Photo courtesy of Jay Huron
By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor
Recent information shows the Appalachian Highlands’ appeal has traveled well outside our region, with more people choosing to relocate rather than just visit.
Last year’s data from BrightRidge revealed 604 new out-of-state household power connections took place across 10 ZIP codes in Johnson City and Washington County, for example. This offered a picture of who wants to make this area their new home. Virginia led all origin states to the area, followed by those escaping California, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
The data also reflects a wide mix of ages and life stages, underscoring the region’s broad appeal. New residents in the aforementioned area ranged from age 21 to 95, with the largest share in their 20s, followed by those in their 60s and 50s. The overall median age of new arrivals was 52; Kentucky represented the youngest median age at 25 and Oklahoma the oldest at 77.
If one speaks to people regarding their relocation rationale, they frequently cite the area’s four seasons, outdoor recreation opportunities, low taxes and overall affordable cost of living.
Most charts list tourism as the second largest industry in the Volunteer State and it is undeniably a critical part of the economy in the various counties that the Business Journal covers across Northeast Tennessee.
“Tourism marketing is often the first impression people have with a place, and what we’re seeing in this data is that initial visit is turning into long-term commitment,” Visit Johnson City Executive Director Brenda Whitson explained in a recent press release. “When we invest in authentic experiences, outdoor access, and a strong sense of place, we’re not just attracting visitors. We’re helping future residents, entrepreneurs, and talent envision a life here.”
BrightRidge CEO Jeff Dykes, who appeared on the Business Journal cover in February and also knows a thing or two about migration patterns, concurred.
“Behind every new connection is a household making a meaningful choice about where to live, work and invest,” he said in a release. “These numbers reflect more than growth. They show confidence in Johnson City’s infrastructure, services, and long-term vision. We’re proud to play a role in supporting a community that continues to attract people from across the country.”
Regional leaders and experts are also cognizant of certain realities and welcome newcomers.
“Like much of Appalachia, our region is aging, and we’re not replacing ourselves with newborns — that’s just a fact. Without new families and workers, we risk school closures, workforce shortages and heavier tax pressure on those who remain,” Jeff Fleming, relocation manager for Visit Kingsport, told the Business Journal. “The people moving here aren’t trying to change our region; they’re coming because of its character. The challenge is shaping growth, so it protects our culture and keeps this region recognizable to the people who’ve always called it home.”
Fleming recently reported that 531 out-of-region families from 46 states relocated to Kingsport over a 12-month period concluding in February.
As for the city 20 miles to its east, Bristol has a lot to offer newcomers as well.
“When someone tells you that Bristol is like no other place in the country, that’s not hyperbole,” Matt Bolas, executive director for Explore Bristol, told the Business Journal. “It truly is unique because Bristol shares the state line with both Tennessee and Virginia. Two states, two cities, but one community, with a shared pride and love for its history and natural beauty, something the folks who live here are more than willing to share with visitors.”
