Help requested from TN riders...

[maward]

Having been down to TN several times since we got the LT two years ago, we have developed a fondness for the state. I am going down next month on business (I will be in Nashville) and want some ideas...

My wife and I have decided to start looking for property there...either a winter home or maybe a place to live full time when we "empty nest". So, the question is: where might you recommend we look?

We are thinking of the Knoxville area. We would like to be within an hour or so of a big city, but we want some acreage (five or more) where we can spread out a little. We would like to be on a river or lake, but likely cannot afford that. So, if we can spend maybe $200,000 for the place, any ideas of a good area that comes to mind?

Thanks in advance.

Marc and Shawna Ward
Brookfield, WI

[tbarstow]

My parents moved from Wisconsin to the Sevierville area (south of Knoxville) about 7 years ago and really like it there. They just moved into town and bought a house for ~$175k. PM me and I can put you in contact with them.

[NOGILLS2]

I was really impressed with the Clarksdale area. I just passed through to Paducha, KY.

[Steve_R]

Actually, that would be the Clarksville area. I lived there my last two years of high school and my first year of college. It is about an hour northwest of Nashville on I-24. That would put you roughly 4 hours from the mountains over in the Knoxville area.

There is also Chattanooga to consider, just about an hour and half from Knoxville, but shorter into the moutains of N. GA. But then you have to put up with Chipper and Skippy. ;)

If you'd like to be close to Knoxville, then you've got a ton of choices less than an hour out side, i.e Maryville, Tellico Plains, Morristown and Jacksboro just to name a few.

Good luck with you decision.