NEIGHBORS: A Warm Tennessee Welcome

When Eddie and Leslie Carmichael made the decision to move from California to Tennessee, they soon realized they were embarking on something bigger than a home search. As it turned out, the couple built more than a home; they created a community of camaraderie, culture, and authentic Tennessee happiness.

It has been said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Perhaps that is the perfect way to describe the Carmichaels’ move from California to a new community of friendship in Tennessee. Originally from Rochester, New York, Leslie and her family relocated to the Golden State when she was a young girl. While in San Jose, she met Eddie, a California native, and the two became high school sweethearts. After dating as teenagers and marrying a few years after graduation, the couple established local roots and grew their family to include Brandon, Lauren, and Ryan.

As their grown children began to pursue their own adventures, Eddie and Leslie developed a new sense of wanderlust. “While grateful for family, friends, and fond memories in California, we were drawn to the music scene of Nashville, and the beauty of the four seasons,” Leslie said. “A common-sense, down-to-earth lifestyle was important to us,” Eddie explained. “We’ve definitely found that here in Tennessee.”

Their new home journey began in 2023, when the couple first stepped into Schell’s Monterey model at Oak Hall in Mount Juliet. After visiting several other communities and touring endless floor plans, one day Eddie asked, “What about that first home we saw at Schell Brothers?” Agreeing that the house was calling them back, the couple took a second step into The Monterey at Oak Hall and knew they were home. “We fell in love with it as soon as we walked back in,” Leslie said. The open floor plan had everything they were looking for, with soaring cathedral ceilings, a stunning kitchen island, and upgrades that exceeded their wildest expectations. Having chosen the model home, the house was both finished and furnished when they made their purchase.

“I remember commenting that the house would be the envy of any home improvement show on TV,” Leslie quipped. “It was like Joanna and Chip Gaines had been there!”

In addition to the high-end details that define Schell’s craftsmanship, Eddie and Leslie were quick to mention the professionalism and generosity of the onsite staff. “They made us feel like part of the Schell family from day one,” Eddie said. “Our salesperson was knowledgeable in helping us navigate the home purchase process.” Leslie added, “Understanding that we were moving from California, she helped us seamlessly adjust to our new life in Mount Juliet.“ Since they had purchased a sales model which was still in use by the Schell team, the couple rented a home in Nashville while they waited for Oak Hall to sell out before they could move in. The estimated time frame, between two and eighteen months, worked well—until the Carmichaels’ rental home unexpectedly caught fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but Eddie and Leslie were left to search for new temporary housing. That’s when the Schell team graciously stepped in, inviting them to move into their home earlier than planned. “We will be forever grateful to them for helping us when we needed it most,” Leslie said.

Now, as they settle into their new surroundings, the two continue to be active in their careers, with Eddie working in medical sales for Johnson & Johnson, and Leslie serving as a language therapist specializing in dyslexia at Hoover Learning Group. When it’s time to relax, they appreciate the year-round benefits of their Tennessee home. Some favorite activities include gathering next to their stone fireplace, sharing wine with neighbors around the spacious kitchen island, and challenging family and friends to a game of pool in the loft.

An unexpected advantage of their move has been the true spirit of friendship they experience at Oak Hall. “Having traveled from so far away, we knew no one when we arrived in Tennessee,” Leslie said. “Yet, everyone has made us feel incredibly welcome. We love our neighbors and look forward to meeting those who just moved in.” The couple has already participated in game nights, super bowl parties, and neighborhood dinners, with many more plans in the works. “We can’t wait to complete our backyard kitchen so we can host neighborhood barbecues during the spring and summer months,” Eddie said.

When they venture out, Eddie and Leslie often head to the eclectic urban neighborhood known as The Gulch, where they enjoy dinner at Adele's, or to a variety of country music venues on Broadway in Nashville. For a perfect summer evening, Arrington Winery offers music, wine, and scenic ambiance, just 30 minutes away. As Eddie and Leslie continue to explore their new surroundings, they intend to immerse themselves in everything Tennessee has to offer, from music to pickleball.

Beyond the warm welcome they’ve experienced, the couple is especially grateful for the way their dog-friendly neighbors have embraced Winston and Hudson, their very affectionate and social Labrador retrievers. The pups are regulars at the local community parks and experience tailwagging adventures and warm greetings during daily walks. No doubt their favorite stop is Mount Juliet’s Three Dog Bakery, a unique treat shop highlighted in a recent act by popular comedian Nate Bargatze who hails from Tennessee.

In mere miles, it is a long journey from California to Tennessee. Fortunately, one of the main steps along the way took the Carmichaels into a Schell Brothers home at Oak Hall. As a result, Eddie and Leslie have expanded their community of family and friends, rather than leaving anything behind. “We were warmly welcomed here,“ Leslie said. “Early on, Schell organized a meet and greet, and that was the start of something we truly cherish—because we didn’t just find a home; we built a whole new community of friends.”