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In Tennessee, when people refer to the Tri-Cities, they are talking about Johnson City, Bristol and Kingsport, three unassuming communities found in the lush, rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the very northeastern corner of the state. Each of these towns has a cost of living 18% to 25% below the national average, and each one is within twenty miles of the other two. The combined population of all three is roughly 130,000 people. Of the three, Kingsport has the highest median home price ($115,000), while Bristol and Johnson City have median prices of about $90,000. This area attracts an older demographic, with roughly 40% of the population age 45 or better. Each community is, of course, distinct, but retirees seeking a region with down to earth, working class values will feel at home here.
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Bristol (25,000 people) is recognized by the U.S. Congress as the birthplace of country music and celebrates its musical heritage with pride, hosting a number of bluegrass and country music series and events throughout the year. There is a beautiful performing arts center, as well as some fun underground caverns, a summer-long farmers' market and a downtown dotted with well-tended Victorian buildings. Bristol also has a NASCAR race track, and the racing culture looms large. There is a public bus system, and the city has programs, including trips, classes, lunches, transportation and more, for people age 50 and better.
Johnson City (population 62,000 people) started out as a railroad hub, dipped its toes in the country music business and for a time was nicknamed "Little Chicago" for its bootlegging activities. Al Capone spent time here, and a favorite hotel of his is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Johnson City is also locally known for its "Barney Fife" ordinance which empowers the city's police force to draft into involuntary service as many of the town's citizens as necessary to aid police in making arrests during unlawful assemblies and/or riots.
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The city celebrates its musical roots with the Little Chicago Blues Festival and the Blue Plum Festival, and because Johnson City is the hub of this area, it offers good shopping choices with a large indoor mall and numerous box stores. Milligan College (population 1,000), a Christian liberal arts institution, and East Tennessee State University (15,000 students), are here as well. The city has a public bus system, and the Johnson City Senior Center offers a good selection of programs and activities.
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Of the three cities, Kingsport, population 45,000 and nestled along the Holston River, may be the most interesting. It started out as a port city and has won some national awards, including being named an "All American City," the "Most Walkable Community" and a "Top 100 Community to Live." It has an outstanding police and fire department, highly rated public schools, very good restaurants and an acclaimed public art initiative, which has installed numerous sculptures in public spaces.
The city also boasts the Kingsport's Higher Education Initiative, a collection of five higher-learning institutions (such as the University of Tennessee) in one beautiful, new 54,000 sq. ft. facility.
The Kingsport Senior Center provides numerous services, and KATS provides local bus service. The Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League, a rookie-level league, play here, and fishing and boating take place on nearby Boone Lake. Eastman Chemicals is also here, however, and new residents say that the plant emits a sickly sweet odor. Some people do not mind it or cannot smell it; others have had to leave town because of it.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport offers daily flights to seven hubs. There are two major hospitals, the Johnson City Medical Center (410 beds), a Level 1 Trauma Center, and Kingsport's Holston Valley Medical Center, also a Level 1 Trauma Center, as well as a regional medical center in Bristol.
When it comes to climate, this region is hot and muggy in the summer and can be chilly in the winter. It receives an average of four inches of precipitation a month. The sun shines 205 days of the year. Tornados are rare.
The Tri-Cities region is stuggling in the Recession, and jobs are scarce. Crime rates in all three cities are above the national average, but residents say they feel safe.
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Retirees really seem to enjoy each of the Tri-Cities, and each one offers a low-key lifestyle. The area is rural and steeped in music history and common sense values. Medical care and senior services are strong, and housing is affordable. Despite some drawbacks, Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport deserve a look when it comes time for retirement.
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