Not sure if this has been asked before, but Military spouse here. The median home value here is around $203,000, which is actually reasonable. Household incomes average around $50,436 in Kingsport. Crime rate is something to consider -Kingsport sits at 612.3 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
17 upvotes
2 Replies
Dylan R.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Old Town area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Jack P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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