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. . . . . . at least that's what some would have you believe, but those are the special interests that don't believe a place can achieve quality growth.  We think a region can grow and prosper and yet still preserve and even enhance the quality of life and character that makes it great. 

Thank goodness we're not alone in our thinking.  Actually, there is a growing number of progressive people and companies here that are uniting for the cause of economic development.  They/we recognize our responsiblity to preserve a community that retains its educated workforce with the promise of stimulating careers, and an opportunity to achieve financial success.   

That's why we want you to consider moving your company and your family here.  (But don't tell anybody we told you about this place).  

Climate

This is a unique and special place, and we are proud to call it home. 

Imagine a place where the humidity is low, sunny days outweigh overcast days, and you enjoy a mild four-season climate with a glorious prolonged Spring and a crisp, colorful Autumn.  The mountainous region that forms the Appalachian chain in the Southeastern United States (Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Western Virginia) benefits from the perfect combination of sunshine, precipitation, and humidity.  This is a splendid mix that affords an average low temperature in February of 27 degrees, and an average high temperature in July of 85 degrees.  We typically have 2-4 measurable snowfalls per winter, but it melts within a day or two.  This is a place where winter snow sports attract avid skiers from as far away as 300 miles, yet you can be laying in the sun on the Atlantic Ocean beaches within a 6 hour drive in the summer.

Topography

Our region has primarily forest covered mountains and rolling green pastures. Elevation changes here range from 2,000 feet to over 4,000 feet above sea level. What does this mean? Well, we are finding that residents from Savannah, GA or Charleston, SC love our mountaintops with elevations above 3500 feet because the temperature variance can be as much as 30ºF between their home place on the coast and their mountain seasonal home.

Our region is blessed with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but also expansive national forests that provide natural habitat - for hiking, hunting, and trout fishing enthusiasts. If that weren't enough, our chain of TVA Lakes provides recreational boating and water sports enthusiasts with opportunities to get away that are within 45 minutes drive of home. In some cases, pristine mountain lakes are accessible within 25 minutes drive. So whether you seek rolling hills or mountain vistas, this region is very beautiful.

Labor Rates

Our region has a trained and persistent workforce.  Labor rates are relatively low here, and the availability of skilled labor is excellent.Some of the industries that benefit from our excellent labor force currently include chemicals, printing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, automotive suppliers, and distribution related businesses.

Real Estate

Class A office space rents here range from $15-$20 per square foot triple net annually.  Land in a Professional Office park is available here for $250,000 per acre. Retail rents are $15 to $20 per square foot per year triple net. New medical office space rents for $20/sf/yr. triple net.   

Want to own a home?  You can buy a two to three thousand square foot home with a private dock overlooking the lake for $250,000 to $300,000 (not a fixer-upper).  Ever wanted to live on a golf course?  You can buy a 3,500 square foot patio home fronting the fairway for $350,000-$400,000 within a private, highly rated golf course community. Our public golf courses are excellent too though, but green fees will set you back $25-$35 including cart on the weekend.  

Low Crime Rate

Every place seems to have its share of drug related problems and violent crimes, and this region has its share.  There is one important distinction here though, violent crimes and murders are still such an oddity that they're considered newsworthy.

Most everyone knows their neighbor here, and quite a few families have relocated to our area one sibling at a time.

Recreation

Whether you seek snow skiing in the winter, fly fishing in the spring, water skiing in the summer, or turkey hunting in the fall, this region offers outdoor enthusiasts a multitude of opportunities. Did we mention that you can play a round of golf, including cart for $25-$35? 

The chain of TVA lakes is accessible, clean, affordable, and just plain beautiful. Three lakes are accessible within a 45-minute drive of Johnson City.

Are you a patron of the arts? 

Consider Barter Theatre, in Abingdon, VA, the Southern Highlands Craft Fair in Asheville, NC, or perhaps the International Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town.  We have excellent symphony, local amateur theatre and Off-Broadway productions available in nearby Knoxville or the short drive to Atlanta (GA).  You may even agree that you would rather drive to Atlanta once a month than endure a 60+ minute commute.

For an interactive map of the entire Appalachian area please visit:  http://www.nationalgeographic.com/appalachia/map.html