Life changes and a fresh start lead to new home and community in East TN
Sharon Brown is enjoying her new life in the small town of Oneida, nestled in the Cumberland Mountains of Scott County, not far from the Kentucky state line.
Unlike many who live around Oneida, Brown is not a local. Born and raised in the Memphis area, Brown, who is in her early 60s, moved to Scott County after a major change occurred in her life.
After 30 years of marriage, Brown found herself divorced and living on her own near Memphis. It was time, she decided, to make a fresh start somewhere else. So, she moved to Oneida, where her daughter lived with her husband and children.
Although she appreciated her daughter’s help and loved the chance to be around her grandchildren more, Brown needed something else. A place she could call her own. There was only one problem – Oneida is a small, rural town, without many affordable options for renting, whether it be a house or apartment.
Brown, however, soon learned about the newly built Bear Creek Apartments located on the outskirts of Oneida. The 63-unit apartment complex was built in 2023 by developer David Hayes. Hayes utilized over $12 million in equity from Tennessee Housing Development Agency tax credits to build the apartments, and in turn agreed to maintain rents Bear Creek under market rates for at least two decades.
Bear Creek proved to be a perfect fit for Brown, who was trying to get back on her feet following the divorce and move across the state.
Since settling in at Bear Creek, Brown said she has enjoyed the change of pace from the big city of Memphis to Oneida’s more relaxed pace. The apartment is nice, she said, with plenty of room for her and a kitchen she can cook and move around in.
Having her own space also allows her to focus more on what she needs to grow, while at the same time giving her the opportunity to enjoy her grandkids and the ability to spend time with her daughter.
Brown also praised the staff at Bear Creek for helping her navigate through a major change in her life.