Moving To The Big South Fork, Tennessee: Step One Is To Buy Property

If you're thinking of moving to the Big South Fork, here in Jamestown, Tennessee, the first step is to buy property. Many of the cabins in the Big South Fork area were built for weekenders from Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga or down from Kentucky. For the most part, they are very simple and generally have a bedroom  and bath downstairs and a loft upstairs with a half bath (if there is one at all). Folks who are retiring to this area, drawn by the best trail riding east of the Mississippi, are in their 50's and 60's and they want creature comforts,  like one-floor living. They also want some of the amenities in the homes they have sold elsewhere, such as hardwood flooring, solid countertops, dishwashers and garbage disposals and  bedrooms big enough for a Queen or King-sized bed. The best way to get what they want is to buy a piece of land and build to suit.

Land near Big South Fork, in this part of Tennessee, is "rolling" and, believe me, some is more rolling than others! It is more important to have "useable" acres than to have more acres with land that drops off sharply and cannot be used for pasture. Also, proximity to trails and to the Big South Fork is an intangible factor that affects the price of a property. The more desirable the location, the more the property can command. If you buy a property so that you can come here to ride or move here for the lifestyle, sometimes where it is is more important than what it is. Familiarize yourself with a map of the Big South Fork so you know where trailheads and trails are before committing to a particular property!

There are several equestrian communities near Big South Fork, and they usually have deeded trails  of their own. Spruce Creek Acres, Ridge Top Acres, Rockhouse Ranch, The Highlands and White Oak are a few of these equestrian communities with access to Big South Fork trails.

Once you've chosen an area, a location and a particular parcel of land, you've established your "homeplace," as they say in these parts, and you're ready to start sinking your roots.

For more information about horse properties and Big South Fork real estate, go to www.trailridersrealestate.com