Fewer rules and more space in scenic Sequatchie
Sequatchie is a rural, residential enclave in the outdoorsy Sequatchie Valley, about 30 miles from Chattanooga. Locals rely on surrounding towns for shopping, dining, events and entertainment. But what they lose in everyday convenience, they gain in access to outdoor activities, a lower cost of living and more breathing room. "Most everyone who comes says one thing: I don't want an HOA, I don't want all these restrictions," says Gloria Page, Realtor with Zach Taylor Real Estate, who has been working in the Valley for over a decade. "It's small-town U.S.A., and even in building, there are very few restrictions."
Acreage and manufactured homes define the housing mix
Manufactured homes are the predominant style throughout Sequatchie, though there is the occasional bungalow or ranch-style home. Properties rarely go on sale here, but in recent years two have been listed, one for about $230,000 and the other for around $270,000. Existing homes may sit on around a third of an acre, and wooded lots between 6 and 8 acres have also recently sold in the surrounding mountains. "People will cash out up north or wherever they're coming from, come down here and buy several acres to build their dream home," Page says.
Kayaking, horseback riding and hang gliding in the Valley
The Sequatchie River Blueway winds 116 miles through the valley, providing mostly gentle waters for kayakers and canoers. The Valley is a haven for hang gliding enthusiasts, and the Tennessee Tree Toppers offer guidance and site briefings about launching spots. "Most people [here] are very outdoorsy," Page says. "They may have four-wheelers. They may have horses."
Jasper City Park has several tennis courts and ball fields hosting youth leagues. The Historic Coke Ovens Park displays the remnants of early 20th-century sandstone ovens used to convert mountain coal into industrial coke for iron smelting.
Public schools are in Jasper and offer career-focused programs
Marion County schools are clustered in nearby Jasper. Kids may attend Jasper Elementary School for kindergarten through fourth grade, Jasper Middle School for fifth through eighth grade and Marion County High School for ninth through 12th grade. They earn C, C-plus and B-minus grades from Niche, respectively. High schoolers can learn about a chosen field through career and technical education pathways. Possible options include automotive collision repair, engineering, marketing management, teaching as a profession, nursing and fine arts.
Limited local options mean most errands happen out of town
Sequatchie Food Market has some convenience store essentials and a food menu of sandwiches, burgers, salads and sides. A post office is also in the area. Otherwise, residents can head to surrounding towns. In Jasper, Ingles is the closest supermarket. Redpoint Inn serves espresso drinks, brunch items and specialty pizzas in the downstairs restaurant and sells climbing gear in the upstairs shop. Dunlap has a Walmart, a Walgreens and a mom-and-pop shopping scene. The Dunlap Yard hosts live bands on the indoor stage and outdoor courtyard. Customers can enjoy the show with a beer and casual bites.
Full calendar of events in Dunlap
Residents can find farmers markets, holiday festivities and cultural festivals in Dunlap. The Dunlap Coke Ovens Bluegrass Festival features live performances and jam sessions under the trees. Locals celebrate their small-town culture at the Dunlap Heritage Festival in September, featuring wagon rides, vendors, live music and food trucks. The Marion County Fair features a demolition derby, carnival rides, live music and 4-H competitions each summer in Jasper.
Sequatchie is fairly car dependent
Residents may rely on cars as public bus routes aren't available. The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides on-demand, curb-to-curb service to Marion County residents. The nearby State Route 28 connects to Dunlap, and U.S. 127 continues north. Just south, Route 28 also connects with Interstate 24 to Chattanooga. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport provides nonstop routes to several U.S. destinations. About 6 miles south, Parkridge West Hospital offers 24-hour emergency care.
