Life in the Tennessee mountains is pretty darn sweet, and you’ll find no shortage of affordable mountain towns in Tennessee if you’re considering relocating. The entirety of Tennessee is pretty affordable, but when it comes right down to it, there are a few places scattered across the state you’d rather live in than others. With the Great Smoky Mountains to the east, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting that gorgeous mountain view outside your bedroom window, so we found ourselves a few fantastic Tennessee mountain towns that are perfect for putting down roots in the South. Do you call any of these affordable Tennessee towns home?
1. Wears Valley
If you’ve been dreaming of living in or visiting one of the small towns near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, try Wears Valley. Home to nearly 6,500 residents, this unincoporated community is known for its secret entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it wears its mantle of fame with pride and a perfectly beautiful rural setting. Take a peek at why Wears Valley is one of the best mountain towns in Tennessee.
2. Pittman Center
Located in Sevier County, Pittman Center is one of those peaceful mountain towns in Tennessee where life moves a bit slower. Only home to only a few hundred folks, it’s pretty and affordable, you can find yourself a little house to start homesteading real quick in this spot. Pittman Center is also home to Emert’s Cove Historic Covered Bridge, a historic bridge over the Little Pigeon River originally built in 1790. This town is also the birthplace of Tennessee music ledgend, Dolly Parton.
3. Townsend
Townsend has quickly become one of the most popular Tennessee mountain towns. It has a booming tourism industry and boasts some of the prettiest sunsets in the state, making a drive down these country roads something you’ll want to experience as many times as you can. Find out why Townsend has been named the most peaceful Smoky Mountain town.
4. Walland
Among the charming Smoky Mountain towns, Walland is tucked at the base of the mountains and is a serene place that both residents and visitors alike can appreciate. You may know Walland for the ever-popular Blackberry Farm, a luxurious Relais & Châteax resort, and for its close vicinity to Townsend. There are fewer than 500 people in this darling town, one that’s known for its pastoral scenes and kind locals.
5. Chattanooga
Tucked away in the mountainous topography of the southern part of the state, Chattanooga is a favorite spot for tourists from neighboring Georgia and throughout all of Tennessee. If you decide to visit, don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars to take in all of the gorgeous mountain views. It’s also a college town with a booming IT industry, so you may want to put down roots before one of the most popular Tennessee mountain communities explodes. This bustling city also has a bit of a laidback vibe.
Chattanooga is perfect for people looking for a mid-sized city with plenty of attractions, historic sites, dining, and shopping options, along with spectacular scenery. Situated along the Tennessee River, boating, paddling, and fishing are popular activities, and there’s the 13-mile Riverwalk that provides scenic views and another wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors while in the city. Head to the Visit Chattanooga website for more on this affordable mountain town in Tennessee.
6. Knoxville
Some folks like to live in the big city, and with Knoxville just a stone’s throw from the Tennessee mountains, this could be your spot. Although it’s not technically located in the heart of the mountains, it is close and could be the best place for you to build a career in the foothills. From the historic Old City neighborhood filled with art galleries and cafes to Market Square, a popular area near the campus of the University of Tennessee, there’s so much to discover in Knoxville. When visiting, don’t forget to check out the Sunsphere, a fascinating and iconic relic from the 1982 World’s Fair. Find out why Knoxville is one of the best mountain towns to live in Tennessee, and head to the Visit Knoxville website for more.
7. Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is well-traversed due to its access to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. The town itself is itty-bitty, coming in at only 880 folks in 2010, which only adds to the sweetness of the mountain town community. If you want to live in a darling town in the mountains in Tennessee that will make you feel right at home, you’ve just found it. Find out why Tellico Plains has been called the coolest small town in Tennessee.
Have you been to any of these affordable mountain towns in Tennessee? What do you think are the best mountain towns to live in Tennessee? Continue to explore your beautiful home state with a visit to Gatlinburg, a Tennessee town that looks like the Alps. Gatlinburg is a historic Smoky Mountain destination with so much to offer tourists and locals alike…