$297,839Average Value$187Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A longstanding community looking to reestablish its roots
Around 1780, James T. Young arrived in the southern Appalachian valleys and, by 1812, built the first recorded home in the eventual Johnson City. What then emerged was South Side Johnson City, known by most as Tree Streets because of the recognized historic district of the same name. From make-shift alleyway markets during the Great Depression to its much-anticipated annual community yard sale of today, Tree Streets has kept a sense of community spirit and local support alive. While popular in the mid-1900s, the businesses of West Walnut Street competed with newer developments in north Johnson City. “West Walnut was once the place to be, and it’s been interesting seeing that change over the years,” says Kelly Davis, a resident who owns Back Door Records along the strip. “When I took over the record store in 2007, I knew opening a store farther north would be easier, but I wanted to breathe life back into this area. It’s one of those neighborhoods where if you win over the locals, then you’re set in this community.”
The homes of the Tree Streets Historic District
Running parallel to the community’s tree-named residential streets are sidewalks and old-growth trees. Low stacked-stone retaining walls give the area some of its historical character and add a bit of elevation to the century-old brick homes. Architectural styles reflect the early to mid-1900s, ranging from bungalows and Colonial Revivals to American Foursquare, Queen Anne and Tudor Revival styles. To maintain its original appeal, new builds must comply with a list of guidelines, such as materials used in construction, setbacks and a handful of other qualifications. Those already on the district's list of historic homes feature small plaques by their front doors. Most homes feature wide front porches with lounge seating and well-landscaped front yards home to perennial flowers and trimmed shrubbery. As a result, when taking morning strolls, it’s common to see fellow neighbors doing yard work or giving a friendly wave. “Neighbors may not talk to each other every day, but we all know one another, which is pretty neat,” Davis says. Most homes range in price from $140,000 to $500,000, depending on size and condition. However, larger, historically recognized houses can reach up to $800,000.
Some houses in South Side Johnson City feature lush gardens.
Charming 20th century homes are very popular in South Side Johnson City.
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Short walks to Johnson City's oldest park
Powell Square Park is the oldest park in Johnson City. It’s the spot for short after-school trips to the playground and includes public restrooms and a pavilion. One block northeast sits the recently built Founders Park, which stays busy, according to Linda Spencer, who works at Visit Johnson City across the street. The turf green space features log and rock replicas for climbing and a creek that runs through the park's center, which adds to its natural appeal and aids in flooding prevention during heavy downpours.
Powell Square Park features a well maintained playground for the kids.
Enjoy a stroll through Founders Park in downtown Johnson City, TN.
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The shops and restaurants of West Walnut Street
Along West Walnut Street are locally owned stores like Back Door Records, which sells new and used vinyl, and Mojo Skateboard Shop. Sharing the street are long-standing mom-and-pop spots like Italian Pizza Pub, which serves up New York-style pizza, and Shamrock Beverage & Tobacco, which sells cigars but is also well-known for its deli that serves old-fashioned milkshakes and Reuben sandwiches. Meanwhile, Southern Craft on Spring Street, in the neighborhood’s northeast corner, has become the city’s go-to spot for barbeque and its Great Oaks beer selection. A mile east along West State of Franklin Road sits a Kroger for groceries, while the Johnson City Farmers Market on West Main Street provides local produce and goods every Saturday morning from early May to late October. For retail, a 2-mile drive north along North Roan Street leads to The Mall at Johnson City.
Shamrock Beverage & Tobacco Shop is an institution in South Side Johnson City.
Italian Pizza Pub has some of the best pizzas in South Side Johnson City.
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The bustling Annual Tree Streets Yard Sale
In late summer, locals from all over the city wind through the community for the Annual Tree Streets Yard Sale, which has occurred for over 30 years and sees participation from 200 homes. The event regularly sees thousands of visitors, including East Tennessee State University students, looking to fill their dorms with unique finds. The Tree Streets Neighborhood Association also throws the Annual SNO Tree Streets Holiday Potluck. Hosted at Timber!, a local restaurant on West Walnut Street, residents are encouraged to mingle with fellow neighbors and bring a dish of choice for sharing.
Keeping teachers up-to-date at Science Hill High School
South Side Elementary School, which teaches prekindergarten through fourth grade, is located in the western portion of the community, making walking to and from school a breeze for most students in the neighborhood. Fifth and sixth-grade students head to Indian Trail Middle School before heading to Liberty Bell Middle School for seventh and eighth. The area’s oldest students will attend Science Hill High School, which recently held the JCS Innovation Academy. It keeps teachers updated on the latest technology and how to implement it in the classroom. Each of these schools also maintains an A rating on Niche.
Southside Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
Kids are challenged to excel at Indian Trail Middle School.
Science Hill High School scored an 8 out of 10 on GreatSchools.
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The convenience of I-26
Interstate 26 borders the neighborhood’s eastern side, providing 17-mile trips north to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Meanwhile, Johnson City Medical Center is located in the neighboring Mountain Home community, less than a mile northwest, off North State of Franklin Road. Those enrolled at ETSU can also reach campus conveniently, as it sits directly west on the other side of University Parkway. Once the construction on West Walnut Street is complete, residents can take advantage of Johnson City Transit bus stops that line the road.
The West Walnut Plan
The construction along West Walnut Street is a piece of the larger West Walnut Plan. As a part of the $33 million investment, the city is replacing the older throughway with an updated, pedestrian-friendly corridor with sidewalks and established bike lanes. There are plans to build a pond and walkable green spaces to aid foot traffic and flood prevention. As a result, those within the Tree Streets community have been subject to the sounds of steady construction and several detours when making their way out to West of State Franklin Road. However, most of the project will be finished in late 2024. “My hope is that West Walnut will return to what it used to be, with restaurants, outdoor dining and things along those lines,” Davis says.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
South Side Johnson City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Side Johnson City, Johnson City sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Side Johnson City, Johnson City over the last 12 months is $260,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
