Considering move to Tennessee

[COG]

First a little background. I currently reside in Texas and this has been my home for 25+ years. I am retired and employment is not an issue. I am also well off enough that business or job income doesn't come into play.

I am considering a move to eastern Tennessee. Several factors come into play, but #1 is the extremely high property taxes in Texas. Even though I can afford it, that doesn't mean I approve or am willing to continue paying the extortion taxes that Texas demands. #2 factor, I can purchase considerably more house and property and still pay 1/5th the amount of taxes by moving to TN. #3 factor, but not as important, I do have family that I actually get along with in TN.

I am looking at areas a little west of Maryville with @ 5 - 10 acres of property. (In the country)

After checking various govt sites concerning firearms and restrictions, TN seems very similar to Texas, if not even more relaxed.

I have considered Arizona and in my previous life I traveled throughout the state extensively. I do like the state, but I prefer the greenery, trees and the "Smokies" of TN. BTW, I am an avid motorcyclist, so that somewhat comes into play too.

Any opinions about Tennessee, pro's and con's.

[apamburn]

only thing I can add is that I believe there may have recently been some anti-2A legislation submitted to the TN legislature but I don't know what happened to it. TN is of course subject to having centers of liberalism just like any other state, so the legislation may or may not be indicative of changing culture or opinions in the state. Just look into it.

Other than that it's a beautiful state and one I would consider moving to. Actually, prior to our last move I did: Nashville has a strong software industry and I thought about moving to the suburbs there. Ultimately decided to go elsewhere.

Good luck!

[chad newton]

I would suggest going there for a while to see if you like the climate and culture.

[War Dawg]

I also ride. The continuous twisties in the Appalachia cannot be beaten. You will only regret riding there because of the humidity. But you’re already used to that.

[COG]

I've travelled extensively throughout TN via motorcycle, auto and RV. I know it can be a bit "hillbilly", but I like the idea of being out in the country and away from the hoards of idiots in the cities. Stupid people are everywhere, just fewer of them in the country. TN appears to be very conservative (for the most part) which is another plus.

I recently spent a week just outside of Maryville riding my Harley Road Glide all over the mid to eastern side of the state. Except for the mobs of stupid tourists around places like Pigeon Forge, I was quite impressed with the area. I wouldn't even consider TN if it was work or job related, but since this is a retirement home my priorities are different.

[chad newton]

It can be pretty out there, also property is reasonably cheap. I moved to Coweta co Ga for a bit, if I would have bought the bigger property’s I was looking at I probably would have stayed. I had to work there, wages are low and the humidity and rain is hard on you if you have to work outside. Super gun friendly out there and lots of pines...

[chad newton]

I want to add, my parents and sister both moved out there after I did. They love it...

[cavegeo]

If the property you are considering does not have city water or sewer make sure to verify the ground is permeable and what the water table level is actually at. Being a mountain region many layers of rock can make it difficult to install a septic system and well as you will be dependent on well water and septic for your basic needs.

[IANative]

My daughter and SIL live in Johnson City, up near Bristol. He works in Kingsport, about 20 minutes away. Beautiful foothills country, easy to get to the mountains, about an hour or so from the Cumberland Gap. Lots of outdoor recreation available, mild climate, gun-friendly. Eastern TN/Western Carolinas would be on my short list of retirement possibilities, if we didn't already have our roots down in Iowa.

[COG]

Thanks for all of the good info. I'm planning another trip late Spring or early Summer to look more closely at real estate/house options. I have a brother in law that lives in the area sending me tons of real estate info about the eastern half of TN.

[mike135]

The eastern section of TN is pretty high on my wish list right now. I spent a summer in Monteagle and I was amazed at how nice the weather was even in August due to the elevation. Nashville was miserable but I don't think it ever got above mid-80's on the hottest day up where I was. Unfortunately it looks like most of the area around Knoxville is a bit lower, but finding some elevation in that region seems pretty ideal to me. The whole region has a lot of appeal to me if going west is not an option. It seems like the best way to get the western NC experience without the NC politics.

[michael]

I'm originally from Knoxville, but moved to Birmingham in 2013 for work. East Tennessee is beautiful and still a free state. As you get more toward Nashville and on to Memphis, it becomes more liberal. East TN is pretty conservative overall and very gun friendly. The new Governor is staunchly conservative and seems to be doing a good job. I get back there often as my daughter and new Granddaughter live near Knoxville. I was there last weekend actually for her birth. I miss it a lot, and the lack of a state income tax is a plus.

Spent a total of 14 years as an LEO in Knoxville and Blount County. Blount County is where you want to be, and there are still plenty of reasonable priced homes with great land and views, especially toward the south end of the county. If you have any specific questions, just ask. It would be a very similar way of life to Texas without the extreme heat and taxes.