population is growing fast. Fortunately or Unfortunately? Prices are also growing fast but there are still some really good deals on land left. Areas like Andy mentioned in the Cumberland Plateau are still pretty cheap, but around Knoxville prices have gone up considerably. Here is a web site I have listed before at GIM. I bought some old papermill land from them and it is terrific property.

http://www.americanforestmanagement....alestate.shtml

One last thing I always post for those who consider moving to East Tennessee. We do not have a state income tax and we like it that way! Please do not bring any red state "progressive tax" ideas here. Otherwise, welcome and good luck.

Which states have no personal income tax?

Seven states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Two others, New Hampshire and Tennessee, tax only dividend and interest income. To see how other states compare, check out the Federation of Tax Administrators' listing of individual income tax rates for 2006.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

ALL:

Be careful to consider where the nuclear plants are and the potential downwind problems if hit with a terrorist strike. Tennessee has 2 nuclear plants...both in eastern Tn...N/NE of Chattanooga (towards Knoxville--NE Tn). The prevailing winds are generally east, however since they are just on the eastern edge of a mountain range the winds could prove to be very unpredictable. Also, don't forget the Oak Ridge Nuclear Weapons Plant. Not to healthy if you ask me...burning unwanted toxic waste just west of Knoxville. See link below.

Just a couple of thoughts to keep in mind. Do your own current and thorough research for current things happening in a potential area long before you commit to moving anywhere.

http://www.tennessean.com/special/oakridge/part1/

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

MY bride, kids and I moved to the Tri-Cities area last Feb. from Louisiana.

I've lived LA, CA, NE, and VA, and absolutely LOVE North East TN. We're in the Elizabethton area.

Streams everywhere, turkeys and deer everywhere. Beautiful lakes, mountains. Our backyard backs up to the Cherokee National Forest so it makes for good fun with my kids.

The thing that shocked me here was getting a job. Didn't think I'd have a problem with my background, but it tool 6 months to get something that would support my family. Took lotsa faith to get through that. Had to get 2 and 3 small jobs working 7 days a week to make ends meet.

Now all is well.

Give us a PM when you head up this way, we can do a get-together. I nominate Tn_Andy to officiate. :adore:

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

i've been looking on the plateau as well and haven't found anything under $2k an acre

if there are places cheaper i'd appreciate hearing about them

thanks

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

2K an acre is cheap in my area of middle Tennessee. I paid 3K per acre for my 10 acres in 2002, it's going for 7K an acre now. This is slightly hilly, very rocky land. If I found land for 2K an acre in Tennessee, I'd jump all over it. Land ain't nowhere near as cheap as it used to be here. I've not heard of anything for less than 2500 an acre in 4 years.

I'm about an hour east of Nashville, depending on how heavy your right foot is. Growth out the ying yang, good jobs, but as you get up on the plateau, the jobs are there, but not as easy to get sometimes- more folks going for fewer jobs.

Holler if I can help.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

i've found that to be true as well cedar. we're looking south of crossville and the land is hilly with some rocks the size of small houses! lol

there's a couple of nice building spots on it of around 5-7 acres of flat land, the rest is all forest.

58.86 acres. we're offering on it tomorrow. i think the price is pretty cheap compared to here in michigan but here the land is mostly flat. we'd never be able to put together a parcel that size for less than $400k

my business can stay here and i can run it from there as well as expand down there.

can't wait. i've loved tennessee for years

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

71ac for 111k
http://www.tennesseemountainproperti...nton_tract.htm

Bunch more if you search thru all of here:

http://www.landandfarm.com/lf/asp/se...t=&sb=priceasc


More here:

http://www.unitedcountry.com/search0...cnt=&curpage=7

( Hey CV....how you been ? )

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

thanks for the help

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Andy- doin' real well! I'm in here pretty regular, but not much wisdom to post compared to what I read... :coo_mal:

How's you and the missus doin'?

Me- just waitin' on a successful launch. :bull: :banana:

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

thanks also to you too cedar.

anyone know anything about the pelham area?

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Pelham- Naw, only what I can tell ya from driving through the area a time or two. BEAUTIFUL country. Hilly, nice fishing and hunting, not too grown up, but that is changing some. There's a couple small military area nearby, (Arnold testing center or something similar- can't remember the actual name) but nothing major. The county area is good- not a herd of hubbub liberals corrupting the area yet. You are a stone's throw from some good historical areas- nice land but somewhat rocky and very hilly. I can't tell ya anything else- I suspect the price of land is a tad bit cheaper than where I am near the big city.
Anywhere in the eastern half of the state is pretty good country. West Tennessee is just too flat, and too damned close to Memphrica for my liking...

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I guess you are going to have another GIM member moving to NorthEast Tennessee. I moved from Lousiana to the mountains of New Hampshire a few years ago. I just registered today but I have been reading the forum for years.

Me and my wife will be visiting in a couple of weeks to look for houses and vacation. I will be looking for a house with some land in the Tri - cities area.

Silver Jeep, what part of Lousiana did you move from? My wife keeps talking about Elizabethton so If you know of any houses with land around there let me know. I might have to get a house with less land than I want at first. I might also rent a house first and see what happens to the housing market.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

SilverJeep is right on about the job situation. If you aren't dependent
on that, I can't think of a better place to live than Kentucky or Tennessee.
Beautiful country here and the best part is, Louisville & Nasvhille are towns
that aren't so south they are totally fully of hicks, but aren't so far
north they are full of snobs. Mostly just a lot of regular folk. Family
supporting jobs can be found, but as silverjeep said it can take a while.

My wife and I have been considering leaving this area for Austin, TX.
This is probably a dumb move from a SHTF scenario or a big flood
scenario, but from an employment standpoint Austin kicks ass and the
weather is warm.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I'm sorry to hear that. You probably have at most 20 years before your culture and countryside is ruined. They ravaged my state, I can't even recognize it anymore. Whites from these areas bring with them the ghetto and barrio as the result of their policies and values.

The world just isn't as big as it used to be, very few places left where you can really get away from people. I'm strongly considering repatriating to the arctic in hopes of the horrifically inhospitable climate keeping the riff raff out. Not sure if it'll work though, already Sweden is swelling with entitlement castoffs from Muslim society. How is that even possible? The first successful space colonies won't be built by any government and they won't be for the purpose of peaceful exploration of space for all mankind. Nope, they'll be built and populated by people who are looking for some elbow room on the frontier. Can't come quick enough for me. The nice thing about being in space is that once you're there you can always move out farther to stay out of reach of megalomaniacs, yuppies and other undesirables.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

I have land in the Ozarks and a little farther north in Missouri. I am from the area...although I do not currently have my permanent residence in Missouri...more in the accumulation phase for future relocation. I am lucky in that I have alot of family and friends in the area....so that was a deciding factor for my wife and I (we have two small children) on where we will move to when we leave Arizona in the next year or two. My wife was born and raised in Los Angeles...and she loves the Ozarks area...perhaps more than I do! In the past I have travelled to Tennesse quite a bit...and I like it alot also (well...not so much western Tennessee...but East and North is outstanding)...as well as Northwest Arkansas.

Once you get a few miles away from the lake of the Ozarks immediate area..prices fall quite a bit. The weather is not too extreme and the scenery and natural beauty is outstanding. My wife and I have travelled alot of the U.S. just goofing around finding bargains...and Southern Missouri is great for finding stuff on the cheap.

I will say that...for whatever reason...parts of the Ozarks seem to me that it will take quite a long time for it to be filled with outsiders changing the culture. Although Kansas city and st. Louis are in the same state....none of those folks want to move to the Ozarks unless it is for a 2nd seasonal home. Hard for me to explain why...but when I am back there (long stretches in the Summer)...I do not see many outsiders or out of state vehicles. Prices have gone up...but is mostly because of second home types and the improved farm economy...I have not seen alot of Californians, etc... It may be I am off base on this and the area will be flooded with outsiders....but I do not see it...but I am also not in the area on a permanent basis.

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Damnit hoarder, be quiet ! You're giving out the due-drop plan ...

Re: What can you tell me about NorthEast Tennessee?
 

Oh yes the Ozarks, both in Missouri and Kansas are nice. All these states and Tennesee and Kentucky are rich in natural resources and beauty.

When I researched all these areas it was hard deciding which one I liked best!
We would relocate to any one of these areas in a heartbeat if there was employment available.

I saw some beautiful property in these states that we could pay cash for outright, but when you look at the lack of employment, it offsets the cash buy at the MOMENT (might not in the future).

If we had a few more dollars stashed aside, these areas would be given prime consideration for a relocation (the older I get the less I want to deal with sub-zero weather, high taxes, and the rift-raft that is coming into the booming side towns surrounding us (we didn't move FAR enough out!)).