$559,053Average Value$357Average Price per Sq Ft60Homes 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
Susan Calabrese,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Townsend, TN sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Townsend, TN over the last 12 months is $376,000, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Dwight Price
The Dwight Price Group Realty Executives Associates
GATED MOUNTAIN LIVING AT ITS FINEST! OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED! This exceptional log cabin is ideally located just 10 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the charming destinations of Townsend, Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Nestled on 5+ private acres just below the Foothills Parkway and within the gated enclave of Fawn Hollow, this property offers both seclusion,
GATED MOUNTAIN LIVING AT ITS FINEST! PRIVACY & BREATHTAKING VIEWS! 14+ private acres just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the charming destinations of Townsend, Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Nestled below the Foothills Parkway within the gated enclave of Fawn Hollow, these 2 tracts total 14.46 acres and provide both seclusion and convenience. The land
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GATED MOUNTAIN LIVING AT ITS FINEST! OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED! This exceptional log cabin is ideally located just 10 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the charming destinations of Townsend, Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Nestled on 19+ private acres just below the Foothills Parkway and within the gated enclave of Fawn Hollow, this property offers both seclusion,
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