All Countries
Melanie Ramos
living
Anyone else love living in Kingsport?
So, Poverty rate is 16.6%, which is higher than I expected. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
25 upvotes
24 Replies
Stella D.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Emma Chavez
I work in legal here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Katherine Morales
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Genesis Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Rylee Reed
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Maple Ridge area are excellent. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Caleb Ortiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is tough in most areas.
30 upvotes
Ruby Harris
bump
29 upvotes
Lily Garcia
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
Scarlett Howard
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Willow Mendoza
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited entertainment options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited entertainment options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
22 upvotes
philly_victoria
seconding this
22 upvotes
mountain_nicholas40
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Gianna P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Sunset) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Sunset) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Benjamin K.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cost of living is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Emmett C.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Stella W.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Everett Morgan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Maya J.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
13 upvotes
Sophie
spot on
13 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Julia L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Autumn Brown
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Melanie Hernandez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
1 upvotes