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Gray

Gray

Located in Washington County

$332,617 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

A small community north of Johnson City with large lots and plenty to explore outdoors

The census-designated community of Gray offers a relaxed residential landscape, providing plenty to explore nearby despite its rural appeal. Day-to-day life includes quick drives to the handful of businesses located in the town’s center, while weekends include making trips to the waters of Boone Lake Beach or taking a look into the past at Gray Fossil Site and Museum. The happenings of downtown Johnson City sit 11 miles south, offering convenient access while maintaining a distance from its adjoining hubbub. “People move to Gray to be close to downtown without having to be in it,” says James Versaw, a resident of northern Johnson City and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty – Carter Properties Group.

Johnson City features great shopping and dining near Gray.
Johnson City features great shopping and dining near Gray.
Gray is located near the bustling city of Johnson City.
Gray is located near the bustling city of Johnson City.
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Going back in time at Gray Fossil Site and Museum

Boone Lake Beach sits 4 miles northeast of the community. Many come to the popular swimming spot while school is out for the summer and can do so without worrying, as net-like fencing ensures no one drifts out too far. However, those looking to boat head 50 miles east. “A lot of people that own boats in Gray head out to Watauga Lake,” Versaw says. Watauga lake also caters to kayaking and paddling, but whitewater rafters look for more intense adventures splashing in the Watauga River. Though there is plenty to explore on the water, Gray’s most intriguing discovery came from underground in May of 2000. While continuing construction on State Route 75, the Tennessee Department of Transportation came across what is now known as the Gray Fossil Site. An excavation project led by East Tennessee State University followed, revealing fossils dating back 4.9 million years. Exhibits at the Gray Fossil Site and Museum now showcase rare, new species of red panda and rhinoceros alongside 38,000 fossils of mammals, reptiles and more, typically not found in this stretch of the country.

Gray Fossil Site and Museum includes an enriching play area for youngsters.
Gray Fossil Site and Museum includes an enriching play area for youngsters.
Gray residents have fun and learn at Gray Fossil Sit and Museum.
Gray residents have fun and learn at Gray Fossil Sit and Museum.
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The mid-20th-century and newly built homes of Gray

When driving into Gray, open fields surrounding its perimeter reveal the area’s rural past. Catering to its rustic appeal are the many gravel driveways and telephone lines that run along its hilly terrain. Throughout are also several houses of worship, including New Collective Church, Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church, and a handful of others. Situated along its residential streets are mid-20th century ranch-style homes, typically atop a half-acre or more, not commonly found in communities closer to downtown Johnson City. However, at the turn of the decade, development began to increase, welcoming pockets of New Traditional-style homes with comparatively less acreage throughout the neighborhood. Potential homebuyers can expect a price range from $200,000 to $450,000, depending on the build date and plot size. Meanwhile, a small section of condos and townhomes off Gray Station Road range from $150,000 to $300,000.

Charming homes and large lawns are common in Gray.
Charming homes and large lawns are common in Gray.
Ranch homes line quiet neighborhood streets in Gray.
Ranch homes line quiet neighborhood streets in Gray.
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Shopping and Dining along Bobby Hicks Highway

Chain restaurants like McDonald’s, Subway and plenty of others line Bobby Hicks Highway, also home to Food City for grocery needs. Yong Asian House sits in the same shopping center as the supermarket, serving a variety of Asian cuisine, including sushi, a favorite amongst patrons. However, according to Versaw, downtown Gray is not a walkable area where people go to peruse shops, but more so to make quick stops into necessary stores. Many drive south to downtown Johnson City to explore the local shops and eateries of East Main Street and the surrounding avenues. Meanwhile, The Mall at Johnson City is situated between the two, along North Roan Street, offering plenty of stores for retail shopping.

Chain restaurants are plentiful in Gray.
Chain restaurants are plentiful in Gray.
Azlinn Hope offers designer clothing at great prices and service for Gray residents.
Azlinn Hope offers designer clothing at great prices and service for Gray residents.
Gray residents furnish their homes at Furniture Row.
Gray residents furnish their homes at Furniture Row.
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Catching concerts and Christmas light shows at the Appalachian Fairgrounds

The Appalachian Fair, held in the town’s center, has welcomed attendees from the region since 1926, including 200,000 in 2022 alone. The staple five-day event takes place in late August. It includes performances from big-name country artists such as Josh Turner and Gretchen Wilson, a traditional carnival and events like its Demolition Derby. The fairgrounds are also home to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, a popular spot during the holiday season. The drive-thru event offers pay-per-vehicle tickets and an expansive light show, which syncs up with the holiday tunes of a local radio station.

Getting involved at Daniel Boone High School

Prekindergarten through 8th grade students attend Gray Elementary School, which maintains a B rating on Niche, before heading to Daniel Boone High School. The high school also holds a B rating and emphasizes student involvement, both in and out of the classroom. Programming includes enrollment at Camp Clement, which hones leadership and career development, a water bottle drive for Johnson City Downtown Clinic and the Mountain States Health Alliance Junior Volunteer program.

The convenience of Bobby Hicks Highway and I-26

Interstate 26 runs along the community’s southwestern border, connecting commuters to Kingsport, 14 miles northwest, also home to Holston Valley Medical Center. Meanwhile, flights at Tri-Cities Airport can be reached along a 6-mile drive via Bobby Hicks Highway. And though the airport’s flight patterns cross over the community, most planes are still high enough altitude-wise when passing over to not be a disturbance. The highway also leads to classes at Northeast State at Gray, a community college 2 miles southwest. It’s also worth noting that residents will need a car to get to most places, as the neighborhood has no public transportation opportunities.

Matthew Simmons
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Stephen Mihalchik
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Mihalchik
Peter Medawar
Video By
Peter Medawar

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sarah Powers Parker, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Gray Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$425,000
Median Sale Price
$415,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$422,394
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$232,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
73
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
16
Months of Supply
2.60

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Jul 16
    4 - 6pm

    188 Dry Kiln Ct, Gray, TN 37615

    $467,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,710 Sq Ft
    • 188 Dry Kiln Ct

    **Stunning Custom Home by Superior Construction Builders** Experience luxury living in this brand-new custom home, perfectly situated in the desirable Cedar Mill community in the heart of Johnson City. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from I-26, top-rated restaurants, shopping, and schools, with easy access to the Tri-Cities Airport and the cities of Kingsport and Bristol. This

    HAROLD ROSS The Property Experts JC

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Gray Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,958
Median Age
43
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,486
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,016

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.9%
College Graduates
31.8%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

22 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

31 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Gray
Sarah Powers Parker
Arbella Properties JC
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