Blog Posts

  • Healthy Food Renaissance in Upper Cumberland: Discovering Organic Markets and Bakeries

    Healthy Food Renaissance in Upper Cumberland: Discovering Organic Markets and Bakeries

    The Upper Cumberland region is undergoing a fascinating transformation: a healthy food renaissance that’s as unique as it is exciting. When we decided to move here, we already knew Tennessee had a rich farming landscape, so we expected to have access to plenty of locally produced food. Our family prioritizes eating grass-finished beef, avoiding seed oils, and keeping carbs in check to maintain what we consider a healthy diet. Having local farmers nearby has always made sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients easier, so we looked forward to finding new favorite farms. What we didn’t expect, however, was to discover grocery stores…

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  • Finding the Right School in the Upper Cumberland: Insights from Our Family’s Tour

    Finding the Right School in the Upper Cumberland: Insights from Our Family’s Tour

    Summary We found Cookeville TN to have quite a remarkable array of affordable schooling options. There are various home-schooling support services, a number of private schools, Montessori inspired Pre-Ks and maker-spaces, well rated public schools, and more. We believe this will provide the flexibility for us to find what is best for our children and are excited to make the move. Intro Moving to a new place with children adds complexity and anxiety. What are the schooling options? Are they any good? Do the options fit what we are looking to provide for our kids? Can we afford it? These…

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  • The Great Taking? Maybe not in Tennessee!

    The Great Taking? Maybe not in Tennessee!

    I don’t know what to call it aside from providence. I came across a strange post on twitter/x describing the bankruptcy of a cryptocurrency ponzi custodian called Celsius. It was explained that account holders who had withdrawn their money before the crash and closure of Celsius, were having their funds legally “clawed-back” and taken from them. I couldn’t understand this. In the comments, I read this is now standard part of bankruptcy laws. Stranger still I saw the claim that; What he describes will happen also to all stock accounts after a big crash. All of you are just unsecured…

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  • How can we afford (another) kid? Schooling doesn’t need to break the bank

    How can we afford (another) kid? Schooling doesn’t need to break the bank

    It’s far too common that young Armenian-American families struggle with the cost of raising children in America. If you want proper schooling for your kid in the North East or in California it is going to cost you dearly. Many struggle to make it all work. Stack the cards in your favor by moving to a more family friendly environment. Cost of Schooling Comparison: Cookeville, TN vs. Los Angeles, CA for a Family Making $100,000 per Year Imagine a family of four making $100,000 per year, considering a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Cookeville, TN. The differences in the…

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  • Armenians moving from New York City

    Armenians moving from New York City

    The Armenian Community in NYC New York City is home to a vibrant Armenian community, particularly concentrated in neighborhoods like Bayside, Forest Hills, and Manhattan. The city offers numerous Armenian churches, schools, cultural organizations, and businesses, contributing to a rich Armenian-American presence. Comparing Housing and Property Costs In NYC, the cost of housing is substantially higher compared to Cookeville, TN. The median home price in NYC is around $800,000, while in Cookeville, it is approximately $250,000. Renting also reflects this disparity, with a one-bedroom apartment in NYC costing about $3,000 per month, compared to roughly $900 per month in Cookeville.…

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  • Boston, MA to Cookeville, TN

    Boston, MA to Cookeville, TN

    Comparing the costs of living The Armenian community in Boston The Armenian community in the Boston area primarily resides in neighborhoods such as Watertown, Belmont, Cambridge, and Newton. Watertown, in particular, is known as the heart of the Armenian community, hosting numerous Armenian churches, schools, cultural organizations, and businesses. The greater Boston area is home to an estimated 30,000 Armenians, making it one of the largest Armenian-American populations in the United States. The cost of living in the Boston area has seen a substantial increase over the past decade. Housing prices have skyrocketed, driven by high demand and limited supply,…

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  • Will you be locked down (again)?

    Will you be locked down (again)?

    Believe it or not, “lockdown” is not a public health term. It is a prison term. Seriously, I have a Masters degree in Public Health from a top-10 school. What played out during the tyrannical Covid-19 response is unprecedented. There are so many questions to unpack after this debacle. How was this allowed to happen? Who was in charge? Was this nonsense all a cover-up, intentional, or something else entirely? The biggest question one needs to ask themselves is this. Will I tolerate being locked down again? Have I made myself more difficult to lockdown? Lockdowns appear to have firmly…

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  • Armenian Americans Retiring

    Armenian Americans Retiring

    There are many things to consider when retiring and many places to consider. Here are some of the top reasons to consider joining the Hyeland Project and moving to the Upper Cumberland in Tennessee. Cost of Living Retiring in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee offers Armenian-Americans an attractive cost of living. Compared to major metropolitan areas, the Upper Cumberland provides more affordable housing options, lower property taxes, and reduced day-to-day expenses. This financial relief allows retirees to enjoy a higher quality of life, stretching their retirement savings further. The region’s affordability is a significant draw for those looking to…

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  • Armenian community in rural USA

    Armenian community in rural USA

    Why homesteading? Homesteading and rural living is becoming increasingly popular. The scars of lockdowns and the prospect of future instability motivates some to form a more self-sufficient lifestyle. For others, the automation of technology and the isolation of modern life, is the spark to return to a more traditional rural community. Whatever the reason, the trend is real but it leaves Armenian Americans in a bit of a bind. How can one live in an Armenian community in rural America when there aren’t any? Create new ones, of course! That’s exactly what the Hyeland Project is seeking to do. Advantages…

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  • Armenians in the South

    Armenians in the South

    Armenian communities in the South Armenian communities in the southern United States, while smaller than those in other regions, have established significant and vibrant presences. In Florida, the Armenian population is estimated to be around 9,200 people. The state boasts several Armenian churches, including St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton and St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park. Texas is another state with a notable Armenian community, estimated at around 4,900 people. Major cities like Houston and Dallas are home to Armenian churches such as St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Carrollton and St. Kevork Armenian Church in Houston. Other…

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