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. To her, one of the best aspects of the area is how peaceful it is. “I can get out on my farm and not have anyone else around me," she says.
As the nearby city of Maryville expands, Greenback is starting to grow. “For a long time, people felt like Greenback was too far out there,” says Chevy Emert, a Realtor with United Real Estate who has over 7 years in the area. However, he says the area has increased in popularity. “I would say the most desirable thing about Greenback is just the location, because not only is it convenient to Maryville — although in a country setting — it's also convenient to Tellico Lake," he says.
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 you get a lot of farmland,” Emert says. In terms of houses, Emert says there's a mix of established neighborhoods and modern construction. "We’re definitely seeing a lot more higher-end homes being built right now, and I think one part of that is because a lot of people are moving out here to retire,” Emert says. Public sewer lines are being extended from Tellico Lake to the town of Greenback, increasing the possibility of more housing development. Tipton agrees that change is coming: “There’s a new subdivision being built right down the road," she says. "Greenback is growing 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.”
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. “People just like come in to talk and visit,” says Tipton. "It's a good meeting place." 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 that bring locals together. “People 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.
