Comments on: How would you describe Knoxville? http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/ Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:04:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Brad http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2590 Brad Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:05:24 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2590 I had lived in Knoxville for 14 years by way of Boston, MA where I also spent 14 Years. I moved to Knoxville, West Side, and Started High School there, needless to say it took me about 2 or 3 years before I did not want to immediately move out of there and leave. I went through High School and College in Knoxville and spent a ton of times exploring everywhere from Lenoir City to Gatlinburg to Asheville, NC. I have been everywhere inbetween and I must say that Knoxville has some very interesting aspects and sights to see, like most places in the south that are small and have a history reaching back into the 1800s. I have now moved to Chicago, IL and live in the suburbs. We have been living here for a year and Knoxville has Nothing on it. Knoxville has barely an variety of jobs in the tech sector, there are NO telecommunciations jobs there. If you can work in healthcare or in a call center, you will find TONS of jobs! Chicago has a cost of living that is 1/3rd more than knoxville and my wage is much more than double for the same experience I had in Knoxville. The short spring, Nice Summer, and Long fall in Chicago are breath taking. Beautiful trees, parks, outdoors, sidewalks EVERYWHERE so you can ride you bike anywhere you want without clogging traffic. They also provide a nice walk. Chicago has fantastic ethnic food, great small and original local owned shops and food, etc. Moving out of Knoxville (Which I was fond of) was one of the best things I have ever done. I still miss Knoxville sometimes, those nights in the old city at all the bars, antique stores, shops, etc., those days and nights in market square and on South Gay street enjoying the shops, the music, etc. but you can find all of that x 1000 in the Chicago land area, let alone going into the city of Chicago. The Suburbs of Chicago remind me of everything knoxville has plus so much more that I cannot list it. I had lived in Knoxville for 14 years by way of Boston, MA where I also spent 14 Years. I moved to Knoxville, West Side, and Started High School there, needless to say it took me about 2 or 3 years before I did not want to immediately move out of there and leave. I went through High School and College in Knoxville and spent a ton of times exploring everywhere from Lenoir City to Gatlinburg to Asheville, NC. I have been everywhere inbetween and I must say that Knoxville has some very interesting aspects and sights to see, like most places in the south that are small and have a history reaching back into the 1800s.

I have now moved to Chicago, IL and live in the suburbs. We have been living here for a year and Knoxville has Nothing on it. Knoxville has barely an variety of jobs in the tech sector, there are NO telecommunciations jobs there. If you can work in healthcare or in a call center, you will find TONS of jobs!

Chicago has a cost of living that is 1/3rd more than knoxville and my wage is much more than double for the same experience I had in Knoxville. The short spring, Nice Summer, and Long fall in Chicago are breath taking. Beautiful trees, parks, outdoors, sidewalks EVERYWHERE so you can ride you bike anywhere you want without clogging traffic. They also provide a nice walk. Chicago has fantastic ethnic food, great small and original local owned shops and food, etc.

Moving out of Knoxville (Which I was fond of) was one of the best things I have ever done. I still miss Knoxville sometimes, those nights in the old city at all the bars, antique stores, shops, etc., those days and nights in market square and on South Gay street enjoying the shops, the music, etc. but you can find all of that x 1000 in the Chicago land area, let alone going into the city of Chicago.

The Suburbs of Chicago remind me of everything knoxville has plus so much more that I cannot list it.

]]> By: Mark http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2164 Mark Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:27:43 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2164 Sassyanne, thanks for the comments and the links! I'm looking forward to coming around christmas time and getting the know the neighborhood better. Sassyanne, thanks for the comments and the links! I’m looking forward to coming around christmas time and getting the know the neighborhood better.

]]> By: CP http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2163 CP Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:09:39 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2163 @<a href="#comment-2155" rel="nofollow">Sassyanne</a>: Sorry for the comment error. Yours got caught up in the spam filter. Everything should be good now. @Sassyanne: Sorry for the comment error. Yours got caught up in the spam filter. Everything should be good now.

]]> By: Sassyanne http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2155 Sassyanne Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:01:23 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2155 @<a href="#comment-2128" rel="nofollow">Marc</a>: Mark--I have lived in Knoxville since 2001 and have always loved living in North Knoxville. The most tolerant and diverse neighborhoods would probably include Old North Knoxville, Fourth and Gill, and even North Hills. The neighborhoods are quirky, have lots of character, are very convenient to downtown, and have quite a few older, historic neighborhoods that are constantly improving. A new redevelopment plan is in the works for Central Street and Broadway, which will hopefully bring more culture and entertainment to an area that has been overlooked for quite some time. Check out the following websites for more info: http://www.oldnorthknoxville.org/ www.fourthandgill.org http://www.northhillsneighbor.org/ http://www.knoxmag.com/issues/current/articles/edens/index.php4 @Marc: Mark—I have lived in Knoxville since 2001 and have always loved living in North Knoxville. The most tolerant and diverse neighborhoods would probably include Old North Knoxville, Fourth and Gill, and even North Hills. The neighborhoods are quirky, have lots of character, are very convenient to downtown, and have quite a few older, historic neighborhoods that are constantly improving. A new redevelopment plan is in the works for Central Street and Broadway, which will hopefully bring more culture and entertainment to an area that has been overlooked for quite some time. Check out the following websites for more info:
http://www.oldnorthknoxville.org/
http://www.fourthandgill.org
http://www.northhillsneighbor.org/ http://www.knoxmag.com/issues/current/articles/edens/index.php4

]]> By: Marc http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2128 Marc Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:41:50 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2128 I ususally describe Knoxville as having a lot of trees and feeling like a sauna. My Dad lives in California near Oakland, and all my friends from out there ask me if we have theaters, electricity, roads, etc. Bay Area, huh? That's awesome, but I'd imagine not very affordable. I really have no idea about the diversification and tolerence of the neighborhoods here, sorry to say, but most of the people here are either accepting of alternative lifestyles or simply keep their thoughts to themselves. I ususally describe Knoxville as having a lot of trees and feeling like a sauna. My Dad lives in California near Oakland, and all my friends from out there ask me if we have theaters, electricity, roads, etc.
Bay Area, huh? That’s awesome, but I’d imagine not very affordable. I really have no idea about the diversification and tolerence of the neighborhoods here, sorry to say, but most of the people here are either accepting of alternative lifestyles or simply keep their thoughts to themselves.

]]> By: Mark Simmons http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2116 Mark Simmons Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:17:26 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2116 It's interesting reading all these impressions about Knoxville. My partner and I are moving there next summer temporarily from the San Francisco Bay area. We're not expecting the same kind of culture, of course, but hope to find some interesting things, like old neighborhoods, cafes (not Starbucks!), farmer's markets, and hopefully some some diversity. We drove North Knoxville a few weeks and got a good feeling about it. Whereas the rest of Knoxville didn't strike us as that interesting, although we haven't really gotten to know the city yet. Does anyone have any comments on North Knoxville? And where the most diverse and tolerant neighborhoods might be? Thanks for any input. It’s interesting reading all these impressions about Knoxville. My partner and I are moving there next summer temporarily from the San Francisco Bay area. We’re not expecting the same kind of culture, of course, but hope to find some interesting things, like old neighborhoods, cafes (not Starbucks!), farmer’s markets, and hopefully some some diversity. We drove North Knoxville a few weeks and got a good feeling about it. Whereas the rest of Knoxville didn’t strike us as that interesting, although we haven’t really gotten to know the city yet. Does anyone have any comments on North Knoxville? And where the most diverse and tolerant neighborhoods might be?
Thanks for any input.

]]> By: Stacy http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2114 Stacy Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:45:36 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2114 I find Doug McCaughan's comments of particular interest to me. The Ohioan transplants and retirees is fascinating to me. It could be the fact that I married one of these "Ohioans off to Tennessee guys"...but, I'm not sure. Realizing that we have transplants from everywhere, it still seems that the numbers of Ohio to Tennessee people are huge. I would be interested in seeing a "study" on this. I just think it is very interesting. I wonder how many "Tennessee to Ohio" there are. I have visited Cleveland once, and while it was a nice visit, (and we do love our Browns) I definitely would not want to live there....but then, I wouldn't want to live anywhere but East Tennessee, I am fairly certain. (LOL!) I also agree with his comment about giving the "bulldozer guys" time, and they will clear out what is left of our natural beauty. (It is also true to say that I'm married to one of those "bulldozer guys"...a "bulldozer guy" that comes home saddened much of the time because of this very fact.) I find Doug McCaughan’s comments of particular interest to me. The Ohioan transplants and retirees is fascinating to me. It could be the fact that I married one of these “Ohioans off to Tennessee guys”…but, I’m not sure. Realizing that we have transplants from everywhere, it still seems that the numbers of Ohio to Tennessee people are huge. I would be interested in seeing a “study” on this. I just think it is very interesting. I wonder how many “Tennessee to Ohio” there are. I have visited Cleveland once, and while it was a nice visit, (and we do love our Browns) I definitely would not want to live there….but then, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere but East Tennessee, I am fairly certain. (LOL!)
I also agree with his comment about giving the “bulldozer guys” time, and they will clear out what is left of our natural beauty. (It is also true to say that I’m married to one of those “bulldozer guys”…a “bulldozer guy” that comes home saddened much of the time because of this very fact.)

]]> By: sassyanne http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-2074 sassyanne Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:33:15 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-2074 I also agree with CK and I personally am a No. 4. I moved here 7 years ago for a temporary job and knew that it would only be a temporary stint here. Knoxville at first glance was ugly, way too car dependent, and lacked any sort of character that I could see. Seven years later and i've grown to love the place. I've met some of the nicest, most intersting people here, there is always something to do if you open your mind and look in the right places. I suggest to those who are No. 3's, just give it time. Market Square and downtown has made a miraculous change since I moved here when there was only the Tomato Head downtown. Now it's become a bustling town center with a Farmer's Market, free concerts and plays, and museums and restaurants, and I think it's just going to get better. And the new Downtown North plan is looking to get underway soon, which will further help beautify Knoxville and make it more accessible to those who don't want to drive anywhere. I think alot of people who base their impressions on Knoxville haven't gotten off of Kingston Pike and out of West Knoxville to really explore and see what's Knoxville's all about. And I know that I' personally have never been forced to wine and dine my out-of-town friends at places like Chili's and Applebee's. I also agree with CK and I personally am a No. 4. I moved here 7 years ago for a temporary job and knew that it would only be a temporary stint here. Knoxville at first glance was ugly, way too car dependent, and lacked any sort of character that I could see. Seven years later and i’ve grown to love the place. I’ve met some of the nicest, most intersting people here, there is always something to do if you open your mind and look in the right places. I suggest to those who are No. 3’s, just give it time. Market Square and downtown has made a miraculous change since I moved here when there was only the Tomato Head downtown. Now it’s become a bustling town center with a Farmer’s Market, free concerts and plays, and museums and restaurants, and I think it’s just going to get better. And the new Downtown North plan is looking to get underway soon, which will further help beautify Knoxville and make it more accessible to those who don’t want to drive anywhere.
I think alot of people who base their impressions on Knoxville haven’t gotten off of Kingston Pike and out of West Knoxville to really explore and see what’s Knoxville’s all about. And I know that I’ personally have never been forced to wine and dine my out-of-town friends at places like Chili’s and Applebee’s.

]]> By: bettis http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-1936 bettis Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:07:05 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-1936 for what it's worth, i am sticking with "heartless". i am a born & raised knoxvillian, with the exception of my 5-year college stint in chattanooga - a town with exceptional heart. returning to knoxville for work made me realize how much character chattanooga has - thriving, locally owned coffee houses, restaurants, & grocery stores. it has a downtown setting unlike few I have seen, where locals relished in the unique character of their hometown. when my knoxville friends came to visit, i could wine & dine them with all that was unique to chattanooga. now when my chattanooga friends come to visit me in knoxville, i woo them with chili's, starbucks, & panera. to me, knoxville just seems...blah. it's not bad, but it's not good. it's...blah. for what it’s worth, i am sticking with “heartless”. i am a born & raised knoxvillian, with the exception of my 5-year college stint in chattanooga - a town with exceptional heart. returning to knoxville for work made me realize how much character chattanooga has - thriving, locally owned coffee houses, restaurants, & grocery stores. it has a downtown setting unlike few I have seen, where locals relished in the unique character of their hometown. when my knoxville friends came to visit, i could wine & dine them with all that was unique to chattanooga. now when my chattanooga friends come to visit me in knoxville, i woo them with chili’s, starbucks, & panera.

to me, knoxville just seems…blah. it’s not bad, but it’s not good. it’s…blah.

]]> By: TN_Newbie http://knoxify.com/how-would-you-describe-knoxville/#comment-1935 TN_Newbie Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:11:26 +0000 http://knoxify.com/?p=879#comment-1935 I think CK hits the nail on the head with the four types of K'towners. I started at #4 and now after three years I am solidly at #3. There is so much potential yet I am not sure if any sensible planning is being done when it comes to growth. I think downtown has done a better job with planning, but the burbs still are too car dependent. I moved here from a burb that was 20+ miles from downtown, yet I did not have/need a car. I would describe Knoxville as a bg rural town with some much potential. I think CK hits the nail on the head with the four types of K’towners. I started at #4 and now after three years I am solidly at #3. There is so much potential yet I am not sure if any sensible planning is being done when it comes to growth. I think downtown has done a better job with planning, but the burbs still are too car dependent. I moved here from a burb that was 20+ miles from downtown, yet I did not have/need a car. I would describe Knoxville as a bg rural town with some much potential.

]]>