Harrogate offers a slow pace of life in the Cumberland Mountains
Harrogate is a rural city in the Cumberland Mountains, at the intersection of three states: Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Realtor and lifelong resident Beth Combs says that the area’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions, along with a close-knit community and Lincoln Memorial University (LMU). “One of the things I generally say to buyers is if you’re looking for a little slower pace with a little more relaxed rules and regulations – somewhere that doesn’t feel so ‘big city’ – then this is where you want to be,” says Combs, owner of Turn Key Realty of Harrogate. “Now, if you’re looking to be in the city where there’s a lot more activity, commute times to your larger franchises, shopping malls... You’re going to be at least an hour getting there.” The closest major city is Knoxville, about 60 miles away.
Ranch-style homes and new construction are common
Rolling hills and shaded lawns line Harrogate’s residential streets. “Harrogate has always been a drive for housing that accommodates both students and people 55 and older, so your ranch-style homes that are one level have been popular for a decade, at least,” Combs says. There are also older homes dating back to the early 1900s. Newer construction includes townhouses, condos and New Traditional homes. Depending on size and condition, older properties range from $150,000 to $300,000. Newer homes cost $350,000 to $580,000. Condos and townhouses are typically $300,000 to $350,000. Renting is common, especially among LMU students. However, Combs says that many families have opted to buy a house for their students to live in. “The rent is rather high in this area because of the school, so sometimes they’ll get a mortgage that’s the same as [rent], or a little cheaper, depending on interest rates,” she says.
Students attend Claiborne schools and Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate is part of the Claiborne County School District, which has inter- and intra-district open enrollment. Ellen Myers Elementary scores a B-minus from Niche. H.Y. Livesay Middle School earns a B. At the C-minus-rated Claiborne High, career and technical education programs include therapeutic services and residential and commercial construction.
Lincoln Memorial University’s main campus opened in Harrogate in 1897. There are 30 undergraduate degrees and 22 NCAA Division II athletic teams. While LMU’s class sizes and population are small – the total enrollment in spring 2025 was just over 5,700 – Combs says the university has grown immensely. “When I was a young girl growing up here, there were a total of four buildings up there,” she says. “And now, there’s probably 13 beautiful buildings with a beautiful view.”
Recreation ranges from Cumberland Gap to LMU Park
At 24,000 acres, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park spans across Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. There are nearly 85 miles of hiking trails, including one that leads to the Pinnacle Overlook. “You can hike to the Pinnacle, and, on a clear day, you can see the mountains in North Carolina,” Combs says. Kayak and canoe launches dot the Powell River, and residents can reach the shores of Norris Lake in 45 miles. “It’s one of the cleanest lakes, supposedly, in the United States,” Combs says. “It’s a beautiful lake with a lot of boating.”
While the university manages LMU Park, the whole city uses it. The park’s 20-plus acres include a sandbox, playgrounds and pickleball courts. Little League practices at the baseball fields at Harrogate Sports Park. Golfers choose from several nearby courses, including the public, 18-hole course at Woodlake Golf and Lodge.
Locals dine at Rustic River Restaurant and other eateries
Residents are a short drive from local restaurants like Gizzy’s, which serves casual American fare. Rustic River Restaurant, part of the Rustic River Resort, is on the banks of the Powell River. “That is one of the best restaurants you’ll find around,” Combs says. “They have live music and bingo on Wednesday nights. It draws in people of all ages.” Combs recommends Shades Café and Steakhouse, which is an upscale eatery about 5 miles away in Middlesboro. Harrogate Plant and Produce sells fresh fruits and veggies. While Village Market IGA is in Harrogate, Combs says, “Most people will cross into Kentucky because there is no tax on groceries.” The tax exemption does not apply to candy, soda, alcohol, prepared foods and supplements. Walmart and Kroger are in Middlesboro.
Harrogate’s holiday celebrations include a Christmas parade
Harrogate celebrates the holidays with the annual Christmas parade, which is on the same day as Middlesboro’s. “Most of the floats register for the Harrogate parade, and then they’ll go to Middlesboro and do the night parade,” Combs says. During the summer, residents gather at Harrogate Sports Park for the Fourth of July celebration and live music, inflatables and food vendors.
Residents take U.S. Route 25 East to Middlesboro
Harrogate is a car-dependent community. U.S. Route 25 East offers a direct route to Middlesboro. Most people fly out of McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. The Claiborne County Medical Center is in Tazewell, about 10 miles away.
According to First Street, Harrogate has a severe risk of flooding and a major risk of wildfires.
