Strawberry Plains offers quiet countryside living close to Knoxville
Named for the wild strawberries that covered the landscape when it was first settled, Strawberry Plains is a small unincorporated community on the outskirts of Knoxville. While no berries grow there today, it still offers the peaceful countryside lifestyle it has long been known for. “It’s a quiet community and still has some good home values compared to Knoxville. Larger lots are available there,” says Alan Cottrell, a team leader at Keller Williams with over a decade of experience. “It’s still very close to Knoxville and very convenient. It’s closer to the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.” That convenience is one of the biggest draws to the area, providing easy commutes into Knoxville for work or to the mountains for recreation.
Rolling hills and acreage in the Tennessee countryside
Ranch-style homes and farmhouses make up most of the inventory in Strawberry Plains. Buyers can find Victorian homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s in some parts. Some areas feel suburban to semi-rural, with homes close together on half-acre lots. Most of the community is rural, with properties reaching up to 10 acres. Winding country roads lead across rolling hills, with fields and farmland on either side. “It’s one of the few areas where there’s still room for growth and expansion,” Cottrell says. “Knoxville has gone west and north about as far as it can go.” Located on the city’s east side, Strawberry Plains has some new construction, but for the most part, it maintains its countryside feel. Trees are scattered throughout the landscape, offering shade during the spring and summer and providing pops of color in the fall. The median sales price is around $370,000, lower than in Knoxville. The area’s CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
A short drive to nearby shopping and dining
Commercial activity in Strawberry Plains is limited to a few businesses, including Dollar General, a plant shop and a small country store. Heading west on U.S. Route 11E, residents can shop for groceries at Price Less IGA. There is also a Food City on U.S. Route 25W. Several restaurants are clustered around Interstate 40 on Strawberry Plains Pike, about 7 miles away. Regional chain Aubrey’s is a casual American spot known for its salmon tacos, fried chicken and pasta. Other choices include Cantina Amigo’s, Cracker Barrel and Waffle House. Nearby Jefferson City has more shopping options, including a Walmart and Lowe’s. The Great Smokies Flea Market is about 9 miles away and has over 1,000 vendors each weekend.
Mountains and rivers provide outdoor recreation
Outdoor activity is abundant in the area, with the Holston River flowing along the community’s north side. McBee Ferry Landing Park opened in 2023 with a boat ramp, picnic tables and a walking path. It also has room for fishing from the riverbank. Paschal Carter Park is about 4 miles away and has picnic tables and a playground. A nature trail at the park leads walkers through forested areas and to a creek. Nearby Carter Park is a large sports complex with several baseball, softball and soccer fields. Ruggles Ferry Golf Club is an 18-hole course open to the public. Hikers can enjoy a quick trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 34 miles from Strawberry Plains.
Career pathways and dual enrollment at Jefferson County High
Students might attend Rush Strong Elementary School, rated a C-plus by Niche. Jefferson Middle School and Jefferson County High School each receive a B-minus. The high school offers career and technical education pathways in health care, agriculture, hospitality and criminal justice. Students can also take a wide range of honors and AP Courses, as well as dual enrollment classes through Walters State Community College.
Highways offer convenient commute through East Tennessee
Route 11E is the main highway through Strawberry Plains. Downtown Knoxville is about 17 miles southeast via Route 11E and I-40. Jefferson City is approximately 12 miles northeast of the community and home to the closest hospital.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
