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Northeast Tennessee is an “under the radar” spot, compared with places like Asheville and
Blowing Rock, North Carolina, or the North Georgia Mountains/Lake Lanier area.

According to Jeanette Scalf, a retiree recruiter in the area, Northeast Tennessee is “like the North Carolina mountains without the higher taxes.” Tennessee is known for not having a state income tax. Some of the towns that retirees find desirable are Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City, home of East Tennessee University.

The Appalachian Mountains region promotes four distinct seasons, moderate temperatures year-round, a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, wide variety of outdoor recreational
opportunities, multi-dimensional arts environment, many fine dining opportunities, regional wineries and vineyards and nationally-recognized physicians and medical centers.

In Middle Tennessee, near Cookeville, The Bluffs at Cumberland Cove features great mountain views with city water, sewer, underground utilities, waterfalls, creeks, country paved roads and
a 770-acre nature preserve. The property is close to medical facilities. Interior lots start at $48,900; view lots, at $98,900. A cottage and chalet pre-development release is part of the
development’s immediate plans.

East Tennessee’s real estate market appears to be very healthy, especially around the Tri-Cities area (Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol), according to Jewell McKinney, president of the Tennessee Realtors Association and a broker with Town and Country Realty in Kingsport.

“Northeast Tennessee has so much to offer,” she said. “We have mountains and lakes, four seasons, great shopping centers, a good airport, cultural events and homes in all price ranges, including a large selection of patio homes. We’re an affordable community. We’re home to several
colleges, a state university and medical and pharmacy schools. Our industries are strong. We’re also within an hour’s drive to several North Carolina ski resorts.”

Tennessee has a number of lakes, including five in the Tri-Cities area. “Any property on the water is expensive, with lots in this area going from $120,000 to $300,000,” McKinney said.

The Great Smoky Mountains area (Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville), which caters primarily to tourists, is currently saturated with log cabins, many of which are second homes in rental programs, she noted. (Each of the resort towns is seeing an increase in permanent residents.)

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