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Sold Out!
It seems like every time a new subdivision begins construction, social media buzzes with the familiar question: “Who’s going to buy these homes?” It’s as if we imagine knowing every potential homebuyer personally. An assumption is made that it’s only for outsiders. When someone posts on Facebook seeking advice about relocating to the area, responses…
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Beyond the Paycheck: Cost of Living in Northeast Tennessee
It’s common to hear about recent college graduates receiving higher-paying job offers outside the region and comparing them to similar positions here. However, those comparisons often overlook critical factors, such as cost-of-living and tax implications, which can make a significant difference. Even within Tennessee, where the state government and tax structure are consistent, living costs…
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Meet in the middle
When someone mentions “Kingsport,” we often think of the core areas—Downtown, Midtown, or Eastman. But many of the city’s thriving neighborhoods are on its outskirts, offering easy access to Bristol, Johnson City, and other nearby communities. These peripheral neighborhoods benefit from the same excellent schools, public services, and police and fire protection as central Kingsport.…
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Remodeling the Model City – Highland Park
If you haven’t explored the side streets of Kingsport lately, you’re missing out on a story worth telling. While much attention has been given to code enforcement, an equally remarkable narrative is unfolding: the private sector is stepping up with reinvestment, and homeowners are purchasing properties at fair market value. Adding to the appeal, the…
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Lynn Garden Reimagined
Lynn Garden sprung up as an unincorporated neighborhood of worker cottages in the 1930s for Kingsport’s legacy industries. The community grew rapidly, necessitating the creation of a county elementary school (Lynn Garden) and later a county high school (Lynn View). Fast forward to 2024 and the community is now in the city limits with full…
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Patriots to Pioneers: Tracing My Connection to Becky Boone
I grew up hearing stories about my father’s roots in Clintwood, Virginia, in Dickenson County. It’s just over an hour’s drive north of Kingsport, Tennessee, near Virginia’s border with Kentucky. I still treasure my copy of Meet Virginia’s Baby, a book highlighting Dickenson County, the youngest in the Commonwealth, formed in 1880. What I didn’t…
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A Realtor’s Guide to Regional Schools
The Tennessee Department of Education’s recent report card offers insights that go beyond surface appearances—much like the values we cherish in people, it’s what’s inside that truly counts. Pro Tip: If you want to cut to the chase, look at the link/chart at the bottom of this article. Education isn’t just about modern buildings or…
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Northeast Tennessee offers an attractive alternative
Housing is a cornerstone of economic development, serving as a powerful driver of economic growth. Reporting statistics per capita is important because it standardizes data by accounting for population size, allowing for fair comparisons. By normalizing data, per capita metrics avoid misleading interpretations arising from raw totals, especially when populations differ significantly. With that in…
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First Families of Tennessee
First Families of Tennessee was established by the East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) in 1993 as a Tennessee Bicentennial project. Membership is open to anyone who can prove direct descent from a person or persons living in what is now Tennessee before or by statehood in 1796. I began my First Families journey recently. My…
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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…
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Kingsport Spirit 