Jasper

Rankin Cove has an airport, an interstate and a river running through it – bringing activity to this quiet stretch of Tennesee. Only a few dining spots dot the landscape, so many residents take advantage of Rankin Cove’s connectivity to explore some of the tasty creations around downtown Jasper. Add in plenty of modern construction from the 2020s, and what results is a leafy community roughly 25 miles west of Chattanooga, which feels half-rural and half-suburban: there’s park space, a dependable school system and wide stretches of land. New developments are popping up nearby, which are drawing attention, even from out-of-state homebuyers, according to Realtor Gloria Page, who's been working in the area over a decade, and is currently with Keller Williams and Zach Taylor Real Estate. "Developments like Black Creek are really beautiful and popular. This one is built around a golf course and surrounded by the mountains." Homebuyers will see midcentury properties that complement the contemporary homes filling out Rankin Cove. Often made of brick, three-bedroom renovated ranch styles will go for around $250,000. These homes have features like back decks that sit under canopies of mature trees. It’s almost a rural atmosphere that appeals to a nature lover: less emphasis on decorative landscaping and more focus on just the land itself, plain and simple. One appeal of Rankin Cove’s housing market is that homes from the 2020s can be similarly priced – so it’s more about the type of lifestyle preferred by the homebuyer. For instance, a three-bedroom modern traditional home that totals 1,100 square feet can also go for around $250,000. The difference here is that homes may be placed closer together and in neater fashion, emphasizing the suburban identity at the heart of Rankin Cove. Jasper Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1 and receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Jasper Middle has an 18-to-1 student-teacher ratio and scores a C-plus overall. The school is currently undergoing a $34 million renovation project. Marion County High is rated B-minus in the teachers and academics category but C-plus overall. The school is known for creative extracurriculars, like the Interact Club, which restores public spaces in Jasper. Marion County Park is placed on the shores of the Tennessee River, and offers a range of activities across 140 acres. Visitors can camp, fish for bass or anchor down at a picnic shelter. Basketball and baseball facilities are available, and the park’s historical village provides a glimpse into log cabin living. For more of a traditional park experience, residents like to stroll at Jasper City Park, which offers a simple layout, with a pond and two playgrounds. Residents can find a few eateries located on Lee Highway, like Jesse’s Girl, which caters to the comfort food crowd: think tater tots and French dip sandwiches, served in a diner atmosphere. Customers head over to Whiskey Throttle BBQ in Jasper, to get their hit of smoked brisket. Outside Whiskey Throttle's low-slung building, a large black smoker draws in diners with the wafting smell of barbecue. Kanti’s Bar and Grill offers more of a sports bar vibe, with large booths and a row of TVs. At Ingles, residents pick up weekly essentials. Transportation amenities are abundant in Rankin Cove. Interstate 24 is the southernmost thoroughfare, helping residents get to Chattanooga. Many use Lee Highway, a busy commercial corridor, for getting into Jasper. Marion County Airport borders it, to the north. Then there’s Griffith Highway – the primary throughfare for moving north-south through the neighborhood. None of these routes are trafficked by buses, so a car is essential in Rankin Cove. The Marion County Fair occurs annually in November, near the Ingles grocery store in Jasper. Besides offering live music and locally prepared food, it gives attendees a chance to watch a demolition derby. Carnival rides are present, and there’s even an old school competition for jams, cakes and pies.