Church Hill locals enjoy country life with city access via Route 11
Just outside Kingsport in Tennessee's Tri-Cities region, Church Hill offers a peaceful country lifestyle while maintaining city conveniences. "Church Hill is just a real small town. You're moving there if you want to get out away from the busy life," says Tony Vaughn, an affiliate broker and Realtor with Momentum Group, who has over a decade of experience. "Most people moving there want some acreage. People like to hunt and fish, and they just like the slower pace of life and being able to enjoy the land." The small city is located on U.S. Route 11, giving residents a straight shot into larger communities like Kingsport and Bristol. The Holston River snakes around the eastern and southern boundaries of Church Hill. Waterfront properties and city parks offer plenty of room for recreation in the hills of East Tennessee.
Ranch-style homes dominate Church Hill’s housing market
Homes in Church Hill are primarily raised ranches, ranch-style and split-level houses. The southern area of the city has a suburban to semirural setting; homes are somewhat close together, but far enough apart that residents don't feel crowded. The community's northern section is more rural, with winding roads and a hilly landscape. Farms and fields separate the houses, and homeowners can feel like they have more privacy. The median lot size throughout the community is just over a half-acre. The median sales price for a single-family home is around $240,000.
Riverfront parks provide fishing, trails and boating access
Several parks around Church Hill make it easy to enjoy the region's scenery. A.S. Derrick Park borders the Holston River and has room for fishing and a small boat ramp. It also has walking trails, picnic shelters and a playground. Laurel Run Park is an expansive green space on the south side of the river, with a half-mile of river frontage for fishing and a boat launch. Visitors can enjoy sports like baseball, basketball and tennis. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the hiking trails at the park, which lead to nearby Laurel Run Falls and connect to Bays Mountain Park for nearly 38 miles of trails. J.W. Salley Park offers a swimming pool, baseball field and tennis courts.
Mom-and-pop businesses dominate the shopping and dining scene
Locally owned restaurants make up the bulk of commercial activity in Church Hill. "There are a lot of mom-and-pop restaurants. There's a place called Randall's that every time you drive by, the parking lot is full," Vaughn says. Randall's is a longstanding local favorite, serving comfort food like fried green tomatoes, biscuits and gravy, and fried chicken. Pal's Sudden Service is a regional fast-food chain with a location on Richmond Street, known for its friendly service. Groceries are available at Food Lion and Food City. Other shops in the area include antique stores and a pharmacy. Downtown Kingsport is about 10 miles away and has several more dining options. Chain retailers in Kingsport include Walmart, Target, Kohl's and Lowe's.
Church Hill schools include dual enrollment and technical tracks
Church Hill Elementary School gets a C-plus from Niche and serves prekindergarten through fourth grade. Church Hill Intermediate School serves fifth and sixth grade students, while Church Hill Middle School serves seventh and eighth graders. Both schools earn a B-minus. Volunteer High School receives a C-plus and offers several career and technical education programs, such as BioSTEM engineering, culinary arts, nursing and welding. Students can also take dual enrollment courses through local colleges like East Tennessee State University and Walters State Community College.
Church Hill offers highway access and nearby medical care
Route 11 is the main highway through Church Hill, offering a 10-mile route northeast to Kingsport. Residents can connect to Interstate 81 for a 39-mile drive to Bristol. The closest hospital is Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. Tri-Cities Airport is about 26 miles away.
Crime rates are low but flooding is a concern near the river
Church Hill's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Much of the area along the river is at risk of flooding. Hawkins County's website has flood maps and information.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
