I'm sitting here in Loudon Cnty, just outside of Lenoir City. 2.25 acres, view of the Smokies and Fort Loudon Lake. Low property tax, no state income tax - sales tax is 10% though (gotta git them turists money). From here I can be in Maryville or West Knoxville in half hour. Retired from Michigan 9 years ago and it does get HOT here for 8 - 10 weeks. Winters are great, 1/2" snow last one, but 2" can shut everything down. Good area to look at is along US 321 from Lenoir City to Maryville. Friendsville, Louisville, Greenback. Anything down in Tellico area is a long way from everything - unless you're an avid golfer. My mom was raised in North Knoxville, Inlaws and wife were from Townsend. No regrets moving here.