Buying a home in East Tennessee: Communities by the lake

Have you been dreaming about buying a home in East Tennessee and living by the lake? Think about it, you can take in breathtaking waterfront views while nestled in the hills of the Appalachian Mountains every day, catch some award-winning fish, take the boat out for a spin, or just jump in and enjoy the calm waters. Tennessee’s lakes provide some of the best lakefront living in the United States, thanks to fewer crowds and, above all else, the amazing views.

Moving near the lakes in East Tennessee

While the Tri-Cities and East Tennessee have been consistently ranked in the hottest and most affordable markets on sites like Realtor.com and the Wall Street Journal, the region is also home to four Tennessee Valley Authority lakes, including Boone Lake, Watauga Lake, South Holston Lake, and Fort Patrick Henry Lake. Each offers plenty of boating, swimming, and most importantly, fishing opportunities. These lakes are among some of the cleanest in the country, and there are several recreation areas in the area, offering residents and visitors a way to enjoy the lakes.

Those wanting to live on the lake also have options. There are several residential developments on each of the lakes, but there are also plenty of private, undeveloped areas as well. Either way you have plenty of opportunity for buying a home in East Tennessee by the lake.

Here are nine communities in Northeast Tennessee where you can head to the lake (click the zip codes to look at current listings in these areas):

Bristol

Zip Code: 37620

Average Sold Price*: $303,933 

Bristol, above all else, is known for NASCAR races and country music, but the “Twin City” is also located on the shores of South Holston Lake. Yes, portions of Bristol are close to the state line lake, home to plenty of marinas and parks for boating and fishing. Visitors and residents alike often head to the South Holston Dam area for hiking and swimming. Bristol residents can also enjoy smaller Steele Creek Lake or even Middlebrook Lake, which is a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Piney Flats

Zip Code: 37686

Average Sold Price: $446,790

The rural community of Piney Flats is located along Boone Lake. Its convenient location is halfway between Johnson City and Bristol. Folks come here for quiet rural living and the beautiful views of farmland and, of course, Boone Lake.

Johnson City

Zip Code: 37601

Average Sold Price: $287,062 

The small but bustling city of Johnson City is home to a university, medical care, and shopping. It also sits on the banks of Boone Lake, providing plenty of recreational opportunities for residents. Winged Deer Park, a lakefront recreation area, is a great spot for a picnic or a swim.

Gray

Zip Code: 37615

Average Sold Price: $368,039 

The up-and-coming community of Gray is conveniently located between Johnson City and Kingsport. It’s located on Boone Lake and is close to Interstate 26. This community has grown in recent years, but life on the lake here remains quiet.

Butler

Zip Code: 37640

Average Sold Price: $1,540,000

Butler sits on the shores of Watauga Lake, the highest elevation lake in Tennessee. Here, you’re away from everything, but convenient to the amenities of nearby Elizabethton and Johnson City. This unique town—the town that wouldn’t drown—is also close to North Carolina’s high country. Learn more about its history at the Butler museum.

Bluff City

Zip Code: 37618

Average Sold Price: $211,233 

The small city of Bluff City is located along the South Holston River. As a result, you have access to both Boone Lake and South Holston Lake. Residents here treasure the town’s waterfront park, where they can enjoy a baseball game or some fishing.

Blountville

Zip Code: 37617

Average Sold Price: $323,273 

Blountville is Sullivan County’s historic county seat most known for its old courthouse and the Old Deery Inn. But local residents know they are also close to the northside of Boone Lake–one of the quieter parts of this popular reservoir.

Hampton

Zip Code: 37658

Average Sold Price: $267,512

Hampton is a recreation lover’s dream. It’s not only on the shores of Watauga Lake, where boating, fishing, and swimming prevail, it’s also close to the Appalachian Trail and several natural wonders, like Laurel Fork Falls. Watauga Lake has recently been included in the Bill Dance Signature Lakes program.

Kingsport

Zip Code: 37663, 37764

Average Sold Price: $353,923 

The city of Kingsport is often recognized as an industrial community, but it also offers plenty of recreational opportunities. Fort Patrick Henry Lake is located in Kingsport, which is also home to Warriors Path State Park. This popular lake and adjacent park provide plenty of water activities for residents, as well as a campground and golf course.

 

If you’re considering buying a home in East Tennessee by the lake then we’re here to help. Give Dalena Adams or Robert Sorrell a call today to find the home of your dreams!

*all data taken from the Tennessee/Virginia MLS from Jan. 1-Feb. 18, 2023 unless noted.