It is not the same town as then, when it was the city w/the worst air pollution in the nation. It has really cleaned up its act since those days......thankfully. It began to realize that their biggest asset was the beauty of the area & capitalize on that w/tourism, instead of polluting industries.
However, it is still not as open-minded as some of the other towns suggested here. Still quite a bit of racism exists & that Southern Conservatism is still very strong. VW just put in a big plant, so perhaps things will turn around a bit w/the influx of Europeans.
I left there when I graduated from HS because of the narrow-mindedness, only returning in the summers for work. I never intended on returning, even tho most of my family still lives there. I must admit that I have found it at least more acceptable the last few years when I visit. Still don't think I'd move back unless it became MUCH more open minded. I've lived in the Nashville area for the last 35 yrs. I find it much more accepting of outsiders, probably because of the music biz.
I didn't catch where you are currently living. Is it in the Knoxville area? If so, Chatt is similar, but seems to have a slower pace. Not quite as much tourism that the Smokies attract to Knoxville area, but still some tourism is there.
Hope this helps. Good luck w/your search. I'm sure you'll end up in the correct place. 
Edit history
= new reply since forum marked as read
