Kingsport Spirit

Jeff Fleming's unique take on the Kingsport Spirit with stories of faith, family, people, places, & history of his hometown and surrounding region. Jeff retired in 2019 after serving the City of Kingsport for 35 years, rising from planning intern to city manager.

Is Northeast Tennessee growing too fast?

When people worry about Northeast Tennessee growing too fast, looking at other mid-size cities across Tennessee is helpful. Middle Tennessee’s market is undeniably white-hot, so it’s no surprise that the top four cities are from that region. But the disparity may surprise you. Those four cities account for 60% of all the homes sold.

Northeast Tennessee, by comparison, isn’t in danger of growing too fast or losing its charm. Our growth hovers right at the median. Choosing to move here is a decision that will stand the test of time. Northeast Tennessee offers the perfect balance–big enough to have the daily amenities you need, but small enough to avoid the headaches of urban sprawl from a neighboring big city.