Cherokee Lake, TN Real Estate & Homes For Sale

Your Cherokee Lake Real Estate Agent

Katelyn Warren, ABR®, SRS, PSA, MRP

CENTURY 21 Legacy
Direct: (865) 416-2220 | katelynwarrenrealtor@gmail.com

Born and raised in East Tennessee, Katelyn pairs local insight with top-tier credentials to guide buyers to the perfect cove, view lot, or dock-ready shoreline on Cherokee Lake. Her track record—from Knoxville to Morristown—shows a commitment to constant communication, smart pricing, and marketing that moves property (drone video included).

Whether you’re relocating, “house-hacking” a lakefront duplex, or searching for a weekend cabin, Katelyn’s customer-first approach and CENTURY 21 Legacy resources turn questions into contracts—always with a smile and a steady hand. Reach out and discover why clients across the region tag their closings #soldbykatelyntnrealtor.

Cherokee Lake Real Estate Market Insights

The Cherokee Lake area presents a vibrant and active real estate landscape. Here are the latest statistics to give you a snapshot of the market:

• Median Sale Price: $433,000
• Inventory: Approximately 60 homes and 290 lots are typically for sale

Cherokee Lake’s market splits in two. Finished waterfront homes are scarce—roughly five dozen at any time—so anything clean and well-priced moves fast. Land is a different story: hundreds of buildable lots ring the shoreline, keeping entry costs low for buyers willing to design their own retreat.

That gap creates strategy. If you want keys in hand right away, line up financing now and be ready to offer quickly on updated cottages or ranchers. Prefer a custom build and long-term equity? Focus on lots with gentle slopes, existing utility hookups, and shoreline rights already approved by TVA—they cost more today but save thousands in site work later. In short, decide whether your timeline favors a bidding sprint or a ground-up project, then act before rising material costs narrow the spread.

Living in Cherokee Lake: Community & Lifestyle

Morning on Cherokee Lake starts with mist on the water, anglers at the launch ramp, and neighbors waving from pontoon decks. Nearly 30,000 acres of clear reservoir give locals room to fish for striped bass, tow kids on tubes, or idle into a hidden cove for a picnic.

The shore towns—Bean Station, Rutledge, Jefferson City, and Morristown—add the day-to-day essentials: farmers markets, Friday-night football, and diners where the waitstaff already knows your order. Community events revolve around the lake—fireworks on the Fourth, bass tournaments in spring, and sunset cruises when the leaves turn.

Work is close to home. Healthcare, manufacturing, and the school systems anchor steady employment, and Knoxville sits just down the highway for those who want big-city careers without giving up lake life. In short, Cherokee Lake offers the rare mix of rural calm, water-sport freedom, and a hometown network that still looks out for one another.

Cherokee Lake Local Highlights & Attractions

The Cherokee Lake area is rich with activities and attractions that cater to residents and visitors alike. Here are a few local highlights:

• Panther Creek State Park: Located on the shores of the lake, this park offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, camping, and stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains.
• Cherokee Dam: A marvel of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the dam is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and learning about the region's history.
• Historic Downtown Morristown: Explore charming shops, local eateries, and a sense of history in the largest nearby city, which serves as a commercial hub for the Lakeway area.
• Clinchview Golf Club: Enjoy a round of golf on a scenic 18-hole course in nearby Bean Station, offering a beautiful and challenging layout.
• Morristown Farmers Market: A vibrant community gathering place offering fresh, local produce and artisan goods, often with live music on weekends.
• Briarwood Auto Safari: A unique family-friendly attraction where you can observe animals from six continents from the comfort of your car, located just a few miles from the lake.

Cherokee Lake Area School Information

The main districts serving the lakeside communities are Hamblen County School District and Grainger County School District.

• Hamblen County Schools are generally well-regarded, with an average ranking in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools (PublicSchoolReview). Notable schools include:
  • Alpha Elementary School (Top-Ranked in County)
  • East Ridge Middle School (Ranked in Top 25% of TN Middle Schools)
  • Morristown West High School
• Grainger County Schools serve the northern and western shores of the lake. Top-ranked schools in this district include:
  • Joppa Elementary School
  • Rutledge Middle School
  • Grainger High School

For higher education, Walters State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology are located in Morristown, with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville just an hour's drive away.

Understanding Cherokee Lake Crime & Safety

The communities around Cherokee Lake are spread across several counties, each with its own law enforcement and safety profile. The area is primarily policed by the county sheriff's departments of Hamblen, Grainger, Jefferson, and Hawkins counties.

• Hamblen County: The violent crime rate is approximately 4.76 per 1,000 residents, based on recent data. (DataUS.io) The property crime (theft) rate is about 11.08 per 1,000 residents. (Crimegrade.org)
• Grainger County: The violent crime rate is approximately 5.5 per 1,000 residents. (Crimegrade.org) The overall property crime rate is about 32.5 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the U.S. average. (BestPlaces.net)

It's important to note that crime rates can vary significantly between the rural lake areas and the more populated town centers. Overall, the lakeside communities are known for being peaceful and safe.

Cherokee Lake Real Estate: Buyer FAQs

What are property taxes like on Cherokee Lake?

Tennessee taxes residential real estate on 25 % of its appraised value, and lake-area counties keep rates low. Expect roughly 0.49 % in Hamblen County and 0.59 % in Grainger County—well below the national average and a welcome break for lakefront owners.

Do lakefront lots come with restrictions?

Yes. Cherokee Lake is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which must approve docks, shoreline clearing, and vegetation plans. Always confirm a parcel’s dock-permit status with the TVA before you close; listings usually note whether a permit is in place or achievable