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Kingsport, Tennessee
Population: 44,905
Located in Sullivan County
Church Circle in Downtown Kingsport
Kingsport, Tennessee
Just a few miles from the Virginia border in the northeastern corner of the state lies the quickly growing city of Kingsport. Originally chartered in 1822, Kingsport acquired its name from a boatyard on the Holston River known as William King's Port. This city has enjoyed steady growth for many years, and was even named an "All-American City" in 1999.
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Kingsport offers a multitude of attractions and recreational opportunities. Residents have access to one hundred square miles of water, 1,500 miles of shoreline and numerous caverns and hiking trails to explore.
Kingsport has always been an innovator, and that started in the early 1900's. Kingsport was one of the first cities to implement a school system based on a model developed at Columbia University. It was also the first city with a modern urban design and was among the first municipalities to have a city manager form of government. Kingsport soon became known as the "Model City" and has kept its progressive reputation to this day.
Kingsport hosts a variety of unique celebrations year-round. Fun Fest - a nine-day community event featuring a beach party and balloon races - kicks off in July, while September brings both the Fall Festival and the Downtown Kingsport Art and Crafts Festival. Kingsport starts the year off right with First Night, a family-oriented downtown New Year's Eve celebration featuring singers, magicians, comedians, clowns, storytellers, and various other artists and entertainers.
For outdoor activities, visitors can head to Warrior's Path State Park. Named for its proximity to an ancient Cherokee war and trading path, the 950-acre park combines nature and wildlife conservation with entertainment.
Bays Mountain Park, owned and operated by the city of Kingsport, encompasses several thousand acres of untouched woodlands. Surrounded on all sides by mountains, the park features a 44-acre lake, a nature center and museum, a 3,000-acre outdoor classroom and a wolf habitat. From wildflower viewing in the spring to cross-country skiing in winter, outdoor recreation is popular year-round at Bays Mountain Park.
River Front Park, also known as Boat Yard Park, is a National Historic Landmark and is home to the Long Island of the Holston River. A swinging footbridge connects visitors to picnic tables, a fishing pier, playground equipment and a five-mile bike and footpath. Water lovers can seek out one of Kingsport's numerous other bodies of water, including Holston, Patrick Henry and Boone lakes. The lakes are prime for fishing, boating, jet skiing, swimming and parasailing.
The real estate market of Kingsport has plenty to offer the discerning buyer. Condominiums and townhouses are available from under $100,000 to more than $200,000. Single-family detached homes are available from well under $100,000 to more than $625,000 for large estate properties. There are a variety of styles to choose from too - ranch, colonial, contemporary, traditional, Cape Cod, farmhouses, log homes and Victorians.
Many homes are located on lots with outstanding views and well-manicured lawns, while others boast large wooded lots. Some include all the extras like fireplaces, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and whirlpool tubs. Lakeside and riverfront properties offer scenic water views and accessible docks. Land for custom building is readily available from $15,000 to more than $475,000.
Kingsport is known for its high quality of life. The Kingsport Public School System has received the Governor's A+ award for community commitment to excellence in education. The city itself has received international awards for public information products and offers its residents a comfortable standard of living, thanks to its large industrial base. With a delightful mix of steady growth, economic stability and Southern hospitality, Kingsport is a perfect hometown for families and businesses alike. If Kingsport is in your future, then it certainly is looking bright!
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