Rutledge is Grainger County’s seat in the Richland Valley
The Richland Valley, a narrow dip that runs along the base of Clinch Mountain, is where potential homebuyers will find the city of Rutledge. Serving as the seat for Grainger County, Rutledge is a small city of around 1,321 residents, according to the 2020 census. It is counted as part of both the Knoxville and Morristown metropolitan areas. It is about 32 miles east of downtown Knoxville and 53 miles south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance.
Large lots are common across Rutledge’s residential areas.
Grainger County Courthouse anchors the county seat in Rutledge.
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Classic southern-style homes with acreage offer privacy
Rutledge's rural nature and sprawling green acreage are reflected in its housing. Classic southern architecture styles, such as ranch-style homes, sit on large lots shaded by trees. Even along the main road that runs through town, houses are not bunched together; residential privacy is a draw for those considering a move here. The housing market isn't considered competitive, with homes usually selling in around three months and an average county property tax rate of 0.56%. Price points don't vary drastically, as many houses are similar in style and size. Ranch-style homes and bungalows sell between $150,000 and $250,000, while larger renovated homes with several acres sell between $300,000 and $500,000.
Cape Cod homes appear in parts of Rutledge.
Newer builds with acreage dot the Rutledge area.
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Rutledge is served by Grainger County School District
The Grainger County School District has four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and a K-12 school. Children living in Rutledge are zoned for Rutledge Primary, Rutledge Elementary, Rutledge Middle and Grainger High. The district has an overall C-minus rating from Niche. In 2009, the Grainger Academy was established to raise the graduation rate of the existing high schools to ensure every student could earn a high school diploma. The program has been massively successful, raising graduation rates between 95% and 100% since 2019.
Rutledge Primary School serves early grades in Grainger County.
Rutledge Elementary School provides classes for local students.
Rutledge Middle School educates grades six through eight in town.
Grainger High School offers academics and activities for area teens.
Grainger Academy program supports graduation success across the district.
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Municipal and county parks have playgrounds and waterfront access
The city's main recreational space is Rutledge Municipal Park, which has a children's play area, sports fields and open green areas. Grainger County Park sits on the Cherokee Reservoir about 7 miles away, surrounded by campgrounds and piers. The Holston River is nearby. Fishing and boating are big here, as is hiking with a view. Big Ridge State Park is located 33 miles to the northwest, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park is about 50 miles away.
Rutledge Municipal Park offers playgrounds and open green space.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies about 53 miles south of Rutledge.
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Local restaurants and businesses are off Route 11W
Route 11W—also known as Rutledge Pike—is the city's main thoroughfare. Almost all commercial pockets are located along this road. Rutledge doesn't have major commercial districts, but it has the essentials, from big-name stores like Goodwill and Dollar General to banks and a USPS office. Although there are a few fast food chains in the city, locally owned restaurants offer classic Southern dishes and no-frills atmospheres. Sunfresh Produce and East Tennessee Food Market provide groceries.
Down Home Restaurant’s farmhouse décor sets a casual, family‑friendly tone.
Sunfresh Produce serves Rutledge shoppers along Route 11W.
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Grainger County Tomato Festival celebrates the area's most popular crop
The most significant event for Rutledge is the Grainger County Tomato Festival, which has been held on the final weekend of July since 1992. It celebrates the tomato, Grainger County's most popular and profitable crop. Around 30,000 people gather to celebrate the county's heritage and its agricultural impact on Tennessee. The festival has live music performances, and vendors set up to sell artisan crafts and local produce. There are crafting events and participation games for all ages.
State routes lead to big cities and major interstates
Rutledge is intersected by Route 11W, which connects the cities of Kingsport and Knoxville. State Route 92 connects to Jefferson County, Interstate 40 and Interstate 81 to the south. Residents are mainly car-dependent, although sidewalks border many streets. The closest major airport, McGhee Tyson, is 45 miles west near downtown Knoxville. The closest hospital is Jefferson Memorial Hospital, 15 miles away.
Rutledge Police Department serves the community
Due to low overall counts, Rutledge's property and violent crime rates fluctuate greatly and are hard to compare to state and national averages. The city reported a spike in violent crimes in early 2023, while property crimes decreased.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Tyler Hall
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