Longstanding traditions and friendly neighbors define Tazewell
History and tradition play important roles in Tazewell. A preserved 1930s gas station on Main Street displays artifacts from the town’s past, and, for more than 65 years, the community has enjoyed Cokes and ice cream at the Frostee Freeze Drive-In and celebrated the Claiborne County Fair. Though Tazewell is small, it borders the city of New Tazewell, expanding the number of stores and employers that residents can access. At the end of the day, it’s the people that make Tazewell a pleasant place to live, says resident Cyndi Chumley. “My neighbors are fantastic. Everyone is friendly, willing to lend a hand if you need it.”
New homes and secluded properties found outside the town limits
Ranch-style homes and split-levels line the streets in town. Beyond the town limits, homes are spaced out on bigger properties, sometimes measuring more than 20 acres. Small pockets of recently built New Traditional homes extend off U.S. Route 25E; some of these subdivisions were developed on knolls that provide mountain views. Houses in town have recently sold from $140,000 to $275,000. New homes typically cost between $290,000 and $355,000, while large houses have sold between $450,000 and $800,000.
Career education center opens at Claiborne High
Kindergarteners through fourth graders can take classes at Tazewell-New Tazewell Primary School before attending Soldiers Memorial Middle School until they graduate eighth grade. Both schools receive C grades from Niche. Claiborne High gets a C-minus. In 2025, the school district opened a new career and technical education building at Claiborne High. The new facility houses mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC education programs. Parents can request their kids attend any campus in Claiborne County Schools during the open enrollment application period in August.
Golf, boating and racing among the mountains of East Tennessee
A playground, baseball field and basketball and tennis courts are clustered at Tazewell Municipal Park, the town’s largest green space. Members of the public can play the 18-hole course at Woodlake Golf and Lodge, but members gain access to the complex’s pool, weight room and tennis court. Woodlake gives free rides to golfers who want to fly in at New Tazewell Municipal Airport next door. Big Sycamore Creek Boat Launch gives access to Norris Lake. At Tazewell Speedway, cars race from March to October.
A nostalgic restaurant and a Netflix-featured antique store
Tazewell is known for having more restaurant options than the neighboring community of New Tazewell. Generations of residents have spent evenings parked under the glowing neon sign of Frostee Freeze Drive-In, a hot dog and burger joint that opened in 1956. Residents can run most of their errands along Tennessee state Route 33, which passes Food City, Old Town Ace and Pickers Paradise, a notable antique shop with a second location in New Tazewell. “It was on the Netflix special ‘Swap Shop,’” Chumley says. “It’s a huge building with all kinds of antiques, boutiques. They always have a food truck.” Claiborne Medical Center provides emergency care and other medical services.
Tractor pulls and tractor parades at Tazewell’s annual events
The Claiborne County Fair stretches across six days in August. The fair starts with live music and a beauty pageant before finishing with four days of tractor pulls, demolition derby and all-terrain vehicle drag races.
In November, the community welcomes the holiday season with the Claiborne County Christmas Festival and Lighted Tractor Parade. Spectators watch tractors wrapped in Christmas lights chug down Main Street, and the oldest farmers in the county serve as the parade’s grand marshals. During the rest of the evening, locals take horse and buggy rides around town, choirs and dance groups perform and kids pose for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Highways connect to Knoxville, New Tazewell and Kentucky
Tennessee state Route 33 and U.S. Route 25E intersect in Tazewell; the former connects to the city of New Tazewell, and the latter leads north to Kentucky. Knoxville is 45 miles away. Just outside Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport offers nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations.
![Alex Soderstrom]()
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
