Good farming areas in Tennessee?

Hi we’re looking to relocate to Tennessee and do a small homestead.   I have a black thumb so I’m trying to figure out what area of TN to research for farmland-  East TN?  Cumberland plateau?   I also don’t do well with heat, humidity and insects which I know TN is blessed with in abundance.

I have been hospitalized twice for severe reaction to insect bites so it’s not a city slicker thing.  

We will have my elderly in laws with me and MIL is extremely picky about personal comfort.  

Is there anyone familiar with TN that can give us some advice about locations?  

More details on exactly what you are looking for and trying to accomplish would help to give you good locations. (Your thoughts on building codes, land size, budget, house or neighborhood expectations, expectations of proximity to a major city, your farming plans, etcetera.)

Thanks John.  I’m making a list at the moment so will check back once I have better details listed down.  

You nailed it with The Cumberland Plateau!  We've lived in far East Tennessee and West Central, Tennessee and our hands down favorite is The Upper Cumberlands.  We left the area years ago and have longed to return.  We are currently building an off-grid home in Van Buren County, high on the Plateau and free from building codes.  It does make for colder winters, a little more snow on average, but cooler summers and less humidity too.  Your plant hardiness zone is on the line of 6B and 7A.  We are from Florida originally and appreciate the elevation difference.  You are close to Cookeville and Chattanooga with amazing farmers markets and the Old Order Mennonites in the area have just about anything you want.  Follow the Plateau from Alabama through to Kentucky and you can't go wrong.  The only difference being whatever county that you choose and the ordnances that they require.  We chose Van Buren County, but there many other ones (Cumberland, Grundy, Putnam & White) to name a few.  If you require a well to drill, know that cool mountain spring water is not always found.  You can hit water with iron and or sulfur, so keep that in mind.  If you're purchasing property with a well already installed, have it tested.  It is hard to go wrong with The Cumberland Plateau!  

Blessings...Hugh