Retire to Tennessee

Counties

Meigs County:

Meigs County, Tennessee is bordered on the west by the beautiful Tennessee River and Watts Bar Lake. Come visit and experience the Shoreline Community for yourself

Meigs County's Claim to Fame

Like all small counties who have at least "one claim to fame", Meigs County has a unique claim. Out of all 95 counties in Tennessee, Meigs County is the only one that never had a railroad.

Shipping was the transportation mode when the county was formed in 1836. At that time, the powers in charge saw no need to bring bad things in by rail. The Tennessee and Hiawassee Rivers provided enough transportation.

Currently, the 40-mile long and 10-mile wide county still has only one incorporated town named Decatur. The song,” Up the Lazy River”, might have been chosen for a theme song since the county has made itself dependent upon its neighboring counties.

Meigs County Statistics:

Average year-round temperature/weather:
Rainfall (in.) 54.4

Snowfall (in.) 4.3

Avg. July High 88.2

Avg. Jan. Low 26.5

Median price of homes: $99,200

Cost of living:
Meigs County's cost of living is 10.90% lower than the U.S. average.

2008 cost of living index in Meigs County: 79.9 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Population of city/county and/or median age:
11,657 (2009)

Median resident age: 36.7

Recreational and Cultural:
Meigs County Area Attractions
Watts Bar Lake

Cherokee Memorial Park

Fooshee Peninsula Walking Trail

Hiwassee Refuge

Meigs County Museum

Day trips from Meigs County
The Tennessee Aquarium

Rock City

Lookout Mountain

Ocoee River Rafting

Chickamauga Battlefield

Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

Lost Sea Adventure

Education:
Meigs County High School

Meigs Middle School

Meigs South Elementary School

Meigs North Elementary School

Bryan College in Dayton

Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens

Tennessee Technology Center in Athens

Shopping:
Restaurants and Shopping

Euchee Marina (Restaurant and Bar with Entertainment)

Cottonport Fish ‘N’ Camp and Marina (Grill and Bar)

The Gathering Place

Hardee’s

Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Grill

Piggly Wiggly & Deli & Catering

Yesterday Gift Shop

Medical Facilities:
Meigs Primary Care Center in Decatur

Athens Regional Medical Center

Rhea Medical Center

Crime Rate: Low

Additional Information:
Transportation

State Route 58 - The principal north/south highway, runs the entire length of the county dividing the county down the middle. The only link via the Hiwassee River Bridge to the southernmost part of the county.

State Route 30 - The principal east/west highway. This highway divides the county into north and south and intersects Highway 58 in Decatur. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is in the process of upgrading Highway 30 from a 2-lane highway to a 4-lane divided highway. allowing for more major east/west traffic and faster connection to Interstate 75.

State Route 68 - A north/south main highway for the county, that actually runs east/west though the northern county. This highway crosses the Tennessee River at Watts Bar Dam.

State Route 60 - A principal east/west highway forming the southern border of the county.

State Route 304 - An important local road, mainly for local residents that live off of the highway, and its northern portions allows access to Watts Bar Lake's many marinas, resorts, and campgrounds. Also connects the unincorporated community of Ten Mile with the county seat of Decatur.

State Route 305 - An important local road, connecting Interstate 75 with State Route 68 and State Route 58. This also connects the north-central part of the county with the neighboring city of Athens in McMinn County.

Cities and towns
Decatur, the county seat, is the only incorporated municipality in Meigs County. Unincorporated communities include Ten Mile and Georgetown.