Living in Johnson City Tennessee
Are you considering a move to Johnson City or one of the surrounding beautiful towns in Northeast Tennessee? Join Stephanie and Shad, two transplants who previously lived in six states across the country, as they share their journey of settling down in this vibrant region. You'll discover everything Johnson City has to offer. Learn about the towns, must try eateries, local neighborhoods, and things to do for every type of adventurer. Whether you are thinking about making Johnson City your home or just curious about life in the Appalachian Mountains, tune in for a mix of local stories, tips, what you may not like, what might surprise you, and what you will love about living in Northeast Tennessee!
Living in Johnson City Tennessee
Why You Should Move to the Tennessee Countryside
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If you’ve been dreaming about a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle in Northeast Tennessee, this episode is for you.
Today, we’re taking you on a tour of what we call the Cowboy Corridor—a beautiful rural stretch between Jonesborough and Greeneville that includes Telford, Limestone, Chuckey, and Afton. This area is all about space, privacy, and slowing things down… without being too far from the everyday conveniences you still need.
We talk about what life really looks like out here—from rolling farmland and scenic views to the charm of local mom-and-pop spots you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll hear about places like Bright’s Zoo, Troyer’s Mountain View Country Market, the Jonesborough Flea Market, and some great local food stops like The Rebel Fork Kitchen and The Farmer’s Daughter.
But we also keep it real—this isn’t city living. Grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping are typically a 15–20 minute drive. And for many people, that’s exactly the appeal.
If you’re considering a move to Northeast Tennessee and want land, views, and a slower pace of life, this episode will help you decide if the Cowboy Corridor could be the right fit for you.
📍 Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or just exploring your options—we’re here to help you figure out where you belong.
📞 Ready to make a move or have questions? Reach out to us anytime:
Stephanie Morr
📧 stefamorr@gmail.com
📱 423.429.5214
Shad Freck
📧 shad@shadfreck.com
📱 423.631.1716
The Freck Group at Greater Impact Realty
📞 423.973.8634
🎥 Be sure to check out our YouTube channel: Living in Johnson City Tennessee — where we share weekly videos about what it’s really like to live, work, and play in Northeast Tennessee.
If you're thinking about moving to Johnson City or one of the beautiful surrounding towns in Northeast Tennessee, you're in the right place. I'm your host, Stephanie Moore, along with John Frett. This is the Living in Johnson City, Tennessee podcast. Learn about the local clouds, neighborhoods, things to do, what you may not like, and why so many people are falling in love with Johnson City. Hop on over to our YouTube channel, Living in Johnson City, Tennessee, to enjoy videos of this picturesque area nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Now, let's get started. If you're thinking about moving to Northeast Tennessee and you need some space and privacy and a slower pace of life, this area may be exactly what you're looking for.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, what you won't find are grocery stores on every corner, strip malls, fast food restaurants. Those are typically 15 to 20 minutes away. But what you will find are your local mom and pop's restaurants, uh definitely uh Dollar Generals. There's quite a few of those, but places where people love to gather.
SPEAKER_00So today, Shan and I are going to give you a tour of a beautiful rural area we like to call the Cowboy Corridor.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's really this the stretch or the area in between Jonesboro, the oldest town in Tennessee, and Greenville, the second oldest town in Tennessee. And we're talking areas that are named Telford, Limestone, Chucky, and Afton.
SPEAKER_00A few years ago, we did a video about this beautiful area called the Cowboy Corridor, and a lot of people really connected with it. Now, we've changed a lot since then, but the good news is the Cowboy Corridor hasn't. It's as beautiful as ever.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, so people that are generally looking to live out in areas like this are looking for a little bit of peace and quiet. Uh, maybe some elbow room. Maybe you want to start your own mini farm or have a garden or two, or just enjoy the great outdoors.
SPEAKER_00And it's about slowing down and enjoying life.
SPEAKER_01Limestone, Afton, Telford, and Chucky have a combined population of around 21,000 people. As we mentioned earlier, you won't find shopping malls, big box stores, or fast food on every corner here. What you will find is natural beauty, unbelievable views, rolling hills, pastures, and friendly people enjoying a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle. Take a drive through this area and you'll see farms, homes with acreage, and quiet rural neighborhoods. Plus, you will see one-of-a-kind mom and pop businesses.
SPEAKER_00In Limestone, along US 11E is Bright Zoo, a private family-owned zoo situated in the rolling hills of Tennessee. It's home to exotic animals from around the world. Visitors enjoy interactive experiences like animal feedings and safari train rides, making it a great family experience.
SPEAKER_01As you make your way down the road, you'll come across a spot the locals have been loving for years. Troyer's Mountain View Country Market. I bet you'll end up staying a while. The smell of fresh baked goods hits you as soon as you walk in. And before you know it, you're picking out cheeses, apple butter, maybe even ordering one of their sandwiches at the deli bar. Grab a coffee or a sweet tea. Head out to the front porch, and don't be surprised if you strike up a conversation with the locals. Oh, and you've got to hit Andy Roos donuts in the parking lot. Be sure to get a donut and a pretzel. Remember, what happens in Tennessee stays in Tennessee.
SPEAKER_00On Sundays, there's a tradition you've got to experience the Jonesboro Flea Market. Open, rain or shine, you'll wander through rows of vendors with everything from antiques and handmade goods to fresh produce and unexpected treasures. This is one of those places that really gives you a feel for the local community out here. You just never know what you're going to walk away with. Another great place to hang out here in the Cowboy Corridor is at the Rebel Fork Kitchen where we're videoing today. This is such a great location. It's up on the hillside with beautiful mountain views, and they've got it's just a great vibe, and they have some pretty cool music playing too.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, last time we were here, it was called County Line Pie. That closed down, but now it's called Rebel Fork Kitchen. We've looked at the menu, we still don't know what we want yet, but uh I think I've uh focused in on a burger for sure.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, and they have some great appetizers, the slam and sammies, they've got pizza, wings, just something for everybody. And I'm pretty sure we're gonna be taking a to-go package home with us today.
SPEAKER_01If you're looking to step back in time, stop by the old Pilot Hill General store and diner. With routing back to 1902, this location once served as a post office and courtroom. Today it is a local gathering spot where you can grab a home cooked meal, sip a cup of coffee, and take in the country charm. These are the kinds of places that really define what day-to-day life feels like out here.
SPEAKER_00And if you're in the mood for something sweet, head on over to Little Lou's Ice Cream at Horse Creek Farms. It's the perfect stop on a warm day, and a fun place to relax and take in the countryside. Spots like this are more about the experience and scenery than convenience. And get ready for some beautiful mountain views, too.
SPEAKER_01If you're looking for southern cooking, swing by the Farmer's Daughter Restaurant, a place that feels just like home. Enjoy favorites such as fried chicken, steak and gravy, catfish, soup beans, and cornbread, banana pudding and butterscotch pie. All served family style. You can even play a little cornhole outdoors, too. It's another example of how dining out here feels a little more personal and less fast-paced.
SPEAKER_00With Greenville to the west and Jonesboro and Johnson City to the east, you're never too far from grocery stores, medical care, shopping, and entertainment. So while this area feels peaceful and remote, you still have access to everything you need with a bit of a drive. If you've been dreaming about a country lifestyle, Telford, Limestone, Chucky, or Afton might be exactly what you're looking for. Well, there you have it. That's the Cowboy Corridor. I'm Stephanie and this is Chad. We're with the Fret Group at Greater Impact Realty. And if you're trying to figure out which area might be the right fit for you and your lifestyle, well, that's where we come in. Our team specializes in helping people like you that are moving across the country to Northeast Tennessee. So if you have questions about Telford, Limestone, Chucky, or Afton, or any of the other beautiful towns here in Northeast Tennessee, our team would be happy to help you. Give us a call, text, or email. And remember, it is never too soon to start planning your move. We hope to see you here in Northeast Tennessee.