$553,798Average Value$342Average Price per Sq Ft53Homes For Sale
Townsend is an escape from the Smokies’ tourist crowds
Townsend is a small community at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, a part of one of the most visited national parks in the country. Other local destinations include the Little River, which draws swimmers and tubers during the summer. Sightings of black bears, wild turkeys and other wildlife are common, too. While Townsend offers all the scenery and recreation of the Smokies, the city also buffers its 600 residents from the popular region’s tourist crowds. “It’s known as the peaceful side of the Smokies,” says Clay Dalton, a broker with Re/Max Preferred Properties. “It’s a very relaxing pace here. It’s not the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which are about 30 minutes away. Those are the tourist destinations.”
Housing ranges from ranch-style to luxury mountain homes
Townsend has narrow, hilly roads lined by mature trees. It also has flatter areas, where homes are near woods and large open spaces. The surrounding hills and forests also provide extra privacy. Styles include manufactured, ranch-style, New Traditional and log cabin-style homes. There are also luxurious lodge-style homes overlooking the hills. Many homes under 1,500 square feet run between $200,000 and $500,000, while a few smaller homes go from about $80,000 to $110,000. Homes over 1,500 square feet go from about $520,000 to $850,000, while luxury builds on multi-acre lots run between $1.2 million and $2.1 million. Condos go from about $220,000 to $520,000. Townsend also has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Ranchers and Craftsmans sit side by side on large lots in Townsend.
You can find lots of A-frame wood and stone cabins in Townsend.
While Condos are not common in Townsend, new ones in private communities are starting to pop up.
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Amenities include a national park, city trail and trout fishery
With its rugged forests and streams, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among the area’s most popular destinations. Park visitors go on day-long hikes, stop by waterfalls or float in the water at spots like Townsend Wye. Other park vistas include Tuckaleechee Caverns and the historic John Oliver cabin at Cades Cove. In the city, the 10-mile Townsend Historical Trail draws cyclists and walkers. The trail follows the Little River, which offers plenty of trout fishing. “It’s a wild trout fishery, which is not rare,” says Daniel Drake, manager of Little River Outfitters. “But to have this much wild trout fishing available is kind of unique.” Those looking for more laid-back activities may go to the public Wild Laurel Golf Course. Players there may challenge themselves on an 18-hole, forest-lined course set against a mountainous backdrop.
Cades Cove offers lots of recreational opportunities such as a short hike to John Oliver Cabin.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited National Parks.
Go for a swim at the Townsend Wye in the warmer months.
There are countless trails to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Townsend has a burger joint, craft beers and riverside dining
Peaceful Side Social is a laidback spot serving craft beers and foods like oil-tossed truffle fries, sourdough pizzas and various craft ales. The restaurant also offers outdoor dining with views of the mountains. Based in a lodge-style building, Burger Master Drive-In Restaurant is a walk-up burger joint with window counters. The Abbey at the Heartland Chapel serves more craft beers and occasionally hosts live music. The restaurant is in an old wooden and Gothic-style chapel off the banks of the Little River. “They’re pet friendly,” Dalton says. “We took our dogs there regularly.” For grocery shopping, there’s Townsend IGA. Less than 20 miles northwest, Maryville offers more grocery and retail shopping options. Maryville’s U.S. Highway 129 commercial corridor has Foothills Mall and big box stores like Walmart and Target.
Students may attend Blount County Schools
Located in the middle of the city, Townsend Elementary School receives a C-plus. Activities at the elementary school include career day, which allows its students to meet with local high schoolers enrolled in career and technical education courses. Heritage middle and high schools, which both get B grades, also serve Townsend. The high school’s athletics include a girls basketball squad that won its first state title in 2025.
Townsend Elementary School received an overall grade of B- from Niche.
Heritage Middle School sits next to Heritage High School.
Heritage High School sits in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
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The hot air balloon festival provides unique show
The city has hosted the annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival since 2018. Set at the Townsend Visitor Center, the event offers tethered rides and an opportunity for many to see colorful, glowing balloons go up at night. Attendees may also shop for crafts, get some food truck fare and stop by a beer tent.
U.S. 321 connects to Maryville and Pigeon Forge
Commuters have direct access to U.S. Highway 321, which goes to nearby cities like Maryville and Pigeon Forge. Townsend is less than 20 miles southwest of Pigeon Forge. In addition to retail shopping, Townsend residents may go to Maryville for medical services at Blount Memorial Hospital. Maryville is also just south of McGhee Tyson Airport, the nearest hub for commercial flights.
You'll be sure to see mountains no matter which way you look while in Townsend.
The picturesque Henry Whitehead House sits on the backside of Cades Cove.
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Flooding is a risk
Due to its location along the Little River, Townsend is prone to some flooding. The issue has caused evacuations in the past.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Byrum
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Townsend, TN sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Townsend, TN over the last 12 months is $375,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into a storybook mountain retreat tucked away in the heart of Townsend, Tennessee—where life feels softer, time moves slower, and every day unfolds like a fairy tale. Set beside a gently flowing creek, this magical cabin invites you to linger outdoors, listening to the water dance through the front yard and letting the Smokies work their quiet magic.Just minutes from Great Smoky
This totally remodeled and redecorated condo sits right on the river in Townsend in walking distance to The Social, the post office, Pizza Hut, the grocery store and more. The furnishings were chosen by the owner and provided by Bradens Lifestyles Furniture in Turkey Creek. There is no carpet in the unit and the electric fireplace is new and does heat the main living area just fine. Each bedroom
Dwight Price
The Dwight Price Group Realty Executives Associates
Nestled on the Peaceful side of the Smokies, this amazing 3 bedroom, 2-bath home that sits on over an acre, offering privacy, space, and a serene mountain setting. The screened-in front porch with a sitting area adds inviting space to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This home comes completely furnished and every item you would need to operate as a short-term rental. The interior features an open
Location, Location, Location! RIVERFRONT Gem in the Heart of Townsend! This exceptional property offers a rare combination of charm, location, and opportunity. Situated along The Little River with easy access via concrete steps and concrete pads, it's perfect as a permanent residence or an investment opportunity thanks to B-1 zoning, allowing for a potential Bed and Breakfast. As a bonus this
BUILD YOUR MOUNTAIN RETREAT WITH A VIEW! This perfect piece of paradise is a rare opportunity,Just 10 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this picturesque homesite offers a unique blend of seclusion and convenience. Nestled among the trees with mountain views, this lot is approved for vacation rental cabins--an ideal investment for those seeking both serenity
Tucked away in the peaceful heart of Townsend, Tennessee, this inviting one-bedroom cabin with a loft and two full baths offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and Smoky Mountain living. The open-concept main level features a warm and welcoming living area, well-appointed kitchen, and a private bedroom with convenient access to a full bath.Upstairs, the spacious loft is designed for both
Are you dreaming of owning a piece of the Smokies? Here's your chance! Discover this beautifully maintained lot in the desirable Sundown Resort in Townsend, Tennessee, known as ''The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.'' Sundown Resort is a friendly, gated community with an inviting atmosphere and set to a stunning mountain backdrop. Nestled just 1 mile from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains
This recently updated & upgraded home (upgrade list attached) features 2 separate and unique living spaces each with its own Living Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Family Room, Bedrooms, Bath and WoodBurning Stoves. Upper level was recently expanded to include a very large master suite with large walk-in closet featuring a laundry hook up (washer & dryer on this level will not convey). The upper level
Welcome to your luxury mountain retreat on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. This stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath, 3,380 sq ft custom-built cabin (2005) sits on a beautifully wooded 0.82-acre lot, offering privacy, serenity, and timeless Smoky Mountain charm and Fully furnished!Grand great room with soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling stacked stone wood
Dwight Price
The Dwight Price Group Realty Executives Associates
Tucked away in the peaceful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabin offers the perfect retreat in one of East Tennessee's most scenic locations. Set on approximately a half-acre lot, you'll enjoy a quiet, natural setting just minutes from walking and biking trails, with convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.With approximately 1,404
Build your dream retreat on this beautiful .88-acre wooded lot offering peace, privacy, and potential mountain views! Located in a well-maintained mountain community with private paved roads and underground utilities including water and electric.This property is ideal for a permanent residence, second home, or short-term rental investment. Enjoy the serenity of nature while being just minutes
Long-Time Family Home with frontage on E Lamar Alexander and the Little River Townsend. Located in an area without tubers. Serene and beautiful section of the River with deep water and excellent fishing. Current Zoning is B-1 allowing for business applications (See County Codes on Usage), Overnight rental, or continue as Residential. Original home was built in 1952, with addition more recent -
Welcome to the exclusive gated community of Cades Cove Reserve! Enjoy easy mountain living in this second-floor, end-unit condo located in scenic Townsend, just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. This light-filled 2 bedroom, 2 full bath LeConte Unit 201 offers added privacy, mountain views, and abundant windows throughout. Interior features include 9-foot ceilings, a
RV Lot for Rent for the Season!! Just before the 'Y' and Cades Cove at the Smoky Mtn Park Boundary. Townsend is known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies! Sundown RV Resort is a highly sought after RV location! This gated community offers many amenities; 2 pools, 2 bathhouses, Clubhouse, Laundry Facilities, Playgrounds, Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Picnic areas and extra parking for Guests. Lots
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