$285,276Average Value$233Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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
Rebecca Carter,
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 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Rocky Top, TN over the last 12 months is $296,950, up 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 4BR/2.5BA home located at the end of a quiet road in a peaceful neighborhood in Rocky Top, TN. This spacious home features all bedrooms upstairs, an unfinished basement with endless potential, and stunning mountain views. Enjoy outdoor entertaining in the firepit area while taking in the scenic surroundings. Conveniently located seconds from I-75, just 20 minutes to Knoxville, and less
This property may qualify for an FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan, offering buyers the opportunity to finance both the purchase and improvements in one loan. 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
Spacious Living on Nearly 2 Acres! This nearly 4,000 sq ft home sits on 1.92 acres and offers the perfect blend of space, functionality, and outdoor lifestyle. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, plus 2 versatile bonus rooms ideal for a home office, hobby room, homeschooling space, or whatever fits your needs.The kitchen is a standout with beautiful wood cabinetry, concrete countertops,
Sold AS- IS. This home has been updated with hardwood floors , new metal roof, updated bath, interior doors ,HVAC plus deck , has covered front porch, 288sq ft building in back . This home is closeto Norris Lake and the Dam. Convenient to I-75
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
Some properties are simply places to live. Others become part of your story. The Clinch River Lodge is the latter. Perched along the banks of the legendary Clinch River in Rocky Top, Tennessee, this stunning three-level log lodge offers a rare combination of rustic soul, generous space, and world-class natural beauty. Whether you're searching for a forever home, a cherished family retreat, or an
Hunters Paradise. Almost 60 acres of privacy just minutes from I-75. The property boarders Winrock Park land and is ideal for hunting and recreation. A natural spring/stream flows down the mountain making this a unique attraction. There are multiple possible home sites for building. Properties like this do not come on the market everyday.
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
Prime Mixed-Use Building in Downtown Rocky Top, TN Excellent opportunity to own a fully renovated mixed-use building located right on Main Street in the heart of Rocky Top. Just 20 minutes to both Knoxville and Oak Ridge, this property offers convenience, visibility, and investment potential. The main level features 1,700 square feet of commercial space, ideal for retail, office, or professional
Discover your own private retreat! Discover 4.5 wooded acres offering the perfect blend of privacy and freedom. Tucked away in a peaceful setting, this property provides endless possibilities with no restrictions—build your dream home, place a manufactured home, create a getaway cabin, or simply enjoy your own private retreat. Mature trees surround the land, giving you natural beauty and
Escape to the beauty of East Tennessee with this incredible 5.82 acre property offering a perfect blend of level cleared land, wooded privacy, and mountain-like scenery. The cleared portion provides multiple spots for campers, RVs, or the ideal setting to build your dream home or weekend getaway. Venture into the wooded areas and you'll discover several potential primitive camping spots, or just
Maintenance Free Community Living in beautiful and historic Rocky Top, TN! This FULLY FURNISHED Cottage has Kitchen updated Smart Appliances, granite counter tops, Samsung Refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, Air Fry Smart Stove & Full Size Samsung Washer & Dryer included. This home boasts 9ft ceilings making the space feel much larger. Living Rm with electric fireplace & 82'TV with comfortable
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