Newport is a small Smoky Mountain town surrounded by nature
Newport may look like any other rural community outside Knoxville, but its strength lies in its location among Western Tennessee’s forests and hills. Newport’s proximity to two rivers and Douglas Lake makes it a popular stop for anglers and boaters, and the city is a hub for tourists exploring the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. The city’s neighborhoods have a tranquil atmosphere, inviting people to embrace countryside living miles away from the big city bustle. Commercial corridors cater to residents’ everyday needs, but highway access is available for those who need to leave the community to shop, dine or work.
Historic, midcentury and new homes follow streets on rolling hills
Neighborhoods blend historic development and newer construction. Downtown and Oldtown, both north of the Pigeon River, have some of the oldest architecture, with homes dating back to the early 1900s. Across the city, most houses date from the 1940s to the 1980s, and 21st-century homes appear sporadically. Split-level, bungalow and ranch-style houses are common, but some homes have farmhouse and Cape Cod design influences. Move-in-ready houses typically cost between $140,000 and $625,000, depending on size and condition. The city’s median price is around $290,000, compared to about $420,000 in Dandridge and about $650,000 in Pigeon Forge . Residential streets follow the flow of rolling hills. Lawns are grassy and large, offering ample space for planting and mature trees. Driveways are common, so street parking is rarely necessary inside neighborhoods.
Smokies excursions, guided hikes, forest camping and climate impact
Newport is surrounded by expansive outdoor destinations, making it an attractive option for seasonal tourism and year-round recreation. The city is about 40 miles, or a 1-hour drive, from the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most visited national park. People are also within 10 miles of Cherokee National Forest, which is popular for its wooded trails, campsites, hunting grounds and whitewater rafting access. Residents can join guided group hiking programs through Newport Parks and Recreation. During warmer months, many people visit the Pigeon and French Broad rivers or Douglas Lake to fish, boat, jet ski and swim. Inside city limits, Newport City Park has ball fields, tennis courts and a public pool. Newport Community Center has indoor fitness facilities, while Smoky Mountain Golf Course offers public fairways along the Smokies’ foothills.
First Street reports that Newport is at moderate risk of flooding, primarily due to the Pigeon River. High waters and heavy rain can majorly impact roads and downtown businesses, as well as moderately impact homes near the shoreline. High heat and dry conditions also put the community at moderate risk of wildfire over the next 30 years, according to First Street.
Students can attend Newport City and Cocke County schools
Tennessee is an open-enrollment state, but most kids attend Cocke County schools nearest the city. These include Northwest and Edgemont Elementary schools, which serve students from kindergarten to eighth grade. The schools have C-minus and C Niche ratings, respectively. Cocke County High also has a C rating. The city is also home to Newport Grammar School, part of the Newport City School District. This kindergarten through eighth-grade institution earns an A-minus.
Broadway Street and Highway 321 offer shops, restaurants and markets
Downtown Newport is along Broadway Street, where small businesses, from boutiques and consignment shops to offices and salons, are in brick buildings with vintage architecture. The Neighborhood Beer House offers bar bites and brews, while Snowbird Mountain Coffee Co serves hot drinks and breakfast sandwiches. Many more options are on Broadway away from downtown, including three major supermarkets, Debbie’s Drive Inn and Milano’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant. On Main Street, The Newport Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday morning until 1 p.m. from May to September. Highway 321 is another hub for shopping and dining. It has a Lowe’s Home Improvement, various fast-food chains, a Walmart Supercenter and more local businesses.
Interstate 40 connects to Knoxville and other transit options
City streets are not generally walkable or bikeable, so most residents are car-dependent. Interstate 40 and Highways 25 and 321 are the main thoroughfares. Interstate 40 connects to Knoxville and the McGhee Tyson Airport, which are less than 60 miles away. Emergency services are readily available, with Newport Medical Center in the city.
Newport celebrates seasonally with rides, reenactments and treats
The Moonshine Rod Run is the city’s annual antique and street rod car show. Held in June, over 450 vintage vehicles are displayed at Newport City Park for judging. Attendees also enjoy a parade and barbecue dinner. In October, the Newport Farmer’s Market briefly reopens downtown for the Newport Harvest Street Festival. Vendors sell fragrant baked goods as people enjoy carnival rides, live music and historic reenactments. Later in the month, families head to Newport City Park to trick-or-treat around the walking track.
