Steve,
My women is from S.E. Kentucky, born and raised and we visit often. From my
personal experience, most of Kentucky (with the exception being around
larger cities) is mostly poor and most are starving for work. The main
economy there seems to be coal, tobacco and growing and selling weed. The
hills and hollers are beautiful but littered with desolate people, mostly.
There's a lot of fine folk there, but there's more poor, messed up people it
seems. People not only selling drugs, but using there own product too. Lack
of work or tourism is the main downfall of Kentucky. Most locals drive over
30 miles a day to get to their work. If you would decide to move there, I
would recommend somewhere around Lexington or another larger city. Hunting
opportunities are good though, there's more deer than you could imagine
there. Quite a few nice large lakes with better than average fishing and
great views.
Personally, Tennessee is a no brainer to me. I've been there often and have
found the people very warm, and the scenery breathtaking. Mainly my
experience has been from central TN to the border in NC, near the Great
Smoky Mountains. The mountain streams are crystal clear and the fishing has
been great all year and the cost of living is not out of line, as far as I
could see. I looked at housing prices while there and it's comparable to
the average mid-west market. There is something about the mountains of TN
that do call to you, and they keep you wanting to come back.
The only downside to THAT part of TN is that everything is driven by
tourism. A lot of stores are only open during the summer season. We drove
around one night looking for a place to eat for over an hour, VIA the GPS,
and never did find anything open except for fast food. TN may appeal to you
since you are a guide and hunter though, due to the tourism. Personally, I
would recommend somewhere within a 50 mile radius of Gatlinburg or go into
NC a bit, it's not much further and beautiful as well.
I am speaking from my own personal experiences and observations. I am in no
way saying that everyone in Kentucky is pitiful, just that a lot of folks
get caught in a bad situation and can't seem to see a way out and there they
are.
As far as property taxes, Health Care and those things, I'm not sure. My
women owns 60 acres in Kentucky near Jackson, and her taxes are only $140.00
a year, but as far as the norm, I don't know.
My opinion only, but I hope it helps in some way.
Doug
"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in message
...
Hey all,
My darling bride has decided that she has "maybe" one Wisconsin winter
left in her and wants to move south. She has decided that we "need" to
move to Kentucky or Tennessee. Many of you know me and know I need
fishing and hunting opportunities or I'll go crazy, or at least crazier
than I am now. Janet wants four distinct seasons, preferably without
months of cold weather and snow like we have now. I on the other hand
really don't want to leave northern Wisconsin, finding I can deal better
with the snow and cold versus high heat and humidity. So while I like the
idea of not snowblowing the driveway, I'm less than thrilled with the
thought of leaving my home state.
However, with that being said, we've begun to investigate the two states.
I've done a little looking online in the Eddyville Kentucky area as I've
been there before.
I know that Tennessee doesn't have a state income tax, and it has
"TennCare" a state sponsored health care program. Does anyone know if
Kentucky has similar bonus points like the aforementioned?
Basically what I need to know is the pro's and con's of living in each
state. Taxes, property values, health care, cost of living, climate,
fishing/hunting opportunities, job opportunities (the wife will still have
to have a job), etc. are all things I need opinions on, as well as any
potential locations.
Anyone have any thoughts?
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com