#ExploreOakRidge

OAK RIDGE livability.com/tn/oak-ridge

Secret’s

OUT! Interest renews in city’s unique history

OAK RIDGE

livability.com /tn/oak-ridge

NATURAL STATE

EXPLORE EXCELLENT RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

2016 | SPONSORED BY THE OAK RIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Secret’s

OUT!

Interest renews in city’s unique history

NATURAL STATE

EXPLORE EXCELLENT RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

2016 | SPONSORED

BY THE OAK RIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

READ ONLIN E

City Information & Events Calendar

Welcome to the City of Oak Ridge, The City of Oak Ridge, Tennessee lies in the eastern portion of the Tennessee River Valley nestled between the Great Smoky and Cumberland Mountains. The City is located 25 miles north of Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee. With a population of 29,330, in an area covering 90 square miles, Oak Ridge offers a high quality of life, cultural diversity, nationally renowned education, natural beauty and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Oak Ridge is a progressive, sophisticated city with a commitment to excellence.

The City is located at the heart of the Innovation Valley, a technology corridor pioneering developments in energy and environmental research, precision manufacturing, technology transfer, and several scientific and technical fields that serve as an economic engine for Tennessee.

A recent article by Kamren Rosen at NerdWallet identified Oak Ridge as having the largest millennial population growth in Tennessee due to the high salaries offered by the tech sector in the area.

The Oak Ridge/Knoxville area is the site of more than 1,000 technology-based companies that employ over 45,000 technical professionals. The area is a part of the greater Knoxville area, home to more than 3,500 PhDs, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville enrolls 27,000 students, many of whom are enrolled in the University’s highly rated engineering, liberal arts, and business programs.

The City of Oak Ridge offers a wealth of other amenities to prospective residents including: 16 parks, 64 miles of hiking trails (backyard accessible for many residents), 1,350 acres of greenbelt, a library comprised of over 150,000 books, both an indoor and outdoor public pool, 15 recreation fields, 23 tennis courts, 10 public playgrounds, public golf course, waterfront activity/equipment rental center, public school system, and Haw Ridge, a premier mountain biking/trail running park that has over 30 miles of trails along the scenic Clinch River. As of 2016, Oak Ridge is home to the newest addition to the National Park system through the opening of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The new national park is the first of its design sharing sister locations in Hanford, Washington and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

There’s always something to explore in Oak Ridge, from the beautiful and nationally recognized rowing course to the 1,500 hundred acres of easily accessible, human-powered sports venues. So stop by the waterfront rental center and grab a paddle board, or, for the daring, head over to Haw Ridge and try your biking skills on the newest gravity trail dubbed “The Washing Machine”. Regardless of your interest, even the briefest of visits will show you there’s something for everyone in the City of Oak Ridge.

Cost to Residents and Regional Community Comparison Oak Ridge is a full service city, which provides residents a plethora of public services reflected through its $2.59 property tax rate. A “full service” city provides services that would otherwise be privately contracted out by the homeowner. For example, residents of Hardin Valley and Farragut separately contract for waste collection and emergency/ fire response services at a combined, conservative rate of $650 per home. The following table accounts for the expected residency costs per home in Oak Ridge, and Housing Farragut Knoxville Oak Ridge Oak (Anderson) Ridge two neighboring communities. The number Values (Roane) is comprised of city and county taxes in 100000 5670 5701.5 2757.02 2601.02 addition to annual commuting costs*.

125000 5815 6016.87 3076.65 2881.65 Although the town of Farragut does not have an overt property tax, privately contracted 150000 5960 6332.25 3396.27 3162.27 waste, fire and emergency response 175000 6105 6647.63 3715.90 3442.90 services do have a cost and are included as 200000 6250 6963 4035.52 3723.52 they constitute a standard expense to home 225000 6395 7278.38 4355.15 4004.15 owners in the area.

As a full service community, Oak Ridge 250000 6540 7593.75 4674.77 4284.77 residents enjoy an unmatched quality of life.

275000 6685 7909.13 4994.40 4565.40 Emergency Services and Public Safety 300000 6830 8224.5 5314.02 4846.02 officer far exceed the per capita 325000 6975 8539.88 5633.65 5126.65 comparisons of neighboring cities with 350000 7120 8855.25 5953.27 5407.27 roughly 1 police officer per 580 residents.

Police response time is around the 4-5 375000 7265 9170.63 6272.90 5687.90 minute mark, which far exceeds that of non400000 7410 9486 6592.52 5968.52 full service communities. With a comprehensive network of fire halls across the city, the average response time for fire fighters is approximately 6 minutes, 3 minutes under the National Fire Protection Association’s requirement.

The City’s STEM school system has consistently produced some of the highest aggregate SAT/ACT scores in the southeast. Additionally, the Oak Ridge High School touts more Master’s degree holding teachers than any other school system in the area. The school system in Oak Ridge, which remains a federal hub for nuclear and energy research and technology, has become the company’s flagship school to demonstrate how digital tools in the classroom can transform education.

The Oak Ridge Community additionally provides residents the highest greenspace per capita as seen through our 16 parks, 64 miles of hiking trails(backyard accessible for many residents), The National Standard for parkland is 10 acres per 1,000 population, with Oak Ridge residents enjoying a ratio of 46.2 acres per 1000.

The greenway/trail system is also 45.6 miles more than the average trail miles for nationally benchmarked cities.

Further information can be found at: www.OakRidgetn.gov www.exploreoakridge.com www.oakridgechamber.org *Commuting costs were established using the Federal Governments cost per mile estimates (for a small sedan), which include gas costs as well as vehicle wear and tear. Oak Ridge residents commute was established at 10 miles daily round trip, while Knoxville and Farragut were established at a 30 mile round trip.

Events Calendar Feb. 20, International Festival Mar. 11-13, Cardinal Invitational Rowing Regatta Apr. 14-17, Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Championship Apr. 27-30, Spring Jeep Jamboree, Wind Rock Apr. 29, Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament May 5, Glow Ninja 5k May 7, Clinch River Antiques Fair

O

utdoor recreation has taken center stage in Oak Ridge. The secret is out in East Tennessee as residents of the region flock to the outdoor amenities of Oak Ridge.

30 miles of pristine mountain biking trails, 64 miles of hiking trails and waterfront greenways all contribute to the City’s status as an outdoor sports destination for the region.

Melton Hill lake and the 7 lane 2000 meter rowing course hosts collegiate regattas from around the county annually. Investment into the waterfront area has made this area a resident favorite as well. Paddleboard, boat, and bike rentals are all available at the City’s redeveloped river side location for visitors traveling lite.

May 12, Big 12 Rowing Championship June 10-11, Secret City Festival,

featuring Grand Funk Railroad and The Charlie Daniels Band June 18, Lavender Festival July 4th, Oak Ridge Community Concert and Fireworks July 14-19, Anderson County Fair July 23 & 24, Oak Ridge Velo Classic Bike race Sep. 5, Labor Day Concert, Bissel Park

Visitors to the area with more interest in mud than the water have welcomed the opening of Wind Rock Park which touts over 300 miles of Off Highway Vehicle Trails on 72,000 acres. The semi annual Jeep Jamborees, and annual mud runs are not to be missed, and vehicle rental, for those brave enough, is available.

Oct. 7-9, Tennessee Fall Homecoming

Wind Rock Park’s sprawling footprint in addition to the hidden gem that is Haw Ridge Park provide residents more than their fair share of mountain biking trails. Haw Ridge alone boasts over 30 miles of trails including the newly created gravity trail dubbed “The Washing Machine”.

Nov. 16, Secret City Half Marathon

Oct. 13-15, Fall Jamboree, Wind Rock Nov. 5, Bigfoot Blast 5k Trail Run

Dec. 3-24 , Christmas in Old Appalachia. Museum of Appalachia

U.S Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz signed a memorandum of agreement November 10, 2015 establishing the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The agreement governs how the National Park Service( NPS) and the Department of Energy( DOE) will work together to preserve, protect, and provide access to the historic resources associated with the Manhattan Project at locations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and the Hanford site in Washington State.

“Through the preservation and interpretation of the Manhattan Project, the National Park Service will share with the world the story of one of America’s most transformative scientific discoveries that fundamentally altered the course of the 20th Century,” Secretary jewell said. “Visitors will soon be able to see the contributions ofmore than 600,000 Americans who played a role in this significant chapter in history. The park will also serve as a reminder that these actions and discoveries must be handled with great care, for they can have world-changing consequences.”

The park will be managed as a partnership between the Department of Energy—which owns and manages the properties — and Interiors National Park Service, which will provide interpretation, visitor information,, and assistance in the preservation of the historic buildings at the sites.

Bus Tours officially start at the beginning of March each year and run through the end of November.

Additional information can be found here: Www.ornl.gov/ornl/visiting-ornl#public Www.exploreoakridge.com/mpnhp/manhattanproject

Manhattan National Historical Park Additional Resources: Web address: Www.nps.gov/mapr/index.htm Twitter: @MnhtnProjectNPS Facebook: www.facebook.com/ManhattanProjectNPS

Contents

THINGS TO DO

10

Natural State

Explore excellent recreation opportunities

14 16 18

Local Flavor Sports & Recreation Arts & Culture

LIVING

22

Secret’s Out!

Interest renews in city’s unique history

Education & Schools Health & Wellness Community Profile

6 AT A GLANCE

26 28 29

OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE

14

Oak Ridge Children’s Museum: RF Welton. http://welton.zenfolio.com

28 BUSINESS Overview

Action Jackson

Historic square undergoes major renovations

Chamber Report Economic Profile

18

32 34 38 39

ON THE COVER Hiking at Haw Ridge Park Photo by Michael D. Tedesco li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

3

2016 EDITION

VOLUME 10

OAK RIDGE Content Director | Lisa Battles Contributing Writers | Jessica Walker Boehm, Kari Kynard Ridge, Teree Caruthers Staff Writer | Kevin Litwin Marketing Coordinator | Lauren Zimmerman Lead Designer | Lindsey Higgins Art Director | Laura Gallagher Senior Graphic Designers | Samantha Frazier, Heather Hauser, Amy Hiemstra, Mark Townsend, Vikki Williams Senior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Michael Tedesco Staff Photographer | Frank Ordoñez Color Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter Photo Editor | Michael Betts Sales Manager | Jared Lane Senior Integrated Media Manager | Jordan Moore Integrated Media Manager | Roger Richards Ad Production/Sales Support Manager | Katie Middendorf Ad Production/ Sales Support Coordinator | Courtney Cook Ad Traffic Assistant | Patricia Moisan Web Designer II | Richard Stevens Software Engineer | Dylan Underwood Chairman | Greg Thurman President/Publisher | Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President | Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales | Jarek Swekosky Senior V.P./Client Development | Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester Senior V.P./Business Development | Clay Perry V.P./Operations | Natasha Lorens V.P./Creative Services | Christina Carden Photography Director | Jeffrey S. Otto Web Creative Director | Allison Davis Controller | Chris Dudley Senior Accountant | Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinators | Diana Iafrate Accounts Receivable Clerk | Missy Wiley Database Director | Debbie Woksa Executive Secretary | Kristy Giles Human Resources Manager | Peggy Blake

Livability: Oak Ridge, Tennessee is published annually

by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike • Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Phone: (865) 483-1321 www.oakridgechamber.org Visit Livability: Oak Ridge, Tennessee online at livability.com/tn/oak-ridge ©Copyright 2016 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member Member

The Association of Magazine Media Custom Content Council

Member Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Buying? Selling? Investing?

Call today!

Read

LIVABILITY: Oak Ridge anytime, anywhere!

The Distant Leader in Real Estate Sales for Two Decades Running.

Innovators.

Experts.

Executives.

OAK R IDGE livabili ty.com /tn/oa

k-ridg

e

Sec

OUreTt’s !

Intere st renew city’s uniqu s in e histo ry

NAT STATUERAL EXPLORE EXCELLEN

2016

RECREATIOT N OPPO RTUN ITIES

| SPONS

ORED

BY THE OAK RIDGE

CHAM

BER OF COMM

ERCE

®

ASSOCIATES livability.com/tn/oak-ridge

101 N. Rutgers Ave., Ste. 200 Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 482-3232 www.MyRealtyExecutive.com Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Realty Executive Associates of Oak Ridge

AT A GLANCE 441

Anderson

75

Clinton

Oak Ridge

62

Melton Lake

Knoxville

Oak Ridge

LOCATION

Located 20 miles west of Knoxville, Oak Ridge draws people in search of beatiful natural settings amid woods and water aong with a small-town sense of community.

CLIMATE

55”

DISTANCES TO THREE MAJOR CITIES NEARBY Knoxville, TN: 20 miles Chattanooga, TN: 110 miles Asheville, NC: 139 miles

Annual Rainfall National Average: 31”

POPULATION

200+ Number of sunny days annually

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

6.6 million

1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Phone: (865) 483-1321 www.oakridgechamber.org

Eastern

FOR MORE INFORMATION

6

29,303

O ak R idge

Tennessee

TIME ZONE

Superb amenities adding up to an excellent quality of life may be the best-kept secret these days in “the secret city” of Oak Ridge, Tenn.

The town earned that nickname because of its topsecret development by the U.S. government in 1942, after choosing the area as a primary site for Manhattan Project facilities – a “temporary” city employing thousands. After the war ended, its appeal stuck with many of these people, who incorporated in 1959.

Oak Ridge is still home to internationally significant work in research, science, engineering, technology, supercomputing, energy and national security, as the Y-12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory continue to be the largest employers. All residents therefore benefit from a highly educated population. For example, students consistently exceed educational standards, and there are more cultural offerings than one might expect for the city’s size.

It seems there’s always something to do, too, even without making the 20-mile drive to Knoxville. The city has a high-quality, strategically developed parks system resulting in each residential area being within a half-mile of at least one park. Melton Hill Lake offers boating, fishing and rowing, and beautiful views for those using the 12 miles of greenways alongside it. The city’s popular spring-fed outdoor pool dates to 1944, and residents can enjoy an indoor pool facility during cold-weather months.

Read on to learn why Oak Ridge is one of America’s Best Places to Live.

SERENE SURROUNDINGS Oak Ridge’s natural environment is among its top draws to newcomers, offering endless recreation and spectacular views.

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

7

BE ENERGIZED Take a guided tour of the American Museum of Science & Energy, which tells the story of the World War II Manhattan Project and Oak Ridge’s critical role in it. The attraction features interactive exhibits on basic science, fossil fuels and alternative energy sources.

THINGS TO DO MUST-DO ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES AND DINING 8

O ak R idge

THINGS TO DO

Oak Ridge Children’s Museum: RF Welton. http://welton.zenfolio.com/. Football: Dollarphotoclub_71000138, astrosyst. Secret City Festival: http://oakridgecameraclub.org/. Lavender Festival: Shawn Millsaps. Christmas Parade, Outdoor Pool: Ray Smith

CELEBRATE THE CITY Attend the annual Secret City Festival, held every mid-June since 1982. The event showcases Oak Ridge’s World War II “Secret City” heritage, and attractions include live music, a kid’s zone and arts and crafts.

BREATHE DEEPLY

PEDAL AWAY

ADMIRE ART

GET INTO THE SPIRIT

Mark your calendar for midJune when the annual Lavender Festival arrives at historic Jackson Square. Festival attractions include great food, kid’s activities, lavender and herb demonstrations, arts and crafts, live music and a farmer’s market.

Mountain bike the Haw Ridge Trails that feature a variety of loops with different terrains.

Beginners and professional riders alike can bike from one to 15 miles along pathways that can include water, rocks, roots and elevation changes.

Enjoy a couple of hours at Oak Ridge Art Center, which emphasizes the work of regional artists as well as traveling national and international exhibitions.

Exhibits change every six weeks, and the center welcomes about 50,000 visitors a year.

Find a good spot along Lafayette Drive or Oak Ridge Turnpike to view the annual Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. The mid-December event features about 100 entries, including the Oak Ridge High School Wildband and Santa Claus.

GO WILD

RIDE THE RAILS

HAVE A PLAY DAY

Hop aboard the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum’s Secret City Scenic Excursion Train that runs on selected Saturdays and Sundays from April through December.

Each one-hour round trip travels along Poplar Creek and Highway 327.

Bring the kids to the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, where exhibits emphasize play and hands-on learning. Displays have names like The Rainforest, Model Trains, The Bird Room, Doll House and A Century of Toys.

SOAK IT ALL IN

Don your cardinal and gray gear to root for the Oak Ridge High School Wildcats whenever they play football games each fall. The Wildcats compete against traditional rivals like Anderson County, Farragut, Clinton, DobynsBennett, McMinn County and Sevier County.

Take a dip in cool refreshing water throughout June, July and August at Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool.

The water is spring fed and the pool is one of the largest in the nation, with depths ranging from zero to 13 1/2 feet..

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

9

THINGS TO DO

Brad and Rachel Spears and their son, Grant, enjoy family time at Melton Lake Park.

Staff Photos by MICHAEL D. TEDESCO

Natural STATE EXPLORE EXCELLENT RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

I

by Kari Kynard Ridge

f you take the time to exit the interstates, you’ll find a recreational wonderland in Oak Ridge.

Just a short drive from I-75 and I-40, Oak Ridge is home to 16 parks, two golf courses, miles of greenway natural trails and more than 1,300 acres of greenbelts, on which the land is maintained in its natural state.

Brad Spears and his wife, Rachel, moved near the Melton Hill Greenway in 2012 and say they take every opportunity to enjoy local parks and greenways with their four-year-old son, Grant.

“Most of my mornings are spent on the Melton Hill Greenway running or riding my bike. There are very few moments that can beat a sunrise there,” says Brad Spears, who is the owner of PEAK Mountain Sports. “As a family, we enjoy hiking and mountain biking in Haw Ridge Park and we also enjoy the North Boundary Greenway.

Many people share that special connection with Haw Ridge, a 780-acre wilderness area running along the shore of Melton Hill Lake and featuring trails and canoeing opportunities. The

park, named for the Haw bush, is supported by the Friends of Haw Ridge volunteers.

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES “Each park is unique,” says Jon Hetrick, Oak Ridge’s Recreation and Parks director.

Ballfields, indoor courts and numerous sports leagues for all ages are scattered throughout the system. Cedar Hill Park, a community-built playground, is popular with the younger generation, while Big Turtle features a playground, dog park, and soccer and softball fields. li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

11

ACTIVE ADVENTURE

Melton Lake Park (inset): Photo courtesy of the City of Oak Ridge

Two of the most popular spots for outdoor recreation are Haw Ridge Park and Melton Lake Park (inset).

12

O ak R idge

The Oak Ridge Rowing Club frequently makes use of Melton Hill Lake.

Carl Yearwood Park and Groves Park both have disc golf courses.

The city also offers a senior center, an outdoor spring-fed swimming pool and an indoor pool in the Oak Ridge Civic Center. Melton Lake Park/ Greenway has a picnic pavilion, trails, a rowing venue and equipment rentals. Boating and fishing also are available at Solway Park.

“Outdoor recreation is a great draw for people of all ages, providing an opportunity to stay physically fit while enjoying the natural beauty of East Tennessee,” Hetrick says.

A GROWING SYSTEM The park system is expanding along with park construction in neighborhoods. Hetrick says 2015 saw the installation of a shade structure at the dog park, the establishment of a dodgeball

league and the planned addition of an eighth lane to the rowing venue. On the horizon is a possible rails-to-trails project on the CSX rail line through town. Local families are responding enthusiastically to all the choices.

“We’re an active family that uses the local parks a lot,” says Nicole Cagley, who was raised in Oak Ridge and lives here with her husband, Josh, and their children, Mason and Emma.

“We visit the parks for everything from birthday parties to soccer and baseball, adult softball leagues and, on slow days, it’s just a fun activity for the kids.”

teach our child to value our environment, but it also keeps our family healthy, active and engaged with each other,” Brad Spears says. “Oak Ridge’s outdoor recreational opportunities aren’t just affecting my family’s quality of life, they are instilling values in my son that will one day affect his family’s quality of life.”

THINGS TO

DO

Natura STATEl EXPLORE RECREATIO EXCELLENT N OPPORT UNITIES

I

by Kari Kynard

RELOCATION MAGNET Hetrick says Oak Ridge’s large number of recreational opportunities per capita inspires many people to relocate here.

“Not only does this lifestyle

10

Oak RID Ge

Brad and Rachel Spears their son, Grant, enjoy and family time at Melton Lake Park.

Staff Photos

by MICHAEL

D. TEDESCO

Ridge

f you take the time to exit the interstate “Most of my s, mornings are a recreation you’ll find spent on the al wonderlan park, named Melton Hill d in Oak Ridge.

Greenway for the Haw running or bush, is supported riding my bike.

Just a by the Friends are very few There Haw Ridge of I-75 and I-40, short drive from moments that volunteers.

Oak Ridge beat a sunrise can is home to 16 parks, there,” says two Spears, who Brad is the miles of greenwaygolf courses, ACTIVITIES FOR Mountain Sports. owner of PEAK natural trails ALL AGES and more than “Each park we enjoy hiking “As a family, 1,300 acres is greenbelts, of Hetrick, Oak unique,” says Jon on which the biking in Haw and mountain Ridge’s Recreatio land is maintained Ridge Park and Parks n we also enjoy in its natural and director. state. the North Brad Spears Ballfields, indoor Boundary and his wife, Greenway.

Rachel, moved numerous sports courts and Many people ages are scatteredleagues for all Hill Greenwa near the Melton share that special connection y in 2012 and throughout with the system. they take every say Cedar 780-acre wildernesHaw Ridge, a opportunity community-built Hill Park, a enjoy local to along the shore s area running parks and playgroun greenways is popular with their four-yearof Melton Hill with the youngerd, old son, Grant. Lake and featuring generation, while Big Turtle canoeing opportun trails and features a playgroun ities. The d, dog park, and soccer and softball fields.

L I va B I L I

T y. c O M

/ T N /O a k-

RIDGe

11

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Read it online or on your tablet and quickly share articles with friends. li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

13

THINGS TO DO

LOCAL Flavor

One of the quickest, easiest and most enjoyable ways to get to know a city is find out where and what the locals love to eat. Here’s a sampling:

RAZZLEBERRY’S ICE CREAM LAB & KITCHEN Craving something sweet? Head to Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab & Kitchen, which offers homemade ice cream in unique flavors like frozen margarita and Belgian chocolate. The restaurant also serves sandwiches and wraps for lunch and dinner, as well as its famous Polish sausages.

AUBREY’S Aubrey’s creates its menu items with locally sourced meats, fruit and vegetables, making each dish fresh and flavorful. The dining spot’s diverse

lunch and dinner options include citrus-glazed salmon, lemon-lime chicken, rattlesnake pasta and peanut-crushed catfish, and sides such as red pepper bisque and Parmesan spinach.

SECRET CITY BBQ & PIES Get your fill of Southern comfort food at Secret City BBQ & Pies, where you’ll find beef brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs, smoked sausage and smoked chicken on the menu.

Share a homemade pie for dessert, or try a single-serving pie in a cup.

THE SOUP KITCHEN Warm up at The Soup Kitchen, offering eight soups daily, such as potato cheddar, cabbage kielbasa and hearty vegetable. Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant also features homemade bread, salads, sandwiches and desserts including chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake and coconut cream pie.

RIVERSIDE GRILLE At Riverside Grille, guests enjoy a beautiful view of Melton Lake and such entrees as steak, pork chops, pot roast and salmon. In addition, the menu features specialty sandwiches, salads and sides like pecan brittle sweet potatoes.

Thirsty? Make a selection from the restaurant’s varied wine list.

.com

Check out more great places to eat in Oak Ridge at livability.com/tn/oak.ridge

14

O ak R idge

Riverside Grille

Ask About Our Furnished Homes and Preferred Employer Program.

Washer & Dryer

Amenity Package

Open Floor Plans

Lake Views

www.centennialvillageapts.com | 865.481.0886

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

15

THINGS TO DO

Sports RECREATION

&

Recreational amenities like parks, pools, gyms and athletic programs help residents stay active throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the most popular facilities and activities:

OAK RIDGE PARKS AND RECREATION Home to 16 parks, Oak Ridge offers plenty of opportunities to get active. Katie Hunter Soccer Field, LaSalle Park, Milt Dickens Park and Energy Solutions Field host soccer games; baseball games take place at the Baseball Complex. For boating and fishing, locals head to Melton Lake Park and Solway Park, and the Municipal Outdoor Pool is open for swimming during the summer. Disc golfers enjoy courses at Grove Park and Carl Yearwood Park, and there’s entertainment at A.K. Bissell Park’s performance pavilion.

Other Oak Ridge parks include Big Turtle Park, Briarcliff Park, Cedar Hill Park, Elza Gate Park, Haw Ridge Park, Highland View Park, Pinewood Park and Scarboro Park.

Known as the home of Atomic Rowing, the Oak Ridge Rowing Association offers junior and adult programs, youth summer camps, learn-torow classes and spring training events. The nonprofit ORRA hosts competitive events on Melton Lake, such as the Secret City Head Race and the Dogwood Regatta. In the past, it has hosted the USRowing National Championships, NCAA Rowing Championships and various conference and regional championships.

.com

Check out more fun things to do in Oak Ridge at livability.com/tn/oak-ridge

16

O ak R idge

Kayaking: Simple Shots Photography

OAK RIDGE ROWING ASSOCIATION

THINGS TO DO

Arts

& CULTURE

Arts destinations, museums and community events make cities unique, draw tourists and keep residents entertained. Here's a snapshot:

VISUAL ART The Oak Ridge Art Center features a permanent collection of primarily European abstract expressionist works from international and national artists, as well as temporary galleries that typically include exhibitions from local and regional artists. In addition, the center offers classes and workshops in painting, drawing, jewelry making, pottery and other mediums.

At the Locally Grown Artists Gallery, visitors can see and purchase works created by the co-op’s more than 35 artists and craftsmen. The gallery includes wood carvings, embroidery, glassware, fiber art, jewelry, pottery, paintings and photography.

Music at the annual Oak Ridge 4th of July Celebration

FESTIVALS With the goal of promoting Oak Ridge’s history, the Secret City Festival features historical presentations and reenactments, an arts and crafts show, concerts, kids’ activities and more. The Taste of Anderson County event, which includes food from area restaurants and live entertainment in Jackson 18

O ak R idge

Square, raises funds for local organizations. Also held in Jackson Square, the Lavender Festival celebrates health, herbs and the environment with a luncheon, live music, educational presentations and local vendors.

The city also comes together at A.K. Bissell Park for a July 4th fireworks display each year.

Entertaining audiences since 1943, the 315-seat Oak Ridge Playhouse showcases live plays and musicals such as “The Adventures of Nate the Great,” “Urinetown” and “A Christmas Story.” The Junior Playhouse offers both programming for young audiences as well as hands-on opportunities for young actors and technicians.

The Junior Playhouse has presented performances for more than 50 years and sometimes works with the Mainstage on large-scale productions.

The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association hosts three concert series annually – the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, the Chamber Music Series and free Coffee Concerts.

Meanwhile, Sound Company Children’s Choir of Oak Ridge, a show choir of more than 100 students in grades 1 - 12 from

4th of July Celebration, Children’s Museum: RF Welton. http://welton.zenfolio.com/

PERFORMING ARTS

schools throughout the area, performs music from a wide variety of genres.

The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association dancers perform in productions like “The Nutcracker,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake.”

like the World of the Atom and Earth’s Energy Resources, as well as temporary installations showcasing scientific discoveries, art and more. The Southern Appalachia Railway Museum,

based in nearby Knoxville, collects historical railroad equipment and offers rides aboard the Secret City Scenic excursion train that departs from Oak Ridge’s Heritage Center.

MUSEUMS The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, offers kids hands -on learning opportunities emphasizing science, art and history. In addition to the museum’s many exhibits, such as a simulated Amazon rainforest, children can enjoy classes, camps, workshops and an after-school club.

At the American Museum of Science & Energy, visitors discover permanent exhibits

The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

19

20

O ak R idge

SCHOOLS, HEALTH CARE AND NEIGHBORHOODS

LIVING

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS “Friendship Globe to the Children of the World,” a 1995 donation by Oak Ridge Rotary Club, stands in A.K. Bissell Park.

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

21

LIVING

SECRET is OUT!

by Teree Caruthers

INTEREST RENEWS IN CITY’S UNIQUE HISTORY

I

n 1942, when Oak Ridge was established as part of the U.S. government’s Manhattan Project – the research and development initiative that led to the first nuclear bomb during World War II – Oak Ridge couldn’t be found on any map. The “Secret City” became home to the K-25, Y-12 and X-10 plants, each of which played a pivotal role in developing the weapons that aided in the nation’s defense.

“Initially, Oak Ridge had a

population of 75,000, was the fifth-largest city in Tennessee, and was not on any map,” says Ray Smith, Y-12 historian and author. “It was a closed city from November, 1942, until March 19, 1949, when the main roads were opened to the public. In August, 1945, 22,000 people worked at Y-12 alone!”

Denise Kiernan wrote about this population surge in her best-selling book, “The Girls of Atomic City,” which tells the story of the countless women who traveled from all over the

Clockwise from top: Modern research at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Workers at ORNL during World War II; Many Oak Ridge residents did not know how their roles specifically aided the war effort until the war ended.

22

O ak R idge

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

23

country to work at the secret Oak Ridge plants. Today, while the city’s population has steadied at around 30,000, Oak Ridge and its enviable quality of life, enhanced still by the presence of ORNL and Y-12, are anything but secret.

The Cincinnati Machine at ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility produces a 3D printed car part.

24

O ak R idge

The research and development projects at ORNL and Y-12 National Security Complex are much more diverse than during World War II or even during the Cold War. Today, the facilities are exploring renewable energy options, improving 3-D printing capabilities, and making discoveries in biotechnology and health care that impact not only the lives of Oak Ridge residents, but of the entire nation.

“The single largest impact on health care has been nuclear medicine,” Smith says. “Nuclear medicine was invented here; the radionuclides that are used in treatment or diagnosis for cancer and other ailments all have their origin in Oak Ridge and in the stable isotopes that were separated at Y-12 and in the radioisotopes that were generated with the reactor over at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.”

Smith says the facilities, which are now privately managed through contracts with the Department of Energy, have also contributed to the city’s top-ranked school system.

ORNL’s contractor, UT-Battelle, was a leader in the $55 million renovation of Oak Ridge High School, which included a $2 million gift as well as executives loaned for the project’s design, communication and fundraising efforts. Y-12’s contractor contributed $1 million, and both ORNL and Y-12, along with the DOE entities

3D Printer, BioEnergy Science Center: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

SPIN-OFF CITY

Oak Ridge Associated Universities and the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, continually provide support to the Oak Ridge School System through STEM programs.

“They have actually created partnerships with the schools to bring engineers into the schools and have them interact with the students. They have internships that are available for local students, and there are activities during the summer where the kids can spend time in the laboratory participating in various projects,” Smith says.

PEOPLE PLEASER Y-12 and ORNL remain two of the state’s largest employers, attracting a large and diverse pool of talent. Smith says these individuals also bring a desire

for a particular quality of life which they both support and actively engage in.

“Both ORNL and Y-12 support many of the charities in the area, the arts and other cultural aspects of our city. Without their monetary support, these organizations could not continue to exist,” Smith says.

“The Oak Ridge Playhouse is an example, as is the Art Center.

Many employees of both sites serve on local boards of directors for arts and charitable organizations – all contributing to the culture and quality of life of not only Oak Ridge but the surrounding region.”

The contributions of the Oak Ridge facilities to technological advancement are now on display for the world to see. The Department of Energy and the Department of Interior National

Park Service partnered to establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, the first national park to have facilities in three separate locations: Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, N.M. and Hanford, Wash.

“If you think about the most significant military industrial achievement in the history of the world, you think about the creation of the nuclear age … and all of the advancement in technology that’s resulted from that single incident,” Smith says.

“It’s important for us and for students especially to have an appreciation of our past. The importance of the Manhattan Project didn’t end with the war.

The Manhattan Project is all of the technological advances that have taken place since, and it’s important for people to recognize its significance.”

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

25

LIVING

EDUCATION

Schools

&

Strong schools inspire homeowners to spend locally, attract new residents, lure companies dependent on a skilled workforce, and in many cases, enhance a town's entertainment scene. Here's an overview:

Oak Ridge High School

Established in

1943 1,500 students

Taking at least one Advanced Placement Course

52% Seniors 48% Juniors 21% Sophomores

26 AP COURSES Offered at Oak Ridge High School 2014 National Merit Honors

80%

PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Oak Ridge Schools system comprises a preschool, four elementary schools, two middle schools and Oak Ridge High School. Academic excellence prevails throughout the system, as evidenced by many awards and accolades bestowed upon the schools, staff and individual students. In 2014, for example, Oak Ridge High School had 11 National Merit semi-finalists who scored in the top one 26

O ak R idge

11 13

Seniors

Semifinalists

continue their education

Commended

percent of students in the state on the qualifying PSAT/NMSQT exam. The high school has also graduated students with perfect scores on the SAT and ACT college admissions exams. Oak Ridge teachers lead by example.

In fact, more than 80 percent of teachers hold at least a master’s degree.

It makes sense that a city founded on science, technology, engineering and mathematics would boast a school system

that excels today in STEM education. The Access Oak Ridge initiative is in the process of putting a digital device in the hands of every middle school student, and both Jefferson and Robertsville middle schools have been recognized for their math and technology-based curriculum. Jefferson Middle School students earned certificates of excellence from the Math Counts state organization, while the school

placed first overall in the region and third overall in the state. Glenwood Elementary was awarded grants to fund its supplemental STEM curriculum.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Oak Ridge students in pre-K through eighth grade. The school is committed to STEM education and boasts a primary science lab and one of the state’s few primary science curriculums for pre-K through fourth graders. In 2010, St. Mary’s was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, which placed the school among the top 10 percent of schools in the nation for academics. Oak Ridge Christian Academy was

established in 1992 and serves students in pre-K through 12th grade. The Montessori School of Oak Ridge encourages self-discovery and promotes individual growth for its students, ages 2 to 6.

HIGHER EDUCATION In addition to the University of Tennessee in nearby Knoxville and the online courses of King University, Oak Ridge students have multiple higher education options, including the Oak Ridge campus of Roane State Community College, which offers career prep programs in nursing and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, interdisciplinary studies and

elementary education; and Pellissippi State Community College, which offers courses in subjects ranging from business and computer technology to natural and behavioral sciences.

Thanks to the Tennessee Promise Program, graduating seniors can attend community college free of charge.

.com

Learn more about schools in Oak Ridge at livability.com/tn/oak-ridge

LIVING

HEALTH

&

Wellness

Access to quality health care is a key component to a truly livable community. Here’s an overview of local providers:

METHODIST MEDICAL CENTER Ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by HealthInsight, 301-bed Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is known for innovation and exemplary care. One of the first medical facilities in the country to open chest and breast clinics, today The Comprehensive Breast Clinic provides each patient with a team of specialists and a custom-tailored cancer treatment plan. The Comprehensive Chest

• Long-term and short-term rentals • Efficiency, studio, one bedroom, large one bedroom, two bedroom • Fully furnished • All utilities included • Weekly maid service

WestGate Lodging 101 Gates Dr. • Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865)481-0603 • www.westgateor.com

28

O ak R idge

Clinic – the only one of its type in the region – focuses on treatment of lung cancer and cancers of the chest.

Methodist Medical Center’s 30-bed orthoneuro unit (with a specialty joint destination center for hip and knee replacement) ranks in the top 10 percent of facilities nationwide.

The hospital also has a wound treatment center that uses hyperbaric oxygen technology.

Methodist Medical Center uses advanced technology in diagnosis and treatments, such as a 64-slice CT scanner for more indepth cardiac imaging and surgical robotics technology for heart, lung, gynecological and prostate procedures. The center’s community outreach includes courses on such topics as smoking cessation, exercise and parenting.

RIDGEVIEW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Established in 1957 as the Mental Health Center of Anderson and Roane Counties Inc., Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services was one of the first mental health facilities in Tennessee.

Its 16-bed inpatient program serves adults, age 18 and older and is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of psychiatric health professionals, social workers, activity therapists and psychiatric technicians. An outpatient program treats several mental health issues, including substance abuse.

Especially impressive is Ridgeview’s menu of services for children and adolescents. In addition to traditional outpatient clinical services for children and their families, Ridgeview participates in the Project B.A.S.I.C. program funded by the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, which offers early intervention and mental health education in elementary schools. Ridgeview also provides licensed counselors and certified prevention specialists for an in-school program that targets kids at risk of developing substance abuse.

EYE CENTERS OF OAK RIDGE With locations in Oak Ridge and neighboring Harriman, Lenoir City and Oneida, Eye Centers is the largest local eye-care provider, offering comprehensive eye care for the entire family. Besides eye exams and prescription services, the centers treat a host of medical eye conditions. The Eye Centers also perform laser vision correction surgery and bepharoplasty to correct dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

COMMUNITY PROFILE DEMOGRAPHICS

TRANSPORTATION

20 Minutes Median Travel Time to Work National Average: 25 minutes

26 Miles Closest Major Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport WALKABILITY

AGE

Walkscore: 19 Almost all errands require a car

19 and under 25% 20-64 58% 65 and Over 17%

COST OF LIVING

19% lower cost of living in Oak Ridge than the national average

$176,700 Median value of owner -occupied housing units

14,494 Housing units

$1,540 Median selected monthly owner costs, with a mortgage

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

ETHNICITY

ETHRA Public Transit ethrapublictransit.org

White 62% Black 13% Hispanic 17%

EDUCATION

41%

of residents age 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher

Asian 5% Other 3%

QUICK REFERENCE ELECTRICITY

GAS

WATER

CABLE

City of Oak Ridge (865) 425-1803

Oak Ridge Utility District orud.org

City of Oak Ridge (865) 425-1875

Comcast (865) 483-5300

THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

Emory Valley Center

Early Learning Center

Supporting people living with disabilities for 60 years

Adult Day Care

EARLY LEARNING CENTER • The only preschool in Anderson County accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) • Full-time child care for children six weeks old to pre-kindergarten • Teachers have degrees in early childhood education (ECE) or education • Children of all abilities are included in classroom learning SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT • Assists local businesses in acquiring a diversified workforce of people with disabilities • EVC staff provide job analysis, job matching, on-site training and ongoing support at no cost to employers • Employers receive tax benefits for hiring EVC’s people with disabilities ADULT DAY CARE • Professional care during the work day for your loved one battling various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and many kinds of health-related issues • Meaningful and interactive activities each day • Fellowship with others for the day care participant and respite for the family caregiver 715 Emory Valley Rd. / Oak Ridge, TN 37830 / 865-483-4385 (office) / 865-482-5435 (fax) www.emoryvalleycenter.org / www.facebook.com/emoryvalleycenter/

Supported Employment

TOP EMPLOYERS, JOBS AND SUCCESS STORIES

BUSINESS

30

O ak R idge

CARBON FIBER TECHNOLOGY The U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Fiber Technology Facility, part of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, offers a highly flexible and instrumented carbon fiber line for demonstrating advanced technology scalability.

STAFF PHOTO

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

31

BUSINESS

The Y‑12 National Security Complex is a major local employer and plays a key role in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Security Enterprise.

Y-12 NATIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX The Y-12 National Security Complex employs about 4,700 people and plays a key role in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Security Enterprise, manufacturing nuclear weapon components and fueling the nation’s naval reactors. Y-12 originally opened in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project for the purpose of enriching uranium for the first atomic bombs. Today’s workers at the Oak Ridge complex develop solutions in manufacturing technologies, prototyping, safeguards and security, technical computing and environmental stewardship.

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

BUSINESS

OVERVIEW Great places to live are great places to work. Take a look at the major industries, top employers and other economic assets here.

32

O ak R idge

With 4,400 employees, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest multipurpose lab in the Department of Energy’s National Laboratory system and home to Titan, one of the world’s most powerful scientific supercomputers. Programs at ORNL focus on energy, high-performance computing, materials, national security, neutron science and systems biology. ORNL partners with the State of Tennessee as well as universities and industries to solve challenges in energy, manufacturing and security.

METHODIST MEDICAL CENTER OF OAK RIDGE More than 2,500 medical professionals and staffers are employed at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, including nearly 200 physicians in 33 specialties ranging from open heart and neurosurgery

Business

SPOTLIGHT DOWNTOWN HARDWARE With 50,000 warehouse items in stock, Downtown Hardware has served Oak Ridge and surrounding communities since 1955. Owners Roger Clary and Ann Clary Bratton are proud of the store’s hometown feel. www.downtown-hardware.com Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge employs more than 2,500 people.

to orthopedics and vascular care. The 301-bed hospital is a major economic contributor to East Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky, serving 200,000 residents. Methodist is recognized by Forbes.com as one of America’s safest hospitals.

Methodist Medical Center: Don Dudenbostel

UCOR The U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear cleanup contractor for Oak Ridge sites is UCOR, whose primary focus is the cleanup and waste management of East Tennessee Technology Park, the former Oak Ridge K-25 uranium facility.

UCOR and its 500 employees oversee environmental, safety and health control cleanup practices of the technology park as well as other Oak Ridge sites.

SAIC Providing customers with solutions based on scientific data and cloud technology is SAIC, whose clients include federal contractors, commercial industries, national security firms, and state and local

governments. The engineering/ IT company also suggests how clients can implement top environmental, health and safety programs in their businesses.

OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES Oak Ridge Associated Universities, which brings together faculty and students to collaborate on scientific initiatives, is a major conductor of research for the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security. A key mission is to bolster America’s global competitiveness while also enhancing America’s preparedness to respond to emergencies related to terrorist incidents, natural disasters and health threats.

.com

Learn more about the economy in Oak Ridge at livability.com/ tn/oak-ridge

NANOMECHANICS Engineers and scientists at Nanomechanics specialize in materials science, precision mechanical design and advanced instrumentation software to help customers solve a variety of complex manufacturing solutions. www.insem.com OAK RIDGE TOOL-ENGINEERING The workforce at Oak Ridge ToolEngineering meets the demands of their worldwide clients by providing precision tooling and machine parts for sectors such as aerospace, defense, energy and the automotive industry. www.ortool.com TENNESSEE TOOL & ENGINEERING The design, engineering and manufacturing of precision parts is the mission at Tennessee Tool & Engineering, whose customers represent industries such as automotive, military and scientific research. www.tenntool.com JOHN SOLDANO, DDS A graduate of the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1977, Dr. John Soldano is considered an expert on crowns and bridges. His practice is headquartered on Emery Valley Road. www.soldanodentistry.com

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

33

BUSINESS

Action

JACKSON HISTORIC SQUARE UNDERGOES SEVERAL RENOVATIONS

by Kevin Litwin

Staff Photos by MICHAEL D. TEDESCO

Sweet Upgrades Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab & Kitchen is one of several retailers in Oak Ridge’s Jackson Square.

li vability. com / tn /oak- ridge

35

Historic Jackson Square was one of the first developments in the original town of Oak Ridge.

W

hen Oak Ridge was built in the 1940s for the Manhattan Project World War II effort, about 70,000 people lived and worked in the community and needed neighborhood markets and stores to purchase their food and other items. As a result, the federal government also built Jackson Square to become the community’s first commercial center.

However, decades passed, and the historic district merited an overhaul, so local government officials decided to revive the once-thriving area. Redevelopment of Jackson Square was completed in 2015.

36

O ak R idge

“City and state funds have gone toward amenities like a refurbished main parking lot and a nice interactive water feature for the district,” says Parker Hardy, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “The Square underwent a facelift to breathe new life into Oak Ridge’s original townsite.”

BANKING ON PROGRESS One company that appreciates the renaissance efforts is CapitalMark Bank & Trust, which in 2011-2012 renovated a downtown building which it opened in 2013.

“I appreciate how the Square is bringing more people back

downtown, even if it’s just the curiosity of seeing how the area is redeveloping,” says David Bradshaw, Oak Ridge city president for CapitalMark Bank & Trust. “It is becoming a great place to gather, especially since the old main parking lot has been renovated to basically serve as a downtown park for events, a farmers market and other attractions.”

Bradshaw is also pleased that several businesses moved into Jackson Square in 2015.

“There are now six or seven locally owned restaurants,” he says. “My bank clients love it when I can suggest so many restaurants where they can have lunch or dinner.”

“Jackson Square today is a centralized location growing with gift shops, restaurants and banks.

It offers one-stop shopping where people can find a variety of things in one place.”

Reggie Law, Managing Artistic Director, Oak Ridge Playhouse

THE SHOW MUST GO ON Another business enjoying the renewed vibrancy of the district is Oak Ridge Playhouse, which formed as an organization in 1943 – shortly after Oak Ridge itself was created. The theater troupe eventually moved into an old movie theater on Jackson Square in 1957 where it has been ever since.

“Jackson Square today is

a centralized location growing with gift shops, restaurants and banks. It offers one-stop shopping where people can find a variety of things in one place,” says Reggie Law, Oak Ridge Playhouse managing artistic director. “I’m proud that the Playhouse plays a role in bringing folks to Jackson Square, because we draw our audiences from a five-county region.”

Law hopes the near future will see a nightclub and tavern established in the district.

“People arriving from outside Oak Ridge want a place to go before and after our plays along with the good variety of restaurants that already exist,” he says. “The Playhouse has been here a long time, and it’s nice to see all the renewed activity occurring nowadays in Jackson Square.”

Taking Service to the Next Level RICHARD BELL

Owner/Principal Broker 9724 Kingston Pike, Ste. 302 Knoxville, TN 37922 865-394-8086

KIMBERLY BELL Principal Broker

1298 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Ste. B Oak Ridge, TN 37830 865-483-SALE (7253)

BUSINESS

CHAMBER REPORT

Keeping Busy ORGANIZATION IS INVOLVED IN MANY COMMUNITY GROWTH EFFORTS In a city of 30,000 residents, it’s impressive that the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce has more than 500 members.

Established in 1949 as a forceful voice for business, today it is the local leader in recruiting retail and commercial busineses while also focusing on on residential growth and development to attract the next generation of consumers and workforce.

The chamber also oversees leadership development to grow the next generation of

civic, community, elected and business leaders, and it annually provides chamber members with numerous business-to-business networking opportunities.

“If I was a company thinking of locating somewhere, I would certainly keep Oak Ridge in mind,” says Parker Hardy, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Oak Ridge is the center for highly technical jobs in the East Tennessee area, and the most advanced manufacturing in the world occurs here in many industrial clusters.”

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS AMSE

Oak Ridge Economic Partnership

www.amse.org

www.oakridgetn.gov

Centennial Village Apartments

www.ornl.gov

Corporate Quarters www.knoxcorporateapts.com

Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation

Crye-Leike Relocation Services

www.orpsef.org

www.crye-leike.com/relocation

ORAU

Emory Valley Center

www.orau.org

www.emoryvalleycenter.org

Real Estate Office

Enrichment Federal Credit Union

www.RealEstateofficeTN.com

www.enrichmentfcu.org

Realty Executives

Greenfield Senior Living

www.ashleyvann.com

www.greenfieldseniorliving.com

Roane State Community College

Hampton Inn www.oakridge.hamptoninn.com

www.roanestate.edu

Leidos

SCI Consulting

www.leidos.com

www.sciworld.com

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

State Farm – Ruby Miller

www.covenanthealth.com/findaphysician

Navarro Research & Engineering Inc. www.navarro-inc.com

Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce www.oakridgechamber.org

38

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

www.centennialvillageapts.com

O ak R idge

www.rubymiller.com

TNBANK www.tnbank.net

UCOR www.ucor.com

Westgate Lodging www.westgateor.com

Hardy points out that Oak Ridge is making plenty of news these days. First of all, the old and overbuilt Oak Ridge Mall is being redeveloped into a mixed-use town center.

Hardy adds that Oak Ridge schools are annually ranked among the nation’s best, while Congress has authorized the creation of a Manhattan Project National Historic Park to commemorate the city’s involvement in the World War II Manhattan Project atomic bomb effort.

The permanent tourism memorial will be featured in Oak Ridge as well as Hanford, Wash., and Los Alamos, N.M. “Meanwhile, people commute into Oak Ridge from about a dozen counties that surround us, and the largest percentage of workers live in the Knoxville area,” Hardy says. “One of the chamber’s big upcoming efforts is to develop our city so that some of those commuters will eventually elect to become full-time residents of Oak Ridge, instead of merely commuting here.”

.com

Learn more about Oak Ridge’s business climate at livability.com/tn/oak-ridge.

ECONOMIC PROFILE WORKFORCE

BUSINESSES

RETAIL, TOURISM & DINING

$477M Annual Retail Sales

2,957

$79M

Total number of firms

Annual Hotel and Food Sales

23,636 Total number employed

8.6%

TRANSPORTATION ASSETS McGhee Tyson Airport www.flyknoxville.com

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Unemployment Rate

TOP EMPLOYERS

EDUCATION LEVEL High School 22%

1000+ 401-999

Some College 23% Associate Degree 6%

300-400

EnergySolutions; Navarro Research & Engineering; ORNL Federal Credit Union; Pro2Serve

7,849

Other 8%

CNS; UT-Battelle ORNL; Methodist Medical Center; UCOR; SAIC; Oak Ridge Associated Universities

3,364

Post-Graduate 20%

1,245

Bachelor’s Degree 21%

$150,000+ $75,000-149,999 $74,999 and under THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

Oak Ridge TE NNESSE E

(865) 483-1321 www.oakridgechamber.org

(865) 425-3550 www.oakridgetn.gov

Partnering in Community Growth

Ad Index AMSE

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

CENTENNIAL VILLAGE APARTMENTS

OAK RIDGE PUBLIC

CORPORATE QUARTERS

SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

CRYE-LEIKE RELOCATION SERVICES

ORAU

EMORY VALLEY CENTER

REAL ESTATE OFFICE

ENRICHMENT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION GREENFIELD SENIOR LIVING

REALTY EXECUTIVES

HAMPTON INN

ROANE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LEIDOS

SCI CONSULTING

METHODIST MEDICAL CENTER OF OAK RIDGE

STATE FARM – RUBY MILLER

NAVARRO RESEARCH & ENGINEERING INC.

TNBANK

OAK RIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

UCOR

OAK RIDGE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

WESTGATE LODGING

Apartment Guide Updated May, 2016

Please note that rental rates are subject to change without notice.

Apartment Name Bristol Park British Woods Apartments Centennial Village The Manhattan Rolling Hills Apartments Homes Tara Hills Apartments Westgate Lodging

Phone Number

Lease Terms

483-4008

3 – 18 Months

Furnished/ Unfurnished Furnished Unfurnished

Rental Rates $725-$1145

Pets Accepted Yes

# of Units 208

Yes 481-0840

12 Months

Unfurnished

$600 -$830

481-0886

3 – 15 Months

Unfurnished

$825-$1335

483-4323

3 – 13 Months

Unfurnished

$445 - $695

130 Yes Yes

252 350

Yes 483-5357

3 – 13 Months

Unfurnished

$585 - $825

451 Yes

483-5564

3 – 24+ Months

481-0603

No Lease Required

(Daily, Monthly, Yearly available)

Unfurnished

$585 - $835

Furnished

$950 - $1600 (Monthly rate)

214 Yes 75

Moving to Oak Ridge?

Helpful Numbers to Get You Started!

Animal Shelter

865-425-3423

Automobile Registration Anderson County Clerk Roane County Clerk

865-483-0541 865-376-5556

Cable Television Comcast Cable

865-321-9967

Driver’s License Applications Tennessee Department of Safety

865-457-3958

Education/Schools Oak Ridge Schools St. Mary’s School

865-425-9000 865-483-9700

Electric, Water, Sewer & Taxes City of Oak Ridge

865-425-3400

Garbage Collection/Recycling Waste Connection of Tennessee

865-482-3656

Library

865-425-3455

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

865-481-1000

Natural Gas Oak Ridge Utility District

865-483-1377

Newspaper Subscription The Oak Ridger

865-482-1021

Parks & Recreation City of Oak Ridge

865-425-3450

Police or Fire Emergency Police or Fire Non-Emergency

911 865-425-4399

Visitor Information Oak Ridge Convention & Visitors Bureau

865-482-7821

If you need additional information, please call the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 865-483-1321.

Updated May 2016