Elizabethton : Tennessee

Elizabethton, Tennessee, the county seat of Carter County, is situated in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of the state.  The population in 2012 was a little over 14,000.  Elizabethton is a historical town in that it is known as the site of the first independent American settlement west of both the Eastern Continental Divide, and the original thirteen British colonies in America. Elizabethton was also a muster site during the American Revolutionary War.  Much of the community's downtown is listed in the National Register of Historic Places both for it's history and architecture.  It is also home to the oldest covered bridge in the state.  Elizabethton was nick-named "The City of Power" as it was first serviced by hydroelectric power in 1910. In the early 20th century, Elizabethton became a railway hub.  Today, manufacturing, retail and construction are the biggest employers.  Picture of City of Light sign courtesy of Wikipedia in public domain,as is 4th of July photo by Bee Cliff River Slob. Photo of Blue Hole Falls courtesy of Whiteonrice04 and Wikipedia, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Home prices here are very low. According to Zillow.com the median home value in Elizabethton in 2020 was $125,627.

Elizabethton is full of history with many buildings and properties dating from the1700's to the 1930's on the National Record of Historic places.  The Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area celebrates many historic events detailing the American Indian and colonial life.  Elizabethton experiences all four seasons.  The town is somewhat walkable. It is considered average in walkability when compared to other communities.

Elizabethton is not that close to a major city or airport; it does snow during the winter months

Retirees who enjoy a smaller town with four seasons, low cost of living, and are interested in American history would like Elizabethton.

Manufacturing, construction, retail

Elizabethton is in a river basin surrounded by mountains. The daily mean temperature is 34 degrees in January and 74 in July.

Because of Elizabethton's historic background, many festivals and reenactments are held throughout the year;  Covered Bridge Day is celebrated with "Music on the Bridge" which includes country and gospel music;  Muster at Fort Watauga reenacts Revolutionary War and Frontier life.