Part of Tennessee’s Tri-Cities, Elizabethton is a small historic town of about 14,000. Founded in 1799, it’s known as the site of the first independent American settlement west of the original 13 British colonies in America. The Elizabethton Historic District contains buildings from the late 1700s through the 1930s, as well as a few distinctive landmarks, like a 140-year-old covered bridge. “We’re a city that’s trying to hang its hat on tourism,” says Jason Blevins, owner of Randall Birchfield Real Estate & Auction. “You’ve got the small-town feel, the historic district, rivers, lakes, mountains— anything an outdoorsman would want.”
Elizabethton's historic downtown is a popular spot to grab a meal and go shopping.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere at the waters edge near Sycamore Shoals.
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Housing and local industry
The median home price is $245,000, lower than the national median. The historic downtown features homes from the early 1800s through the mid-20th century, with ranch-style homes and Cape Cods lining the streets. A little more on the outskirts, Biltmore and features pricier homes on half-acre to one-acre lots. Valley Forge is farther from the city center, and offers lower priced properties.
“We don’t have a tremendous amount of industry in Carter County,” says Blevins. “We don’t have the big 500 to 1,000-employee corporations.'' The biggest industries are education and manufacturing, with The Elizabethton City School District, Snap-On Tools and Mapes Piano String Co. as the largest employers. “Mates is an old company here; they’ve been in business 150 years,” says Blevins. “If you've ever played the piano, you’ve probably played one with their strings.”
Downtown Elizabethton’s colorful Victorian homes add charm to every street.
Find newly built ranch homes in Biltmore, like this craftsman inspired ranch home.
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Kayaking, floating and fishing
Elizabethton is home to 13 parks and athletic facilities, as well as a city pool. The Parks and Recreation Department operates several adult sports leagues including kickball, volleyball, football and basketball. Locals can also hike the trails of Roan Mountain or boat down the Watauga River in the Sycamore Shoals neighborhood. “You can kayak, float, and trout fish,” says Bevins. “It’s a world-renowned trout stream.” Golfers can join the Elizabethton Golf Club, which offers a par 72 course in the rolling hills overlooking the city's western half.
Fly fisherman take a guided excursion down the Watagua River in Elizabethton.
Sycamore Shoals can play pickleball at the Joe LaPort Recreation Area.
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Historic store fronts and BBQ restaurants
Restaurants line West Elk Avenue, while Downtown Elizabethton features a handful of BBQ spots and Mexican restaurants. Grocery stores and boutiques, usually clad in historic red-brick storefronts, can be found throughout the city.
Enjoy the magic of Christmas while strolling and shopping at Sip and Shop.
Elizabethton's Big Dan's BBQ is a popular downtown restaurant serving up southern BBQ.
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The Annual Covered Bridge Days Celebration
With fall comes Elizabethton’s annual Covered Bridge Days Celebration, which features music, crafts and fireworks. This free, three-day event takes place on the 140-year-old white clapboard-covered bridge.
The Elizabethton City School District
The Elizabethton City School District scores an A-minus on Niche. “Elizabethton City Schools are fantastic,” says Blevins. West Side Elementary School scores particularly high, earning an A-minus as well. East Tennessee State University is 10 miles east of the city and serves over 14,000 students.
Harold McCormick Elementary School earned a B+ grade from Niche.
Elizabethton High School students can participate in the school's athletics programs.
T.A. Dugger Junior High School earned an A- grade from Niche.
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Travel throughout Elizabethton
U.S. Route 321 bisects the city, running east to west, while U.S. Route 19E borders Elizabethton to the east. Johnson City is 10 miles west, while Knoxville is 115 miles southwest. Though Elizabethton does not have a fixed-route public transportation service, Carter County provides on-demand transportation for seniors and those with disabilities. Cyclists can take the Tweetsie Trail, which runs the length of the city and, at about 10 miles, is known as the longest rails-to-trails project in Tennessee. The Tri-Cities Airport is 24 miles northwest.
For healthcare, the Sycamore Shoals Hospital is right in the city.
Crime and climate
Summers can be warm and humid and winters occasionally frigid.
According to FBI data, the rates of reported violent crime and property crime in Elizabethton are lower than the Tennessee average and national average. Overall, property crime rates have seen a significant drop since 2022.
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