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Living in Kingsport, TN

A quick look at life in Kingsport, TN, including schools, things to do and health care

By Livability.com on April 19, 2016

Kingsport TN

Living in Kingsport, TN puts you within minutes of the Smoky Mountains, excellent fishing areas and several cultural venues. Hikers, kayakers and fly fishers often use Kingsport as a base camp because the city is surrounded by forests, parks, lakes and rivers, creating the perfect setting for outdoor lovers. Located near the Virginia/Tennessee line, Kingsport is within a short, scenic drive of Knoxville, Asheville, NC and Roanoke. The downtown area’s historical buildings, artsy shops and affordable housing make Kingsport an attractive city for families. 

Top Employers in Kingsport, TN

Schools in Kingsport

In recent years, Kingsport schools have earned a number of distinctions for high achievement, including a ranking on U.S. News & World Report‘s Best High Schools and Districts of Distinction. Kingsport City Schools comprises 13 schools, including one high school and a non-traditional school, with total enrollment of 7,100 students. 

Many Kingsport-area children are located within the jurisdiction of Sullivan County Schools, which includes four high schools, seven middle schools, two K-8 schools and 10 elementary schools. The system’s total student population is more than 10,400. 

Academic Village in Kingsport is home to the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, which consists of six institutions: East Tennessee State University, King University, Lincoln Memorial University, Milligan College, Northeast State Community College, Tusculum College and the University of Tennessee. This unique setup allows students to take courses from different colleges.

The Best Things to Do in Kingsport

Health Care in Kingsport

Residents of Kingsport enjoy high-quality medical care provided by a collection of hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. These facilities include: Holston Valley Medical Center, Wellmont Health System, Mountain States Health Alliance, Indian Path Medical Center, Holston Medical Group, Frontier Health and Associated Orthopaedics. CareChex recently ranked Holston Valley the No. 1 facility in the country for interventional carotid care. More than 450 physicians and 2,000 nurses, techs and support staff work at the hospital, which is part of the Wellmont Health System. 

The 5 Most Affordable Cities in Tennessee

Young Professionals in Kingsport

The city’s proximity to some of the country’s top fishing, hiking and biking locations helps attract young professionals who keep Kingsport’s talent pool enticing to companies looking for new locations. PEAK, the city’s young professional organization, helps people network and find ways to become active in the community. The group hosts a series of guest speakers and in-house training to aid professional growth. 

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