Retiring in the Knoxville area? (Maryville: house, new construction, university)

[missdeon]

I need your help. I am looking for a place to retire in 3 to 5 years. I really know nothing about Knoxville. It just recently came up on my radar. Is Knoxville a good place to retire? If so, which areas would you recommend?
I want a home that has a small amount of acreage (1/2 to 1 acre) that is close enough to Knoxville to enjoy the arts and cultural events that might be offered and yet far enough away to give me a small town type of feeling. A pedestrian friendly downtown would be good and close to a public transit to get where I want to go easily.
I also don't want to live in a city that has a lot of city codes that micromanage what people can do on their own property.
There are other, more specific, things I am looking for but right now, since my proposed move is in the future, I would just like to know general information that might lead me to look further into a permanent relocation to the Knoxville area or if my attention should be directed elsewhere.
Your information would be appreciated and valued. Thank you!

[linnemj]

We retired to Maryville which is approximately 40 minutes from downtown Knoxville. This is a popular area for retirees from other areas of the country. The cost of living is low, there are many opportunities to do outside activities. We find Knoxville offers cultural attractions with live performances. Having the University of TN and small colleges such as Maryville College is a benefit. Our area meets many of your preferences with the exception of public transportation. You would have to live in Knoxville suburbs for that.

I recommend that you make a visit to see if it is a good fit for you. My wife and I probably spent at least 15 nights here over three years before we decided to move here in retirement. Look at the area not as a tourist but see it as a resident.

Good luck with your search!

[dwnmo]

Does Maryville have a downtown area? Does it have festivals, farmer's market, etc? Does it feel like a community or more of a Knoxville suburb? Does it have decent shopping without having to leave the community? Thanks!

[Barking Spider]

Both Knoxville and Maryville have Building Depts and enforce building codes. Neither City or County will allow you to build a house out of pallets. They adhere to the IRC Building Codes.
Obviously, any information that you get now can change dramatically in 3-5 years. Just looking at the new construction boom alone, what used to be wooded acreage is now a huge sub division.

You should visit the area and see what's its like and get a feel if its going to be a good fit for you.

[linnemj]

Originally Posted by dwnmo

Does Maryville have a downtown area? Does it have festivals, farmer's market, etc? Does it feel like a community or more of a Knoxville suburb? Does it have decent shopping without having to leave the community? Thanks!

Maryville has a downtown but it is not well developed with cute stores, ect. There are many festivals in the area along with farmer’s markets. It has a wonderful library and greenways for walking. It is a small city rather than a direct suburb of Knoxville.

Based on your comments, you might want to look at Asheville or Brevard, NC. Cost of living is significantly higher but it may better fit your needs.

[dwnmo]

Originally Posted by linnemj

Based on your comments, you might want to look at Asheville or Brevard, NC. Cost of living is significantly higher but it may better fit your needs.

Thanks. We would need to find a lower cost of living area. I will just have to keep looking!