Tell me about rural areas north of Chattanooga (Knoxville, Johnson City: house, to buy)

[vintagemorgans]

My husband and I are planning to relocate to Tennessee. We visited in November, flying into Nashville and traveling through Cookeville, Tazewell, Morristown, Rogersville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Greeneville, Knoxville, and then down through Chattanooga to Winchester. Originally, we were wanting to stay in the Knoxville area and we really liked Greeneville. In looking on-line, I don't want to discount areas further south toward Chattanooga.
We will probably be retired so being near jobs isn't necessary. We want RURAL with over 15 acres to qualify for the Greenbelt tax rate. We have horses and will certainly have chickens, maybe some other livestock. Where we live now we are over 30 minutes to a store. We want to be within an hour of a hospital.

What can you tell me about the areas north of Chattanooga, such as Athen, Sweetwater, Dayton, Dunlap, etc.? We want to buy a place with a house but our requirements are modest. Ideally, 3 bedroom 2 bath but could take less than that. Would love to have a basement. Over 15 acres of land, part pasture, part wooded, NOT FLAT. A shop building would be nice. Our budget is $500,000.

I look forward to your feedback.
TIA.

[shinestx]

I live in Chattanooga and know everything about the surrounding area.

I don't post much on C-D anymore b/c it seems I always get "time out" for something I post. I'm blunt and don't sugar-coat... I always post facts and I'm willing to help you out. So DM me if you want to know anything. I'll attempt to enlighten you.