Oak ridge : Tennessee

What Oak Ridge is like for active adults

Oak Ridge is a town of about 27,000 people that is west of Knoxville in eastern Tennessee. Oak Ridge is famous for being home to the Manhattan Project in WWII. The Oak Ridge National Laboratories are a major employer in the region. Retirees here enjoy terrific recreational opportunities in the nearby mountains. A reflection of the community is the fact that 18% of the adult population has an advanced degree.

There are active adult communities in the area (see link at top right). Average home prices have come down recently. Zillow reports the median home price in late 2009 was $123,700. Photo of the Peace Bell at the Civic Center courtesy of and license per Wikipedia and Brian Stansberry.

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What is special about this retirement community

Oak Ridge National Laboratories, which is where materials for WWII's Manhattan Project were produced in great secrecy. Nearby mountains and rivers. Close enough (24 miles) to Knoxville and the University of Tennessee.

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What is not special about this retirement community

There was a major mercury spill discovered in the latter part of the 20th century. Some people might get the willies being this close to major nuclear facilities.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Retirees who want to live in one of the more sophisticated towns in this part of Tennessee will enjoy Oak Ridge. It is close enough to Knoxville to commute there. People who like the friendly folks in Tennessee.

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Local economy is driven by

Oak Ridge National Laboratories, medical facilities, and construction dominate the economy.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Oak Ridge is on the Clinch River (which feeds into the Tennessee River nearby) in a system of mountain ridges. Knoxville is to the east and south, about 25 miles. Median January temperature is about 38 degrees.

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Cultural environment

The University of Tennessee Arboretum, the American Museum of Science and Energy, and the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge are big parts of Oak Ridge culture. Tours of the original parts of Oak Ridge National Laboratories are extremely popular.

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Medical facilities

Methodist Medical Center is the local hospital in Oak Ridge. The University medical facilities in Knoxville are also nearby.

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Transportation

McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is about 28 miles.

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Valuable Links

Tennessee retirement guide
Oak Ridge CIty-Data
Oak Ridge Visitors Bureau

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Facts about OAK RIDGE

State: TN
Environment: Mountains,
City Population: 25,001-50,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide:

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