Blount County, Tennessee: Complete Real Estate Guide
Discover Blount County—East Tennessee's gem offering small-town living, gateway access to the Great Smoky Mountains, excellent schools, and a thriving economy. From Maryville's historic downtown to Alcoa's industry and the county's scenic rural areas, find your perfect home here.
Last Updated: November 18, 2025 | By Tracy Southard, Local Real Estate Expert
Blount County at a Glance
| Population | ~135,000 |
| Median Home Price | $330,000 |
| County Seat | Maryville |
| Major Cities | Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville, Louisville, Greenback |
| School Districts | Maryville City Schools, Blount County Schools |
| Distance to Knoxville | 15-20 miles (20-35 min) |
| Distance to Smoky Mountains | 15-25 miles (20-30 min) |
About Blount County
Blount County sits in the heart of East Tennessee, perfectly positioned between Knoxville's urban amenities and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a population of approximately 135,000, the county offers an ideal blend of growth, opportunity, and small-town values. The area has attracted newcomers for decades, drawn by its exceptional quality of life, natural beauty, and economic stability.
The county is anchored by Maryville, the county seat and largest city, known for its excellent schools and vibrant downtown. Alcoa, home to major employers and McGhee Tyson Airport, provides industrial and economic strength. Smaller communities like Friendsville, Louisville, and Greenback offer rural charm and more acreage, while remaining accessible to urban amenities.
What makes Blount County special is its diversity of living options—from historic homes in downtown Maryville to new construction subdivisions, rural estates on acreage, and waterfront properties on Fort Loudoun Lake. The county maintains a strong agricultural heritage while embracing modern development, creating a unique character that appeals to families, professionals, retirees, and everyone in between.
Geography & Natural Beauty
Blount County's geography ranges from rolling foothills to dramatic mountain vistas. The Great Smoky Mountains form the county's southern border, providing a spectacular backdrop and unlimited recreation. Fort Loudoun Lake offers waterfront living and water sports. The diverse topography creates varied real estate options—mountain views, lakefront properties, pastoral farmland, and walkable town settings.
Cities & Communities in Blount County
Maryville
Population: ~30,000 | Median Home Price: $325,000
The county seat and largest city, Maryville offers excellent schools (Maryville City Schools), a vibrant downtown, diverse housing options, and strong community values. It's the economic and cultural center of Blount County.
Learn more about Maryville →Alcoa
Population: ~10,000 | Median Home Price: $280,000
Home to major employers and adjacent to McGhee Tyson Airport, Alcoa offers affordable housing, convenient access to Knoxville, and a strong sense of community. The city has its own school system and well-maintained parks.
Friendsville
Population: ~900 | Character: Small-town charm
A small, tight-knit community northwest of Maryville offering rural living while remaining accessible to urban amenities. Popular for those seeking larger lots and a quieter pace.
Louisville
Population: ~4,500 | Character: Suburban/rural
Located in eastern Blount County near the lake, Louisville offers a mix of suburban and rural properties, good schools through Blount County Schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Greenback
Population: ~1,100 | Character: Rural community
A small rural community on the western edge of Blount County, Greenback offers country living, larger properties, and a slower pace while remaining within reasonable commuting distance to Maryville and Knoxville.
Blount County Real Estate Market
Current Market Conditions
Blount County's real estate market in 2025 is healthy and balanced. The median home price across the county is approximately $330,000, with variation based on location, home type, and features. Market activity remains steady with homes typically selling within 30-40 days. Inventory levels have improved from the historically tight market of recent years, though desirable properties in top school zones still move quickly.
Demand is driven by several factors: families seeking excellent schools, professionals working in Knoxville who prefer Blount County's lifestyle, retirees attracted to the area's natural beauty and lower costs, and remote workers relocating from higher-cost regions. The county's proximity to both Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains creates unique appeal.
Housing Variety
Blount County offers remarkable housing diversity. In Maryville, options range from historic homes near downtown to modern subdivisions like Heritage, Wildwood, and River Islands. Alcoa features more affordable housing stock, making it popular with first-time buyers and young families. Rural areas offer farms, estates on acreage, and properties with mountain views.
Waterfront properties along Fort Loudoun Lake provide unique opportunities for boaters and water enthusiasts. New construction is active throughout the county, particularly in Maryville and suburban areas, offering modern amenities and energy efficiency. The variety ensures most buyers can find something that fits their needs and budget.
What Tracy is Seeing
"Blount County continues to be one of my favorite markets to work in because there's such variety. Families prioritizing schools gravitate to Maryville City Schools zones, which stay competitive. First-time buyers find great value in Alcoa and parts of Maryville. Those seeking land or mountain views look at the county's rural areas. Waterfront buyers love the Fort Loudoun Lake properties. The market has reached a healthy balance—buyers have time to make good decisions, but good properties still don't last long. My advice? Know what you want, understand the school zones if that matters to you, and be ready to act when the right home appears."
Schools in Blount County
Education is one of Blount County's greatest strengths, with two quality school systems serving different parts of the county.
Maryville City Schools
Maryville City Schools consistently ranks among Tennessee's top districts. Serving students within Maryville city limits, the district includes Maryville High School (highly rated), Maryville Middle School, and several excellent elementary schools including Coulter Grove, Sam Houston, and Foothills. The district is known for academic excellence, strong graduation rates, and comprehensive programs including AP courses, fine arts, and athletics.
Blount County Schools
Blount County Schools serves students outside Maryville city limits, operating multiple schools across the county. Notable schools include Heritage High School, Heritage Middle School, William Blount High School, and various elementary schools. The district has invested significantly in facilities and programs, offering quality education and strong community involvement.
Private & Higher Education
Private school options include Maryville Christian School and access to Knoxville-area private schools. Maryville College, a respected private liberal arts college, provides higher education opportunities. Pellissippi State Community College has a local campus, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville is less than 30 minutes away.
Economy & Employment
Blount County's economy is robust and diversified. Major employers include Denso Manufacturing, Clayton Homes, Blount Memorial Hospital, Smith & Wesson, and the school systems. The county has successfully attracted manufacturing, distribution, and corporate operations while maintaining low unemployment rates.
Many residents commute to Knoxville for work, enjoying Blount County's lifestyle while accessing Knoxville's broader employment opportunities. McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa not only provides air travel but also supports aerospace and logistics employment. The mix of local jobs and proximity to Knoxville creates economic resilience.
Key Commute Times
- Maryville to downtown Knoxville: 25-35 minutes
- Alcoa to downtown Knoxville: 20-25 minutes
- Maryville to McGhee Tyson Airport: 15 minutes
- Maryville to Oak Ridge: 45 minutes
- Maryville to Gatlinburg/Smokies: 25-30 minutes
Living in Blount County
Recreation & Outdoor Activities
Blount County is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park—America's most visited national park—is literally in your backyard, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping. Cades Cove, one of the park's most popular destinations, is easily accessible from Maryville.
Fort Loudoun Lake provides boating, fishing, kayaking, and waterfront living. The county's extensive greenway system connects parks and neighborhoods. Numerous golf courses, including Lambert Acres and Springbrook, serve golfers. The mild climate allows year-round outdoor activity.
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Downtown Maryville features local boutiques, restaurants, and the popular farmers market. Foothills Mall and surrounding retail provide shopping convenience. The area's dining scene includes Southern comfort food, barbecue, international cuisine, and farm-to-table options. For more variety, Knoxville and its extensive shopping and dining scene are just 20-30 minutes away.
Community Values
Blount County maintains strong community values—neighbors know each other, local schools enjoy broad support, and civic engagement is high. The area celebrates its heritage while welcoming newcomers. Faith communities are active, youth sports thrive, and volunteer organizations address local needs. It's the kind of place where people put down roots and raise multiple generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Blount County, TN?
The median home price in Blount County, TN is approximately $330,000 as of 2025. Prices vary by city and neighborhood, with Maryville and Alcoa typically in the $300,000-$350,000 range, while rural areas and waterfront properties may be higher or lower depending on location and features.
Is Blount County a good place to live?
Yes, Blount County is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Tennessee. It offers excellent schools (particularly Maryville City Schools), low crime rates, beautiful natural scenery with the Smoky Mountains nearby, a strong economy, and a family-friendly community atmosphere.
What cities are in Blount County?
Blount County includes the cities of Maryville (the county seat), Alcoa, Friendsville, Louisville, and Greenback, along with numerous unincorporated communities. Maryville and Alcoa are the largest and most developed urban areas.
What are property taxes like in Blount County?
Blount County property tax rates are approximately $2.20 per $100 of assessed value. Tennessee has no state income tax, which helps make the overall tax burden lower than many other states.
How far is Blount County from Knoxville?
Blount County borders Knox County, making it very close to Knoxville. Maryville (the county seat) is approximately 17 miles south of downtown Knoxville, about a 25-35 minute drive. Many Blount County residents work in Knoxville.
Are Blount County schools good?
Yes! Maryville City Schools is one of Tennessee's top-rated school districts. Blount County Schools also provides quality education across the county. Both districts offer strong academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Ready to Find Your Home in Blount County?
As a local real estate expert specializing in Blount County, I know the communities, schools, and neighborhoods that make this area special. Whether you're looking in Maryville, Alcoa, or the county's rural areas, I'll help you find the perfect property.
Contact Tracy Today:
Get in TouchAbout the Author: Tracy Southard is a licensed real estate agent with Realty Executives Associates, specializing in Blount County and East Tennessee. With over 600 successful transactions and deep knowledge of Maryville, Alcoa, and the county's diverse communities, Tracy helps buyers and sellers navigate the local market with expert guidance and personalized service.
Published: November 18, 2025 | Last Updated: November 18, 2025