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Q1 2025 Sales Volume
The Q1 results are in, and just five markets made up 51% of all Tri-Cities home sales: Kingsport (16%), Johnson City (14%), Jonesborough (8%), Bristol, TN-VA (7%), and Greeneville (7%). The remaining sales were spread across Northeast Tennessee, from Mountain City to Bulls Gap, Rogersville to Erwin, and everywhere in between. Northeast Tennessee doesn’t have…
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The Deepest Landmark You’ve Never Seen
Sometimes you stumble across a fun fact that’s just too interesting not to share. While browsing Google Earth recently, I noticed something surprising: the Vulcan Materials quarry in Kingsport. It’s less than half a mile from West Stone Drive—as the crow flies—tucked behind Lowe’s and Walmart. Thousands of cars pass by every day without realizing…
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Kingsport: Crossroads of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Trail
Today, the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Trail was celebrated at Netherland Inn in Kingsport. Sycamore Shoals, in present-day Elizabethton, was the site of the 1775 Transylvania Purchase, where Daniel Boone was hired to blaze a trail through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky. While this marked the legal and ceremonial beginning of the Wilderness…
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The Quiet Corner of Tennessee That’s Winning the Housing Game
Affordable housing is a hot topic across the country right now. With no state income tax, no vehicle tax, and low property taxes, Tennessee is seen as one of the most budget-friendly states to live in—but Northeast Tennessee stands out even more. Kingsport, in particular, is gaining attention. It sees home sales similar to some…
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A Letter to Dad, 11 Years Later
Dear Dad, It’s April 15. Hard to believe it’s been 11 years since I got the call that stopped me in my tracks. They held off on announcing my appointment as city manager that day, but you already knew it was coming. The mayor had tipped you off ahead of time—maybe that was your sign…
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Tennessee’s Most Valuable
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…
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Tri-Cities Airport: Local Perk on a Global Scale
My wife and I recently decided to apply for “Trusted Traveler” status through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program. It’s a great option, offering expedited customs processing and including TSA PreCheck for faster airport security. The application process is pretty straightforward: you fill out an online form, then complete an in-person interview…
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Move To Kingsport – March 2025
Month of March 2025: Past 12 Months (ending March 2025): Since 2020: The recent data indicates that homes in Kingsport are slightly more affordable than the past year when considering the price per square foot. In March 2025, the price per square foot was $140, an $18 decrease compared to the past 12-month average of…
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A New Generation Leads: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Shaping Kingsport’s Future
The City of Kingsport is going through a major generational shift. Many still think of Kingsport as a retirement city, but now there are more citizens under 40 than over 40. This means there are more Millennials and Gen Z living in Kingsport than Boomers and Gen X. Although it’s a group I revere, the…
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Making Fair Comparisons: Housing Markets Across Eastern Tennessee
Comparing cities can be tricky—it’s a lot like comparing yourself to someone else. For example, if your friend saves $10,000 while you save $5,000, they might seem more successful. But if they earn twice your salary, you’re actually saving at a higher rate. It’s the difference between saying, “Who has more?” versus “Who is doing…
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Kingsport Spirit 