I have a similar question for you natives of Tennesee and also northern transplants: How is retirement in either Paris or Maryville? I have read about them in retirement books and plan to spend a day in Paris in April '09 (then on to a conference in Nashville). Should I also try for a day in Maryville? I know one day is very little time so I am hoping you could help me zero in to take advantage of my time.
It all depends on criteria though, doesn't it. I am looking for:

1. Inexpensive housing (so that I can spend month(s) in Europe)
2. Atmosphere accepting of outsiders, (putting myself out first of course)
3. Charming and alive downtown, restaurants and close in residential area, bungalows.
4. Neither long, frozen over winters nor hot humid summers
5. And a big one, equestrien riding trails in the surrounding area.

Does this utopia (for me) exist in TN?
kathyk

Hi Kathy,

I can't offer any help about Paris, Tennessee (which I just read is 86 miles west of Nashville), but I can comment on Maryville. Maryville is a town here in East Tennessee, about 20 miles from downtown Knoxville. It sits beyond the Knoxville airport, toward the less-touristed area of the Great Smoky Mountains.

There is a small downtown area that seems to be doing well. The location of the Ruby Tuesdays corporate headquarters there seems to have helped this development. I don't really know that much about the downtown or nearby (walking distance) housing. However, downtown Knoxville continues to develop and is an area that personally interests me.

Housing in this area is very reasonable compared to other parts of the USA. (I saw one survey that said the average home price in Maryville was $145K.) The cost of living is also low, and there isn't a state income tax.

Maryville/Blount County have attracted a number of companies to locate there, and there are a number of non-natives who have made their home here. It is close to the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee. I think you would find many people to be welcoming.

Winter is really quite pleasant here-- any kind of snow is unusual and kind of shuts the place down. Spring and fall are lovely. But I do have to say that summers are quite humid.

I know Maryville has lots of parks and walking trails, but I don't know about equestrian trails.

Maybe someone else can help about Paris-- or suggest other retirement possibilities in Tennessee that meet your criteria. I'll think more about this. (I'd suggest considering some of the beautiful small towns in the mountainous area around Asheville, NC-- Brevard, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Blowing Rock.)

Kathy

Hi Kathy, thank you for those details on Maryville, and the suggested towns in North Carolina. From a US map I see that the corners of TN and NC are in a geograpical region of the Smokies? I have visited Asheville, was very impressed and plan to return for another closer look, hopefully in this same upcoming Spring trip.
kathyk

Kathy,

Re NC: This is a bit of a difficult question to answer. Some of the places I know best, e.g., Blowing Rock, are not inexpensive (nor is Asheville), and the weather can get a bit rough in winter. We've already had our first snow - on Monday, but by now it's about all gone. Predicted high tomorrow, though, is in the 60s!

[Some data I just found: Median sale price of existing homes: Asheville = $293,000; Blowing Rock = $419,000; Boone = $298,000; Brevard = $225,000.]

It would be easier to make recommendations, if you could prioritize your criteria. The more charming the town or area, the more expensive it will be, whether here in the NW NC mountains or further south, near Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, etc. That said, there is a range of prices available in this area, but the more desirable ones do tend to be high.

Let me comment on the rest of your list:

"2. Atmosphere accepting of outsiders, (putting myself out first of course) - I WOULD SAY DEFINITELY SO HERE IN WATAUGA COUNTY SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY OF US.
3. Charming and alive downtown, restaurants and close in residential area, bungalows. - DEFINITELY TRUE OF BLOWING ROCK, ALSO OF BOONE, THOUGH IT IS A COLLEGE TOWN AS WELL AND REFLECTS IT.
4. Neither long, frozen over winters nor hot humid summers - THE LATTER IS CERTAINLY SO; 85 IS A HEAT WAVE. WE GET SNOW, BUT IT RARELY LASTS LONG, AT LEAST IN RECENT YEARS, AND ROADS ARE CLEARED QUICKLY.
5. And a big one, equestrian riding trails in the surrounding area. - YES, DEFINITELY; THERE ARE LOTS.

I'd be glad to answer any other questions. Better yet, come vist, and we could meet and talk about the area.

Incidentally, my husband and I agree that Paris TN could get pretty hot and humid in the summer.

Ann

Hi Ann,
You gave me a lot to mull over. I am a little surprised by the median home prices but at the same time, that always points to being a desirable destination, whether to live or visit. Thanks for the offer of a contact - which will be after my return, Feb/March trip to Spain. I appreciate the close to the bone insight from people living in the area.
kathyk