We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. With a population of 55,807, Kingsport is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $843 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Caroline Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Gabriel Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
George K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in North and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Ella Turner
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Valentina Carter
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
22 upvotes
Mason T.
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Evan H.
it depends on the neighborhood
19 upvotes
Dylan Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 58, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
12 upvotes
Alexa Ruiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
kc_david
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Pine Hills area are average. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Eva Smith
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
nola_abigail
great question, following
6 upvotes
Isaac Phillips
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
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