East Tennessee: A Shared Serenity

The serenity of East Tennessee is one of America’s best-kept secrets and can be attributed to many factors, ranging from the delightful climate to low crime rates. But most especially it’s because this piece of geography seems to attract serene people.

East Tennesseans enjoy all four seasons without the stress of major weather events. They rarely have to shovel their doorsteps in the winter or evacuate during the summer and fall to escape hurricanes.

Instead, East Tennesseans might occasionally enjoy a light snow dusting on a winter morning, though deeper snowfalls are on record, especially in the mountains. In the summer, they lounge in the sun on the shores of one or more of our gorgeous lakes. And in spring and fall they run the roads to catch every vista of nature’s spectacular colors. You can certainly say that the lack of weather concerns might account for reduced stress levels.

You've got to admit that living with fairly low crime stats induces stress relief. It's ever wise in our 21st century world to lock your doors, but doesn't it feel good to know that East Tennesseans are the kind of neighbors you can rely on to look out for one another?

You can also say that residents are happy to have more disposable income because Tennessee has no state income tax. On top of that, the cost of living in East Tennessee is about 40 percent lower than other parts of the country.

Some East Tennesseans use that extra spending money seeking entertainment as simple as a weeknight dinner on the river, or a visit to Ijams Nature Center or the Knoxville Zoo on the weekend. Others seek an amped-up rock concert at UT’s Thompson-Boling Arena. Or sample the brew at a Sundown in the City concert on a hot July night.

People who live in East Tennessee crave the simple pleasures, you might say. They delight in watching the first light of sunrise spread over their kitchen floors, and the last light of sunset paint their walls with shadows. They love nature, yet they have the aptitude and appetite for rich cultural and educational activities, sport and recreational fun, and every adventure that awaits them beyond every turn.

We’re people who appreciate all the joys of living. It’s no wonder East Tennesseans are considered to be some of the nicest — and most serene -- people in the world.