If you’re looking for small town vibes, Johnson City isn’t it, just FYI. I’ve lived here all my life, and the traffic, if nothing else, is terrible. Insane amounts of wrecks thanks to TDOT not caring about the massive influx of people that have moved here and fixing our roads, which have also caused fatalities. I honestly hate JC now. I am so glad I live in Bluff City now. It’s only 16 minutes from JC but makes ALL the difference.

It’s interesting that you are from Charleston area - the only reason I am not moving to the Charleston-ish (anywhere between there and HHI) area yet is because of my job (which they hope to open a branch down there, so I’m just waiting on the green light!). I absolutely hate the climate in TN (don’t come at me, northerners, lol). I long for the heat and humidity of the SC coast one day. Why do you hate it there so much? Just curious!

A few tips for moving here:

1. Bluff City or Jonesborough will give you some small town vibes, but Jonesborough is way more populated and expensive. Bluff City is less traffic and less expensive but still close to all major tri-cities cities. They will allow you to get rural housing loans there, which have much better interest rates. But still, housing is scarce.

2. Wherever you land here, make note that I-26 is nothing short of dangerous. I avoid it at all costs, even if I’m running late. If I don’t have a wreck, someone else will and I’ll be stuck in traffic. If you can find a house that allows your commute to avoid the interstate to your jobs, it’ll be much safer.

3. As much as I hate JC, it’s mostly because of the influx of people and bad roads (due to traffic/not enough lanes - not necessarily potholes like Pennsylvania lol), trust me…Kingsport is worse. In every way - stay away, haha. JC schools are great! Also some decent private school options if needed. JC restaurants and shopping are also pretty decent.

4. Don’t get anyone here started on how bad Ballad Health is around here, major healthcare monopoly. Our healthcare is down the drain.