Top 10 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee

While the big cities of Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab attention, the real charm of Tennessee living lies in its countryside. Some call East Tennessee the perfect vacation destination, but others know it’s an incredible place to call home. Explore the mountain cities and discover why people fall in love with the mountain lifestyle.

Mountain Living in Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains frame the backdrop for living in East Tennessee. Nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains comprise America’s beloved getaway destination for epic hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, the Tennessee Appalachians are some of America’s best-preserved outdoor locations. Think of the peaks as a nature-lovers theme park. Millions come to explore what lies on and around these peaks each year.

But why just visit? Eastern Tennessee is great for buying a vacation home or setting down roots. Many mountain cities in Tennessee have stunning views while providing a range of lifestyle choices. Find an entertainment-packed city or a peaceful mountain retreat. Heck, you can even have a waterfront mountain home! See what awaits in these Tennessee mountain towns:

Gatlinburg

Population: 3,700

Cost of Living Index:* 96.6/100

Median List Price 2024:** $749,900

Tourists and residents fall in love with Gatlinburg. The mountain town has around 4,000 permanent residents, yet millions come through Gatlinburg each year. This makes it one of the busiest mountain cities in Tennessee.

Out the back door awaits the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Gatlinburg is its entry point, making it a popular destination for park visitors. The park has over 800 miles of trails to explore the area’s natural beauty. People come to fish the clear waters, find hidden waterfalls and old settlements, and view the wildlife.

Not only do residents have the Great Smoky National Park, but the small town bursts with popular attractions. The best breathtaking views are at the Gatlinburg Space Needle, although the more adventurous may prefer the SkyPark and walking its bridge. Speaking of adventures, there’s plenty to have. Several mountain coasters are around Gatlinburg. Anakeesta Adventure Park has its zip lining and outdoor playground.  Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

If you’re looking for a fun day out, the downtown Parkway, referred to as the “Strip,” is the place to be. Park and spend hours strolling around, popping into fudge shops, moonshine distilleries, mini golf courses, and other stores. Ripley’s Aquarium has over 100,000 sea dwellers on display for a closer look at some fascinating creatures. Wander car museums and eclectic attractions like the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum.

Pigeon Forge

Population: 6,300

Cost of Living Index: 96.6/100

Median List Price 2024: $749,900

Another top choice for those seeking a mountain town lifestyle with lots of modern conveniences, Pigeon Forge attracts thousands of visitors every year. This town is outside Gatlinburg on the Great Smoky Mountain foothills.

Some of Tennessee’s top attractions are based in Pigeon Forge, like the Dollywood theme park. Country music superstar Dolly Parton founded this park to celebrate Tennessee’s mountain culture and heritage. The park features roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment–particularly bluegrass and country music.

In addition to Dollywood, Pigeon Forge’s long list of attractions includes home to the Titanic Museum, WonderWorks, and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. A drive through downtown catches the eye with its unique public art, like a King Kong climbing a replica of the Empire State Building. Music venues like the Great Smoky Mountain Opera and Dixie Stampede celebrate the Appalachians’ musical heritage. It makes Pigeon Forge a must-stop for the country music fan.

When you’re ready to trade the bright lights and glitz for outdoor experiences, this Tennessee mountain town has equal access to fishing, camping, and picnicking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.

Sevierville

Population: 18,000

Cost of Living Index: 96.6/100

Median List Price 2024: $676,300

Not everyone wants to live in the vacation mountain cities in Tennessee. If you’re seeking a small mountain town vibes, try on quiet Sevierville. While its population is larger on paper than its neighboring tourist hotspots, it’s actually a spread-out area. The birthplace of Dolly Parton is slowly growing and gaining attention. Country music fans will want to stop at the iconic Sevier County courthouse to see its statue of Dolly out front.

This Tennessee mountain town is less than an hour’s drive from Knoxville. Residents enjoy a slower-paced, more authentic Appalachian lifestyle with all the fast-paced fun based in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

The outdoorsy types have hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping if you’re outdoorsy. As an added bonus, Sevierville is minutes from Douglas Lake and the French Broad River. You get the benefits of mountain views and water recreation.

In-town adventure attractions include the Adventure Park Ziplines and Riding Stables or the Rainforest Adventure Zoo. For cultural sites, besides the Dolly statue, Sevierville has a Heritage Museum, Tennessee Museum of Aviation, and the Smoky Mountain Relic Room.

Resident or tourist, don’t miss the Apple Barn Village. People flock here for the homemade apple fritters at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, the cider mill, and the famous apple butter.

While the downtown shops of its neighbors get a lot of traffic, Sevierville actually has the best shopping in the area for your daily lifestyle. Find discounts on brand names at Tanger Outlets and Bass Pro Shops.

Pittman Center

Population: 461

Cost of Living Index: 96.6/100

Median List Price 2024: $1.4 million

Perhaps the towns of Sevier County are too packed for your taste. Experience an authentic mountain town in TN at Pittman Center. This tranquil town in Sevier County is one of the closest towns to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park outside Gatlinburg. It’s committed to preserving its Appalachian character and heritage.

Although small, Pittman Center’s advantage is its access to the outdoors. Hiking, fishing, and camping are popular activities accessible in the National Park through the local Greenbrier entrance. This lesser-visited section of the park is probably among its most beautiful. The trails wind by stunning waterfalls and mountain meadows that become mosaics of color in the spring.

In addition to its outdoor access, Pittman Center has unique shops and restaurants, like Hungry Bear BBQ. Find locally made goods at Mountain Laurel Mercantile and The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille.

Wears Valley

Population: 7,000

Cost of Living Index: Unknown

Median List Price 2024: Unknown

Wears Valley is an unincorporated area near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This Tennessee mountain region is even better if you prize Appalachian authenticity.

Wears Valley is the perfect choice to escape when you’re tired of traffic and tourism. The Valley’s natural surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere.

Even better? Locals have a hidden entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Trailheads are located right outside town, as are prime fishing spots and picnicking areas galore. Skip the traffic lines and head right out in the wilderness. Or, jump on the Foothills Parkway for what some call America’s most scenic parkway.

For other needs, Wears Valley has a few shops and restaurants. Check out the Wears Valley General Store, Wears Valley Antiques, and Moonshine Ridge Country Store. The Valley also has a winery and a food truck park. Taste local fare while listening to live music and exploring craft vendors.

Tellico Plains

Population: 770

Cost of Living Index: 79.9/100

Median List Price 2024: $440,000

Tellico Plains is a small town in the Appalachian Mountains foothills, known as the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest. Jump into nature with beautiful scenery from waterfalls, historic homesteads, and rolling hills. From here awaits a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities.

The National Forest outside Tellico Plains has hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas. The Tellico River Gorge is a popular trail, winding into the heart of a river-carved pass. Other top places to explore are the Bald River Falls or the Conasauga Falls Trail. Motorcycles roar in as part of their circuit on the Cherohala Skyway, a prized scenic drive. The fall colors are spectacular.

To supply those heading out into the Cherokee National Forest, Tellico Plains has a few shops and places to eat–even a coffeehouse–in its quiet downtown area. Check out the Tellico Plains Mountain Bakery and the Tennessee Valley Winery.

Walland

Population: 422

Cost of Living Index: 92.4/100

Median List Price 2024: $847,500

Among the mountain towns in Tennessee, Walland is as far from a mountain city as you could get. Imagine summer evenings, where the loudest sounds are cicadas and crickets, and the nearest light source are flickering fireflies. That’s life in the tucked-away Walland.

Perched near the Foothills Parkway in Blount County, this dot on the map is best known for the luxury Blackberry Farm resort. This 4,200-acre retreat has a James Beard award-winning restaurant, winery, hiking trails, horseback riding, and more.

Other things to do from Walland are jumping on the Foothills Parkway for a scenic drive or riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railway. You can scoot down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when you want.

For quick stops, the town has the Walland General Store and the Smoky Mountain Diner. More shopping and essentials are found in Maryville, TN, about a 15-minute drive by car.

Townsend

Population: 600

Cost of Living Index: 92.4/100

Median List Price 2024: $600,000

Many mountain towns in Tennessee that are among the most popular are near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Townsend is another one. This mountain town is the “Gateway to Cades Cove,” an isolated park section with historic sites along an 11-mile loop trail. This section is also a place for horseback riding.

Besides the park experience, Townsend has its own outdoor activities. The Townsend River Walk and Arboretum is a great walking path that doesn’t require a longer car ride. It has scenic views of the Little River. On hot summer days, people come to tube the Little River or dive into their favorite swimming hole. For a unique mountain experience, go underground at Tuckaleechee Caverns to see stunning rock formations and an underground waterfall.

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is worth a stop outside the National Park Service land. The open-air museum captures the historical heritage of the Appalachians. Peer into replica log cabins that reflect Southern Appalachian culture and architecture.

If you’re interested in railways, the Little River Railroad displays vintage trains. For another heritage site, the town has the Lumber Museum.

Townsend attracts visitors, but it retains many of its small-town charms. While you won’t find attractions like mountain coasters or ziplines, you will find a place that loves a good small-town festival. People come for the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Synchronized Fireflies, the Tennessee Pottery Festival, and the Dancing Bear Bike Dash. They relax while hitting the links at local golf courses or a peaceful horseback ride from one of the local stables. The dining scene supports diverse options, from coffeehouses to fine dining.

Mountain City

Population: 2,400

Cost of Living Index: 73.4/100

Median List Price 2024: $349,900

Welcome to the “Hub of the Mountains,” Mountain City in Johnson County. A few miles from the North Carolina and Virginia state lines, it lies high in the far northeastern corner of Tennessee. A highland location in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains means stunning mountain views completely surround you.

Mountain City’s other claim to fame is its long-running musical tradition. The Mountain City Fiddlers Convention, held yearly, celebrates the region’s folk music and Appalachian culture. Thousands come for the three-day festival.

As for its outdoor recreation, Mountain City is beside the Doe Mountain Recreation Area. The national forest is top recreation destination for outdoor adventures, with ATV and mountain bike trails. For a slower pace, explore the Appalachian Trail sections that wind nearby while crossing over the Iron Mountains. Watauga Lake lies a little further south. Its peaceful waters are a quiet boating and fishing destination.

Downtown Mountain City has country cafes, restaurants, and shops, like the Mountain City Trading Company. The Johnson County Center for the Arts showcases local artisans and craftsmen selling their creations.

Johnson City, TN

Population: 72,500

Cost of Living Index: 84.6/100

Median List Price 2024: $354,900

Johnson City possibly has the best balance when it comes to well-rounded living among mountain cities in Tennessee. It has the charms of a small mountain town with the excitement of outdoor adventure and opportunities for the whole family.

Adventure seekers love Johnson City’s extensive network of trails that wind through stunning landscapes. Just minutes from downtown, pedal up to Tannery Knobs to test your mountain biking skills or take a scenic run along the 10-mile Tweetsie Trail to Elizabethton. For hikers, swift mountain streams, towering trees, and diverse wildlife create an idyllic setting for exploration in the hills outside town. Winged Deer Park is a popular spot for boating and disc golf, while Buffalo Mountain Park offers trails and sweeping vistas perfect for a walk.

Outside the city are some unique heritage sites. The Gray Fossil Site and Museum is an active Miocene-era excavation site where visitors can see mastodon fossils and learn about ancient ecosystems. To the east, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park commemorates a former Cherokee site and features a replica of the 18th-century Fort Watauga.

Meanwhile, locals have a combination of lifestyle essentials not always easily accessible in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Central to this is East Tennessee State University (ETSU), which adds to the community’s educational and cultural landscape. It also helps that Johnson City has a top-ranked public school system, a hospital, and a diverse economy.

Best Mountain Cities in Tennessee

Stop dreaming of the mountain life and make it happen. These mountain cities in Tennessee showcase the great range of lifestyles you can have. Wherever you choose to find your Tennesseee home, you’re guaranteed beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and unique heritage at any of these Tennessee mountain towns. Learn about moving to Tennessee.

* Cost of Living Indexes are as of June 2024

**Median prices are as of May 2024