Powells Crossroads offers country living near Chattanooga
Powells Crossroads is a small town in the Sequatchie Valley, about 19 miles from Chattanooga. “I grew up in the city my whole life, but we moved out here to raise our kids out here, and it was the best decision I ever made,” says Alan Barra, resident and owner of Barra’s Cabinet Refinishing. “It’s nice country living.” Besides a Dollar General, a volunteer fire department and a handful of churches, the town is almost entirely residential. People travel to Whitwell, about 4 miles away, for schools, grocery shopping or a bite to eat; they travel to Chattanooga or one of the other surrounding cities for anything else.
Mountains, rivers and hiking surround the town
Part of what draws people to Powells Crossroads is the nature surrounding the town. “You’ve got a mountain on every side of us,” Barra says. “People come from all over to hike those trails and those mountains.” Cedar Mountain is about 10 miles south, while Signal Mountain is between the town and Chattanooga. The Sequatchie River winds through the area. Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are allowed, with the closest access point being Ketner’s Mill, which is about 5 miles away. Prentice Cooper State Forest is about 10 miles away, with over 35 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can also go birding, rock climbing, mountain biking and horseback riding. Crossroads Park has a paved walking trail, baseball fields, a basketball court and a sprawling playground.
Residents explore local artists at Ketner’s Mill Fair
Every October, residents can travel about 5 miles to Ketner’s Mill Fair for a weekend of wagon rides, live music and a range of vendors. Over 150 artists sell their wares, from folk art and jewelry to furniture. People can canoe down the Sequatchie River, which powers the mill, and visit the goats at the petting zoo. Live music plays all weekend.
Large home lots surrounded by nature offer privacy
The Cumberland Mountains fill Powells Crossroads' skyline. Fields and farmland interrupt dense collections of pine and oak trees. Homes are positioned away from the road. As they get farther from the town center, the lots become larger. Ranch-styles and split-levels from the mid-to-late 20th century comprise most of the available homes, although there are some cottages from the 1930s and new traditional bungalows and houses. Smaller homes can cost $135,000 to $215,000, while larger properties range from $290,000 to $375,000. Powells Crossroads receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Students take the bus to Marion County schools in Whitwell
Powells Crossroads is part of the Marion County School District. Open enrollment lets students apply to schools outside of their household’s zone. A bus takes kids to Whitwell Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Whitwell Middle School receives a C-plus. At Marion County High School, which has a B-minus, students must take three credits of a career and technical education program before graduation. Options include welding and nursing services.
The highway connects Powells Crossroads to Chattanooga and other cities
State Route 27 leads about 19 miles to Chattanooga’s city center and connects the town to surrounding cities. “You’re 20 minutes from any major city,” Barra says. Jasper and Dunlap are within 15 miles of most homes. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is about 30 miles away. Erlanger Sequatchie Valley Emergency Department is the closest emergency room, about 17 miles away.
Residents travel to surrounding cities for shopping and dining
The closest restaurants are about 4 miles away, in Whitwell. The Chef’s Restaurant is a family owned business that serves homestyle dishes like country fried steak and meatloaf. People will also travel to Chattanooga for dining, where options include Community Pie, with wood-fired pizza and nearly 40 draft beers on tap, and Edley’s BBQ. While the Dollar General in Powells Crossroads sells snacks and household cleaning supplies, residents will head to Save-A-Lot in Whitwell for most of their groceries. Walmart is about 17 miles away, while Target and Home Depot are about a 22-mile drive.
