Tell me about NW Georgia & SE Tennessee

[Skytrooper]

I am actively looking to relocate out of Cuomoland (NY). I have some interest in the NW mountain area of Georgia and possibly SE Tennessee. I figured that the brain trust here on Pelican might have some good information that could help me pin-point a desirable location.

[fintstone]

For retirement with watersports nearby, I like the Lake Hartwell area in North Georgia. Somewhat secluded and rural, but easy access to the interstate and a short drive to major metro areas like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Greenville. It is far enough north for cool summers and far enough south for mild winters.

It used to be pretty a cheap place for a vacation or retirement home...but prices have gone up due to the growth in industry and income in nearby Greeenville SC.

If you are looking for something in a city, I like the outskirts of Greenville SC. Good climate, lots to do.

[rattlsnak]

Hartwell is on the east side. The NW side is much more mountainous. There are a couple towns like Dalton or Calhoun that are OK and of course Chattanooga. Kind of depends on what you're looking to do.

[yetibone]

Keep an ear out for banjos. Paddle faster if you hear any.

[SiberianDVM]

Whatever you do, don't let the locals know you're from NY.

[fintstone]

A guy with a handle like skytrooper would do just fine almost anywhere in the south. Southerners love military men. Retiree? If so, you may want to try tp stay near a military installation.

[red-beard]

One of the guys I worked with in India owns the SE corner of Tennesee. His name was Lou Fuquay. His wife looked like the woman gym teacher from Porky's, and not the young Kim Cattrall...

[xlr8]

Tax info:

Kiplinger - Interstitial

Kiplinger - Interstitial

[72doug2,2S]

Originally Posted by red-beard

... His name was Lou Fuquay.

Hey, watch the language..

[cashflyer]

It would put you close to the Tail of the Dragon.

Also, good ol' boy law enforcement.
Perhaps that is not really different than NYPD, though.

[Skytrooper]

I am a military retiree. Kids are grown and out on their own. It's just the wife and I. We are basically looking for somewhere that has lower taxes (NY hurts my pension), less restrictive gun laws, lower cost of living, less tax on gas, a slower pace, and nicer people. I have previously lived in Virginia, Florida, Missouri, and a short while in Arizona. My wife would prefer to stay east of the Mississippi (grew up in Georgia) which is closer to my Daughter in Northern Virginia. Son lives in Albuquerque, so if we live near a hub (Atlanta ?) it would be convenient for him to visit...he is financially better off than my daughter. Both my wife and I are looking for a bit less winter than we get here in western NY.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by SiberianDVM

Whatever you do, don't let the locals know you're from NY.

By talking . I keed, I keed...."Southern hospitality" is alive and well...just don't try to tell the locals "how you did it back where you came from". Fint is spot on too imo...ex-military = instant RESPECT!!! Chatanooga is a pretty cool area....lot's of great roads without ever seeing the Dragon...good luck!

[IROC]

I live in Knoxville, TN and my in-laws live in Rome, GA, so we are back and forth through the areas you're talking about pretty often. The farther away from Atlanta the better, IMHO. One area in N. GA that we love is Ellijay. Cartersville, GA has some nice spots, too. In SE TN, there is the Signal Mountain area, too.

[Seahawk]

I have always liked, Helen, Ga, in the NE section of GA. My sister has a vacation place outside of Brevard, NC...there are lots small colleges in the NW/NE corner of GA. as well as SC and NC. areas which improves the quality of life.

Plenty of festivals, etc. Enjoy.

Thanks for your service and congrats on your retirement.

[RWebb]

do you want mountains?

how about poisonous snakes? - much more common there...

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by RWebb

....how about poisonous snakes? - much more common there...

Just don't go to those "churches" and you'll be just fine

[Rot 911]

Do you need to be located close to a military base for anything? If so I would look more around the Ft. Bragg area rather than the areas your have already mentioned.

[Skytrooper]

I have no need or really any desire to be near a military base, spent too many years on and around them. So that is not a part of my criteria for relocation.

I am not worried about the snakes, NY is full of them...they are called politicians up here though

I just want a quiet area, mountains are a plus, where I can just relax and enjoy life. I have no aspirations to move to a town and try to change it. It got by fine before I ever showed up, so politics are not something I want to do.

IROC, tell me about Ellijay and why you like it so much. It may be right for me...who knows. Cooler summers and mild winters would be great.

[fintstone]

Personally, I need to be near a base because of the commissary. They closed the Ft Gillem one in Atlanta and the Ft McPherson one was/is closing as well. A new one has been approved to be built at Dobbins ARB in Marietta and the environmental impact study came back ok last fall...so unless the funds get pulled...that would be great for North Georgia.

[Wilywilly]

Hey Top,

I live in Sutallee (you won't find it on a map) but it's halfway between Cartersville and Canton and real nice heavily forested country in the foothills of the mountains.. Atlanta is a little over an hour away most times (rush hours excluded). We have a great Porsche community here and the North Ga Mountains are pretty close. Helen is a little over an hour as is Brasstown. My County (Cherokee) has a senior exemption for Property Taxes, have to be 61 or over. Property Taxes with the exemption are real low. Ga has an income tax but SS and Govt retirement including Military is exempt. Road Atlanta is 1 and 1/2 hours away. No freeways, city lights or noise in Sutallee and the nights are as dark as they get. Closest store is a bait shop 5 miles away but another 5 miles and your in some decent towns for retail, restaurants and movies. I like it alot. I like the Chattanooga area too, its a little shy of two hours away. Tail of the dragon 2 1/2 maybe 3 hours away and a beach like Panama City maybe 5 hours.