$243,340Average Value$212Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
An ode to “Rocky Top”
“Wish that I was on ol’ Rocky Top / down in the Tennessee hills,” goes the opening line to the Osborne Brothers’ bluegrass classic “Rocky Top.” Known as Coal Creek until 1936 and then Lake City, the city of Rocky Top changed its name to reference the song in 2014 — despite being sued by the songwriters’ estate — in hopes of attracting a theme park. Although the theme park fell through, the name has stayed. “I think, at this point, most people have pretty much grown to accept it,” says Kerry Templin, mayor of the city since 2022. “But there are a lot of people who go out of their way to come to our city to see Rocky Top.” While not the original place that inspired “Rocky Top,” the city’s hillside charm, lower housing costs for the region and excellent recreation help it feel like “home sweet home” to many.
Rocky Top is a town on the comeback with multiple new shops and stores opening downtown.
Rocky Top is nestled between the ridges of the Appalachian Mountain range.
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Bedroom community for Knoxville
For people looking to commute to their city job but live further into the Tennessee hills, Rocky Top is within an easy drive downtown via Interstate 75. “We’re really in a perfect location to be a bedroom community for the Knoxville and Oak Ridge areas,” Templin says. “It’s about a 30-minute drive to either of those locations. It’s an easy drive; you’re not dealing with the congestion in those locations.”
Boating, off-roading, and motorcycling in the Tennessee countryside
While residents drive into the city during the week to their jobs, they enjoy their proximity to the gorgeous Appalachian scenery on the weekends. Norris Dam State Park offers a reservoir for fishing, boating and water skiing just minutes away. Residents can camp or rent a cabin in the woods surrounding Norris Lake for a rustic experience. Meanwhile, locals can access Windrock Park from the city for ATV trails. Rocky Top is the only place in Tennessee where ATVs are allowed on roads year-round. Those more fond of two wheels than four flock to the Devil’s Triangle, a 44-mile loop of state highways famous in the motorcycling community for its twists and turns.
Norris Lake is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Rocky Top is a very ATV friendly town and is at the doorstep of Windrock.
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Businesses on Rocky Top’s Main Street
While chain restaurants like McDonald’s and Cracker Barrel sit right off the Interstate 75 exit in town, Rocky Top residents enjoy and support their local businesses. “We’re slowly growing,” Mayor Templin says. “We’re seeing some businesses move into our downtown area.” Locals visit the Vols Diner on Main Street for its friendly atmosphere and weekend breakfasts. Just down the street, the family-owned Coal Creek Coffee serves handcrafted beverages. Closer to the interstate, locals point out La Fiesta’s Mexican cuisine as one of the best restaurants in town. Residents go to the local DG Market for groceries or head a couple of miles down I-75 for other essentials at Walmart.
Rocky Top locals love to frequent the Vols Diner in downtown.
Pick up some locally made merchandise and food items at Coal Creek General Store.
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Older homes in Rocky Top, and larger mountain houses
Originally a coal mining city, Rocky Top has a small downtown area with some homes from the turn of the 20th century. Many of the houses in town are cottages and ranch-styles with Craftsman touches, which can start in the mid-$100,000s. Meanwhile, a renovated five-bedroom farmhouse sells for $500,000. Further out in the mountains, buyers find homes ranging from cabins to newer colonial styles. They can be found for as little as $700,000, though larger estates with lake views can go for as much as $3 million.
Traditional stye homes sit on medium sized lots in Rocky Top.
You can find Cape Cod inspired homes dotting the landscape in Rocky Top.
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Students in Anderson County schools
Students in Rocky Top start their education at Lake City Elementary School, given a C-plus grade by Niche. They then move on to Lake City Middle School, which received a B-minus, before attending the B-rated Anderson County High School. Students at Anderson County High School can participate in varsity sports like basketball, soccer, tennis or track and field.
Lake City Elementary received a grade of C+ on Niche.
Lake City Middle School received a 6 out of 10 from Great Schools.
The Anderson County High School Mavericks are the Defending State Football Champions.
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Coal Creek Miners Museum
Residents of Rocky Top are proud of their coal mining heritage, which can be seen on full display at the Coal Creek Miners Museum. Coal Creek was the site of a significant clash between mine owners and workers, resulting in the end of unpaid convict labor in coal mines.
Take a step back in time and learn the history of the town at the Coal Creek Miners Museum.
The Fraterville Miners Circle is a memorial site dedicated to the miners who lost their lives.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Evans,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Anderson County Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Camping
Norris Dam State Park
Bike Trails
Camping
Fishing
Carden Farm Dog Park
Dog Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
McGhee Tyson
61 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rocky Top
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rocky Top, Lake City sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Rocky Top, Lake City over the last 12 months is $261,902, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*OPEN HOUSE Sunday 2/23 from 2-4PM!* Charming remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated in the serene beauty of Rocky Top, Tennessee on 1.25 acres. This well-maintained property offers a perfect blend of country tranquility and modern living, ideal for anyone seeking peaceful surroundings while still being within easy reach of local amenities. The home features an open-concept layout with a
Investment Opportunity in Rocky Top, TN! This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is located within the city limits of Rocky Top, TN, offering a potential diamond in the rough for investors or DIY enthusiasts. The property requires extensive repairs and has fire damage, providing a blank canvas for renovation and restoration. Key Features: 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Located in the city limits of Rocky
A gorgeous showplace! This beautiful farm has 7.16 manicured fenced acres. A 1568 square foot Modular home with vinyl exterior with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, Dining Room/Kitchen combo, open floor plan. Gas fireplace in Living Room, nice walk in closets. Rear deck and 2 car carport. Home is in immaculate shape. Has a 6 stall horse barn, smaller 'she-shed' and large steel shed/storage area. Has a 1 acre
Charming 4 bedroom 2 bath farmhouse in Rocky Top UTILITIES INCLUDED! Beautifully updated bathrooms and kitchen. The upstairs loft may be used as a playroom, office or storage. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet so large that you could use it as an office as well. Power, water and sewer all included in the price of this 2000+ sq ft home. The bottom level is being rented separately. Some
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Evans,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,150
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$52,343
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,833
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.3%
College Graduates
11.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
