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Johnson City, TN

Frequently asked questions

Johnson City, TN

Johnson City is a city in Washington, Carter, and Sullivan counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee, mostly in Washington County. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 71,046, making it the eighth-largest city in Tennessee. Johnson City is the principal city of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Carter, Unicoi, and Washington counties and had a population of 207,285 as of 2020. The MSA is also a component of the Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol, Tennessee–Virginia Combined Statistical Area – commonly known as the "Tri-Cities" region. This CSA is the fifth-largest in Tennessee with a population of 514,899 as of 2020.

William Bean, traditionally recognized as Tennessee's first white settler, built his cabin along Boone's Creek near Johnson City in 1769. In the 1780s, Colonel John Tipton (1730–1813) established a farm (now the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site) just outside what is now Johnson City. During the State of Franklin movement, Tipton was a leader of the loyalist faction, residents of the region who wanted to remain part of North Carolina rather than form a separate state. In February 1788, an armed engagement took place at Tipton's farm between Tipton and his men and the forces led by John Sevier, the leader of the Franklin faction.

Founded in 1856 by Henry Johnson as a railroad station called "Johnson's Depot", Johnson City became a major rail hub for the Southeast, as three railway lines crossed in the downtown area.

During the American Civil War, before it was formally incorporated in 1869, the name of the town was briefly changed to "Haynesville" in honor of Confederate Senator Landon Carter Haynes.

Johnson City is in northeastern Washington County, with smaller parts extending north into Sullivan County and east into Carter County. Johnson City shares a contiguous southeastern border with Elizabethton. Johnson City also shares a small contiguous border with Kingsport to the far north along I-26 and a slightly longer one with Bluff City to the northeast along US 11E.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 43.3 square miles (112.1 km²), of which 42.9 square miles (111.2 km²) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 km²), or 0.75 percent, is water. Buffalo Mountain, a ridge over 2,700 feet (820 m) high, is a city park on the south side of town. The Watauga River arm of Boone Lake, a Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir, is partly within the city limits.

Johnson City places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department organizes fitness classes, sports leagues, and community events to encourage active living. Johnson City Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Start your relaxation journey at the Austin Springs Spa & Salon for a luxurious spa day. For fitness enthusiasts, TrvFit Personal Fitness Studio offers personalized training sessions. Yoga lovers can unwind at Downtown Yoga Center, providing various classes for all skill levels. Experience a unique wellness retreat at Shoji Spa and Retreat nestled in the serene mountains. 

Top sites in Johnson City, TN are Winged Deer Park, Founders Park, and Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site.

Population: 73,635 (2024). ZIP codes: 37601-37604, 37614, 37615 & 37684. Area codes: 423, 729. Elevation: 498 m. Area: 43.3 square miles (112.1 km²).

FAQs

Why is Johnson City, TN famous?

During the 1920s and the Prohibition era, Johnson City's ties to the bootlegging activity of the Appalachian Mountains earned the city the nickname of "Little Chicago". Stories persist that the town was one of several distribution centers for Chicago gang boss Al Capone during Prohibition. Capone had a well-organized distribution network within the southern United States for alcohol smuggling; it shipped his products from the mountain distillers to northern cities.

Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live?

Johnson City is a town in Tennessee with a population of 70,720. Johnson City is in Washington County and is one of the best places to live in Tennessee. Living in Johnson City offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Johnson City there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Johnson City and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Johnson City are highly rated.

Is it expensive to live in Johnson City, TN?

The cost of living in Johnson City, TN is 7% higher than the state average and 4% lower than the national average. Johnson City, TN housing is 1% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 10% less pricey. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% more in Johnson City, TN than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 3% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 14% less here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 3% pricier in Johnson City, TN.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Johnson City

Niche

Rentcafe

Winged Deer Park

Founders Park

Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site

Johnson City Medical Center

Austin Springs Spa & Salon

TrvFit

Downtown Yoga Center

Shoji Spa and Retreat 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.