jobs and homes in Knoxville and surrounding areas (Oak Ridge: real estate market, houses)

[GBAUSA]

Hello,

I am in my mid 50's and want to move to TN with my college age sons. I would like to find out about the Knoxville area. I am a Christian and hoping to find a home in the $200k-$250k range, preferably away from town. I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and looking for work in private industry. Can you tell me what jobs are like and what areas outside of town are best for searching for a home? I appreciate any information you can share. I used to live in Georgia.

[Barking Spider]

When you say away from town, what exactly do you mean?
In case you haven't visited Knoxville, here is some info. Knoxville is very spread out geographically. There is a downtown area (high rises, University, a bit of industry nearby. However, the greater Knoxville area ranges from very rural, to large mall/shopping areas.
For instance, I live in the Karns are of Knox County. Im about 10 minutes from Oak Ridge, and about 20 minutes from downtown. But Karns is somewhat rural, with several active cattle farms, etc.

Knoxville is not like Mayberry, where there are three blocks of "downtown" surrounded by homes, then nothing till you get to the fishing hole where Opie throws rocks.

Accounting jobs are probably out there, but a fair amount of competition for them. You should plan a visit and see how Knoxville fits your needs. I would not think its a good plan to move here without a job, especially in today's job market and unemployment numbers.

[danielj72]

The real estate market is red hot now. Houses are going for over asking price and they sell almost immediately. I believe this is true almost everywhere around here. There are unbelievable amounts of people moving here from up North and out West.