Tennessee’s oldest town preserves its Revolutionary roots
Jonesborough is a rural village tucked away in the Appalachian foothills. Known as Tennessee’s oldest town, it’s rich in heritage and history. Established in 1779 during the height of the Revolutionary War, it was the capital city of the State of Franklin, an autonomous, unrecognized state encompassing what is now northeast Tennessee. While the proposed state didn’t win the approval of the federal government, the former capital city remains an important cultural hub for the region. It draws thousands of tourists to its well-preserved historic district and annual events like the National Storytelling Festival, which celebrates Appalachian storytelling traditions. “It seems like there’s an event every weekend," says Realtor Rachel Livingston of Foundation Realty Group, a longtime resident. “The town likes to celebrate.”
Historic Main Street offers walkable dining and shopping
Downtown Jonesborough is centered around the town’s historic Main Street, where centuries-old buildings transport visitors to another era. Decorative Italianate buildings sit next to regal brick storefronts with cozy porches and patios. Wide sidewalks line both sides of the street, making it walkable for pedestrians heading to the district’s bakeries, gift shops, antique stores and restaurants. “It’s lively during the week and on Saturdays. This is the Bible Belt, though. It’s pretty quiet on Sunday,” Livingston says. Neuma Coffee is a standby for espresso drinks and pastries, while The Opossum’s Tale serves hearty British-inspired cuisine. Main Street Café & Catering, a long-running local eatery, occupies an early 20th-century building that features interior decorations dating back to the 1930s. Additional shopping and dining options can be found at shopping strips farther out from the downtown district. Groceries and everyday goods are found at Boone Street Market, Food City and Dollar General.
Historic homes and new builds span Jonesborough’s hilly streets
The town offers a mix of home styles, ranging from historic architecture to modern homes in newly built subdivisions. Closer to the downtown district are colorful Victorians, red brick colonial homes and traditional-style homes dating back to the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Homes closest to the downtown district are situated on hilly, narrow streets shaded by mature trees. As streets extend out from the town’s core, they pass by midcentury ranch-style homes and newer subdivisions. Prices range from $250,000 to $700,000, depending on the size and age of the home. “As far as pricing goes, there’s a huge mix," Livingston says. "There are a lot of beautiful, historic homes. And if they’re really well preserved, you’ll get a pretty penny for it."
Music and parades fill the calendar from spring to fall
Jonesborough’s community events and festivals draw in locals and visitors alike. The largest is the National Storytelling Festival, which has been held nearly every year since 1973. Visitors from all over the world come to hear music and read in circus tents set up around the downtown district. During the spring, residents flock downtown for a St. Patrick’s Day festival and parade, accompanied by a market. Summertime brings with it plenty of musical events and concerts, including the town’s Music on the Square series.
Persimmon Ridge Park features hiking trails and a water park
Parks, trails and green spaces are a major perk for Jonesborough residents, and nearly a dozen parks are woven into the town's landscape. “Jonesborough is very outdoor friendly,” Livingston says. Among the largest is Persimmon Ridge Park, a 130-acre park crisscrossed by hiking and biking trails that wind through forested hillsides. It’s also home to Wetlands Water Park, a family-friendly destination with waterslides, swimming pools and a lazy river. The 3-mile-long Lost State Scenic Walkway connects several local parks and offers scenic vistas overlooking the town.
Students attend C-rated public schools with career programs
Students start at Jonesborough Elementary School, a K-8 school with a C-plus rating from Niche. The last four years can be spent at David Crockett High School, also rated C-plus. The high school offers a wide range of courses, with everything from Advanced Placement and dual enrollment classes to career and technical education programming.
U.S. Route 321 connects Jonesborough to Johnson City and beyond
Because it’s rural, city residents will need a car to get around. U.S. Route 321 runs along Jonesborough’s northern edge, offering a direct route to Johnson City, about 8 miles east of town. It’s about 30 miles from Bristol and 23 miles from Kingsport. Johnson City Medical Center, about 6 miles away, is the nearest hospital. Frequent flyers can hop on a plane at Tri-Cities Regional Airport, about 16 miles north.
