The further east you go generally the more conservative. If you're looking for a rural county I would go with Union or eastern Anderson county. Six large lakes are within an hours drive or less in most places in counties surrounding Knox County. Union Co. has lower property taxes though and a more conservative population overall. Ask locals what areas to avoid within a county. In Union I would shy away from Lutrell LOL. It can get kinda rowdy and the local LEO and paramedics nicknamed it Dodge City..
We do not have a state income tax and intend to stay that way. You kind of have to look and see if the county has a wheel tax as well. A few do as high as almost $100 a year. The state wheel tax which most county clerks collect for the state is usually $24 total a year per vehicle. It is a right to work state meaning Unions don't rule. Our hospitals are good and more remote rural counties are accessible by air medevac if emergency makes getting there fast necessary. Get at least 5 miles away from the interstates and the illegals should not be an issue.
Warning. Metro Nashville. It is a consolidated group of counties {five I think} and would have you paying city taxes. I would avoid it.
Alright. Been researching some. Is Union county near Sneedville?
I guess there’s no where to go that’s near a city that isn’t invaded, if even East Tennessee is. This is so sad for our country.