First America had the 13 colonies and then it had Elizabethton, Tennessee. Although it was called the Watauga Settlement at the time, the site of today's Elizabethton was the first enduring settlement outside the original colonies. Theodore Roosevelt, among others, recognized this early settlement in the West for employing the original democratic, majority-rule governing system in America.
Legendary Wild West frontiersman Daniel Boone traversed Elizabethton in its early days before it served as the site of two important American Revolutionary War battles. Steeped in American history, it may come as a surprise to learn that its nickname, City of Power, does not, in fact, have anything to do with its political or revolutionary coups. Rather, this bold title refers to the city's Wilbur Dam, which has been supplying the city with hydroelectric power since 1912. Democracy and dams alone don't sum up Elizabethton, which is also known for its natural beauty and its endearing Southern charm that has earned it the additional moniker of Naturally Nice. The seat of Carter County keeps up appearances with its wildly popular rhododendron gardens, parks throughout town and rivers that flow through much of the city.
Moving to Elizabethton
Overall, the cost of living is affordable here with rents below the national average, but apparently the buzz is out about the sweet real estate deals in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, because vacancies tend to be low. This means that you don't have to worry about moving into a neighborhood with creepy vacant homes, but you might need a bit longer to find your ideal rental property.
Elizabethton's landscape and housing is best understood in terms of geographic regions. The Far East may conjure images of tasty dim sum and silk kimonos, but the Far East neighborhood of Elizabethton is exotic only in the fact that it contains the city's airport. An industrial area set apart from the rest of the city, houses make only sporadic appearances in this neighborhood and future residents who wish to stay enamored with Elizabethton will find their time searching for rental property best spent when ignoring this neighborhood altogether.
Neighborhoods of Elizabethton
The Far East neighborhood is separated intentionally so as to keep the airport traffic away from the residential areas. When looking for a future home it is important to know that the primary neighborhoods in Elizabethton are West Elizabethton, Central Elizabethton and East Elizabethton.
East Elizabethton: This neighborhood has it all, with both Doe River and Watauga River located here, so feel free to pick a favorite river and search for a house to rent nearby. If you never were any good at playing favorites, we would recommend the Doe River because it is easier to pronounce and is crossed by one of Elizabethton's most famous landmarks, the Covered Bridge. Built in the late 1880s, it is just one of the many historically significant structures still standing. East Elizabethton is well-decorated with National Register of Historic Places plaques on properties from as far back as the late 1700s. The Carter Mansion is also located here, but don't worry if historic buildings aren't really your thing. Many modern homes are mixed into this neighborhood which still stays as affordable as the rest of the city in terms of rent.
Central Elizabethton: Central location is one of the real estate catch phrases that rental agents get to hear as often as open floor plan and green space thanks to the HGTV takeover which has made every couch potato into a self-proclaimed real estate connoisseur. No one can blame renters for wanting to be in the thick of things and Central Elizabethton is certainly one of the area's most desirable places to live. Bordered by the Watauga River, it also includes Riverside Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and the Elizabethton Golf Course. The shopping and dining options tend to be clustered along Highway 321. For those looking to rent an apartment in Elizabethton, you will be more likely to find something here where apartment complexes are fairly common.
West Elizabethton: A mix of owners and renters settle in this end of Elizabethton, and for those with hopes of finding a one-bedroom apartment for rent in a high-rise complex this is undoubtedly your neck of the woods. All the neighborhood essentials such as hair salons, home improvement stores and pharmacies can be found here, along with Tennessee essentials such as mason jars for sipping sweet tea or more intoxicating libations. Catbird Creek and Buffalo Creek are just two of the creeks and small streams that criss-cross the area and liven up the landscape.
Living in Elizabethton, Tennessee
Fly fishing and whitewater rafting keep residents scouring sporting shops and attracts thrill-seeking tourists. If you would rather feast on the area's fresh fish without knowing a thing about casting technique or hip waders, then enjoy dining out at local faves such as The Bonnie Kate's. The Bonnie Kate's offers live music and a wide selection of beers on tap, making this downtown restaurant a mainstay. Barbeque, international cuisine, charming cafes, independent coffee shops, and the usual smattering of chain restaurants keeps diners well fed in Elizabethton. No worries about tucking into a platter of ribs or thick slice of peach cobbler with so many opportunities to partake in the outdoor sporting life.
For those delicate Southern flowers that hardly can bring themselves to say the word sweat, enjoy the outdoors from a seat at Joe O'Brien Field watching an Elizabethton Twins minor league baseball game or go for a leisurely stroll through the Rhododendron Gardens on nearby Roan Mountain. Those who feel the adventurous spirit of early frontiersmen will enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail, and exploring the nearby lakes, mountains, and Cherokee National Forest. As is to be expected in a smaller city like Elizabethton, there is no public transportation so a car is needed to get around town. Many also enjoy the close proximity to nearby cities such as Johnson City for more live music options, as well as the easy trips to visit the neighboring states of Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
