I have lived in Oak Ridge since I was a child. Moved away after college, but the minute I was pregnant with our first child; headed home. Lived here another 12 years since and cannot imagine living anywhere else. Granted it is no Cali, but I have to say I love the 4 distinct seasons, the arts are alive with symphony, opera, ballet, and theater are very active. My parents are still here and plan on staying.
East Tennessee is very different in that the whole area is religious - more churches than you can imagine (one on almost every corner), but at least it is very diverse.
Adventures are here if you look - more than most places and all if not in Oak Ridge - at least within a 20 minute drive (hiking, 4wheeling, rowing, golf, horseback riding, fishing, whitewater rafting/canoeing, a firing range - hunting very active, lots of rivers for boating/skiing, winter skiing, state parks galore, etc.) Spring and fall are absolutely breath-taking.
Hope this helps.
As for housing - stick with Emory Valley or Briarcliff.

Not a realtor - just and Oak Ridger.

Adventure?! Anderson County has it!!! Boating, water skiing, hiking, picnicing, kayaking, fishing, fly fishing, walking trails, horseback riding, ATV 4-wheeling trails, uncrowded state swimming pool, firing ranges, hunting, shopping, concerts, symphony, plays, fireworks. What did you have in mind? East Tennessee is loaded with adventure and learning opportunities! Oak Ridge places you very close to work. Andersonville places you close/on Norris Lake and 15-20 minutes to OR. Norris,TN another great community 15 minutes to OR! West Knoxville loads of shopping/dining and 10 minutes to OR! You will not have a problem adjusting to Tennessee life! WELCOME!

TC,

I have spent most of my life 30 minutes from Oak Ridge. I think Oak Ridge is a great place to live because it is pleasant and quiet but it is also just a short drive from a ton of things to do in the mountains and plenty of shopping for your wife. If you could give me a little information( price range, how many beds and bath ect...) I can send you some houses to look at.

Thanks,
Kenny

If you love the outdoor life your love east Tennessee. There's plenty to do here & within close range. It all depends on your interests. The major portion of Oak Ridge workers live in Knoxville because this is where yo'll have to go to shop, etc. Give me more details & I'll give you better advice!

I grew up in this area and now am a REALTOR in Nashville, Tennessee. While I'm Nashville-faithful, there are a LOT of things I miss about this area. I worked at the lab while I was in grad school, and my dad still works and lives there with my mom.

Expect a highly educated community with wonderful cultural diversity. The home market is a bit cold in my opinion and Oak Ridge lacks a sense of historic charm that you see in neighboring cities like Clinton and Harriman.

Adventures...well....I can't say Oak Ridge itself is an adverture-filled city; however its surrounding area can be. In Oak Ridge, you'll find some great activities, rowing, skulling on the Clinch River. In fact, many Ivy League schools spend their crew training seasons in Oak Ridge and Clinton.

Within 30 minutes of Oak Ridge, you'll find more hiking, fishing and boating than you can ever imagine, if outdoor adventure is your thing. If you like nightlife, you'll find Knoxville your big outlet. Most of Knoxville's night life is catered toward the university crowd; however, you'll find more restaurants than in most America cities its size. The trend that is emerging heavily is growth in "college towns" with empty nesters and baby boomers. Your generation is more healthy and active than your parents and crave that type of adventuresome environment. You won't find it immediately in Oak Ridge, but it is extremely accessible.

The adventures in Oak Ridge outside of its rivers and outdoor spaces would include a great local theater program, a pretty good symphony and a little bit of so-so shopping.