Moving to or from Johnson City?
The largest of the Tri-Cities (Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol) in far northeast Tennessee — anchored by East Tennessee State University and the East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, with Appalachian mountain access and a rebuilding downtown.
- 70,000 City population
- 205,000 Metro area
- 1856 Founded
- Northeast Tennessee / Tri-Cities Region
Why people move to Johnson City.
- Being the largest of the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol)
- East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Quillen College of Medicine
- Proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Roan Mountain
- 'Little Chicago' Prohibition-era bootlegging heritage
- Buccaneer athletics at ETSU
- Tweetsie Railroad (nearby Blowing Rock NC)
Johnson City earned the 'Little Chicago' nickname during Prohibition — the city served as a major bootlegging hub, with local moonshine distributed north via the Clinchfield Railroad all the way to Chicago. Al Capone was rumored to have had significant interests in Johnson City's underground economy during the 1920s. The nickname persists as a point of civic pride/mild embarrassment.
Where people live in Johnson City.
A quick guide to Johnson City's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown Johnson City
Revitalized historic core with restored brick buildings
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Tree Streets (Historic District)
Walkable neighborhood with Craftsman and Victorian homes
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North Johnson City
Established residential with family orientation
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Boones Creek
Rural-suburban area with newer development
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Gray
Suburban community with newer subdivisions
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Jonesborough (adjacent)
Tennessee's oldest town (1779) with preserved historic district
Where people spend their time in Johnson City.
- ETSU campus Central Johnson City
- Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site South Johnson City
- Hands On Regional Museum Downtown
- Buffalo Mountain Park South Johnson City
- Jonesborough Historic District (nearby) Jonesborough
- Hands On! Discovery Center Gray
Planning a Johnson City move.
- Tennessee has no state income tax — significant financial advantage
- ETSU's academic calendar drives rental market in August and May
- Cost of living and housing are well below national averages; notable affordability for Appalachian-facing urban access
- Winter brings occasional mountain snow; Appalachian geography creates some tight access situations
Moving in Johnson City: FAQ.
What are the Tri-Cities?
Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol — three cities in far northeast Tennessee (with Bristol straddling the Virginia line) that together form a metropolitan area of about 500,000 people. They share economic, healthcare, and cultural institutions while maintaining distinct identities. Johnson City is the largest; Kingsport is heavily Eastman Chemical-influenced; Bristol is NASCAR's Bristol Motor Speedway and a music heritage city.
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