Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
South Pittsburg, Tennessee
A Nice Little Riverfront Town, South Pittsburg Boasts Outstanding Outdoor Recreation and a Renowned Cornbread Festival
Known as "The Tidiest Town in Tennessee," South Pittsburg is a nice little spot nestled on the banks of the majestic Tennessee River in East Tennessee's scenic Sequatchie Valley. Tall ridges extend from the nearby Cumberland Plateau and border the city on the north, west and south.
The downtown is not fancy but in good shape with early- and mid-20th century buildings and some red brick sidewalks. The city is working on starting Arts in the Burg, an art incubation project with painters, woodworkers, jewelers and other artists working in studios open to the public. The goal is to soon have 20 to 30 working artists in downtown facilities. South Pittsburg is also home to Lodge Manufacturing, a producer of cookware and sponsor of the very popular annual National Cornbread Festival, an event that brings out cornbread lovers from around the region. National country music acts, cornbread cookoffs, a classic car cruise-in and more provide plenty of entertainment.
The river provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and the nearby hills are laced with hiking and mountain biking trails. South Pittsburg was also recently accepted into the Tennessee RiverTowns Program which will bring future economic benefits.
Neighborhoods are leafy with a country quality and are peppered with ranch ramblers.
Population: 3,200 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 50%
Cost of Living: 35% below the national average
Median Home Price: $210,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and humidity is high. Winters are mild with temperatures in the 40s, 50s and 60s. On average, the area receives 48 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients: No
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission: South Pittsburg does not have a hospital, but a couple are within a 10 minute drive. The nearest accedited hospitals are in Chattanooga, about 20 miles away.
Public Transit: The county offers a reservation based, curb to curb service.
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 25%
Is Tennessee Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: The tornado risk is 30% higher than the national average.
Notes: South Pittsburg has maintained its population during the last decade and home prices have increased 10% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Tennessee:
The state's nickname was born in the War of 1812 when a contingent of volunteer soldiers fought valiantly at the Battle of New Orleans. The Volunteer State was the 16th to enter the Union on June 1, 1796. Today, it may be best known as the home of blues and country music. Its largest cities, Memphis and Nashville, have hosted the best in both genres from Muddy Waters and B. B. King to Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
Tennessee is only 112 miles wide, but its longitudinal borders stretch from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. It contains 41,200 square miles of land and 926 square miles of water. Main land regions include the Blue Ridge, the Appalachian Ridge, the Cumberland Plateau, the Nashville Basin, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. Clingman's Dome, the state's highest point, is in the Blue Ridge. Weather throughout is generally mild. Winter and spring are the rainiest seasons. Hazardous storms are rare.
Farmland spreads over 44% of the state. Beef cattle and calves are top agricultural products. Tennessee's manufacturing industry produces processed foods, transportation equipment, and chemicals. Tourism is also a driving force.
Nashville's Grand Ole Opry began in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance. It's one of the state's most popular attractions and remains on the record books as the longest running radio show in the U.S. Named after a city in Egypt, Memphis is home to Sun Studio and Elvis Presley's Graceland.
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