Townsend

[sthepoet]

Originally Posted by MtnMist

Good morning! We plan to retire to TN from NJ in two years (give or take a few months either way) and are interested in the Townsend area. I did a forum search but didn't find any threads on Townsend. Maybe locals can help me with info or steer me to it? Our kids are grown so "how are the schools?" is not a concern. Hubby is a journeyman but since he'll be retired finding steady work isn't crucial (maybe occasionally just to keep him sane). How easy is it to make the trip up and down the mountains to and from Townsend to the nearest large shopping area (Maryville?)? Would daily trips (for whatever reason) be a snap or reserved for every week, two weeks, etc.?

I've searched myriad real estate sites and prices for a 3 br. house with 1-2 two acres seem fairly reasonable, though moreso in Walland than Townsend. I've been to the Townsend COC site and they employ two full time police officers so I'm guessing it's pretty crime free. There was reference to fire protection subscription, but none to garbage collection, recycling, etc. A modern hospital and library are in Maryville.

If there are Townsend residents in the forum, may I ask for indepth insights into the Townsend area - pros and cons?

Many thanks in advance and have a great day!

my husband and I are moving to Tennessee soon as well. We went through Townsend a couple times, thought it was absolutely breathtaking. Good luck to you, hope you find exactly what you are looking for. God bless.

[flyfishjeep]

Terrier07,
We live in South Knoxville and hope to be moving to Townsend in a few years. Our weekends are usually spent in Townsend either driving, hiking, Grilling at any one of the numerous camp sites, or me fly fishing.
A lot of the stores in Townsend are under strict guidlines to visual curb appeal to keep the natural look which I appreciate. Also there are some investors buying a lot of the land in town and around to preserve it from becoming another Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge.
Many of the stores down there now except for the grocery, bank, gas, and some food stores are very seasonal. Tourist Season is what keeps that town a float. If you don't have a store that people need in the off season then it won't last. Many people are good old timers that have lived their many years, or are retired and enjoy cooking at home.
I highly recommend everyone visiting Townsend. It is a fantastic place to visit and live. They have a Fall Festival that is held in town that provides a lot of local crafts, FOOD, and music.
The fly fishing is world class year round. It will be our home soon, and I can't wait.
If anyone has any other questions about the area please ask. There is another subdivision that I did a kitchen in a few years ago, but I can't remember the name. It is very secluded and not too far from Heritage High School. I will look back in my customers file to see what the name is and try to post it.

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

Originally Posted by flyfishjeep

There is another subdivision that I did a kitchen in a few years ago, but I can't remember the name. It is very secluded and not too far from Heritage High School. I will look back in my customers file to see what the name is and try to post it.

How is the remodeling business there (E. TN)? Do you work on your own or for someone? Have you been there long?

[demsei]

I am taking my family up to Gatlinburg later this month, and I wanted to try fly fishing in some of the streams I pass on the way up. I know that as you get through Townsend and get into the park there are some streams that if I remember correctly looked nice for fishing.

Anyone want to send me a private message with their secret fly fishing spot close to townsend?

Thanks!!!!

[bbkaren]

Never been fly fishing...nor to Townsend, but enjoy!! I hear it's just beautiful there...

[BarbG]

Responded to an older post. Didn't realize this was from last year. :-D

[kygman]

Originally Posted by JMT

bbkaren is right on. While Townsend is beautiful, not many people actually live there. It calls itself "the quiet side of the Smokies" because it's the back entrance to the national park. As Gatlinburg gets more and more crowded, Townsend is becoming more and more popular with tourists. It's got several motels and campgrounds and lots of cabin rentals.

However, if you do live there, the drive into Maryville is pretty easy, although I wouldn't want to do it every day.

The drive through Townsend to get to the Smokies is a WHOLE lot shorter than going through Knoxville, the city of eternal road construction!