Kingsport, Tennessee
What It Is Like to Retire in Kingsport
Kingsport is a town in northeastern Tennessee near the Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia borders. it is home to the branch campuses of 3 universities or technical schools. Kingsport, population about 55,000 (2020), is part of the tri-cities region of Tennessee/Virginia Mountain area. The city's downtown was recently featured in Ideal Living because of its streets filled with local art, lofts, cafés, live music, and beautiful old buildings. Kingsport is popular with retirees for a variety of reasons. The climate is mild in summer due to its proximity to the mountains. There are over 20 golf courses within 20 miles. Tennessee is a low-cost, low-tax state. And the mountains provide many recreational opportunities. Photo of skyline with balloon soaring courtesy of Wikipedia and Tjntri, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ .
Where to Retire in Kingsport and Home Prices
The median home value in Kingsport was $214,356 in mid-2023 according to Zillow. There are a number of active adult communities catering to the many baby boomers expected to move to this area.
What Is Special about Kingsport
Along with our access to excellent health care, we also are a wonderful city for walking. Bays Mountain Park is very popular. The city has won numerous awards including "Most Walkable City", All American City, etc. Kingsport is a serious golf capital contender with 5 golf courses in the city and 17 more within 18 miles. There is an active farmers market.
What Is Not Special about Kingsport
The crime rate is above average.
Who Will Like Retirement in Kingsport
People who like the outdoors, especially hikers and golfers. Also folks looking for a low-tax state.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Education, tourism, and golf.
Climate and Physical Environment
Kingsport is in the extreme northeastern part of the state. The average January temp is in the mid to high 30s and the average July temp is in the mid 70s.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Kingsport's Higher Education Initiative combines five higher-learning institutions, including the University of Tennessee, in one impressive 54,000 sq. ft. facility.
Crime
The crime rate is high in Kingsport.
Medical facilities
Kingsport boasts two major hospital systems, Wellmont Health Systems and Mountain States Health Alliance. The city has a Level 1 Trauma Center and a Thompson Top 100 Heart Hospital.
Transportation
There is a regional airport about 20 miles away, but the nearest international airport is in Charlotte 170 miles away.
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