Moving to Kingsport, TN: What You Need to Know

Homegrown | December 22, 2025 @ 12:00 AM

Why Move to Kingsport, TN?

Looking for a new start in a place where natural beauty meets genuine hospitality? Kingsport, Tennessee is a standout gem in the Tri-Cities region.

Known for its affordable cost of living, thriving job market, and family-friendly atmosphere, Kingsport attracts newcomers who want a balanced lifestyle. Many are drawn by:

Steady growth in local industries
Excellent schools and healthcare
Outdoor adventures right on the doorstep

Whether you’re moving for work, school, or a change of pace, Kingsport’s welcoming vibe makes it easy to feel at home.

About Kingsport, TN

Location & Geography

Kingsport sits in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, close to the Virginia border.

About 100 miles northeast of Knoxville
Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the southwest
Asheville, NC is less than two hours away

The city is a natural hub for exploring East Tennessee’s rolling hills, rivers, and mountain views.

Local Culture

Life in Kingsport is laid-back yet engaging:

Strong focus on family, faith, and community
Downtown hosts live music, art walks, and food festivals
Neighbors value friendliness, support, and long-standing local traditions

Economic Overview

Kingsport has a diverse and stable economy, anchored by:

Eastman Chemical Company (global chemical manufacturer headquartered here)
A strong healthcare sector
Retail, education, and public sector roles

That mix makes Kingsport a smart choice for job seekers in manufacturing, healthcare, education, logistics, and services.

History of Kingsport, TN

Founding Origins

Kingsport began as a frontier town in 1822, named for the “King’s Port” on the Holston River, once used by early settlers and traders. Leaders like William King played key roles in its early development.

Significant Milestones

Became a key rail and river transport point in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Experienced an industrial boom with the arrival of Eastman Chemical
Developed one of the first master-planned city layouts in the South in the 1910s

Cultural Influences

Kingsport blends:

Southern hospitality
Appalachian heritage
A growing modern arts and music scene

Traditions like Fun Fest, the Christmas Parade, and community concerts highlight this unique cultural mix.

Demographics of Kingsport, TN

Population: ~56,000 (as of 2024), with steady, manageable growth
Median age: Around 44
Average household income: About $45,000

The population includes:

Young families
Working professionals
Retirees attracted to the area’s affordability and healthcare

Kingsport is gradually becoming more diverse, particularly among newer residents and younger families.

Climate of Kingsport, TN

Seasonal Overview

Kingsport has four true seasons:

Summer: Warm, highs in the mid-80s°F, some humidity
Fall: Colorful foliage, comfortable temps—great hiking weather
Winter: Mild, with daytime highs in the mid-40s°F and light snow
Spring: Mild and green, perfect for outdoor festivals and park days

Precipitation & Living Tips

About 45 inches of rain per year
Light snowfall in winter—just enough for the occasional wintry scene

Local tips:

Keep light jackets and rain gear handy
Maintain your HVAC system for summer and winter comfort
Clean gutters and trim trees in fall to prepare for rainy periods

Housing in Kingsport, TN

Market Snapshot

Average home price: Around $220,000
Rent (2-bedroom): Typically $900–$1,100/month
Property taxes: Among the lowest in Tennessee, making homeownership appealing

Neighborhoods

Downtown Kingsport:
Condos and historic homes
Walkable to restaurants, breweries, and shops
Colonial Heights & Rock Springs:
Quiet, family-oriented suburbs
Close to parks and strong schools
Rural Outskirts:
Larger lots, more privacy
Beautiful mountain and countryside views

Finding a Home

Work with local realtors who know neighborhood trends
Browse Zillow, Realtor.com, and local agency websites
Visit open houses (often promoted on social media) to meet neighbors and get a feel for each area

Transportation in Kingsport, TN

Roads & Transit

Served by Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 11W
Easy commutes to Johnson City and Bristol (Tri-Cities)
Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS) offers affordable local bus routes
Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) is available for shorter trips

Commutes & Car Ownership

Average commute: Under 20 minutes
Traffic is usually light, with some congestion during shift changes at major employers
Parking: Generally easy in most areas, including downtown

Most residents own a car, but:

Biking is becoming more popular thanks to new greenways and bike lanes
Many neighborhoods have sidewalks, making them walkable, especially near schools and parks

Education and Schools in Kingsport, TN

K–12 Schools

Kingsport City Schools is considered one of the stronger districts in Tennessee:

Well-regarded STEM and arts programs
Competitive sports and music programs
Updated facilities and active parent involvement

Private and alternative options include:

St. Dominic’s
Tri-Cities Christian Academy

Higher Education

Nearby institutions include:

East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
Northeast State Community College

The Kingsport Academic Village downtown offers:

Adult education
Workforce training
Continuing education courses

Libraries and PTAs also provide tutoring, enrichment classes, and family-focused learning events.

Local Attractions in Kingsport, TN

Museums & Cultural Sites

Netherland Inn: Historic riverfront inn with tours and events
Allandale Mansion: Beautiful estate used for weddings, tours, and concerts
Kingsport Art Guild: Rotating exhibits and local art shows

Notable Landmarks & Family Fun

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium:
3,500+ acres of trails
Wildlife habitats and lake
An immersive planetarium
Warriors’ Path State Park:
Trails, golf course, marina
Great for hiking, boating, and picnicking
Kingsport Aquatic Center & Adventure Island Playground:
Popular with families year-round

Community Highlights

Festivals & Events

Fun Fest (July): Week-long celebration with concerts, hot air balloons, races, and family activities
Seasonal street fairs, food truck events, and art walks
Holiday parades and light displays in winter

Volunteer & Civic Life

Plenty of ways to get involved:

Second Harvest Food Bank
Keep Kingsport Beautiful
Local churches, animal shelters, and community nonprofits

Neighborly Spirit

Kingsport is known for:

Friendly waves and porch conversations
Block parties and neighborhood events
Strong support for local businesses and schools

Dining and Entertainment in Kingsport, TN

Local Eats

Phil’s Dream Pit: Classic BBQ and smoked meats
Riverfront Seafood Company: Fresh fish and Southern sides by the river
The Bagel Exchange: Fresh bagels and casual lunches
Main Street Pizza: Popular gourmet pizza and craft beer

Nightlife & Ongoing Fun

Model City Tap House: Live music, craft beer, casual hangout
LampLight Theatre: Plays, musicals, and community performances
Downtown Kingsport Farmers Market: Seasonal local produce, food trucks, and artisans
Trivia nights, open-mics, and live music are regular features at local cafes and breweries.

Outdoor Activities in Kingsport, TN

Parks & Trails

Bays Mountain Park: Hiking, biking, wildlife habitats, scenic views
Centennial Park: Carousel, splash pad, and greenspace for kids

Water-Based Fun

Boating and fishing on area rivers and lakes, including the Holston River
Kayaking and paddleboarding at Warriors’ Path State Park

Seasonal Sports

Summer: Little league baseball, soccer, and outdoor camps
Fall: Hiking, foliage drives, and festivals
Winter: Occasional sledding or skating in nearby higher elevations when snow allows

Helpful Links for Your Move to Kingsport, TN

Official City Info: kingsporttn.gov
City Services & Utilities: kingsporttn.gov/residents
Real Estate: realtor.com, local realty sites, and HomegrownStorage.com for moving help
Jobs: jobs4tn.gov, local Tri-Cities job boards
Community Groups: “Kingsport Community” Facebook groups, Nextdoor Kingsport

Is Kingsport, TN a Good Place to Live?

Pros:

Affordable cost of living and housing
Growing job market (especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and education)
Excellent public schools
Tight-knit community and strong civic pride
Easy access to mountains, rivers, and outdoor recreation

Cons:

Limited late-night dining and nightlife compared to bigger cities
Public transit is modest and could be expanded
Some roads need periodic improvements

Resident perspective:

“Kingsport is a place where you’re not just a neighbor — you’re family.”

Many residents say it’s a near-perfect place to raise kids, start fresh, or retire comfortably.

Is Kingsport, TN Rural or Urban?

Kingsport offers a blend of both:

Urban feel:
Walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and entertainment
Suburban & rural areas:
Quiet subdivisions with yards and parks
Country roads and farmland just outside city limits

You can choose a busy, event-filled lifestyle in the city core or a peaceful, nature-focused life on the outskirts.

What Is Kingsport, TN Famous For?