Pat Ryder moved to East Tennessee from Texas 8 years ago. As one of the founder’s of the annual charity crawfish boil, Pat says the highest compliment he can give Tennessee is, “It’s a lot like Texas.”

From his back deck at Garland Farm Estates, he describes his relocation to the area, ” I say that because the people are great here. They’re friendly, very welcoming and there’s an open-door policy for everyone in our neighborhood.

When it comes to what’s different, he continued,

“I lived in Houston – the rat race wasn’t for me. Here in TN – Johnson City is the perfect sized city. The same fellowship with the neighbors, but you don’t have to deal with the big city mess.”

Since moving to Tennessee, Pat is one of the founders of the annual Crawfish Boil held at Garland Farm Estates. As he describes it, it was a neighborhood event that took on a generosity – all its own.

“I got together with Michael Garland and a few other friends in the neighborhood and decided we should have a Crawfish Boil. It began pretty small and grew from there. Now it’s a pretty big event,” he said.

Since then, the annual gathering has raised over $100,000 for local charities. What started as a neighborhood party has turned into a blessing for many of those in need.

Pat also shared, “It’s important to note that any charity we pick has to mean something or connected to someone in the neighborhood and the Crawfish Boil Crew. It has to stay local, and the money stays in the area.”

Part of being local and being a good neighbor is how many describe the people here in Tennessee. Here in the Appalachian Highlands, a kind smile, a firm handshake and a commitment to do what you say you’ll do is a common trait among Southerners. But there’s more than that too here in East Tennessee.

Pat is a family man, and he says, “The schools are wonderful. What I love most about this neighborhood is that we have lots of kids just on my street alone. Kids are everywhere, and they hang out with our friends, and many times with an open door policy. That includes the big kids too. There’s a lot of man-caves around here.”

Garland Farm Estates is located just outside of Johnson City where there’s not a lot of traffic. The stores are close by when you need them, and in many cases, if you need something quick, there’s a neighbor nearby who’s ready to help.

That’s what a neighborhood should be, and at Garland Farm Estates, we can’t say we’re the only place like this in Tennessee, but there’s something special here, and we’re happy to share it with you.

Call or drop by today and let’s introduce you to one of the finest neighborhoods here in the South at Garland Farm Estates.