$564,746Average Value$361Average Price per Sq Ft46Homes 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?
Reach out to
Carl Collins,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Townsend, TN sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Townsend, TN over the last 12 months is $375,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience elegant mountain living in Laurel Valley—one of Townsend's most sought-after gated communities. Perfect as a primary residence, a peaceful vacation getaway, or an investment property with short-term rentals permitted, this beautifully crafted home blends timeless design, natural warmth, and modern comfort. An open, natural light-filled layout, featuring large windows, vaulted ceilings,
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
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 -
Retirement? Rental? Second home? Both? A rare opportunity has come along in the gated community of Laurel Valley that fits the bill for all your cabin needs. This beautifully maintained log cabin is tucked into the Smoky Mountain foothills on .63 acres of wooded privacy. It borders the Laurel Valley golf course and offers the perfect balance of tranquility, convenience, and income potential. With
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
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
Discover breath taking view of Rich Mountain from this 5 acre retreat. Here you will find your own little piece of paradise for permanent living or just a weekend get-a-way. The property offers quick access to everything the area has to offer such as hiking, biking, fishing and more. With just a short drive you have access to all the things Maryville has to offer and you are just minutes from the
Located on a private street within the Laurel Valley community, this excellent building lot adjoins the Wild Laurel Golf Course, with a year round spring fed creek, beautiful mountain views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and underground utilities already installed, including a private wastewater system and high speed Comcast Wi-Fi. Within walking distance to the clubhouse, swimming
Perched atop Sundown Resort in Townsend, this exceptional lot not only delivers breathtaking mountain views, but a 2024 Forest River Grand Lodge 44VIEW — a luxury destination RV designed for comfort and convenience, conveys with the sale of the lot. With a wide-body design and multiple slide-outs, the Grand Lodge offers residential-style living with modern finishes, high ceilings, and panoramic
This Craftsman style Like New Ranch Condo is located in a Gated Community in Townsend TN-The Peaceful side of the Smokies! Features & Amenities to include: Split BR Plan, Security System, Solid Wood Doors & Solid Wood Trim Throughout, Custom Solid Wood Craftsman Front Door, Grand Foyer Entrance (w/High Ceilings & Hardwood Floors), Large Great Room (w/Stone Gas Fireplace, Custom Mantle, Hardwood
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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