Newcomers’ Guide to Living in Blount County, TN

Maryville College

So you’ve landed in Blount County. Here’s a quick guide to help you get settled in. 

Communities 

The county encompasses six towns and cities: Maryville, Alcoa, Townsend, Louisville, Friendsville and Rockford. Maryville is the county seat and is a commercial, educational and cultural hub. Louisville sits along Fort Loudoun Lake and is popular for waterfront living. Friendsville is a historic small town with Quaker roots. Townsend is all about a slower-paced outdoor lifestyle, with its easy access to the Smokies. Alcoa is a major employment center, while Rockford is charmingly rural. Each community offers something unique. 

Local Vocab 

There are a few words and phrases you’ll want to familiarize yourself with here. First, there’s “The Vols,” referring to the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Football Saturdays are a major part of Blount County culture, and don’t you forget it! Also, and this is important: When you’re pronouncing “Maryville,” aim for the fluid, local way to say it. It’s “Murville” – with two syllables, not three. 

Major Employers 

The major employment sector is manufacturing, which has been a cornerstone of the region’s identity for over a century. Today, some of the biggest employers are Amazon, Arconic, DENSO, and Smith & Wesson. Beyond manufacturing, major industries include aviation, transportation, healthcare, education and tourism. 

Education 

Maryville City Schools, Alcoa City Schools and Blount County Schools are known for strong academics, excellent extracurriculars and career-oriented programs that prepare students for their next steps. Great private institutions like Clayton-Bradley Academy further expand the area’s school choices. There are also three local higher education institutions: the University of Tennessee, Maryville College and Pellissippi State Community College. 

Outdoor Access 

Blount County has so much to offer in this regard, whether you’re into running, cycling, hiking, camping, birdwatching, fly fishing, tubing or horseback riding. Most notable is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has a primary entrance in Townsend. There’s also the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, which provides miles of paved trails that connect multiple communities. 

Seasonal Fun 

One of the best parts of living in the Southeast is experiencing all four seasons. With the four seasons come events like the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival, which celebrates Appalachian culture with bluegrass music, artisan demonstrations and more. Another local favorite is the Downtown Maryville Holiday Market. 

Healthcare 

Residents have access to Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital, a full-service regional medical center. Located in Maryville, it offers emergency care, surgical services and many other vital medical offerings. 

History 

Did you know that Friendsville, a city founded by the Quakers, played its part in the Underground Railroad? During the 1800s, local homes and churches helped people escaping slavery make their way to freedom. These historic sites can still be visited today. 

And here’s another fun fact: Alcoa got its name from the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), due to its role in building housing and infrastructure around its aluminum smelting operation.