Relocating to the Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee
Thinking about moving to Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport, Erwin, Elizabethton, Greeneville, or Rogersville? I'll help you land in the right town, county, and neighborhood — and hand you the local playbook to settle in fast.
Shane O'Hare
Associate · RE/MAX Checkmate
Start here
Top 10 tips for relocating to the Tri-Cities
A quick field guide to the things newcomers wish they'd known on day one.
Establish residency in the right county.
Register your vehicle and swap your license at the correct County Clerk (Sullivan, Washington, Hawkins, Greene, Unicoi, or Carter) — and enjoy no vehicle emissions or state safety inspections.
Pocket the no-state-income-tax raise.
TN has no state income tax, so wages, tips, and investment income go further from day one.
Know the city-vs-county school split.
Several towns run their own municipal districts (Bristol TN City, Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville City) separate from the surrounding county schools — confirm which serves your exact address.
Line up fiber internet early.
Most towns offer municipal or co-op gigabit fiber (BTES, BrightRidge, GEA, Holston Connect, Erwin Fiber) — ideal for remote work.
Check your utility provider by town.
Most are municipal, but Kingsport is served by investor-owned AEP Appalachian Power — it affects setup and budgeting.
Consider a credit union.
Strong regional options (Eastman, Knoxville TVA, USFCU) often beat big banks on auto loans, savings, and mortgages.
Insure for the terrain.
Lakefront, riverfront, and forest/ridge-adjacent properties have unique needs — independent brokers and Farm Bureau agents shop multiple carriers for these.
Get to know Ballad Health.
The region's hospitals run under Ballad — know your nearest facility and trauma level (Johnson City Medical Center is Level I).
Match the town to your lifestyle.
Use the community guides below — Bristol for music/lake life, Johnson City for the energetic ETSU hub, Kingsport for schools and value, Erwin for mountains, and more.
Plug into the community and the outdoors.
Local chambers, senior centers, and outfitters connect you fast — plus the Appalachian Trail, lakes, and blue-ribbon trout rivers are at your doorstep.
Why Tennessee
The statewide case for moving to Tennessee
Before you even pick a town, these are the advantages every TN transplant inherits.
Financial / Taxes
No State Income Tax
Instant raise on wages, salaries, tips, and investment income.
Daily Expenses
Lower Cost of Living
Groceries, utilities, and healthcare track well below the national average.
Real Estate
More House for the Money
Highly competitive price-per-square-foot for larger lots and scenic views.
Vehicle & Property
Low Taxes & No Inspections
Low annual property taxes; no vehicle emissions or state safety inspections.
Climate
Four Mild Seasons
Distinct seasons without extremes: light winters and manageable summers.
Lifestyle
World-Class Outdoors
Immediate access to Cherokee National Forest, Appalachian Trail, and pristine lakes/rivers.
Geography
Central East Coast Location
Within a day's drive of roughly 65% of the U.S. population.
Infrastructure
Remote Work Ready
Widespread high-speed fiber internet infrastructure across the region.
Community
Southern Hospitality
Welcoming, small-town charm with a slower, less stressful pace of life.
Culture
Rich Music & History
Thriving scene driven by local heritage, festivals, and craft breweries.
Find your community
Explore each Tri-Cities community
Every town has its own personality. Open a community for its full profile and local resource directory — focus areas first.
Unicoi County Erwin
Serious hikers (Appalachian Trail access), white-water rafters, and remote workers looking for dramatic, raw mountain scenery.
View Erwin guide →
Washington County Gray / Boones Creek
Commuters, young families, and buyers wanting modern, low-maintenance living.
View Gray / Boones Creek guide →
Washington County Johnson City
Young professionals, medical staff, remote workers, and anyone wanting a bustling culinary, brewery, and arts scene.
View Johnson City guide →
Washington County Jonesborough
History buffs, retirees, storytelling enthusiasts, and those looking for a tight-knit, picture-perfect small-town community close to Johnson City.
View Jonesborough guide →
Washington County Telford
Country convenience
View Telford guide →
Carter County Elizabethton
Fly-fishermen, kayakers, and budget-conscious buyers wanting direct access to the state parks and lakes.
View Elizabethton guide →
Greene County Chuckey
Rural tranquility
View Chuckey guide →
Greene County Greeneville
Homesteaders, history buffs, retirees, and buyers looking for an entirely self-sufficient small town with its own community pulse.
View Greeneville guide →
Sullivan County Blountville
Buyers wanting privacy, space, and a 15-minute drive to any of the three main cities.
View Blountville guide →
Sullivan County Bristol
Music lovers (Birthplace of Country Music), motorsports fans, retirees, and buyers looking for a classic small-town pace with great waterfront access.
View Bristol guide →
Sullivan County Kingsport
Growing families prioritizing top-tier city schools, corporate professionals, and retirees seeking an affordable, manicured neighborhood feel.
View Kingsport guide → Sullivan County Piney Flats / Bluff City
Boaters, water lovers, and luxury buyers seeking privacy without isolation.
View Piney Flats / Bluff City guide → Hawkins County Rogersville
Buyers looking to truly escape the hustle, seekers of acreage/privacy, and those wanting maximum purchasing power.
View Rogersville guide →Search listings
Find a home in the Tri-Cities
Browse active listings across the region — filter by location, type, and price.
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Get in touchGet in touch
Planning your move? Let's make it easy.
Tell me what you're looking for and where you're coming from. I'll send tailored neighborhood ideas, current listings, and a relocation checklist — no pressure, just local expertise.
- Cell: 423-833-7371
- Email: shaneohare@remax.com
- Office: 904 Sunset Drive Ste 1, Johnson City, TN 37604