Easing Retirement Concerns

Real estate is about more than just location, location, location! It’s about investing in a life of security and comfort, and it’s even about having something solid to leave as a legacy. Many people choose to relocate (or stay put!) in Tennessee because land is affordable and the cost of living/standard of living ratio is among the very best in this country.

from retiretennessee.org

Retirement brings with it dramatic life changes. Those approaching this milestone have concerns, about finding stability, financial safety and finding a life of fulfillment after a lifetime of focusing on a career. CBS Money Watch addressed a few of those concerns in this article.

We took a few points and tailored them to fit those recent or pending retirees who might be looking to move to Northeast Tennessee.

Concern: running out of money.

“Between saving enough, being able to spend efficiently, affording your desired lifestyle and the possibility of outliving your money, running out of funds is likely your top retirement concern.”

You can outrun your budget no matter where you live, but if you stick to your limits, this upper right corner of Tennessee is a great place to stretch the value of your dollars. Hiking, swimming, sight-seeing…all this greatly increases quality of life and costs almost nothing. Home costs and energy bills are very low in comparison to other states, in part due to milder weather and in part due to lower prices.

Concern: feeling empty.

“Consider taking up some hobbies more seriously, joining a local group, spending more time with friends and family or planning a trip to kick off your retirement.”

friendsofthesmokies.org

Thriving arts communities in Morristown and Rogersville, golf clubs, Friends of the Smokies, volunteer opportunities…our area is built on community. Leaving your career can make you feel unmoored, but the solution is to find a new tribe, a new purpose and like-minded group of people to help anchor you in this new stage of life.

Concern:  healthcare.

“Just one reason it’s important to maintain an emergency fund into retirement.”

Moving to a rural area doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of your care. Overall lower living costs in Tennessee are a boon to those needing to pad their emergency fund, or pay for prescriptions and other ongoing medical treatments. Also, the medical community in Hamblen, Jefferson, Grainger and surrounding counties includes a wide variety of professionals, ranging from medical doctors and nurses to chiropractors and osteopaths. This means a wide range of care is available to you, close to home.

Concern: falling home values.

“If you planned your retirement timing and total savings taking in the factor of home appreciation, it’s a good idea to allow that to be a bump up in lifestyle but not the money you need to live.”

If you plan to sell your home in a state with higher home prices, you might be pleasantly surprised at how much house your money will buy in Tennessee. With what you have left over, you’ll be able to pad out your emergency fund or pay for a trip to Dollywood when your grandchildren come to visit!

If you’re interested in listings available in Northeast Tennessee, please visit my website at darlenenereeves-kline.com.

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Schools in Morristown, Tennessee

Morristown has a lot to offer any family: beautiful parks, fabulous lake access, convenient shopping and restaurants, a vibrant art scene…but there are practical things to think about when moving to Hamblen County, too. Daily life (and livelihood) details matter a lot, like jobs, cost of living, and availability and quality of schools. Once you decide to make the move, starting early on school enrollment is a must. In fact, you should arguably check on the best schools in your new area before you choose a house, as it might affect the neighborhood you need to live in for school zoning. Check out this article for tips on moving your kids to a new school.

From Clipartpanda.com

As we’ve said, one of the most important things for parents to consider when moving to a new area is the quality of schools, so let’s consider the many options Morristown has to offer in that department. There are more options than you might think for private education in addition to the public school system for kids in kindergarten through high school in Hamblen County.

There are 18 public schools in the Morristown public school system. That number includes one alternative school and two high schools (Morristown East and Morristown West are football rivals from way back!) Visit the public school website for Hamblen County here.

Morristown East High

According to GreatSchools.com, the top schools in Hamblen county are Alpha Elementary (K-5), West View Middle (6-8), John Hay Elementary (K-5), and Witt Elementary (K-5). These schools are chosen based on comparison of standardized testing scores.To learn more about these schools’ rankings, visit here.

Niche.com rates Hamblen County public schools overall at #14 for the whole state of Tennessee for the year 2016. That’s based on a slew of categories, including test scores, college readiness and graduation rates. That’s 14 out of 100. Not bad! Check out the website for more information.

Some parents disagree with public school policies or feel strongly about private school education because of personal beliefs. Many families are choosing to go an alternate route in educating their children.  If you’re one of those parents, Morristown has you covered, too. Hamblen County is home to six private Christian schools. Visit PrivateSchoolReview.com for more information.

The two biggest private Christian schools in Morristown are All Saints Episcopal School, with over 100 students enrolled in  Pre-K through 8th grade, and Cornerstone Academy with over 100 students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade.

All Saints is poised to celebrate their 50th anniversary next year (2017). Visit their website to learn more about the school. Cornerstone, founded in 2006, has broken ground on a brand-new addition to their campus. They’re expanding! Visit their website to find out more about Cornerstone Academy.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best school for your child! This article in Time has some good tips about what makes a good school.

This article from The Washington Post also has some great tips on making the school choice.

Who knew you’d be the one doing homework to send your kid to school?

Please visit my website for information about listings in Morristown, Tennessee!

 

Savoring Fine Wines in East Tennessee

The Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area is bursting with vacation ideas and entertainment for every member of the family. Dollywood and Splash Country, miniature golfing, the strip at Gatlinburg…all these offer hours (days!) of fun, especially if you’re making memories with your children.

For those who want to get away from the noisy tourist destinations, there is always The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with miles and miles of hiking and backcountry backpacking waiting quietly for your exploration. There are other natural attractions in the area, too; white water rafting on the Big Pigeon river is just minutes away from Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and other fun attractions in the summer. (Visit obergatlinburg.com to find out more.)

But there’s another side to Sevier County that’s really coming into its own lately: fine wining!

Due to its humid and temperate climate, East Tennessee was once well known for its vineyards and wineries until Prohibition in 1919 (see www.tennesseewines.com/history for a brief history of wine culture in Tennessee.) Most people are familiar with moonshining that came after that, and the backwoods racing to outrun the revenuers that spawned the sport that is now known as NASCAR.

But now, wine is back on the menu in East Tennessee! Some of our vineyards have been back in business for decades, and many others are newly flourishing in our area so uniquely suited for growing grapes. See this informative publication from the University of Tennessee for information about growing grapes in our area.

Whether or not you’re interested in growing your own grapes, you can sample East Tennessee’s delicious bounty in a wine tour.

The Four Rivers Wine Trail includes Blue Slip Winery (in Knoxville), Eagle Springs Winery (in Kodak), Richland Vineyards, Spout Spring Estates, (both in Blaine) and The Grape Barn at Nolichucky Vineyards (in Russelville). Visit their website for more information.

The Rocky Top Wine Trail includes six wineries open for tastings and tours, all on hwy 66/441 between Kodak and Gatlinburg: Eagle Springs Winery (Kodak), Hillside Winery (Sevierville), Apple Barn Winery (Sevierville), Mountain Valley Winery (Pigeon Forge), Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery (Gatlinburg), and Sugarland Cellars (Gatlinburg). These wineries have even partnered with Elite Limo Tours if you need a designated driver.

Visit rockytopwineries.com/wine-trail for links and directions.

Once you have chosen your favorite bottle (or bottles!), take it home to savor the flavors of the warm sun, gentle breezes and nourishing summer storms. The Rocky Top Wineries participate in a wine club, with significant member discounts. Learn more by clicking here: rockytopwineries.com/wine-club.

If you’re not a local yet, you can always rent a chalet in Sevier County. Visit here or here to search for accommodations. And, of course, should you fall in love with the area and want to start looking for your own place to call home in East Tennessee, visit darlenereeves-kline.com for listings and information.

Jefferson City: Past and Present

Jefferson City, like many places in East Tennessee, is very proud of its storied history. The area served as a springboard for many prosperous businesses, and some local families can trace their lineages back to before this great country could even call itself a country! Union forces marched through during the Civil War, leaving marks in the destruction of buildings and legends passed down for generations since. Old Time Saturday is coming up, a festival dedicated to celebrating community. Come out if you can; it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the area’s history. While you’re here, swing by two of Jefferson City’s great landmarks: Carson-Newman College and Glenmore Mansion. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Old Time Saturday

No town in Tennessee is complete without a fall festival! Jefferson City is no different; each year in October locals and visitors alike come out to celebrate Old Time Saturday. There are vendors selling crafts, food, curiosities and delights. There is people-watching aplenty as families come out to mingle and celebrate some of the last warm weather of the year. Maybe best of all is the live music, including fiddle-sawing kids and dancing in the street. Please visit the Jefferson County website for more information.

The Old Time Saturday Facebook page can be found here: www.facebook.com/OldTimeSat.

This fun festival is a great chance to wander around historic Mossy Creek, where old brick buildings and shady roads still speak of history.

Carson-Newman College

Carson-Newman College is celebrating its 165th anniversary this year (2016). In 1851, the institution opened its doors as the Mossy Creek Baptist Seminary, but it only kept this name for five years; in 1856 it became Mossy Creek Baptist College. The college shut down during the Civil War, when it was overrun and damaged by Union soldiers. Eventually, the name of the college was changed to honor a local trustee (J.H. Carson) and when it merged with a nearby college for women (Newman College) the name finally morphed into the one we know and love today: Carson-Newman College. The college is active in the Jefferson City community, especially in the revitalization of the Mossy Creek area, which we discussed in an earlier blog. Please visit www.cn.edu for more information about the school, including community events.

Glenmore Mansion

The historic Glenmore Mansion, in the Mossy Creek district, has graced the hill on what is now called North Chucky Pike since 1868. It was lived in by two families who were prominent in local business: the Branners and the Jarnagins. Saved from the auction block in 1970, the mansion has undergone several phases of restoration. It is a beautiful piece of preserved history. There are periodic community events at Glenmore,  as well as private parties and weddings available by appointment. Tours are available on weekends from May to October. Call (865) 475-5014 for more information or visit glenmoremansion.com.

Not everything in Jefferson City is about the past; revitalization efforts are helping the city to grow day by day. The new festival park being constructed in Mossy Creek is just one example of this. Visit The Citizen Tribune to learn more about it.

Visit darlenereeves.com for listings and information about Jefferson City.

Tiny House Vs. Fixer-Upper

There has been more and more discussion of the tiny house movement in recent years, among sites like blogs, Facebook and Pinterest. What is the tiny house movement?

The website TheTinyLife.com has this to say:

“Simply put, it is a social movement where people are choosing to downsize the space they live in. The typical American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical small or tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet.”

The tiny house movement takes the concept of downsizing to the extreme. But why does it seem so appealing? The website explains:

“The most popular reasons include environmental concerns, financial concerns, and the desire for more time and freedom. For most Americans 1/3 to 1/2 of their income is dedicated to the roof over their heads; this translates to 15 years of working over your lifetime just to pay for it, and because of it 76% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.”

Click here to read more about it.

Basically, the appeal of a tiny house is that it costs less and takes less time to build and maintain. There is also a minimalist mentality that goes with the tiny house life. You can’t have too many things, because you don’t have the space to stuff it. For many people, it’s mentally and spiritually freeing to give up the majority of their stuff.

Plus, the tiny houses getting churned out nowadays are cute.

Courtesy of CountryLiving.com

While I applaud the reasons that most people have for getting a tiny house, I think there are other alternatives that are not quite so tiny. Living with other people and pets can make living in 100-400 square feet hard.

What About a Fixer-Upper?

One common feature of a tiny house is that it is built off-site and towed to your lot, which is a) convenient in some ways, but b) turns your house into what is essentially a trailer. What this means is that your tiny house exists in a gray area where it might actually depreciate in value as it ages, much like a house-trailer. (A house built on solid foundation, if properly maintained, appreciates in value over time.)

Courtesy of thefarmersnest.com

An alternative to this problem is to buy a small fixer-upper property and, well, fix it up. By saving what you can of an older home you save money and keep a significant amount of materials out of the landfill (or from just rotting into the ground from neglect.) The property also gains a huge jump in equity (what we call sweat equity) by virtue of having been improved, so your cheap property is now worth a whole lot more.

As for financial concerns regarding maintaining and heating/cooling the home, there are a multitude of options on the market today for solar power, wind power, even water power. In our lovely, mountainous region there is plenty of fuel for wood heat. Insulation has come a long way, as have windows and efficient appliances. In fact, many of the things that make “tiny houses” so appealing can be (and frequently are!) adapted into a good old solid-foundation-ed house.

Your fixer-upper doesn’t have to be a huge house! It can still be small, and you can still make the move toward giving up an excess of material things and simplifying your life. One more thing: fixing up an existing house can sometimes give the surrounding neighborhood a real boost. You’d be surprised at the social impact you can have with the simple act of fixing the front porch and painting the house. Sometimes that’s all it takes to nudge your neighbors into doing the same for their houses.

To discuss tiny houses vs. fixer-uppers, or to view properties in our lovely East Tennessean area, please visit www.darlenereeves-kline.com.

 

Lifestyle in Grainger County

Bordered by Cherokee and Norris Lakes, with plenty of woods, creeks, and farmland in between, Grainger County is a rural paradise for those who want the peacefulness of country life, but also want to be close enough to cities like Morristown and Knoxville for big-town conveniences. Taxes are low here, as well as land and home prices. Agribusiness is making a big comeback in Grainger County, too. The land is bountiful, yet still close to consumers in more populated areas.

The area is steeped in history; Tate Springs, in Bean Station, was once valued for its healing springs. Bean Station, founded by one of the area’s earliest settlers, is the site of the civil war battle named after the town. In Rutledge, the Grainger County seat, you can see a replica of Andrew Johnson’s tailor shop in front of the court house. He worked there briefly in the years before he became President of the United States. For more information about Grainger County, click here.

Wineries,  Vineyards and Local Farms

Tennessee has a long legacy of growing grapes and making wine. After Prohibition, and then the ebb and flow of farming economics, Tennessee wine fell by the wayside. Now, it’s making a comeback with small vineyards sprouting all over Northeast Tennessee. Here are two near the town of Blaine, in Grainger County:

Spout Spring Estates is a pleasantly surprising winery perched atop a ridge with commanding views 360 degrees around! They host free wine tastings during business hours, as well as weddings and other events. Visit spoutspringestates.com to find out more.

Richland Vineyards grows grapes for many local wineries. You can also visit the vineyard to pick your own fruit, and taste the wines made at different vineyards from grapes grown just steps away! Visit www.tennesseewines.com/richland_vineyards.htm to find out more.

Several family-operated farms in the area sell produce to local grocery stores and farmers markets.

Red Barn Farms, located on Highway 11W, offers everything on site from fresh produce and eggs, to family events such as the corn maze. They even have a tractor tire jungle gym in front of the barn! Check their Facebook page for more information.

Grainger County Park

When you’re on your tour of local agribusiness, take a moment to stop in at the Grainger County Park. It’s surprisingly lovely, with play structures for kids, walking paths and the perfect picnic spot: high on a hill with a splendid view of Cherokee lake spread out below.

Grainger County Tomato Festival

Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables in the country…did I say vegetable? I meant fruit, because, officially, that’s what a tomato is. Did you know that there are over 25,000 different kinds of tomatoes? You can learn these facts and so many more about the delicious, nutritious tomato at the Grainger County Tomato Festival! It’s held every summer in the last full weekend of July. The festival started in 1992 as a way to bring the community together and celebrate and promote Grainger County Tomatoes which, as locals know, are the best around.

Admission is free. The festival features tomato wars, races, local artists and artisans, food, and even free music!   Visit www.graingercountytomatofestival.com for more information.

For Grainger County Listings, please visit www.darlenereeves-kline.com. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions!

 

 

Lake Life in East Tennessee

Mountains…rustic cabins…apple butter…woods and wildlife. These are things that people associate with life in our part of the state. People often come to East Tennessee for the mountains, with their fabulous views and abundant wildlife. Locals know there’s more to outdoor recreation around here than hiking  and camping, though; we have great boating and water sports, too! Douglas and Cherokee Lakes offer miles of public and private shoreline, beaches, shallow coves and deep main channels. Here’s a quick look at some of the fun our lakes have to offer:

Sailing

You don’t have to live in a coastal town to be a sailor! The sparkling waters and lush summer breezes of our lakes are a siren call for land-locked water-lovers. Since the 1970s, The Cherokee Lake Sailing Club, located at Black Oak Marina in Jefferson City, Tennessee, has been hosting races, beach parties and other sailing community events. Sailing is an excellent way to get involved in a fun, passionate community and get out on the water at the same time.

 

Black Oak Marina

To learn more about the Cherokee Lake Sailing Club, click here.

Competitive Fishing

Lakes Cherokee, Douglas, and even Norris slightly further north are frequent destinations for professional bass fishing tournaments. Anglers pull their boats from all over the Southeast USA for a chance to reel in the biggest fish, or the most combined weight. It takes a tremendous amount of skill, figuring out which coves to go for and which bait will entice the fish the most.

The Hamblen County Dock, at Cherokee Park in Morristown, is the launching point for many of these highly competitive events.

 

Hamblen County Boat Dock

Please visit Fishing League Worldwide at www.flwfishing.com for more information about fishing tournaments in East Tennessee.

Water Skiing

If an adrenaline rush is more to your water-recreational style, you’ll be happy to know that water skiing and boarding are popular in the area, too.

(Check out this quick reference article about skiing in East Tennessee!)

Many marinas offer boat, jet ski and water ski rentals. H2O Sports in Dandridge (smokymountainh2osports.com), Black Oak Marina in Jefferson City (blackoakmarina.com) and Lakeside Marina in Bean Station (www.cherokee-lake.org/lakeside-marina) are worth a look if you’re on the search for a rental.

The great thing about lake life in East Tennessee is that it’s very affordable.  For listings and information about land and homes on one of our beautiful lakes, please visit www.darlenereeves-kline.com.

4 Things You Didn’t Know About Morristown, Tennessee

Morristown is a growing town with a population of about 28,000 people. It has affordable housing, great shopping and dining, and it’s growing by leaps and bounds. But there are some surprising facts about Morristown that even long-time residents may not know. Here are four fun things you didn’t know about Morristown, Tennessee:

 1. Disc Golf!

Photo from Yelp.com.

If you’ve never encountered this unique sport before, it’s like golf with a ball, except you fling a hefty Frisbee (the disc) at a metal basket mounted on a pole. The courses can be challenging, requiring you to dodge trees and fly your disc on uneven terrain, making for tricky sightlines. And, like golf with a ball, the object is to get the lowest score.  There are three courses in Morristown, regarded highly enough in the disc golfing community to be nicknamed “The Big Three!” Disc golf is on the rise here in Hamblen County, which is evidenced by the Tennessee State Disc Golfing Tournament, held in Morristown since June 2013. If you want to try your hand at disc golf, check out one (or all!) of these three, free courses:

Cherokee Park Disc Golf Course: Cherokee Park, 3075 Floyd Hall Drive

Morristown Rotary Disc Golf Course: Frank Lorino Park, 3100 Lorino Park Road

Kiwanis Disc Golf Course: Wayne Hansard Park, 5100 Dearing Road

Click here for more information about outdoor recreation in Morristown.

 2. Davy Crockett!

Long before Davy Crockett, the famed Frontiersman, was, well…famed, he was a boy who lived a short while in what is now Morristown, Tennessee. The Davy Crockett museum, located at Morningside Drive in Morristown, is a replica of the 1790s John Crockett tavern, on the site of Davy’s boyhood home.  Inside are donated items and replicas from homes in the 1790s in the Hamblen County area, as well as knowledgeable volunteers who can tell you all about Crockett family history.

Davy Crockett Museum, via http://www.crocketttavernmuseum.org.

You can visit 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, May-October. The museum is closed Sunday and Monday. Click here for more information about the Crockett Museum!

 3. We have a state park!

Panther Creek State Park is a 1,435 acre plot of land filled with miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and running. There are overlooks for sweeping views of the lake and trails with access to grassy lakeside areas for picnics and swimming. And, if swimming in a pool is more your style, they have one of those, too! It’s right next to the playground.

Overlook at Panther Creek State Park, via http://www.stateparks.com.

Click here for more information about Panther Creek State Park.

 4. The Evil Dead was filmed here!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Talk about a cult classic: directed by Sam Raimi, (of Spider-Man fame) and starring Bruce Campbell (who is more recently known for his role in the television show Burn Notice, but always gets a cameo appearance in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films) this movie takes B-rated to a whole new level. Launched in 1981, The Evil Dead features more fake blood and gore than you can pack into one abandoned cabin in the woods.

There you have it: four fun things about Morristown, Tennessee that you didn’t know. If you did know any of these fun facts, let me know by dropping me a line on my Facebook Page, or in the comments below!

Want to search for listings in Morristown? Visit my website at http://www.darlenereeves-kline.com.

Considering Retirement? Consider East Tennessee!

Lovely fall leaves, inspiring spring flowers, sunny summer days and just enough snow to make winter deserve the name…East Tennessee wears all four seasons beautifully. Add to this soaring mountains, rolling valleys, woods, creeks, and lakes, and this is the ideal environment to enjoy retirement.

But there are practical reasons to retire to East Tennessee, too. Here’s what Marketwatch.com had to say:

“Tennessee recently earned the number-one spot among top retirement states in a Bankrate.com study, which ranked states by such data as climate, tax rates, cost of living and access to health care.”

Tennessee transplants are often pleasantly surprised at how much further their dollars stretch here. Daily necessities like food and utilities are several points below the national average. Housing costs fall in at 23.7 points below the national average! All together, cost of living in the Volunteer state ranks at 9.7% below the national average.  Click here to start comparing the numbers: retiretennessee.org.

It’s one thing to discuss lower cost, but what about quality of life? Anybody can downgrade to eating Ramen noodles for every meal and save money, or stay in day after day to avoid spending on recreation and entertainment. In Tennessee, you don’t have to. The quality of life vs. cost of living ratio is very favorable here. Temperate weather means you can enjoy golf most of the year, hike the Smoky Mountains, fish and boat on the myriad of lakes and rivers…do all the things that make retirement so rewarding, without draining your resources.

More than just an affordable place to live in terms of what things cost, Tennessee is listed on Kiplinger.com as a tax-friendly state for retirees:

“There’s no state income tax, so salaries, wages, Social Security benefits, IRA distributions and pension income are not taxed.”

Click here to compare for yourself: Kiplinger.com.

But what about healthcare?

Moving to the rural lifestyle is peaceful, but worry over adequate healthcare and emergency services can ruin the ambience. Worry not. There are award-winning hospitals in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, and excellent medical facilities in Morristown, Jefferson City, Rogersville…in fact, in most areas of East Tennessee, you’re never more than a quick drive to medical care.

Even rural areas, such as Grainger County, have efficient and skilled emergency medical services, with ambulances at your door within minutes, when you need them. For life-threatening situations where every second counts, the University of Tennessee LifeStar emergency helicopter serves a 150-mile radius around its Knoxville, Tennessee headquarters. Even areas as remote as Hancock County, a rural northeast corner of the state, are serviced by its cutting-edge, life-saving technology.

For more information about LifeStar, click here: utmedicalcenter.org.

Routine health maintenance is easily accessible, too. With Lincoln Memorial University’s program in Osteopathy (in Harrogate, Tennessee) and the University of Tennessee’s medical programs, our rural and urban areas alike have an abundance of well-trained physicians. There is also a medical college and Veteran’s Hospital in Johnson City.

Add to this a growing list of chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists and other holistic healthcare providers, who are also attracted by the beautiful surroundings and low cost of living, and you’ll find that your options for well-rounded healthcare maintenance are quite diverse!

For a sampling of holistic healthcare professionals in Knoxville, click here: Holistic-alternative-practitioners.com.

For a list of best hospitals in East Tennessee, click here: Health.usnews.com.

 

Welcome!

Welcome to DarleneReevesKline.Wordpress.com, your new source for information about culture, lifestyle and, of course, real estate right here in East Tennessee. Once a week we’ll be posting about local businesses, festivals, and great things to do in our beautiful corner of southern Appalachia! We’ll also give you useful information about our state’s low taxes and low cost of living, which makes it the perfect place to start a family or enjoy retirement to the fullest.

Visit http://www.darlenereeves-kline.com/ for local listings.

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