A popular Southern adage states that when God was creating the mountains, he took a little extra time making the Smokies.

Natural beauty is a big part of life in the Northeast Tennessee Valley, and the Great Smoky Mountains are a big reason why. But life in this region is so much more.

From its historic and revitalized downtowns to its bounty of cultural treasures and recreation options, the Northeast Tennessee Valley region brims with opportunities to live, work and play. The region’s forward-thinking leadership has married the best elements of the past with leading-edge innovations in areas such as sustainability and broadband connectivity.

History is front and center in the region. For example, Jonesborough has been around since 1779 and is the oldest town in Tennessee, while Greeneville, founded in 1783, is the second oldest.

The bounty of natural assets and stellar recreation options leave no excuses for not getting outdoors. Golf Digest ranks the Tri-Cities area of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol as the second-best place in the United States to live and golf. Fly Fisherman magazine rates the region as one of the nation’s premier spots for angling.

“Another key component of life in the valley is the friendliness of the people,” says Cate Abraham, marketing manager for the Johnson City Development Authority. “When my husband and I first moved here, we got lost one day and pulled to the side of a deserted road. Suddenly, a car filled with teenagers came speeding out of nowhere, and screeched to a halt when they saw us. My husband and I were nervous, but the teens merely wanted to know if we were lost and if we needed help. That’s what friendly life is all about around here.”

Population figures are also slowly on the rise throughout the region, partially due to the inward flow of  "halfbacks" - people from the North who retired to Florida but are now moving halfway back to live in the beautiful valley.

“These folks are finding out about all the affordable housing, low costs of living and quaint Main Street settings in these parts,” Abraham says. “And although quaint, there are many technological advancements, such as digital and fiber-optic networks in place throughout the valley."

Johnston City’s commitment to environmental and energy conservation won it the first ever 2008 Municipal League Green City Leadership Award. Bristol, Va., was the lone U.S. city to make the Top Seven list of “most intelligent communities” worldwide by the Pacific Telecommunications Council for pioneering work in the area of municipal broadband.

Other lofty rankings for the region include the valley being listed as one of the top 10 Best Places for African-Americans to retire, according to Black Enterprise magazine. In addition, Forbes listed Johnson City in the top 50 for Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the United States.

The valley is also home to dozens of popular annual festivals, including the Sycamore Shoals Celtic Festival in Elizabethton, Tenn., and the Clinch Mountain MusicFest in School County, Va. There are also get-togethers such as the Appalachian Fair in Gray, Tenn.; the Unicoi County Apple Festival in Erwin, Tenn., and the Mountain Treasures Festival in Dungannon, Va.

“And don’t forget the music scene, which is incredible throughout the valley,” says Christina Blevins, executive director of a Believe in Bristol organization. “In fact, a Birthplace of Country Music Cultural Heritage Center is being developed in Bristol, Va., with a scheduled opening in 2011.”