Rutledge, located in the Richland Valley at the base of Clinch Mountain, serves as the seat of Grainger County, Tennessee. With a population of around 1,321 residents, it is part of both the Knoxville and Morristown metropolitan areas. Rutledge is approximately 32 miles east of downtown Knoxville and 53 miles south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance. The housing market features classic southern-style homes, including ranch-style houses on large, tree-shaded lots, providing ample privacy. The Grainger County School District serves the area, with schools such as Rutledge Primary, Rutledge Elementary, Rutledge Middle, and Grainger High. The district has seen improved graduation rates due to the Grainger Academy program.
Rutledge offers various recreational features, including Rutledge Municipal Park with its playgrounds and sports fields, and Grainger County Park on the Cherokee Reservoir, about 7 miles away. The Holston River nearby is popular for fishing and boating, while Big Ridge State Park and Great Smoky Mountain National Park are within driving distance. The city's main commercial area is along Route 11W, where residents can find essential services, local restaurants, and grocery stores like Sunfresh Produce and East Tennessee Food Market. The annual Grainger County Tomato Festival, held on the last weekend of July, is a significant event celebrating the area's agricultural heritage.
Transportation in Rutledge is primarily car-dependent, with Route 11W and State Route 92 connecting to major interstates and nearby cities. The closest major airport, McGhee Tyson, is 45 miles away, and Jefferson Memorial Hospital is 15 miles away. The Rutledge Police Department serves the community, although crime rates fluctuate due to the small population size.
