Kodak serves as a gateway to the Smokies
Many of the tourists who visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the nearby vacation towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg drive to the region via Interstate 40. Off the highway, the first place those visitors see is Kodak, a rural community in Sevier County. “There are definitely some more rural parts to it, but there’s a lot of value in it being the main corridor to the Smoky Mountains,” says Dustin Weaver, associate broker and leader of the Dustin Weaver Team of The Real Estate Firm.
Shopping at the intersection of I-40 and Winfield Dunn Parkway
Much of Kodak’s shopping and dining is off I-40, the same spots that attract travelers passing through the area. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is the largest attraction, and a Buc-ee’s is on the opposite side of the interstate. Fast-food spots and sit-down chains encircle the retail centers. Food City, the community grocery store, is on Winfield Dunn Parkway. More restaurants and shopping options are 10 miles south in Sevierville.
Smokies 25 miles south, but recreation within Kodak too
Kodak sits among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, well known for their outdoor recreation. The Sugarlands area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 25 miles south and has a plethora of hiking trails past creeks and waterfalls. Much closer is Douglas Lake, less than a mile from the community. A boat ramp, swimming beach and campground are located adjacent to Douglas Dam, especially popular during the summer months. Seven Islands State Birding Park follows a bend in the French Broad River, with hiking and bird watching through the 416-acre area. Golfers can play the course at Island Pointe Golf Club, which is open to the public.
Interstate 40 cuts through the community
I-40 heads 20 miles west to Knoxville, and the tourism-heavy areas of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are 15 miles south. “I think local residents are probably more frustrated with the tourist traffic than anything,” Weaver says. The nearest hospital is a little over 11 miles south in Sevierville. McGhee Tyson Airport serves the Knoxville area, with commercial flights to over 30 destinations nonstop.
Homes sit in Kodak's more rural areas
Homes in Kodak often sit on large plots of land in the rolling hills, including ranch-style homes that sell for $250,000 to $500,000. Large new traditional homes can sit closer to the French Broad River that makes up the community’s southern boundary, generally selling between $500,000 and $950,000 based on the home and lot size. Scattered luxury cabins or Craftsman-influenced homes can go from $1 million to $3 million. The area also has new construction townhomes, which sell for $275,000 to $300,000.
Education in Sevier County system
The Sevier County School System serves Kodak and receives a B overall grade from Niche. Students mainly follow one pipeline, from C-plus-graded Northview Elementary for kindergarten through third grade to B-minus-graded Northview Intermediate for fourth through sixth. Northview Junior Academy has seventh through ninth grade and receives a B-minus grade, followed by Northview Senior Academy. The school, rated a B by Niche, offers a robust dual enrollment program with Walters State Community College.
Kodak library holds events for the community
The Kodak Branch of the Sevier County Public Library System holds events for the community, including book clubs and game nights. Residents can also enjoy regional tourist attractions, including theme parks like Dollywood, 15 miles away.
