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Townsend

Townsend

Rural Neighborhood in Tennessee

Blount County 37882

$517,171 Average Value
$361 Average Price per Sq Ft
58 Homes For Sale

Townsend, the peaceful side of the Smokies

Townsend sits at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the peaceful side of the Smokies, as residents like to say. This is code for less crowded. This charming mountain town along Tennessee’s Little River has benefitted from both the eco-tourism and land protection of its neighbor, the National Park Service. There are no city property taxes, but residents have an array of services, including a volunteer fire department.

Route 321 and local history

Eastern Tennessee State Route 321, or Lamar Alexander Parkway, runs through the five-mile length of the town, alongside the river, and functions as a main street where most businesses and a few choice houses sit. The Little River has carved a small valley through the range, and as the neighborhood of Townsend extends outward from downtown, the elevation gets higher. This is Davy Crockett country, and history is everywhere if you know where to look. The Henry Whitehead House and Elijah Oliver Cabin, two preserved early pioneer domiciles near Cades Cove, are great places to start.

You'll be sure to see mountains no matter which way you look while in Townsend.
You'll be sure to see mountains no matter which way you look while in Townsend.
The picturesque Henry Whitehead House sits on the backside of Cades Cove.
The picturesque Henry Whitehead House sits on the backside of Cades Cove.
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Higher the heights, higher the prices

The market is open and healthy here, and homes are more expensive the higher in elevation they go. The idyllic pace, seclusion and natural features are a draw, but buyers need to be prepared for a rural lifestyle that can feel cut off from the rest of the world. Residents say the cohesiveness of this community of under 1,000 more than makes up for its geographic isolation. Funky wood and stone A-Frame two to three bedrooms can be found for under $300,000 near the town center. Attractive and newer chalet-style condos that can be used as vacation rentals are priced the same. On the lower end, manufactured homes in the Big Valley Resort are available for under $200,000 with the blue-ridged Smokies in their backyards. Near the town center and to the west side, closer to the park entrance, one can find chinked log cabins with spacious interiors for half a million dollars tucked between oak and yellowwood trees. There’s also plenty of land for sale where one can build their dream cabin.

Ranchers and Craftsmans sit side by side on large lots in Townsend.
Ranchers and Craftsmans sit side by side on large lots in Townsend.
You can find lots of A-frame wood and stone cabins in Townsend.
You can find lots of A-frame wood and stone cabins in Townsend.
While Condos are not common in Townsend, new ones in private communities are starting to pop up.
While Condos are not common in Townsend, new ones in private communities are starting to pop up.
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Schools host games and holiday meals

The two closest Elementary Schools, Townsend and Walland, both earned B-minuses on Niche. Residents turn out for basketball games and holiday meals at Townsend Elementary. Heritage Middle and High School both earned B-minuses, as well. Heritage High has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to one.

Townsend Elementary School received an overall grade of B- from Niche.
Townsend Elementary School received an overall grade of B- from Niche.
Heritage Middle School sits next to Heritage High School.
Heritage Middle School sits next to Heritage High School.
Heritage High School sits in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
Heritage High School sits in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
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Mountain heritage and a bit of picnicking

The Cades Cove Picnic Area sits atop a 1,943-foot plateau and boasts 81 distinct picnic sites, each complete with its own grill. You can stomp to the fiddle at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. A little way up the mountain on the east side of Townsend are several trailheads and the Townsend Wye, a cold mountain stream deep enough to swim in.

Cades Cove offers lots of recreational opportunities such as a short hike to John Oliver Cabin.
Cades Cove offers lots of recreational opportunities such as a short hike to John Oliver Cabin.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited National Parks.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited National Parks.
Go for a swim at the Townsend Wye in the warmer months.
Go for a swim at the Townsend Wye in the warmer months.
There are countless trails to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There are countless trails to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Dining at the Diamondjack

There are plenty of places to eat and shop on the main drag, such as The Riverstone, which serves traditional American fare, and Diamondjack at Little Arrow, an artisanal eatery serving a revolving menu of locally-sourced ingredients.

Townsend is full of festivals

Where else can you find a Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games, a Fall Festival, Hops in the Hills, a Grains and Grits Spirits and Food Festival and a Hot Air Balloon Festival?

Abbot Street
Written By
Abbot Street
Andrew Byrum
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Becky Gaskill
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Becky Gaskill

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Jerry Sandifer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

McGhee Tyson

37 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Townsend US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$435,000
Median Single Family Price
$500,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$379,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$361
Number of Homes for Sale
58
Last 12 months Home Sales
71
Months of Supply
9.80
Median List Price
$499,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,460
Median Year Built
1996
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,575
Below the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,172
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
706
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
37,026

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    2 - 4pm

    1424 Rocky Top Way, Townsend, TN 37882

    $1,050,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,300 Sq Ft
    • 1424 Rocky Top Way

    Your Townsend Log Chalet -Discover your personal sanctuary in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. This enchanting 3-bedroom, 3-bath log chalet is more than just a home; it's a wellness retreat and entertainment hub rolled into one.Immerse yourself in unparalleled tranquility as you take in breathtaking mountain views from your private oasis. Unwind in the luxurious sauna or rejuvenate in

    Cheryl Hatfield Realty Executives Associates

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jerry Sandifer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,796
Median Age
59
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
13.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
38.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,792
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,070

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.1%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
30.2%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
% Population in Labor Force
43.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

20 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Townsend