Greenback has country living between Maryville and Tellico Lake
Greenback is known for its country feel and slow pace of life, halfway between Maryville and Tellico Lake. It has a small town center and a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. “When people come to Greenback, they talk about how friendly everybody is,” says lifelong resident Sandra Tipton. “And it’s so peaceful here. I can get out on my farm and not have anyone else around me."As the nearby city of Maryville expands, Greenback's rural setting is starting to see an influx of development. “For a long time, people felt like Greenback was too far outside the city,” says Chevy Emert, a Realtor with United Real Estate who has over 7 years in the area. “But it’s become a desirable location, convenient to Maryville and Tellico Lake while still being a country setting.”
Rural homes and growing new construction
The wide-open land in Greenback attracts homebuyers looking for space to spread out. “When you're driving through Greenback, you get a lot of pretty mountain views and farmland,” Emert says. “But you can also find established neighborhoods and plenty of new construction. We’re seeing many higher-end homes being built right now, and it’s partly because a lot of people are moving out here to retire.” Public sewer lines are being extended from Tellico Lake to the town of Greenback, increasing the possibility of more housing development. “Change is coming,” Tipton says. “There’s a new subdivision being built right down the road. Greenback is starting to grow like wildfire.”
Rustic ranch styles from the mid-1900s are the most affordable options, going for $200,000 to $300,000. Prices for newer homes or fresh renovations range from $325,000 to $550,000. Homebuyers with a $600,000 to $800,000 budget can afford private farmland estates or modern construction in lakeside communities like Foothills Pointe. There are also plenty of open plots of land left for development. Depending on size and location, land can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $350,000. Properties along Tellico Lake or close to the area's creeks may have a flooding risk and require additional insurance.
One public school for kids of all ages
Located within the town center, Greenback School is the area’s only public school. It serves kindergarten through 12th grade and receives a B grade from Niche. Greenback School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) club has received recognition on the state level, and the football team gets enthusiastic community support. “People love to support the Greenback Cherokees,” says Tipton. “That’s where everybody gets together on a Friday night.”
Tellico Lake recreation and a fall pumpkin patch
The homes along Tellico Lake typically have private docks, but those who live off the water can also enjoy lakeside spots for swimming, fishing, boating and camping. The Morganton landing is a popular public access point, with a boat launch and parking lot, acting as a trailhead for miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Further inland, Maple Lane Farm is a go-to spot for pumpkin picking and haunted hayrides in the fall. Greenback is also known for a more unusual attraction — the Greenback Castle. This surreal structure was built by one man over decades, incorporating various building styles and religious iconography from multiple cultures. The public is welcome to tour for free, drawing visitors from across the state.
Farm produce and events in the small town of Greenback
The small town of Greenback is the heart of this area, anchored by a public library, a post office and a bank. The Depot Mercantile & Market has a farmers market on Tuesday mornings, and the Greenback Diner has been a staple of the community for over 100 years. “The diner is our favorite meeting spot,” Tipton says. “People come in to eat, of course, but also to talk and visit.” Bluestem Hollow is a newer addition, showcasing organic farm produce at their coffee shop and market. A few miles outside of town, Rocky’s Place Ice Cream is a summer favorite, with a mini-golf course right next door.
The community pulls out lawn chairs for the Fourth of July fireworks and bundles up to watch the Christmas parade. Greenback Community Center also has weekly bingo nights, line dancing and exercise classes. “Sometimes people aren’t able to do the all exercises; they just come for the fellowship,” says Tipton, who has volunteered to lead a class there for over 40 years. The center also has a food pantry for residents in need.
City amenities in Maryville
Although Greenback has a few gas station convenience stores and a Dollar General, the closest grocery stores are in Maryville and Vonore. Vonore is about 10 miles southwest across the lake, and Maryville is 15 miles northeast. Maryville is a decently large city, with a major hospital, shopping mall and the regional McGhee Tyson Airport. Reaching downtown Knoxville is a 30-mile trip, usually around 45 minutes.
