TOWNSEND

TOWNSEND WEATHER

Townsend is a quiet, scenic town in Blount County often referred to as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend offers a laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty, and easy access to outdoor adventure. Unlike its busier mountain neighbors, it’s known for serenity, hospitality, and preserving the charm of Appalachian heritage.

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ABOUT TOWNSEND

Lifestyle

Life in Townsend moves at a slower, more intentional pace. It’s a town where mornings start with mountain mist, and evenings are often spent on a porch with a view. Residents enjoy an outdoorsy, community-minded lifestyle, with a mix of retirees, local families, and folks who came for a weekend-and stayed. It’s perfect for those who want nature, calm, and a tight-knit feel without tourist crowds.

Schools

Townsend is part of the Blount County School System. While there are no schools directly within the town limits, students typically attend schools in nearby areas such as Walland Elementary, Heritage Middle, and Heritage High School. The district also offers specialized programs for advanced learning and vocational training.

Real Estate

Real estate in Townsend leans heavily toward cabins, mountain homes, and vacation properties. Many homes are perched on ridges or tucked along creeks, offering quiet and privacy with postcard views. There’s strong interest from second-home buyers and investors, but also opportunities for full-time residents looking for peace and proximity to the park. It’s a niche market, but highly sought after.

Outdoor Activities

If you’re into nature, Townsend delivers in every direction. It’s one of the main gateways to Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with hiking, biking, fly fishing, and tubing along the Little River. There are also greenways, horseback trails, and access to the scenic Foothills Parkway. It’s an ideal launching point for adventures-or just soaking up the views.

Community Vibe

Townsend is proud of its roots, and the local vibe reflects it. The town is filled with Appalachian heritage, from museums and artisan shops to seasonal bluegrass festivals and cultural events. It’s quiet, friendly, and welcoming, especially to those who respect the slower pace and simple joys. Tourism is part of the economy, but the heart of Townsend is its people and land.

Nearby Areas

Townsend is about 30 minutes from Maryville and Alcoa, where you’ll find larger stores, restaurants, and medical centers. It’s also close to Wears Valley, Walland, and just across the park from Gatlinburg-if you take the scenic route. The town’s tucked-away feel makes it a perfect base for those wanting proximity without the pressure.

Fun Fact

Townsend was once a lumber town, but in the early 20th century it pivoted from logging to conservation-eventually helping shape the creation of the national park itself. Today, it honors that legacy with the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and a deep appreciation for the land it once harvested.

POPULATION

Data provided by the City-Data, Census Reporter, Census Bureau and MLS data. All sources analyzes data from a variety of government and private sources.

570

TOTAL POPULATION

2

LAND AREA SQ MILE

286.1

POPULATION SQ MILE

26.7 min

AVG TIME TO WORK

GEOGRAPHIC MOBILITY

• SAME HOME

  0%

• SAME COUNTY

  0%

• DIFFERENT COUNTY

  0%

• DIFFERENT STATE

  0%

• ABROAD

  0%

EDUCATION LEVEL

GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL

0%

AGE 18+ BACHELORS DEGREE OR HIGHER

0%

25 AND OLDER

HOUSEHOLDS

Data provided by the City-Data, Census Reporter, Census Bureau and MLS data. All sources analyzes data from a variety of government and private sources.

253

TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS

2.3

AVG HOUSEHOLD SIZE

90%

OWNER-OCUPIED

10%

RENTED

single family homes jan-dec. 2024

• UNDER $100K

  0%

• $100K – $199K

  0%

• $200K – $299K

  0%

• $300K – $499K

  0%

• $500K – $649K

  0%

• $650 – $799

  0%

• 800K +

  0%

HOUSING BREAKDOWN 2024

MEDIAN HOME VALUE

$0

OWNER-OCCUPIED SOLD/ORIGINAL LIST PRICE

0%

HOMES AVG DAYS ON MARKET

0

DAYS

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The following facilities are within or nearby Alcoa. Data provided by KCS, MLS, Great Schools.org and Google Records.

SCHOOLS

WALLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Elementary: K-5
📞 (865) 983-2801
247 E Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886 HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle: 6-8
📞 (865) 980-1300
3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804 HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL
High: 9-12
📞 (865) 984-8110
3741 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804

 

HOSPITALS

BLOUNT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
📞 (865) 983-7211
907 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804

 

POLICE

BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
📞 (865) 273-5000
940 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804 TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL
📞 (865) 982-1716
318 Home Ave, Maryville, TN 37801

 

EMERGENCY VET

ANIMAL EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER OF KNOXVILLE
📞 (865) 693-4440
10213 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922