Gray

Gray

Located in Washington County

$327,680 Average Value
$229 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 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.
1/2

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.
1/2

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.
1/2

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.
1/3

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

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 25
    2 - 4pm

    1030 Savin Falls, Gray, TN 37615

    $674,900

    • 6 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,961 Sq Ft
    • 1030 Savin Falls
    • New 2 days ago

    ***Open House 5/25, 2-4 pm***This house has it all! Located in a conveniently centralized location to all the Tri-Cities has to offer, this house is spacious, wonderfully maintained, offers high end touches, and even has a great yard! Low HOA dues and no city taxes make this property stand out even more. Inside you are welcomed with a beautiful great room perfect for gathering and making memories

    Jennifer Riddle KW Johnson City

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to GRAHAM WITHERSPOON, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
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
GRAHAM WITHERSPOON
True North Real Estate