Rural areas around Chattanooga (Knoxville, South Pittsburg: houses, buying, school)

[mtn_lf]

Hi. We are planning a family move and have been mostly focused on rural areas around Knoxville, but the more I've looked the more I think we need to give Chattanooga a look. We would like to be within maybe 45 mins to Chattanooga for jobs. We would like to be closer to a small quaint friendly town that would have enough to do grocery shopping etc. We are nature/mountain lovers so we are looking for an area that's good for that (and no flat land). We wish to buy land (10+ ac) and likely build our own home on it (husband builds houses), so no restrictions and maybe even non crazy building codes would be good. Looking for freedom, mountains, and of course we care about crime/drugs. Are there any counties around Chattanooga that are nice (not with amenities, but just quality of life) and would fit what we're looking for?

[y8tiger]

Based off what you described, I would recommend you check out the mountainous area where the Tennessee State Line connects with the NE Corner of Alabama and the NW Corner of Georgia.

[An Einnseanair]

I suggest visiting the area and really evaluating your definition of "flat land". The Chattanooga area consists of wide, deep, valleys surrounded by plateaus. They aren't "flat", consisting of rolling hills and ridges, but they also aren't what most people would cause "mountainous". Also, buying 10 acres on the mountains (plateaus) within commuting distance of downtown Chattanooga would require more money than most people have. But if you're willing to live down in the valley with easy access to public areas in the surrounding mountains, then Chattanooga is your place.

What y8tiger said: There really isn't a "town" in the area described by y8tiger, unless you count the tiny community of New Hope a bit farther west. I agree with the geography of the area, though. It's quite hilly, and there may actually be land available.

Going a little farther west you have the towns of Jasper, Kimble, and South Pittsburg. I would consider each a "small quaint friendly town" if you are of a politically conservative mindset. The three together have enough population to warrant a shopping center off the interstate with several big-box stores. You won't be buying 10-acres inside the towns, but maybe farther out.

Quite a bit of industry in the area (Lodge Cast Iron, Valmont, etc.)
Kimble at least has access to gigabit internet (a friend lives there).

Cons: You will be in the Central time zone, so if you work in Chattanooga (Eastern time zone) your commute can get complicated. Mainly you'll have to get up really early for commuting. If you have kids, their school clock will be one hour off from your work clock.

[mtn_lf]

Thanks so much! I will check into all of these areas.