Blountville is central to the Northeast Tennessee Tri-Cities
Blountville sits between Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, the Tri-Cities of northeast Tennessee. The community was initially incorporated as a town in 1795 — making it older than its three neighbors — though it was later unincorporated. Today, Blountville is still the seat of Sullivan County, with the old courthouse among several historic buildings in its small downtown area. “It’s an old, historic town,” says Kristina Kilgore, a Realtor with the Addington Agency who has worked in the Tri-Cities for 17 years. “It’s a rural area, but you’re just minutes from Bristol. It’s really a bedroom community of Bristol.”
Homes have large lots in a rural landscape
Narrow residential streets flank Bristol Highway, which runs through the center of Blountville. Homes generally date to the back half of the 20th century in this area of the Appalachian foothills. Ranch-style and split-level homes are most common, typically selling for $200,000 to $350,000. National-style and manufactured homes go from $100,000 to $200,000, while larger homes can sell for $450,000 to $600,000. Lots in higher-end subdivisions, such as Polo Estates, can run around $40,000 per acre, with buyers building their own homes.
Recreation in the mountains and at the lake
The Appalachian Mountains provide plenty of recreation around Blountville. Holston Mountain, roughly 20 miles away, is part of the Cherokee National Forest, and Boone Lake sits 4 miles from the community. “You have access to one of the four lakes in the Tri-Cities,” Kilgore says. “There are a few marinas down there.” The region is also known for its caves, such as Appalachian Caverns, also about 4 miles from Blountville. Within the community, a former school campus is being transformed into a community park with baseball fields, pickleball courts and a picnic shelter. The project, known as the Blountville Campus, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
Commutes to Bristol or the other anchors of the Tri-Cities
Blountville is located in the center of the Tri-Cities region. Interstate 81 skirts the community and leads 10 miles northeast to Bristol. Kingsport is a 15-mile drive, while Johnson City is just over 20 miles. Residents can commute to work in any of the three cities, but most head to Bristol. Tri-Cities Airport is 8 miles, and the nearest hospital, The Bristol Regional Medical Center, is 7 miles away.
Fast food options and thrift shops along Bristol Highway
Bristol Highway, the main road through Blountville, is home to several restaurants and small shops. Pal’s Sudden Service is a local fast-food chain serving burgers and fries — on the menu, but also out front as supersized novelty architecture. Jalapeno’s Mexican Restaurant offers traditional fare in a laid-back interior. The thrift store Picker’s Cove offers various antique goods for shoppers to sift through. The nearest grocery store is Food City, less than a mile south of the community.
Education at Sullivan County Schools
Sullivan County Schools serves Blountville. Most students start at Holston Elementary, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche, followed by Sullivan Central Middle, rated B-minus. West Ridge High, rated C-plus, offers career-focused courses in aviation, construction and accounting.
The weekly Blountville Farmers Market
Local vendors set up at the Blountville Farmers Market every Thursday during the warmer months. The market currently takes place behind the courthouse. However, it may move to a more permanent location at the Blountville Campus once the project is complete.
