5 Reasons You Should Move to Blount County Right Now

Get the scoop on what makes this East Tennessee region so special.

By Rebecca Treon on January 4, 2024

Nathan Lambrecht

Let’s be, well, blunt – if you’re looking to find a home base that offers the best of both worlds, a move to Blount County is definitely worth consideration. 

With an ideal location that’s in the heart of Tennessee’s most beautiful scenery, it offers communities with all the amenities you’d find in a metropolis (but without the crowds). Travel is easy, and there are great educational opportunities at what are considered the best public school districts in the state, according to Niche’s 2024 Best School Districts in Tennessee.

Plus, the booming tourism trade brings culture and diversity to the area. Wondering if life in Blount County will suit you? Keep reading for five reasons you should consider making a move to Blount County. 

1. Land in a Pristine Location

Sandwiched between the mountains and the city, the Blount County region is in an ideal location. While just a short drive to Knoxville, communities like Maryville, Alcoa and Townsend offer both city amenities and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Need to get away? McGhee Tyson Airport makes travel a snap. 

2. Score a Top-Notch Education

The area around Blount County offers plenty of educational opportunities for residents. It’s home to high-quality public schools that offer smaller student-to-teacher ratios and perform at or above average. Maryville College, a liberal arts college, provides all its students with grants or scholarships and offers a wide range of majors. Pellissippi State Community College offers both day and evening classes and hybrid online and in-person options. Utilizing the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, students can qualify for free tuition at Pellissippi for the first two years. 

3. Live in a Mix of Bright Lights and Small Cities 

Blount County offers a mix of small to midsize communities like Maryville (population 32,263), Alcoa (population 11,375), Louisville (population 4,388) and Townsend (574) that offer big-city amenities despite their smaller size. Steeped in history, the area offers museums and other historic attractions of interest – a winning combination for those in search of the best of small-town living. 

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

4. Enjoy Endless Entertainment 

Blount County is home to more than a dozen live music venues, including The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint, Two Doors Down, Brackins Blues Club and The Pickin’ Porch, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste. Want to get in on the music yourself? Music Row in Maryville holds open mic nights twice a week. But that’s just the start: Maryville is home to the Appalachian Ballet Co., the Clayton Center for the Arts, and a thriving downtown that hosts monthly art walks, annual festivals and a farmers market. Also, don’t forget about the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend that hosts weekly summer concerts. 

5. Find Plenty of Mountains, Valleys and Waterways 

As the gateway to the Smokies, Blount County offers many ways to recreate outdoors, from playgrounds to mountain trails. While hikes like Abrams Falls and Cane Creek Twin Falls feature scenic waterfalls along the path, you can visit the tallest subterranean waterfalls in the Eastern U.S. inside Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend. There are plenty of activities on the water, too – tubing, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular and easily accessible in the area.