I’ve lived in Sevierville, TN for 10 years. Like others, I’ve learned why it’s favored by young and old alike. Sevierville (founded 1795) is the eighth oldest town in TN and is named after the first governor John Sevier. Sevierville is also known for being Dolly Parton’s hometown, where she visits at least once a year in her annual parade and at Dollywood. Sevierville rests between Ashville, NC and Knoxville, TN minutes from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains where you can hike remarkable trails with astonishing views. Sevierville is a 50 minute drive to McGhee Tyson Airport, 45 minutes from the University of TN (TN Volunteers), and 2 hours from beautiful Ashville, NC. Sevierville is home to more than 15,000 residents with local businesses supporting the community with local discounts and offering worker exchange programs. From car shows, skiing, camping, ice-skating, fishing, rafting, hiking, dining out and shows there’s not much that can’t be found within a short drive of Sevierville, TN.
Sevierville, TN offers a Low Cost of Living
I purchased a small double-wide early 2000 for $78,000 on an acre of land. I’m on a nice road with great neighbors and mountain views. We pay higher sales tax since there’s no state tax, but overall I feel like my total taxes are fair. Large purchases like auto and home really add up, but you don’t really notice it each day and doing taxes at the end of the year are easier. According to realestate.com the average listing price for homes in Sevierville, TN is $173,163 ($132 per sqft) with the average cost of homeowners insurance being $706 a year making it $100 lower than the national average of $804 as stated by netquote.com. The majority of jobs are seasonal and hospitality related leaving professional workers driving to Knoxville and surrounding areas and lowering the average income.I live minutes away from Walter State Sevier Campus who have doubled in size, but is the only college close by. A modest family can do well in Sevierville without struggle.
Property Tax Rate per $100 Value
Sevier County $1.66
Sevierville $ .38
Pigeon Forge $ .1242
Gatlinburg $ .1777
Sales Tax Rate for Sevierville is 9.75% broken down:
7% to the State of Tennessee
1.50% to the Sevier County School System
1.25% to City of Sevierville
Sevierville, TN Weather and Temperature
Personally I’ve never experienced SEVERE weather in TN since moving to Knoxville in 1999. The higher elevations like Gatlinburg, TN will get twice the snow of Sevierville. A couple of inches twice a year is common and it’s gone in a couple of days. Air quality is reported as poor, but it doesn’t have big city smog. Temperatures are mild throughout the year with a great spring and fall season staying cooler and mostly sunny. A complaint is the ground is red clay and rock which gets muddy and makes yard work harder.
Sevierville, TN Weather Facts:
Rain 44 inches a year US average 37 inches.
Snowfall 6 inches a year US average 25 inches per year.
Average sunny days per year 204
On average, the warmest month is July.
The highest recorded temperature was 104°F in 2007.
January is the average coolest month.
The lowest recorded temperature was -24°F in 1985.
May is the average wettest month.
Sevierville, TN a Great Place to Retire
My neighbors up and down my road are retired. Sevierville, TN has a large retired population, because of the great weather and the seasonal work which is ideal for folks looking to supplement their income or just get out of the house. Dollywood alone employs several older people for many different part time jobs all year. In addition there are many other retail outlets that need various positions filled throughout the year. Plus, Sevierville is located in what’s called the Bible belt, which I believe makes up for a larger portion of the older crowd. Sevierville, TN doesn’t have overly strict laws involving domestic and exotic pet owners which is a plus for people like me and is loaded with everyday entertainment like Dollywood, and Dolly’s Splash Country that provide tickets every year for local workers. Sevierville and Pigeon Forge both have nice community centers with pools, fitness, and bowling areas. Knoxville Zoo is less than an hour away and Ripley’s Aquarium is in Gatlinburg.
I’m sure there are plenty of great cities to live in, but for now, I don’t see myself moving from the modest town of Sevierville, TN. Some consider Sevierville a tourist trap, but I’ve been to many such places and this minus traffic congestion and discount show ticket booths at every store is not a tourist trap.
Read reviews from Sevierville, TN residents
Additional Demographic info:
Closest large city: Lexington-Fayette
Median income: $33,301
Median home price: $140,000
Average property tax: $563
Unemployment rate 2010: 9.7%
Average Cost of living: Low
Population 15,781
Crime Rate Low
Population under 55: 67.2%
Population over 55: 32.8%
Elementary schools: 4
Middle schools: 2
High schools: 1
Best Colleges within 30 miles: 5
Community care facilities for the elderly: 62
Please check out my other articles and my do it yourself website with money saving tips for the home and garden @ www.diyforanyone.com
Sources:
http://www.visitsevierville.com/vsfacts.aspx
http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/best-places-to-retire/tennessee/sevierville
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USTN0454
http://www.seviercountytn.org/index….d=38&Itemid=43