Quaint town
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2/23/2024
Greeneville is a quaint small town with strong historical roots and identity. They believe in keeping history alive, and rather than tear down old buildings, they are slowly renovating them, which adds to the charm. Thankfully, the mindset is to keep history and culture alive, rather than tear things down and build hideous high-rises. I have found the citizens to be pleasant, friendly, polite, and very patriotic. The stores you shop in are so quiet you can hear a pin drop, because people don't talk loudly , nor are they talking on cell phones at an excessive level, if at all. Sorry out of towners, but you can be spotted a mile away by the volume at which you speak. You will stick out like a sore thumb. Along with your blue tooth ear buds.
I have found the locals to be so polite, it's amazing. They don't barrel past you in the store aisles, cut you off on the roads or in stores, they say please and thank you, and are amazingly courteous. I have seen "non-locals" get very impatient and rude with people because of the slower pace here. My suggestion is get used to it, or go back where you came from.
However; if you are from the north, west, midwest; any area other than the south, and have never lived in the south, be forewarned. I have lived in the south for 30+ years, and have never been able to acclimate to the "nice to your face, but watch your back when you turn away" attitudes. I grew up in New England; basically, what you see is what you get. I have been told numerous times that New Englanders are rude. No, they just mind their own business, and are genuine. If they don't like you, they don't pretend that they do. Not so in the south. Southern hospitality is *not* what you may think it is.
Greeneville is small. Very small. One Walmart. No Target, or other comparable store. One Lowes. No Home Depot. Restaurants are generally chain restaurants. Diversity? None. The general review given states "a lean toward conservative ". A "lean" is putting it mildly. I would call it extremely conservative. Like Trump banners the size of a house? You'll find them here in this area. If you are a Democrat, and heaven forbid, Liberal, you will not be welcomed or comfortable in this political atmosphere.
Cheaper? Not by much, if at all. Property taxes took a 30% hike this year. Sales tax is 9.75% on everything, including food. Utilies are comparable to the larger city I came from, if not more expensive. Gas is cheaper; insurance; not. Food prices are no cheaper than anywhere else. Health care is well, abominable; even the "locals" complain. I had the very unfortunate opportunity to be a patient at the ONE hospital ER here; and all I can say is that the lack of patient care was appalling. And good luck finding a doctor; bluntly put, any doctor or healthcare worker worth his salt will not be bringing his talents to this tiny town. The general overview states "multiple hospitals". Incorrect. There is only ONE. From my personal experience, should I ever need medical treatment, I will be driving one hour north or south for treatment. If you have a chronic health condition, please take serious consideration of the healthcare available here.
If you move here from anywhere else, you're not a "local". Oh everyone is pleasant, but sometimes you will feel unwelcome in very subtle ways. Some, not so subtle. Again. the general review of Greeneville states "a strong sense of community". Maybe if you were born and raised here; if not, you *will* feel a sense of being isolated as a "non-local". I think that "strong sense of community" here means sticking to their traditional values (a good thing), but yet, ostracizing people who are not from here. If you try to fit in, and even uphold those same values, it doesn't matter much. You may make one small step toward being accepted, but trust me, at the end of the day, you are just not a "local" and never will be.
Quite a bit of poverty; lots of rundown, abandoned buildings that are old, but with beautiful architecture and potential; hopefully that they will be preserved and renovated, but that could take years. Huge influx of people, that the infrastructure cannot support.
If you are considering moving here; please do your research. There are some larger towns in East Tennessee that may have more what you're looking for, in terms of entertainment, shopping, restaurants; parks, greenways....just not much to do around here. Seriously. Rent before you buy; spend some time; a LOT of time, before you commit. Make sure it's exactly what you were looking for. Oh, and leave any political views, attitudes, road rage, tailgating, horn honking, grid locking, running red lights, speeding, and rudeness, behind. Try to fit in, as best you can. Do as the Romans do. Respect the culture; don't be so arrogant to think that you can or should change things or the people. No one cares how it was done back where you came from. And if you can't do those things, I suggest you find somewhere else to live, or go back home, wherever that is.
MMM | Greeneville, TN