Mountains and a lake create picturesque scenery in Bean Station
Kentucky native Anna Blanken visited countries from Spain to Switzerland and cities such as New York and Chicago during her time in a traveling choir, but she found her dream home in the Bean Station area of rural Grainger County, Tennessee. “I would never pick anywhere over Grainger County,” says Blanken, a Grainger County commissioner who represents a district that includes Bean Station. “Once upon a time, I thought Chicago would be the big city that I move to, but then I came to Grainger County for the first time, and it’s beautiful.” The East Tennessee community sits in a valley between mountains and a lake, creating scenic views in both the town of Bean Station and the adjoining areas of the county. Farming is a longtime anchor of the community, and signs at markets and grocery stores across the state brag that Grainger County-grown tomatoes are sold there. However, easy access to Cherokee Lake is attracting a new wave of residents to Bean Station.
Housing market defined by lakefront real estate, spacious lots
Houses along the lakefront vary from ranch-style houses with views of the water to large custom homes with second-story porches and lots that extend to the lakeshore. In the heart of town, ramblers fill small subdivisions, and Tudor Revivals line streets next to Clinchview Golf & Country Club. Land is a defining factor of the real estate market here; hundreds of homes across Bean Station come with at least 10 acres, and vacant lakefront lots are being snatched up across the community. Home prices typically range from $140,000 to $485,000, but houses on the golf course or the lake can cost between $550,000 and $975,000.
Bean Station’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Students are zoned to Grainger County Schools
Bean Station Elementary receives a C grade from Niche, while Rutledge Middle gets a C-plus. C-rated Grainger High’s career and technical education program emphasizes agriculture education, including courses on agriscience, greenhouse management and large animal science technologies.
Recreation on Cherokee Lake and at Clinchview Golf & Country Club
Those who don’t live on the water can access Cherokee Lake for boating and fishing using one of the several marinas and ramps. For example, Gilmore Dock maintains a boat launch, rents slips and has a barbecue restaurant built on stilts overlooking the lake. Kayaking is popular too, Blanken says: “We go back in an alcove. We’ll take our poles and fish out there. The kayak community here is bustling. I’m in a kayaking group where people share where they go kayaking.” Harris Court Park isn’t on the water, but a new playground and splash pad opened at the park in 2023. Down the street, golfers can take in mountain views while playing the 18-hole course at Clinchview Golf & Country Club, which is open to the public.
Grainger County Tomato Festival and fall festivals held every year
The Grainger County Tomato Festival, the area’s marquee event, is held every July. Country and gospel musical acts perform, and farmers sell tomatoes in red, pink and orange hues. Attendees can sign up for the Tomato Wars to fling tomatoes at each other. In October, artisans set up booths at the Grainger County Fall Festival. “There’s a man out there who makes apple butter as you watch him do it, and it’s some of the best apple butter you’ll ever have,” Blanken says. The town government puts on a similar event in October called the Bean Station Harvest Festival.
Infrastructure upgrade opens door for new businesses to come to town
A strip mall on Main Street houses El Paraiso Mexican Grill and Aunt B’s Ice Cream, as well as Holt’s Food Center IGA. The Bean House coffee shop opened in 2025, and more businesses may soon head to Bean Station. The town will spend $1.5 million to modernize its wastewater infrastructure, a move that elected officials hope will make it easier for new businesses to open in the community. Locals can shop at the multiple Dollar Generals in the area or head to Morristown, home to Walmart, The Home Depot, Food City and College Square Mall.
Taking routes 25E and 11W to Morristown, Knoxville
With no public transportation options in the town, Bean Station is a car-dependent community. From Bean Station, U.S. Route 25E leads 10 miles to Morristown , and U.S. Route 11W extends to Knoxville , about 45 miles away. Morristown is home to Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, while McGhee Tyson Airport is just south of Knoxville.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
