Dandridge has new homes and an active lifestyle on Douglas Lake
When the Tennessee Valley Authority proposed to dam the French Broad River and create Douglas Lake in the early 1940s, the Town of Dandridge was in the potential flood path. Rather than abandon the town, like several other places in Tennessee submerged by dam construction, residents petitioned to spare Dandridge. They were successful, and a dike was built that saved the town. The dike still stands along the shoreline of Douglas Lake, protecting the small downtown area of Tennessee’s second-oldest town. Today, Dandridge residents enjoy the lake access, while new home developments near the water and farther inland continue to expand.
Douglas Lake is the main outdoor attraction
Douglas Lake abuts downtown Dandridge and is one of the area’s main outdoor attractions, especially in the spring and the fall. “We take our family out to the lake and do stuff there,” says Dustin Weaver, associate broker and team lead at The Real Estate Firm. “It’s definitely seasonal.” The city has invested in expanding access to the water, with a city dock and boat ramp recently opening for public use. A walking trail is located across from the marina, and plans include a potential swimming area and a boardwalk. Dandridge Park and the Field of Dreams Activity Center include an indoor basketball court, walking track and six baseball and softball fields. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of hiking trails and a campground 30 miles away.
Established homes in town and new developments farther out
Downtown Dandridge has waterfront homes, while new developments have popped up farther inland. Ranch-style houses and newly built cottages mainly sell between $200,000 and $400,000, while split-level and new traditional-style homes can go from $350,000 to around $500,000. Large properties with water views generally go between $900,000 and $1.3 million, though some outliers sell as high as $2.5 million. Lots in subdivisions like Majestic Bay can sell between $125,000 and $150,000, with buyers building luxury homes.
Downtown's local favorites like Tinsley-Bible Drug Co.
Many of Dandridge’s businesses are in its small downtown district, centered around the intersection of Gay and Main streets. “The downtown has some local breweries and little shops and things,” Weaver says. “They’re little mom and pop places.” Local staples include Tinsley-Bible Drug Co., which has an old-school soda fountain counter serving breakfast and lunch alongside its pharmacy, and the Dandridge Brewing Company, which grills chicken and steak to pair with its house-brewed beer. Otherwise, shops and fast-food joints are located on Meeting Street or closer to the interstate. Food City sells groceries, and Dollar General is across the street.
The Dandridge Farmers Market and annual festivals
As Douglas Lake is known for its bass fishing, several tournaments take place in the town, especially in the fall. But the town also puts on events for residents as well, like the Dandridge Farmers Market. The market takes place each week over the warm months and has over a dozen local vendors selling produce and baked goods. Dandridge also puts on festivals like its June Jubilee, which features live music and entertainment, and the Scots-Irish Festival held each September.
Well-ranked schools in the Jefferson County School District
Dandridge is served by the Jefferson County School District, which receives a B-minus overall grade from Niche. The system offers a lottery for students to attend schools outside of their attendance zone, but most start at Dandridge Elementary, which receives a B grade. Maury Middle also gets a B, while Jefferson County High earns a B-minus. Jefferson County High offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses for its students to choose from.
Interstate access to Knoxville and the Tri-Cities
Interstate 40 cuts through Dandridge, leading to Knoxville roughly 30 miles west. The interchange between Interstate 81 and I-40 is east of the community, with the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee roughly an hour away via I-81. While the downtown area of Dandridge is walkable, residents own cars to get around. Jefferson Memorial Hospital is 10 miles from Dandridge. McGhee Tyson Airport is about 45 miles west.
