Golden-hour view of Watts Bar Lake with forested shoreline in Roane County, Tennessee
Roane ECD · Advantages

An outstandingquality of life

Lower cost of living, exceptional natural beauty, and a combination of small-town comfort and city amenities.

700+
Miles of lakefront shoreline
56K+
Acres of recreation
450+
Festivals & events
20%
Lower cost of living
A better way of life

Enjoy an outstanding quality of life.

Roane County offers unsurpassed scenic beauty, four true seasons and impressive recreational options, including beautiful Watts Bar Lake, parks, trails, wildlife areas, golf courses and world-class fishing.

The small-town atmosphere includes family festivals, affordable housing and a lower than average cost of living, while urban amenities and higher education options are nearby.

Scenic overlook of Roane County ridgelines and lake in autumn color
What makes it home

Five reasons people put down roots here

Kayaker paddling on calm waters of Watts Bar Lake at sunrise

Life on the Water

Sparkling Watts Bar Lake is a four-season paradise for boaters, paddlers, fishermen and wildlife watchers.

Community festival with string lights and local vendors in a Roane County downtown

Vibrant Communities

Historic downtowns, a lively music scene, family-friendly festivals and a small-town atmosphere make Roane an inviting place to call home.

Suburban homes with manicured lawns backed by mountain ridgelines in Roane County

Affordable Living

With affordable housing, a cost of living 20% below the national average and no personal state income tax, Roane makes it easy to live well.

Historical museum exhibits with vintage machinery and archival photographs in Roane County

World-Changing History

From the pioneer era to the Secret City of the Manhattan Project, Roane County has directly shaped the history of our nation.

Aerial view of a Roane County river valley town with mountains in the distance at sunrise

Nearby Amenities

Close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the cultural, educational and medical resources of Knoxville, Roane combines the best of small-town and city life.

Fireworks over the waterfront in Roane County
Vibrant communities

450+ festivals and events, every year

Historic downtowns, a lively music scene and family-friendly festivals give Roane County a small-town atmosphere that's anything but quiet. From lakeside summer concerts to holiday markets, there's always something on the calendar.

World-changing history runs alongside it all — from the pioneer era to the Secret City of the Manhattan Project, Roane County has shaped the history of our nation.

Best of both worlds

Small-town comfort, city amenities close by

Roane County sits close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the cultural, educational and medical resources of Knoxville — combining the best of small-town living with the conveniences of a major metro, all within a half-hour drive.

Affordable housing, a cost of living roughly 20% below the national average, and no personal state income tax mean paychecks stretch further here than in most of the country.

Explore incentives & grants
Paddler enjoying a quiet cove on Watts Bar Lake at dusk

Come see it for yourself

Whether you're relocating a family or a company, our team can put you in touch with the right people to make the move.

Contact us