Articles

Life in The Great Smoky Mountains of Sevier County TN by Sandra C Brown, Broker Dream Catcher Realty LP, Sevierviile TN  

 

 

Sevier County is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and has over ten million visitors each year.  It was settled by the Scottish Irish in the early 1800's who came from Southern Virginia. Until the 1920s agriculture was the main occupation. 

 Over 75% of the homes sold in Sevier County are 2nd homes and overnight rental cabins.   These are typically fully decked out and sell any where from $200,000 to $1,000,000.  They have all the bells and whistles.

The remaining 25% of homes are full time owner occupants.  These homes typically  sell for between $80,000 and $200,000.  There is a shortage of full time owner occupant housing.  Gatlinburg has only 4,000 full time occupants.  Homes in Gatlinburg are hard to find and very expensive.  Most owner occupants live in Sevierville.  Sevier County has a very low proeprty tax rate. 

 

The economy is very tourist driven.  Wages run typically betwwen $11 and $15 an hour. Most jobs are seasonal from April to October.   Typical jobs include: food service, hotel/motel staff, cabin company cleaner, inspector and reservations.   Handy man and yard service are very common occupations for men.

 

Sevier County has most major motel and hotels chains. It also boosts a mutitude of dining establishments ranging from fast food to fine table cloth dining.  Ther are many attactions to go see. 

 Sevierville is also home to the 75 bed Le Conte medical Center.  The hospital is ranked in the top 100 for small towns and features full services including emergency room, birthing center and cancer center.  Sevierville also an airport. 

 

Sevier County has a larger percent of the popultion over 65 than the State of Tennessee and  The United States.  As such it does offer Senior Citizens programs