Rogersville combines countryside living with a walkable town
On the edge of Tennessee’s Tri-Cities area, Rogersville is a rural community offering a mix of countryside living and downtown homes. “A lot of people are trying to find a home and land. They want to do their own little homestead-type thing,” says Dena Brown, the broker and owner of Kornerstone Properties, who has nearly a decade of experience. “One of the other draws is the historic district. The little town itself is extremely cute.” Whether buyers choose land or a historic house downtown, they’ll be part of a welcoming community. Locally owned shops and restaurants fill the city streets, and annual events bring neighbors together. If someone in town needs help with anything, Brown says it’s all hands on deck to help them out, adding another perk to the peaceful, small-town lifestyle in the region.
Homebuyers can get more for their money than in nearby cities
Homes in Rogersville vary depending on which part of the community they’re in. Downtown features several century-old Victorians, Colonial Revivals and bungalows. These streets often have sidewalks and tall, leafy trees. The more rural parts of Rogersville typically have ranch-style homes and farmhouses, often on spacious lots. The median property size is around 0.7 acres. Despite the larger lots, Rogersville offers a better deal for many homebuyers. “Compared to areas like Johnson City and Jonesborough, the home values are a little better. You get more for your money in Rogersville,” says Mike LeMay, an affiliate broker with Century 21 Legacy, who has sold multiple homes in town. The median sales price for a single-family home is around $220,000.
Rogersville parks blend history, nature and active amenities
Rogersville City Park has 42 acres of recreational activity, including baseball fields, tennis courts and basketball courts. Visitors can stroll the walking trails or cast a line in the fishing pond. The park also has the city’s swimming pool and an 18-hole disc golf course. Crockett Spring Park & Arboretum is on the homesite of the city’s earliest settlers, the grandparents of Davy Crockett. The park is now a Certified Tennessee Arboretum and is home to 36 varieties of trees. McDonald Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole course on Guntown Road that is open to the public. Nearby Cherokee Reservoir is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
Downtown is full of locally owned shops and restaurants
Locally owned restaurants downtown include spots like Red Dog on Main, an upscale American restaurant and taproom with an extensive beer menu. Bull Babies is a casual spot serving Southern comfort food like biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and sweet tea. After a meal, residents can stroll through the downtown streets and browse bookstores, antique shops and clothing boutiques. Groceries are available at Food City or Walmart. Chain retailers in the area include Tractor Supply Co., Big Lots and Dollar General.
Monthly Cruise-In and October Heritage Days draw crowds
The city hosts events like the Cruise-In on the Square, held monthly downtown. Residents can show off their classic cars, visit local businesses and vote on awards for the vehicles. Heritage Days is a full weekend of live music, arts and crafts vendors, Civil War reenactments and food. The annual event takes place each October at various sites throughout the city.
Cherokee High School includes college prep and JROTC programs
Joseph Rogers Primary School serves prekindergarten through second grade and gets a C-plus from Niche. Hawkins Elementary School serves third and fifth grades and gets a C, while Rogersville Middle School also receives a C. Cherokee High School earns a C-plus and offers several career and technical education programs. Students can study industries like agriculture, construction, healthcare and robotics. The school also offers dual enrollment courses through local colleges and a Naval JROTC program.
Major roads link Rogersville to nearby cities and services
Route 11 is the main highway through the city, offering a 28-mile drive northwest to Kingsport. Johnson City is about 50 miles away via Route 11 and Interstate 26. Healthcare is available at Hawkins County Memorial Hospital in the city. Tri-Cities Airport is about 45 miles away.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
