A rural hideaway along the Tennessee River in New Hope
New Hope sits along a bend in the Tennessee River, across the water from larger towns like South Pittsburg and Kimball. “Until the ’90s, you could only get over there by ferry,” says Jessica Wright, a Realtor with Re/Max Realty South who specializes in Marion County, Tennessee. “So it was its own little thing. But it’s beautiful over there. It’s got rolling hills and swooping curves on some of the roads.” While New Hope is more easily accessible now, it retains its rural character, with residents enjoying the area’s solitude and privacy.
Homes along the main road or tucked back and private
Winding country drives split off Highway 156, with homes along the main road or tucked back within the community. Lots are often large and private, surrounded by plots of untouched forest. The area’s split-level and brick ranch-style homes were often built in the late 20th century or early 21st century and sell between the high $100,000s and mid-$300,000s. Large plots of land also go on the market occasionally, settling between $10,000 and $20,000 per acre.
Recreation on the Tennessee River and Nickajack Lake
The Tennessee River is the border for much of New Hope, and residents use the water for recreation. The Nickajack Dam controls flow into Nickajack Lake, and residents can drop boats and kayaks into the lake from the Mapleview Public Use Area. “Here locally, there’s a fishing tournament they have, and there’s a speedboat race in Nickajack Lake,” Wright says. “There’s a lot that goes on here.” Nickajack Cave is nearby, a partially submerged cavern home to endangered bats; while the cave itself is closed to visitors, a deck outside offers viewing of the bats.
Highway 156 leads to Interstate 24
Tennessee Highway 156 is the main route through New Hope, cutting through the center of the community. Meanwhile, Interstate 24 runs along the north bank of the Tennessee River opposite New Hope, about a 2-mile drive from the area’s western edge. Chattanooga is 25 miles away, though the city is an hour ahead of New Hope — the border between the Central and Eastern time zones lies between the two. While residents nearly universally own cars, the Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency offers a demand-response transit system in Marion County.
Shops within New Hope and across the river into South Pittsburg
New Hope has a handful of shops and markets scattered along Highway 156. Backroad Relic Hunters offers antique goods and candied pecans, while Dollar General sells essentials. However, residents mainly head across the Tennessee River into South Pittsburg to shop or eat, as several restaurants and boutiques line Cedar Avenue. Kirkpatrick’s Foodland is the nearest grocery store, right across the bridge from New Hope.
Marion County School District education for students
New Hope is located in the Marion County School District. Students can attend South Pittsburg Elementary, which Niche gives a B-minus grade, from prekindergarten through sixth grade. They can then move on to B-rated South Pittsburg High, which serves seventh through 12th grade. South Pittsburg High offers career education opportunities in subjects including teaching, welding and nursing.
Events in South Pittsburg, like the National Cornbread Festival
While New Hope has a quiet atmosphere, residents can take advantage of what nearby South Pittsburg offers. The town has several theaters and small museums and puts on the National Cornbread Festival every summer. The event features music, a pageant and a cornbread cookoff.
