Kingsport Spirit

If you’ve heard me talk about growth, you’ve heard me talk about “all things in moderation” or “not too hot, not too cold, just right,” suggesting a balanced, thoughtful approach to growth and community life.

It points to a place that’s not too large to feel overwhelming or impersonal, but not so small that it lacks opportunity or essential services. Places of moderate size can offer meaningful work, access to healthcare and education, and cultural life without the congestion, cost, or detachment often found in sprawling urban centers.

In terms of development, it means steady, intentional growth—welcoming new businesses and housing while preserving the character and history that make the place unique.

It also speaks to a population where different age groups, income levels, and cultural backgrounds coexist without any single group dominating. It means a place that balances its built environment with natural spaces, ensuring there are parks and quiet places alongside homes and businesses.

It means a place where public services are sufficient and accessible without becoming overly bureaucratic or wasteful.

Altogether, this kind of moderation creates a community that is livable, grounded, and welcoming—a place where people can thrive without losing their sense of connection.

In other words, look for the ones in the middle. Not the white-hot economic engines with big crowds and congestion, but not the other extreme either.

In the never-ending quest to explain this concept, I stumbled upon the Comptroller’s “Tax Aggregate Report of Tennessee”. I started by identifying the counties with a total property value greater than $8 Billion, which sounds like a lot until you realize that Davidson County (Nashville) alone is approaching $225 billion! Northeast Tennessee counties are shown in red.

It’s no surprise that the Nashville metro area is in a class of its own in Tennessee. After all, it ranks among the hottest real estate markets in the nation alongside Austin, Phoenix, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Tampa. Nashville’s gravitational pull draws in surrounding counties in Middle Tennessee—Williamson ($105.3B), Rutherford ($66B), Sumner ($41.2B), Wilson ($37.2B), and Montgomery ($32B). This cluster of high-value counties speaks to the region’s explosive population growth, business expansion, and infrastructure investment.

The core Northeast Tennessee counties, Sullivan (Kingsport-Bristol) and Washington (Johnson City) are right in the middle.

In life, it’s all about finding the right balance—just like the saying, “all things in moderation.” And when you hear the term “Tennessee’s Most Valuable”, know that it, in my opinion, means more than just numbers or statistics—it celebrates the friendly people, the strong community spirit, and the rich history that make the area truly special.

Northeast Tennessee perfectly captures that sweet spot. It offers breathtaking mountain scenery without the crowded tourist traps. It has the conveniences of a metropolitan area without the stress of one big central city—instead, you’ll find a network of welcoming small cities and towns, each with its own distinct charm. Here, homes come in every style and budget, not just expensive, gated neighborhoods filled with cookie-cutter McMansions. Plus, you’re always close to thousands of acres of protected open spaces, from parks and lakes to national forests. And to top it all off, there’s a convenient regional airport connecting you to three major hubs and two favorite Florida vacation spots.

It’s a reminder that real value comes from a balanced lifestyle where every part of life is appreciated.