About 13 miles from Morristown and 30 miles from Knoxville, Jefferson City is a cozy community situated along Cherokee Lake. It attracts residents for its quiet lifestyle and waterfront recreation. “We’re a bedroom community for both Morristown and Knoxville,” says resident and Realtor Shawn Wilmoth, who owns Cedar Pond Farms in Jefferson City. “Most of the industry is in Knoxville or Morristown, and a lot of people commute. It’s a really easy commute.” Those who work in Jefferson City likely work at Carson-Newman University or Jefferson Memorial Hospital. “For a little town to have a hospital is a big deal,” says Wilmoth. Jefferson City is ideal for those who prefer a slower pace of life without being too far from the comforts of big city living.
Jefferson City rests in the foothills of East Tennessee.
Carson Newman University has a large campus near downtown Jefferson City.
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Homes overlooking Cherokee Lake
Jefferson City is comprised of mainly ranch-style and new traditional homes, with a median single-family price of $350,000, about $55,000 below the national median. “Housing is still very stable from a pricing standpoint,” Wilmoth says. The city’s most expensive homes sit along Cherokee Lake, where buyers can find lakefront houses with private docks and patios overlooking the lake. Prices for lakefront property vary but can reach into the mid $900,000s.
Brick Ranchers are very popular in Jefferson City.
You can find New Traditional homes dotting the landscape of Jefferson City.
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Cherokee Lake and Cedar Pond Farms
Jefferson City's location along Cherokee Lake attracts residents with its nearly endless outdoor activities. “Cherokee Lake is popular for boating, fishing, waterskiing and sailing,” Wilmoth says. “A lot of bass fishing goes on at the lake.” Another popular area attraction is Cedar Pond Farms, where visitors can meet and greet with the farm’s Scottish Highland cows, known lovingly by Wilmoth as “fluffy cows.” “It’s quite an attraction,” Wilmoth says. “People like to come, brush the cows and feed them out of their hands. They get selfies with the cows. At the end of the experience, they finish it off with some gelato and espresso from Gelato Brothers and then go down and pick wildflowers and walk the farm.” Cedar Pond Farms also has an Airbnb, which attracts visitors who want to meet the cows and stay on the farm. “They love the cows so much they’ll come and spend a couple nights on the farm to be with the cows,” he says. “We’ve had several people propose with the cows. For some reason, bachelorette parties are very popular here. They’ll have their veils and sashes on, and they’ll be out there with the cows.”
Cedar Pond Farms features a Scottish Highland Cow Experience in Jefferson City.
Cherokee Dam Park has a boat ramp so you can easily get out on the water.
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Jefferson County School District and Carson-Newman University
Jefferson County School District earns a B-minus rating from Niche and the city is also home to Carson-Newman University, a Southern Baptist liberal arts school with about a 2,500 student population. “It’s nice because you have a lot of things going on with the college, from plays to sporting events,” Wilmoth says.
Jefferson County High School offers lots of sports for students to participate in.
The Carson Newman University Eagles play football at Burke-Tarr Stadium in Jefferson City.
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Dining in Jefferson City and shopping in nearby cities
Jefferson City has a few local restaurants like the family owned El Sazon Mexican Restaurant and The Hoagie Shop, a deli known for its reubens and Blue Bell milkshakes. Off the Hook Lakeside Bar and Grille is a popular restaurant in the summertime for its waterfront dining options along Black Oak Creek. Groceries and other essentials can be found in Jefferson City, but for additional shopping, most residents travel to nearby cities. “We’re only about 15 minutes from another smaller city called Morristown,” Wilmoth says. “If you don’t want to go 30 minutes to Knoxville, you can go 15 minutes to Morristown, which has a shopping mall and a movie theater.”
The Hoagie Shop in Jefferson City features hamburgers, wings, and of course hoagies and sandwiches on their menu.
El Sazon is a popular local Mexican restaurant in Jefferson City.
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National Weather Service and the Jefferson City Police Department
Since 2020, the Morristown office of the National Weather Service has reported tornadoes, flooding, heavy snow, record cold, high winds and wildfires. FBI data shows that the Jefferson City Police Department has seen a steady decline in property crime since 2017, while its violent crime rate has remained about the same.
U.S. Route 11E connects to Morristown and Knoxville
U.S. Route 11E passes through Jefferson City, connecting it to Morristown, 13 miles east, and to Knoxville, 29 miles west. The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency offers door-to-door transportation services to Jefferson City residents. When traveling out of town, residents fly out of McGhee Tyson Airport, 41 miles southwest.
Jefferson City’s Hometown Christmas
Jefferson City’s Hometown Christmas is an annual celebration held in the city’s downtown along Main Street. The event features a parade, food trucks and an outdoor holiday market.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Turner,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Jefferson City, TN sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Jefferson City, TN over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
UPDATE: Back on market at no fault of the seller or home!!Sellers are willing to contribute towards buyer's allowable closing costs!! Call agent for details!!This 5 bedroom rancher offers just over 3,000 square feet of living space, 3 full bathrooms, 2 living room spaces and 3 fireplaces! All while sitting on a 1.2 acre lot, just inside the edge of the city limits so you can enjoy the
Welcome Home to easy, single-level living in the heart of Jefferson City! Perfectly positioned just minutes from Jefferson County schools, Carson-Newman University, restaurants, grocery stores, and quick interstate access, this home offers both convenience and comfort. Situated on the second-largest lot in the subdivision (.33 acres), this cul-de-sac property provides extra privacy with ample
Back on the market no fault of Sellers. Discover 2.1 acres of pure East Tennessee beauty an exceptional wooded lot offering both serenity and stunning vistas. This gently rolling to mostly level property provides the perfect canvas for your dream home, cabin retreat, or investment build. Nestled in a peaceful setting, the lot boasts breathtaking mountain views and picturesque views of Cherokee
LOCATION!!!This home is located within walking distance to Carson Newman University, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Schools, Shopping, Restaurants, and just minutes to Cherokee Lake. Lots of updates, complete with new kitchen, freshly finished hardwood floors, newly painted walls, heat & air system, roof, updated electrical, and ready to move in.Come see this home and feel the ambiance, the
''This 6-bedroom, 3-bath, two-story triplex offers approximately 2,480 finished square feet and is ideally located near Carson-Newman University and downtown Jefferson City. A great rental investment with financials available upon request.''
Attention Investors! Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to own an almost-new 4-plex in the rapidly growing area of Jefferson City! This income-producing property features four well-designed townhomes, with two townhomes currently leased through March 2027 at $1,800 per month, while two additional units will become available in May 2026, offering the perfect opportunity to place new tenants
Attention Investors! Brand New Tri-Plex Opportunity in Rapidly Growing Jefferson City! Don't miss this rare opportunity! Currently under construction and projected for completion in April, these townhomes will be turnkey and ready for immediate tenants, making this an ideal addition to any investment portfolio.Conveniently located just minutes from Carson-Newman University, this property is
Beautiful brand new home with large yard. Easy access to I-40 . Enter into this open floor plan with the master bedroom and bath off to your left w a gorgeous tile shower, walk in closet and double vanity w/granite top. On the right side you will see the wood staircase leading up the to the spacious bonus room for office, play room, theater room, etc.. You will love the open kitchen/living room.
The Cali floor plan is available in our Jefferson City Battle Ridge community. This single-story layout is designed to maximize living space with an open-concept kitchen that overlooks the living area, dining room, and covered patio. Entertaining guests is a breeze, as this popular home features a spacious kitchen island and pantry for extra storage. The primary bedroom is located at the back of
Discover our Glendale floor plan, available Battle Ridge, in our newest Jefferson City community. The moment you step inside, you will be welcomed by an inviting open concept living and kitchen area. The main level also boasts a powder room and ample storage space. Moving on to the upper level, you will find the primary bedroom featuring a walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom. The laundry room
Register now and place your bids AlleyAuction.com! Tucked into the natural beauty of East Tennessee, this custom-built log home offers a rare blend of privacy, acreage, and everyday convenience. Set on 10.3 acres, the property creates a quiet, wooded setting with abundant wildlife and hunting permitted, delivering the feel of a true retreat. This offering includes two separate lots, providing
JCHA Duplex, well maintained, all brick and Block Building. Unit 32 has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Gas Heat, electric AC. Water included in rental price. Discuss pets with landlord to determine pet deposit.
JCHA Duplex, well maintained, all brick and Block Building. Unit 31 has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Gas Heat, electric AC. Water included in rental price. Discuss pets with landlord to determine pet deposit.
Property Id: 1703451Spacious and well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit available now! This apartment offers plenty of storage and convenient features to make everyday living comfortable.Features include:- Large laundry room- Multiple closets for extra storage- Outdoor shed included for additional space- Lawncare included — no mowing required!- Spacious
For Rent: This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a double car garage on almost 1/2 an acre built in 2022. Enjoy plenty of space along with a convenient location near schools, shopping, and easy highway access.
Jeannette Rios-StutzmanTennessee Tuesdee Real Estate, LLC
Property Id: 1703444Welcome to your next home! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers a comfortable and functional layout perfect for individuals, couples or small families.Enjoy a bright living area, a spacious laundry room, and two nicely sized bedrooms with large closets and great natural light. The bathroom is also spacious and has a large closet.The
Views of Cherokee Lake, and located across the street from Black Oak Marina and Off The Hook Restaurant. 1,809 SF Doublewide; Large yard (lawn maintenance included); well water with filter; Electric central HVAC; Absolutely no pets; paved driveway; open front deck with views; very private; carport. $1,700.00 monthly rent; $1,700.00 security deposit; lawncare included; tenant to secure and pay
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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