James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
Life in And Around Johnson City
Johnson City, TN is one of those hidden gems in the Appalachian Highlands that’s gaining more attention- just ask Southern Living. Recognized in the June 2025 magazine’s article, “This Southern City Is Where Everyone Is Moving This Year”, the city was recognized for its location, quality of life, cost of living and activities. Johnson City was founded as a railroad town in the 1850s, and has a taste of a little bit of everything for everyone.
Natural Beauty & Outdoor Adventures
The variety of outdoor activities available in the area make it a perfect place to be based for any outdoors enthusiast—from backpacking to mountain climbing, hunting, fishing, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. The area also boasts some of the best scenic roads in the U.S.—providing some of the prettiest winding ribbons of pavement for motorcycle and automobile enthusiasts.
- Buffalo Mountain Park and Winged Deer Park are local favorites for hiking, picnicking, and scenic views.
- Just minutes from the historic Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Tweetsie Trail: A 10-mile rails-to-trails path perfect for walking, biking, and jogging — runs from JC to Elizabethton.
- Just 45 minutes from Watauga Lake and Roan Mountain, which offer fishing, kayaking, and some of the best high-elevation hiking on the East Coast.
Vibrant Downtown and Area
- Downtown Johnson City has gone through a renaissance — think coffee shops, microbreweries, murals, live music, and local boutiques.
- Founders Park often hosts free community events, festivals, and farmers markets.
- Surprising variety of food not only downtown but across the area (Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, Elizabethton, Jonesborough) : farm-to-table, Southern comfort, Thai, tacos, vegan spots, and even elevated cuisine like Bistro 105.
- Family-friendly, pet-friendly, and full of public events and gatherings.
Music & Culture
- Johnson City is part of the Birthplace of Country Music region. It’s close to Bristol and hosts the Blue Plum Festival, Thirsty Orange Beer Festival, and regular live music in the parks.
- Strong arts scene with local galleries, theater groups, and a university art presence.
Low-Key, Affordable
- Compared to places like Asheville or Gatlinburg, it’s more affordable, less crowded, and just as beautiful.
- Significantly lower than the national average — housing, utilities, groceries, and gas.
- Median home prices are still well below major urban areas.
Small-Town Feel, Big-Town Perks
In addition, Johnson City is just minutes away from:
- NASCAR’s Bristol Motor Speedway
- The Birthplace of Country Music Museum
- Historic and charming Jonesborough , Tennessee’s Oldest Town, which hosts numerous eateries and festivals, including the annual National Storytelling Festival.
If you are up for a road trip, head over the mountain to Asheville for more entertainment and delicious food. Or head to Boone for more adventures! Drive along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall for a stunning view. Prefer a little more adrenaline, Dollywood is not too far away!
Mild Four-Season Climate
- Gorgeous spring and fall and moderate winters.
- If you like snow just enough but not too much, it hits the sweet spot.
Community-Oriented Lifestyle
- Family-friendly, pet-friendly, and full of public events and gatherings.
- Weekly farmers markets, live music, community races, and outdoor movie nights.
Find out more at the following sites:
Downtown Johnson City (downtownjctn.com)
Welcome to Johnson City, TN (johnsoncitytn.org)
Note: The links above will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
Page Updated: July 2025
