Buying Rural Land in Tennessee? 4 Counties that Offer Stunning Open Spaces and a Quiet Way of Life (2024)

What comes to mind when Tennessee is mentioned? A land of legendary singers and a thriving music scene? While most associate The Volunteer State with music, it offers way more than that. It has astonishing natural beauty, picturesque small towns, energetic cities, charming people, a rich history, and of course lots of green spaces.

If you treasure the values of small-town living and want a blissfully relaxed way of life, Tennessee is the perfect place to buy land. It has miles and miles of lushrural landthat will appeal to you best. In this post, we’ll look at some good reasons to move to Tennessee and then discuss some of the best counties for people dreaming of escaping the city for the delights of the countryside.

Why Buy Land in Rural Tennessee?

Beautiful Scenery

Tennessee is home to some of the most impressive natural sites in the country. Its biggest attraction,The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, is by far the most visited national park in the country.

Its major highlights include majestic mountains, over 900 miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, rushing streams, and wildlife. Beyond the park, the state has miles and miles of lush farmland and woodlands that will take your breath away.

Plenty of Outdoor Activities

Whether you want to go fishing, venture into a mile-long cave system, see fireflies light up the sky, explore an underground lake, climb a mountain, or visit an archeological museum, The Volunteer State has everything you could wish for. It also has some of the best bike trails in the southeast–each one offering spectacular views.

Amazing Musical Culture

If you love soothing music, Tennessee’s rich music scene and music history will impress you. From free live music festivals to famous outdoor concerts, there is always something for everyone regardless of the genre you appreciate most.

Country music has its roots here, so do different genres of blues and rock and roll. It’s also the birthplace of icons like Elvis Presley, Johny Cash, and Dolly Parton.

The People are Incredibly Kind

If you’re lucky enough to settle in a small town or rural community, you’ll be awed by how kind the people are. They have a great reservoir of energy and eagerness to offer a helping hand. Saying hello and waving to everybody here is a must.

Low Taxes

Tax-wise, people tend to love Tennessee. There is no income tax, and property taxes are also famously low. The cost of living is reasonable compared to most of the country, and moving to the countryside will help you stretch your dollars further. The state also maintains an impressive system of public education.

Stretches of Open Space

To top it all, Tennessee has swathes of green and beautiful land waiting to be inhabited. According to the 2010 census, 93% of Tennessee is rural. That means your chances of finding the perfect place to settle out of the city are remarkably good. Land is moderately priced, property taxes are forgiving, and there’s plenty of water to go around.

Best Counties for Families Looking for Rural Land in Colorado

While there are many sweet places you can live in Tennessee, we’re going to discuss four. We’ve picked these counties because they have ample rural land, great amenities, and lots of outdoor activities for families.

Blount County

Lying between the Tennessee River and the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blount County is a fantastic place to call home, especially if you love a location with a laid-back vibe. The scenic nature of this county will inspire you to discover the many trails, byways, and parks it offers.

One-sixth of the county is mountain land providing a wild and formidable playground to explore. There is an abundance of trails leading to waterfalls, mountain peaks, fantastic rock formations, caves, wildlife viewing areas, fishing spots, and campsites. It also gives you access to urban amenities, has a low cost of living, and abundant water supply.

Sumner County

If you are looking for a welcoming place with a close-knit sense of community, Sumner County won’t disappoint. Located on the central northern border, it has a plethora of recreational options to keep everyone excited.

There are a variety of hiking trails for all ages and abilities, mountain biking locations, campsites, family fun parks, historical parks, and even art museums. For water activities, you can go swimming, fishing, skiing, boating or relaxing on the beach. The county’s school system is right up there.

Anderson County

If you have decided that small-town living is the best route for you, and you fancy natural scenery, head to Anderson County. Its breathtaking rural countryside and picturesque mountain setting make it a perfect place to put down your roots.

The county has large lakespopular for boating, fishing, and water sports, a park with over 300 miles of off-road terrain, and 400 miles of hiking and biking trails to get your adrenaline pumping. It also has lots of history, museums, and festivals. In addition, the cost of living and healthcare is lower than the US average.

Monroe County

Located in both the western Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Tennessee River Valley, Monroe is the sixth biggest county in the state and has plenty of land available. It has fertile plains dotted with small family farms and some of the prettiest mountain and lake views. The Cherokee National Forest occupies One-third of it.

From relaxing on a Lake, fishing, hiking, scenic drives, sightseeing, and discovering history, there is something for everyone to experience. Even better, the cost of living is lower than the US average.

Join Hands with LandGatherer to Find the Best Rural Land in Tennessee

Tennessee has all the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life. It also has astonishing natural beauty, rich history, and numerous outdoor recreation activities. Whether you want to live a stone’s throw away from a small town or miles of twisty back roads away, LandGatherer will help you find a home away from it all. To learn more about our services, get in touch withDebra@LandGatherer.com!

Buying Rural Land in Tennessee? 4 Counties that Offer Stunning Open Spaces and a Quiet Way of Life (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to buy acreage in Tennessee? ›

Which regions of Tennessee are popular for purchasing land? Shelby County and Memphis anchor west Tennessee, Davidson County and Nashville are the hub of middle Tennessee and Knox County and Knoxville dominate east Tennessee. Just east of Knoxville sits Sevier County, which has the most land available in the state.

How to buy land with no money in Tennessee? ›

To buy a lot or piece of vacant land in Tennessee, you will need to get a land loan, otherwise known as a lot loan. Land loans are like mortgages for land in that they are used to finance the purchase of vacant land.

Is buying land in Tennessee a good idea? ›

People who own land in Tennessee get access to major tourist attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville, and Memphis. There are also plenty of top-rated educational institutions, fertile farmland, and exceptional wilderness & wildlife opportunities throughout the Volunteer State.

Where can you live off grid in Tennessee? ›

Some of the best places to live off-grid in Tennessee include Morgan County, Cannon County, Polk County, Chester County, and Lawrence County. These areas offer low property taxes, relaxed zoning laws, and a favorable climate for solar power.

What is a good price per acre in Tennessee? ›

Statewide, an average acre of Tennessee land is worth $14,400, but it's all about location. The average sales amount for a 251,911 square foot lot in one of Unicoi County's prime locations is $59,408, according to FindAnyAnswer.com. Tennessee's $14,400 per acre average cost compares to $12,100 in the lower 48 states.

Is it cheaper to buy land and build a house in Tennessee? ›

Yes. In most cases, building a house in Tennessee is cheaper if you own the land.

What is unrestricted land in Tennessee? ›

Just as it sounds, unrestricted land doesn't have any rules or requirements for how you can use or develop the land. That means that there aren't: ● Zoning laws. ● Deed requirements. ● Not within a city, town, or municipality.

What credit score do you need to buy land in Tennessee? ›

A credit score of 580 or higher: A lender may accept credit scores of 500-579 under certain conditions. A credit score lower than 580 will require a larger down payment. Minimum of two years employment: Must have verifiable, steady, and consistent income.

Why is land cheap in Tennessee? ›

Abundance of rural land: As mentioned above, over 80% of the land in Tennessee is used for agriculture. This means that there is a lot of land available for purchase, and prices are relatively low. Low cost of living: Tennessee has no state income tax, and property taxes are also relatively low.

Where is the best place to buy property in Tennessee? ›

In summary, the best places to invest in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City. Each of these cities offers a unique blend of opportunities for real estate investors, with strong job markets, population growth, and affordable housing options.

What are the negatives of buying land? ›

Land can be expensive to trade into and out of. There's real estate agent commissions, surveys, title insurance premiums, transaction taxes, etc. and all of these costs (those that you pay when you buy land and those that you pay when you sell it) reduce your profit. Raw land is almost purely speculative.

Do you pay taxes on land in Tennessee? ›

How is property taxed in Tennessee? Property tax is a local tax based on the value of your house and land, which is determined by county assessors.

What is the most livable town in Tennessee? ›

Most Livable Town In Tennessee. Named the Most Livable Town in Tennessee, Murfreesboro is the 10th fastest-growing city, for communities over 50,000 in population, in the United States and it's not hard to see why. Murfreesboro provides the quality of life that attracts growth: Plentiful Housing.

Where is the cheapest area to live in Tennessee? ›

If you're considering shifting to Tennessee, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
  • Rockwood.
  • LaFollette.
  • Chattanooga.
  • Johnson City.
  • Clarksville.
  • Bartlett.
  • Murfreesboro.
Feb 13, 2024

Is Tennessee a cheap place to buy land? ›

Key Takeaways. Tennessee, Arkansas, and West Virginia are three of the most inexpensive places to buy land. Texas is a popular place for retirees but not necessarily the cheapest place to purchase land.

What time of year is best to buy acreage? ›

The winter months are ideal for buyers to plan and prepare to purchase land. With the holidays behind us, people have more time and will likely be thinking about their futures. And, lastly, because it's winter, people can expect great deals on land from sellers.

Where is the most affordable real estate in Tennessee? ›

Van Buren County is considered the most affordable county to live in Tennessee. Ready to move to the great state of Tennessee? Call The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to talk with a real estate agent who can help you find your dream Tennessee home.

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