Retire to Tennessee

Counties

Union County:

Union County, home to legendary and popular musicians such as Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff and Kenny Chesney; home to families with deep roots and an appreciation of the rich cultural history of the area; home to retirees from many areas of the country who have discovered the unique beauty and recreational opportunities that are in abundance; home to tourists that annually visit our parks and pristine waterways and shorelines. Located just 15 miles North of Knoxville, Union County has something for everyone with a deep emerald lake nestled in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, museums, historic landmarks, quaint shops, and wide open spaces perfect for viewing wildlife or enjoying an outdoor adventure. Combined with a mild climate and the perfect location geographically located within a days drive of most major metropolitan cities in the Southeast, come see why so many people choose to call Union County home!

Originally, most of the community was made up of farmers, but during the 1930’s almost 20% of Union County’s original land mass was flooded with the building of Norris Dam. The construction of the dam brought work and electricity to the county, but also displaced many families, flooding entire towns such as Loyston and Lost Creek. Today, Norris Lake has become an asset for the county. Encompassing over 34,000 acres of water of which 30,000 are situated in Union County, and with more than 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Lake is a popular destination for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as retirees finding their way to the one of the of multiple upscale lakefront properties that are being developed.

Union County is comprised of 3 cities and 3 unincorporated towns. The county seat is located in Maynardville. Luttrell, a thriving business orientated community which has an industrial park with railroad access and Plainview, a fast growing residential community are both located in the south east corner of Union County. Sharps Chapel, a mixed community of agriculture and upscale lakefront developments, is home to the 24,000 acre Chuck Swan WMA. The community of Braden is only accessible by ferry from Union County. Big Ridge -Hickory Valley are also both a mix of agriculture and upscale lake communities, as well as the home to Big Ridge State Park, Hickory Star Marina and Waterside Marina. With 3 industrial parks, 5 marinas, great natural amenities, and only 15 miles north of the metropolitan city of Knoxville, why not “come here, come home.”

Union County Statistics:

Average year-round temperature/weather:
Rainfall (in.) 48.2

Snowfall (in.) 1.3

Avg. July High 87.2

Avg. Jan. Low 25.5

Median price of homes: $90,300

Cost of living:
Union County's cost of living is 20.10% lower than the U.S. average.

2008 cost of living index in Union County: 80.2 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Population of city/county and/or median age:
18,877 (2009)

Median resident age: 35.8

Recreational and Cultural:
Norris Lake: Fishing, boasting over 56 species of fish.

Public Boat Ramps
Big Ridge State Park

Palmer Junction Road

Big Ridge State Park: (www.tnstateparks.com)

Marinas
Hickory Star Marina

Waterside Marina

Beach Island Resort Marina

Lakeview Marina

Fishing
Norris Lake has 56 species of fish including bass, crappie, walleye, stripers.

Horseback Riding
Lone Mountain Stables

Activities & Accomodations
Nature center

Boating

Cabins

Wheeling/ Motorbikes

Bicycling

Hiking

Wildlife Observation

Big Ridge State Park: (www.tnstateparks.com)

Norris Highlands: (www.norrishighlands.org

Local Attractions
Roy Acuff Museum

Norris Dam Museum

Helms Ferry

Camping & Lodging
Big Ridge State Park

Chuck Swan WMA

Hickory Star Marina - (800) 235-6866

Lakeview Campground

Norris Lake (by boat)

Beach Island Resort Marina - (865) 992-3091

Big Ridge State Park - (865) 992-5523

Waterside Marina - (888) 419-7502

Education:
Adult Basic Education

Big Ridge School

Horace Maynard Middle

Luttrell Elementary

Maynardville Elementary

Sharps Chapel Elementary

Technology Center

Union County Alternative

Union County High

Colleges and Universities
Lincoln Memorial University

Carson Newman College

Fountainhead College of Technology

Crown College

South College

Shopping:
Knoxville Center

Middlesboro Mall

West Town Mall

Market Square District

Village Square Shopping Center

Market Place Shopping Center

Powell Place Shopping Center

Medical Facilities:
Claiborne County Hospital & Nursing Home

Crime Rate:
PROPERTY CRIME IS HIGHER THAN THE U.S. AVERAGE

Additional Information:
Cities and towns
Braden (unincorporated)

Luttrell

Maynardville

Plainview

Sharps Chapel (unincorporated)

Airports
Melton Field