In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains lies Greeneville, the second oldest city in Tennessee. Home to about 16,000 people, and growing, Greeneville’s history is a big part of the culture. “It's not like you're on a tour and you hear a written script. You get to hear about history through interactions with people,” says Alan Simpson, a Realtor with Century 21 Legacy. “This town has a huge population of old families, and we still have a few farms that have been around for 200 years.” Outdoor recreation is part of everyday life, with hiking and camping at the forefront. A vibrant entertainment scene revolves around two sites -- one of them historic -- featuring frequent shows. “I wouldn’t say they're giving Knoxville a run,” says Simpson of the state's third largest city, about 70 miles to the southwest. “But let's say it’s like a mini-Knoxville when it comes to talent.” Churches line Main Street, with Baptist organizations particularly common. “We’re not called the Bible belt for nothing,” says Simpson. Greene County has over 250 places of worship.
Greeneville residents and visitors alike love having easy access to hiking in the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests.
Greeneville has lots of churches, including the First Presbyterian Church in downtown.
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Everything from 18th century Georgians to New Traditional style homes
The median home sale price is $265,000, about $200,000 lower than the national median, which has helped Greenville’s population climb by about 2% since 2020, reflecting overall growth in income-tax free Tennessee.
Outside the city, the sprawling suburb of Windy Hills offers room to spread out, with home prices ranging a little higher than the city average. Older homes line the streets of downtown, spaces closer together than residences on the outskirts. The eastern edge of Greeneville features newer housing from the 2020s as construction has expanded outward. Throughout, homes range from red brick ranch-style homes to Colonial Revivals to New Traditionals. Renovations downtown to homes with origins in the late 1800s to 1940s, are subject to a historic preservation commission.
Greenville’s major industries are manufacturing, retail trade and health care. The last television manufactured in the United States was built in a Greeneville factory in 2005. It's on display at Greeneville-Greene County History Museum.
Beautiful New Traditional homes fill some of Greeneville's newer subdivisions.
The Greeneville Greene County History Museum has multiple floors of historical artifacts that had a big impact on the region.
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Mountain hikes and woodland camping
Outdoor recreation is the name of the game in Greeneville, and with the mountains in the backdrop, hiking and camping are some of the most popular activities. On the fringe of tow is the Old Forge Campground. “It’s a more primitive campsite, with just tent camping, horseback riding trails and a swimming hole. It’s one of my favorites,” says Simpson. Greeneville maintains several parks, including W.T. Daniels Park, Dogwood Park and Hardin Park. The department also puts on special events throughout the year, like Halloween in the Park, Christmas in the Park and Spring Fling.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs right by Greeneville.
Hardin Park is popular with locals and features walking trails, baseball fields, a pool, and pavilions.
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International acts performing in small-town USA
The city's major venues are the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and the Capitol Theatre of Greeneville, built in 1934. “We still consider ourselves pretty much small-town America,” says Simpson. “But in our performing arts area, oh my God, this little town has brought in some international acts.” Simpson says that The Band Perry, ZZ Top and Earth Wind and Fire have performed here.
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center hosts lots of international acts.
The Capitol Theatre is a historic art deco theater in downtown Greeneville that hosts movies, concerts, and community theater.
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The Greeneville City Schools District
The Greeneville City Schools District scores an A-minus on Niche. The district offers four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, as well as an online option, Tennessee Online Public School at Greeneville, which serves Grades K through 12. In the heart of the city is the Walters State Community College Niswonger Campus, offering over 100 programs, including technical certificates, associate's degrees and transfer programs.
Greeneville Middle School received a grade of A- from Niche.
Walters State Community College Niswonger Campus sits on the outskirts of downtown Greeneville.
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Sit down meals and shopping throughout Greeneville
Downtown features about 20 restaurants clustered together along historic streets. Fast food spots and little independent eateries also line U.S. Highway 321. Barbeque and Mexican restaurants are particularly popular. For shopping, a few grocery stores and big box retailers are scattered throughout the city.
The Tannery Sandwich Shop is a popular stop for locals at lunch time in Greeneville.
Greeneville residents have several shopping areas that include stores like Marshalls and Hobby Lobby.
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Travel in Greeneville and beyond
U.S. Highway 11E and U.S. Highway 321 run through Greeneville, leading to Knoxville. The city does not offer public transportation. However, Net Trans, a scheduled transportation service based in Johnson City, operates throughout Greene County. Tri-Cities Regional Airport, about 40 miles northeast, is the nearest airport with commercial service. Greeneville Community Hospital provides healthcare.
Climate and crime
Greeneville has a temperate climate and experiences the four seasons.
According to FBI data, the rates of reported violent crime in Greeneville over the last five years trend lower than Tennessee and national averages, while property crime tends to trend higher.
Written By
Stephanie Davison
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Greeneville, TN sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Greeneville, TN over the last 12 months is $409,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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