I love east Tennessee. We live in a small but growing town. It's growing a little too fast for me, but I can handle that. My DH and I moved every 2 or 3 years for 23 years. We settled in Memphis and thought we would be there the rest of our lives. But, like most big cities, the druggies and murderers and robbers began to take over. The schools went downhill in a hurry and I began to barricade myself in the house during the day, and was afraid to go to the mall. When DH retired from UT Memphis, we couldn't leave fast enough! We have been here for 18 years. I have lots of friends, I love my church and am involved in choir. My neighbors are great. We built the house and I love it, but wish I had one more room besides the bonus room. I sit on my back porch and look at the Smokies amd the Chilhowees and I love it! The leaves are starting to turn and in a month it will be breathtaking. What more could you ask for? Quilt shops? There are 6 within 30 miles!