Townsend, TN
Calling itself the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend, TN is on the western side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and serves as one of the park’s main gateways. The city is a small bedroom community for workers commuting to other areas in Blount County or Knoxville.
Townsend has established a museum devoted to the human and natural history of the Smoky Mountains. The community is a popular destination for people visiting the Smokies or wanting to fish at the Little River. One of the city’s main thoroughfares is U.S. Highway 321, also known as Lamar Alexander Parkway, for the former U.S. senator and governor of Tennessee.
Weather in Townsend, TN
Average Temperatures
68 high / 46 low
Average Annual Rainfall
56 in
Average Annual Snowfall
6 in
Quick Facts about Townsend, Tennessee
- Median Home Value
- $290,622
- Median Property Tax
- $1,865
- Total Population
- 798
- Average Commute
- 22 min
- Median Household Income
- $44,875
- Median Monthly Rent
- $736
Moving to Tennessee
Map of Townsend, TN
Experiences & Adventures in Townsend, TN
The Ultimate First-Timer’s Anakeesta Guide: Magic in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Planning a mountain escape this summer? Perched high above Gatlinburg and 90+ acres of mountain coasters and canopy walks, Anakeesta is the ultimate outdoor adventure spot.
A Blount County Resident Shares His Favorite Places in the Area
Discover Blount County through the eyes of a local who shares his favorite coffee shops, bars, live music spots, outdoor gems and more.
A Guide to the Top Annual Events in Blount County, TN
Discover Blount County’s year-round community events, from food and drink festivals to races and heritage celebrations.
Food Scenes in Townsend, TN
8 Iconic Foods from Tennessee
Some of your favorite foods to feast on are actually from the Volunteer State.
Food Manufacturers Find Their Sweet Spot in Tennessee
From iconic brands like MoonPie and Goo Goo Cluster to artisan chocolatiers, discover the sweet success stories of Tennessee's food and beverage industry.
Meet 3 Chefs Defining Blount County’s Food Scene
Get to know three passionate chefs defining the culinary identity of Blount County, TN, and telling the story of Appalachia through their food.
Healthy Places in Townsend, TN
Growth and Expansion Ahead for Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital
Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital is expanding services, enhancing patient care and strengthening health care in East Tennessee.
Why Health Care Professionals Love Living in Maryville
A respected physician and recent pre-med graduate share why they love working, studying and living in Maryville, TN.
Training Up Pharmacists in Blount County
Residency program offers the right prescription for preparing the next generation of health care professionals.
Make Your Move to Townsend, TN
I Followed My Kids to Tennessee, Now What?
If you moved to the Volunteer State to be closer to your children or grandchildren, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee has the coverage you need to thrive.
How to Prepare for Severe Weather in Tennessee
Tennessee’s climate can be unpredictable. Learn how to prepare your home (and coverage!) to help you stay safe from year-round weather.
Blount County, TN: Perfectly Situated for Success
A solid transportation network helps steer this East Tennessee region's smart growth.
Townsend, TN: Where to Live Now
7 Reasons You Should Move to Blount County Right Now
Get the scoop on what makes this East Tennessee region so special.
Why Do Young Professionals Love Blount County?
Blount County young professionals enjoy excellent job opportunities, great resources, deep connections (and the mountains, of course!)
Transportation is Cutting-Edge in Blount County
New infrastructure developments are paving the way for a growing economy in Blount County.
Education, Careers and Opportunity in Townsend, TN
Aviation Takes Off in Blount County, TN, as Partnerships Fuel Industry Expansion
Blount County is emerging as an aviation hub as industry leaders and Pellissippi State partner to meet rising demand for aviation technicians and support regional growth.
Heritage High School’s Renovated CTE Building Is Ready for Work in Blount County, TN
Heritage High School’s updated CTE programs provide hands-on training in health care, STEM and culinary arts to support Blount County’s growing workforce needs.
Hospitality and Tourism Programs Keep Talent Flowing to a Growing Industry in Blount County, TN
Blount County’s growing tourism industry thrives with hands-on hospitality programs and internships that prepare students for careers rooted in Appalachian culture.
Have Questions About Moving to the Townsend Area?
Whether you're relocating soon or just starting to plan, drop your question here. Our internal team reads every submission and will follow up with our top local insights to help you get the real answers you need.




