Mount Carmel has welcoming mountain views and a down-home feel
The Tri-Cities community of Mount Carmel has hillside homes with views of blue-tinted mountain vistas in East Tennessee. Between the Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, Mount Carmel offers a family-friendly suburb on the edge of Kingsport, with access to local parks and a popular school district. "Mount Carmel is a great place if you're looking for affordability and good schools. It has a down-home feel, and it's not too far from the bigger city of Kingsport," says Cory Parsons, an area resident and Realtor at eXp Realty. "This part of the country hasn't lost its friendliness. People say we have such a friendly nature, and it's a big reason they're moving here."
Home prices vary widely in a scenic hillside terrain
Hillside houses are tucked into the natural landscape, surrounded by mountain views. Like much of the Kingsport area, Mount Carmel has occasional colonial architecture but primarily features Craftsman and ranch-style houses. Home prices range from $70,000 to $470,000. Manufactured homes are also available, typically between $150,000 and $330,000. Due to runoff from the mountains, heavy rainfall can cause flooding in some parts of Mount Carmel, particularly low-lying areas with nearby creeks. While getting the best-suited insurance is essential, other advantages can ease the cost of living. "There are a lot of benefits to living in East Tennessee because there is no state income or personal property tax," Parsons says. "People want a house with a mountain view. It's very green here, and we have a very nice fall that people brag about nonstop."
Hawkins County schools range from B to C-plus ratings
The Hawkins County School District serves over 6,000 students and has an open enrollment policy that allows intra-district transfers. Mount Carmel Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche, serving PK-4 students. It was named a Common Sense School in 2025 because of its responsible technology practices. Church Hill Intermediate serves fifth and sixth grade and has a house format, with students assigned to different fantasy houses that operate on a points system. Seventh and eighth-grade students attend Church Hill Middle, which offers many sports teams and a band program. Both Church Hill Intermediate and Middle score B-minuses. Volunteer High School receives a C-plus and is known for its “graduate parade,” where graduating seniors return to Mount Carmel Elementary.
Hiking and scenic views at Bays Mountain Park
Mount Carmel City Park is a modest neighborhood green space with picnic areas and a baseball diamond. The Bays Mountain Golf Club is a family-owned 9-hole course. A.S. Derrick City Park has a splash pad, a playground and a boat ramp on the Holston River. Around 12 miles south, the Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium has animal exhibits such as gray wolves, raptors and bobcats. It also has a planetarium and features 25 miles of hiking trails with scenic overlook views.
Classic milkshakes and Mexican fare on Main Street
Main Street runs along U.S. Highway 11, with a city hall, convenience stores and locally owned restaurants. The Dairy Cup of Mount Carmel is a family-owned diner serving homemade milkshakes and cheeseburgers with a vintage interior reminiscent of the 1950s. Also nearby, El Poblano serves tacos and fajitas in a colorful dining room with traditional Mexican décor. Price Less IGA and Food City are within 2 miles of Mount Carmel in either direction on US-11.
Easy drive to Johnson City and the Tri-Cities Airport
Mount Carmel does not have a designated public transit system, so most residents drive to reach nearby cities. Downtown Kingsport is about 6 miles east on US-11, while Johnson City is about 30 miles south. Around a 20-mile drive from Mount Carmel, the Tri-Cities Airport provides passenger flights to U.S. cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington, D.C.
