$278,128Average Value$207Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Rocky Top blends quiet living with outdoor destinations
Once called Coal Creek and then Lake City, Rocky Top got its current name in the 2010s when ambitious developers wanted the city to complement a proposed theme park. The name is taken from an Osborne Brothers song that University of Tennessee fans also use as a fight song. The theme park never took off, but the area isn’t lacking in recreation. This city of about 1,800 people is within a few miles of Norris Lake, where state parkland, marinas and resorts are found along more than 800 miles of shoreline. Otherwise, Rocky Top is a laid-back community, buffered from the busier pace of Knoxville. “My favorite thing is definitely Norris Lake and the country,” says Kim Taylor-Smith, a Realtor with Crye-Leike and Rocky Top resident. “Where I live, it feels like I’m 100 miles away from everything, but I’m 15 minutes from Walmart and Clinton.”
Welcome to Rocky Top in East Tennessee.
Rocky Top is a scenic town in the rolling Tennessee hills.
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Homes are along quiet and hilly roads
Many homes in Rocky Top are along hilly and narrow roads with no sidewalks. While not every lot here is spacious, some may span a few acres. There are also some horse farms set against backdrops of wooded hills. Styles here include ranch-style, Craftsman, Colonial Revival and manufactured homes. Not counting investment properties, homes under 2,000 square feet mainly go from $160,000 to $300,000. A few larger homes run between $370,000 and $450,000, while some upscale and secluded properties can reach $700,000. Attractions like the lake also draw many part-time residents, with rentals making up nearly half of the city.
You can find Cape Cod inspired homes dotting the landscape in Rocky Top.
Ranch style homes are very popular in Rocky Top.
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Norris Lake area is a hiking, biking and boating destination
Rocky Top is just west of Norris Lake, which has winding shores lined by oak forests. On the west end of the lake area, Norris Dam State Park has over 40 miles of trails that draw hikers and mountain bikers looking to trek through the woods. Pontoons and kayaks may be launched from the Norris Dam Marina, while anglers there can try to catch some bass. “There are tons of marinas on the lake and things to do during the summer,” Taylor-Smith says. “They’ll have boat runs from marina to marina and concerts on the lake, where they’ll have several bands come on one day.” The city has recreational amenities, too. The Rocky Top Splash Pad is a popular summer spot that neighbors a few baseball fields.
Norris Lake is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike in Rocky Top.
Norris Dam provides flood control, recreation, and power to the area.
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Main Street offers casual dining while neighboring cities add variety
The city also has several restaurants and shops right along Main Street. Morning commuters may start their day with a handcrafted drink and treat from Coal Creek Coffee. The Vols Diner is a casual University of Tennessee-themed restaurant serving classic American breakfasts and other options like burgers and onion rings. AJ’s Roadhouse is a late night spot where many can grab a beer and play pool. Those looking for more dining might need to make a short drive to Clinton, about 10 miles south. Popular spots in Clinton include Chunky Monkey Ice Cream & Cafe, which serves various frozen desserts. Clinton also provides a chain grocery store with Food City. For more chain retailers like Walmart, some will go to Oak Ridge, about 20 miles south.
Rocky Top locals love to frequent the Vols Diner in downtown.
Browse through several new shops in downtown Rocky Top, including Thrifty Treasures.
Rocky Top locals enjoy playing pool and having a drink at AJ's Roadhouse.
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Students may attend schools in Anderson and Campbell counties
Two districts serve the city due to its location in two counties. Anderson County Schools gets a B-minus from Niche, while Campbell County Public Schools receives a C. Lake City elementary and middle schools in Rocky Top get C-plus grades. Located in nearby Clinton, Anderson County High School receives a B. State champion in 2022, the high school’s football team is ranked among East Tennessee's top programs. The high school’s boys basketball squad also won a district title in 2024. Depending on where they live, other Rocky Students may attend Campbell County High School, which gets a C grade.
The Anderson County High School Mavericks are the Defending State Football Champions.
Lake City Middle School in Rocky Top received a 6 out of 10 from Great Schools.
Lake City Elementary in Rocky Top received a grade of C+ on Niche.
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July 4 celebration has several activities
The city’s annual events include its July 4 celebration, which takes place at George Templin Athletic Field. The day-long festivity begins with a car show that's later followed by a children’s parade. Until the fireworks start, children may also play on inflatables, try to scale a rock wall and stop by a petting zoo. Attendees may also listen to live music.
Residents of Rocky Top, TN are about a 30‑minute drive from North Knoxville Medical Center.
Commuters have direct access to I-75
Residents need to drive to get around the area. Interstate 75 passes through the city, providing a direct route to downtown Knoxville, 25 miles south. With no hospitals in Rocky Top, Knoxville is one of the nearest places for major medical care. Marble City has North Knoxville Medical Center, nearly 20 miles south of Rocky Top. Knoxville is also just north of McGhee Tyson Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Randall Sartin
Video By
Lucas Dyke
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Jacobs,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Rocky Top, TN sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Rocky Top, TN over the last 12 months is $286,950, up 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming home that's never been sold outside the family until now. The love they had for this house shines through with the beautiful, original hardwood floors. Generous sized rooms and a huge family room make this a perfect home for your family. New countertops in the kitchen, new siding, new roof, updated bathroom, new paint throughout and updated electric are just some of the updates that have
Great investment opportunity in the heart of Rocky Top! This spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath rancher offers 1,895 sq ft of versatile living space and has been a steady income-producing property, previously rented for $1,000 per month for years. Currently needs some TLC. Built in 1900, the home features an updated kitchen, multiple storage areas, and flexible rooms that can serve as additional living
This ranch home offers a split-bedroom floor plan with a roomy living room, dining room, and eat-in kitchen. The oversized laundry room adds convenience, and hardwood floors lie beneath the carpet in the living, dining, and front bedroom. The bathroom includes both a separate shower and a tub/shower combo. Updated electrical system a few years ago. Sitting on 1.25 acres of mostly level land with
Take a look at this 0.47 +/- acre lot in Campbell County, Tennessee! This is a highly sought after location near Norris Lake, perfect for various uses including building a home, placing a small camper, or as an investment piece. The property offers easy access on and off I-75, making it convenient for travel. It is also less than 10 +/- minutes from Mountain Lake Marina and Campground, which
Seeking a highly sought-after location near Norris Lake with convenient access to the highway? Consider a flat, easily accessible 0.34 +/- acre lot in Campbell County, Tennessee, offering various possibilities ideal for building a home, setting up a trailer, or as an investment piece. An old shed is located on this property for renovation or use. Located right off I-75 and 10 minutes +/- from
Seeking a highly sought-after location near Norris Lake with convenient access to the highway? Consider a flat, easily accessible 0.49 +/- acre lot in Campbell County, Tennessee, offering various possibilities ideal for building a home, setting up a trailer, or as an investment piece. Located right off I-75 and 10 minutes +/- from Mountain Lake Marina and Campground, this location offers both
Take a look at this 0.35 +/- acre lot in Campbell County, Tennessee! This is a highly sought after location near Norris Lake, perfect for various uses including building a home, placing a small camper, or as an investment piece. The property offers easy access on and off I-75, making it convenient for travel. It is also less than 10 +/- minutes from Mountain Lake Marina and Campground, which
**PRICE ADJUSTMENT** Lake life at its best! This 3200 square feet property offers a wonderful blend of lake proximity, modern amenities, and versatile living spaces. Built in 2018, it features an open-concept layout with four sleeping areas and two bathrooms. The owner is willing to sell several of the beautiful furnishings and appliances to make it move-in ready. This property is ideal for a
Welcome to your cozy cottage retreat beside Norris Dam State Park, where country charm meets endless outdoor adventure. Step out the door to miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails, or take a short drive to Norris Lake for boating and fishing. The public boat ramp is just a 2 minute drive down Oak Grove Road. This fully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features new flooring, renovated bathrooms,
Welcome to this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, offering an open-concept layout, abundant natural light, and ultimate privacy. The main level features a spacious living room with stunning tongue-and-groove vaulted ceilings, a modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinets, natural gas cooking, and a convenient pantry and laundry room just
Affordable Creekfront Living Near Windrock - 813 Andys Ridge Road, Rocky Top, TennesseeDiscover a rare opportunity for creekfront living in the heart of Rocky Top, TN. Nestled along beautiful Coal Creek, this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on 0.42 acres and features over 300 feet of private creek frontage—a peaceful retreat offering both comfort and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a
Well-maintained and move-in ready, this home features a stunning central stone fireplace that anchors the living area while creating a natural separation between the living room, kitchen, and dining spaces. The thoughtful layout offers comfortable flow for both everyday living and entertaining. The interior has been tastefully updated within the last three years, providing a fresh, modern feel
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