Frank M. Witowski Jr.

Published Dec. 16, 2005

Why is Cumberland County a melting pot?

You don't have to live in Cumberland County very long before discovering the area is a melting pot. People from Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New York and other states are prevalent in the beautiful Cumberland Plateau region. I, too, am not originally from here and my northern accent gives me away immediately. I am a former Hoosier who relocated to Tennessee in May 2004. So what brings people from all backgrounds and cultures to the Cumberland Plateau? Well, first there is the lower cost of living. In Northwest Indiana, the average price for a one bedroom apartment was $600 plus utilities. Here, to rent a house or trailer, it is considerably cheaper. Newcomers buy homes with more acreage for a cheaper price than they were paying in their former residence.

The job market is about the same as Indiana. Factory jobs paid more than they do here but aside from that, wages between the two states are pretty comparable.

The city of Crossville is unique in that it is a growing city, yet maintains a "hometown" atmosphere. The diversification of people coming to the area adds spice and many times adds more opportunities to those who have called the Cumberland Plateau home for many years.

If you do much traveling at all, it should make you more grateful for the beautiful layout here in the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding areas. I may seem to be a little redundant but where I lived in Northwest Indiana, there were no mountains whatsoever and the most elevated locations were cemeteries. Natural beauty and scenery were replaced by malls and shopping centers galore.

With the stress and the hustle and bustle of life, I am grateful to find such treasures as Cumberland Mountain State Park at my fingertips. Vacationers who travel here instantly fall in love with this area because of its vast beauty and rugged scenery. The climate of the Plateau is moderate in the winter season and the fresh air provides for healthier lungs.

The secret is out as migrations of people from all across the globe have discovered the Cumberland Plateau and made it home. For those of you who were born and raised on the Plateau, you may not realize how blessed you are. If retired residents from Florida are relocating here, it should let you know you have a treasure and ought to be proud of your heritage. Magnificent scenery at your fingertips without the overcrowdedness... that's what we call home here on the Cumberland Plateau.

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Frank M. Witowski Jr. is a Crossville Chronicle staffwriter. His column appears periodically. He may be reached at 484-5145.