$517,171Average Value$361Average Price per Sq Ft58Homes 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.
The picturesque Henry Whitehead House sits on the backside of Cades Cove.
1/2
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.
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.
1/3
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.
Heritage Middle School sits next to Heritage High School.
Heritage High School sits in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
1/3
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.
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.
There are countless trails to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
1/4
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?
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
Great Smoky Mountains Cades Cove
Cades Cove Campground
Bike Trails
Camping
Trails
Gold Mine Trail Trailhead
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Peery’s Mill Park
Trails
Parking Lot
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
On average, homes in Townsend, TN sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Townsend, TN over the last 12 months is $481,911, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Take advantage of the Improved Price on this charming one-level cabin with Hand Hewn Logs which is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on a peaceful 1.1-acre lot, Offering the perfect mountain setting for a perm. home, weekend getaway, second home or rental investment. Enjoy cozy evenings in front of the stunning stack stone wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen shines with upgraded cabinets,
Riverfront Gem in the Heart of Townsend! This exceptional property offers a rare combination of charm, location, and opportunity. Situated along the river with easy access via concrete steps and pads, it's perfect as a permanent residence or an investment opportunity thanks to B-1 zoning, allowing for a potential Bed and Breakfast.Inside, you'll find a beautifully updated kitchen with all-new
Located in the heart of a prestigious gated community, this lot offers an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home in a serene and picturesque setting. This particular lot boasts one of the highest elevations in Stonegate, providing breathtaking seasonal mountain views when the trees are full of leaves and evolves into gorgeous mountain views as the leaves fall. Clear a few trees to
This Craftsman style Like New Ranch Condo is located in a Gated Community in Townsend TN-The Peaceful side of the Smokies! Features & Amenities to include: Split BR Plan, Security System, Solid Wood Doors & Solid Wood Trim Throughout, Custom Solid Wood Craftsman Front Door, Grand Foyer Entrance (w/High Ceilings & Hardwood Floors), Large Great Room (w/Stone Gas Fireplace, Custom Mantle, Hardwood
Great home, great views close to Gatlinburg and Mountains. 2 private balconies, one off of the master bedroom and one off of the living room.* Short term rental 6 months. * Pets negotiable.
RV Lot for Rent for the Season!! Just before the 'Y' and Cades Cove at the Smoky Mtn Park Boundary. Townsend is known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies!Sundown RV Resort is a highly sought after RV location!This gated community offers many amenities; 2 pools, 2 bathhouses, Clubhouse, Laundry Facilities, Playgrounds, Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Picnic areas and extra parking for
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.
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.