The Richland Valley, a narrow dip that runs along the base of Clinch Mountain, is where potential homebuyers will find the city of Rutledge. Serving as the county seat for Grainger County, Rutledge is a small city of around 1,321 residents, according to the 2020 census. It is counted as part of both the Knoxville and Morristown metropolitan areas; it's just 32 miles east of downtown Knoxville and 53 miles south of the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Southern classic styles with acreage offer privacy
Rutledge's rural nature and sprawling green acreage are reflected in its housing – Southern classic architecture styles, such as ranch homes, sit on large lots shaded by trees. Even along the main road that runs through town, houses are not bunched together; residential privacy is an appealing draw for those considering a move here. The housing market isn't considered very competitive, with homes usually selling in around three months, and the average county property tax rate is 0.56%. Price points don't vary drastically, as many houses are similar in style and size. Smaller ranch homes and bungalows sell between $150,000 and $250,000, while renovated larger homes with several acres can sell between $300,000 and $500,000.
Rutledge is served by Grainger County School District
The Grainger County School District has four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and a K-12 school. Children living in Rutledge are zoned to Rutledge Primary, Rutledge Elementary, Rutledge Middle and Grainger High. The district has an overall C-minus on Niche. In 2009, the Grainger Academy was established to raise the graduation rate of the existing high schools and ensure every student could earn a high school diploma. Grainger Academy serves students deemed "at-risk." The program has been massively successful, seeing graduation rates between 95 to 100 percent since 2019.
Rutledge Municipal Park is a local favorite
Located off City Park Road is the city's main recreational space, Rutledge Municipal Park, which is equipped with a children's play area, sports fields and open green areas. Grainger County Park sits on the Cherokee Reservoir about 7 miles away, surrounded by campgrounds and piers. The Holston River is nearby. Fishing and boating are big here, as are hiking with a view. Big Ridge State Park is located 33 miles to the northwest, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park is about 50 miles away.
Local spots offer no-frills atmosphere
As Route 11W – also known as Rutledge Pike – is the main thoroughfare for the city, almost all commercial pockets are located along the side of this road. Rutledge doesn't have major commercial districts, but it has the essentials, from big-name stops like Goodwill and Dollar General to banks and a USPS office. Although there are a few fast food chains in the city, dining really comes from locally owned restaurants offering classic Southern dishes and a no-frills atmosphere.
Grainger County Tomato Festival celebrates the area's most popular crop
The most significant event for Rutledge is the Grainger County Tomato Festival, held on the final weekend of July since 1992. It celebrates the tomato, Grainger County's most popular and profitable crop. Around 30,000 people gather to celebrate the county's heritage and its agricultural impact on Tennessee. The festival has live music performances, and vendors set up to sell artisan crafts and local produce. There are crafting events and participation games for all ages.
Route 11W leads to Knoxville
Rutledge is intersected by Route 11W, which connects the city to Kingsport to the east and Knoxville to the west. Meanwhile, State Route 92 connects the city to Jefferson County, Interstate 40, and Interstate 81 to the south. Residents are mainly car-dependent, although sidewalks border many streets. The closest major airport, McGhee Tyson, is 45 miles west near downtown Knoxville.
Rutledge Police Department serves the community
Due to low overall counts, Rutledge's property and violent crime rates fluctuate greatly and are hard to compare to state and national averages. The city reported a spike in violent crimes in early 2023, while property crimes decreased.
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.
