I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify the towns in Tennessee with the largest percentage increases in home values from 2016 to 2025. These areas represent exceptional investment opportunities across the Volunteer State’s diverse real estate landscape.
What’s striking about this data is how many rural and small-town communities have outperformed urban centers, with some properties more than doubling in value over the nine-year period. The top performer saw a staggering 164% increase, translating to an average annual appreciation rate of 11.4%.
Below I’ve ranked each location by percentage growth, providing comprehensive year-by-year value tracking and financial analysis that reveals the investment potential that Tennessee’s housing market continues to offer.
25. College Grove
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.65%
- Home value in 2016: $506,367
- Home value in 2017: $562,209
- Home value in 2018: $612,151
- Home value in 2019: $648,370
- Home value in 2020: $709,163
- Home value in 2021: $808,156
- Home value in 2022: $1,072,424
- Home value in 2023: $1,114,336
- Home value in 2024: $1,133,493
- Home value in 2025: $1,198,328
Your investment in College Grove would have yielded nearly $700,000 in equity growth, representing a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. The luxury market here has shown remarkable resilience, suggesting strong continued appreciation potential. This affluent community near Franklin attracts high-income buyers seeking spacious properties, making it ideal for long-term wealth building despite the high entry point.
24. Maynardville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.68%
- Home value in 2016: $114,325
- Home value in 2017: $126,256
- Home value in 2018: $132,449
- Home value in 2019: $141,013
- Home value in 2020: $155,467
- Home value in 2021: $172,861
- Home value in 2022: $215,716
- Home value in 2023: $232,359
- Home value in 2024: $258,912
- Home value in 2025: $270,590
With a modest initial investment of $114K growing to over $270K, Maynardville represents exceptional value for budget-conscious investors. The 2021-2022 period showed particularly explosive growth of 24.8%, indicating market momentum. Located in Union County with access to Knoxville’s employment market, the area offers a compelling mix of affordability and appreciation potential with rental yields likely exceeding 6%.
23. Bell Buckle
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.62%
- Home value in 2016: $175,236
- Home value in 2017: $197,007
- Home value in 2018: $220,197
- Home value in 2019: $242,880
- Home value in 2020: $260,643
- Home value in 2021: $288,926
- Home value in 2022: $358,734
- Home value in 2023: $374,770
- Home value in 2024: $398,696
- Home value in 2025: $418,140
Bell Buckle’s $242,904 equity gain demonstrates the power of mid-market investments in growing bedroom communities. The consistent year-over-year appreciation averaging 10.2% creates excellent refinancing opportunities for leveraging your investment. This charming historic town near the expanding I-24 corridor combines small-town appeal with strategic location, making it a smart portfolio diversification play with both cash flow and appreciation potential.
22. Shelbyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.66%
- Home value in 2016: $124,559
- Home value in 2017: $137,131
- Home value in 2018: $153,202
- Home value in 2019: $171,646
- Home value in 2020: $189,158
- Home value in 2021: $206,391
- Home value in 2022: $255,127
- Home value in 2023: $270,715
- Home value in 2024: $285,669
- Home value in 2025: $297,276
Shelbyville’s remarkable 138.7% appreciation translates to an annualized return of 10.1%, outperforming most stock market indices during this period. The sub-$300K price point in 2025 suggests room for continued growth as Nashville’s influence expands. This “Walking Horse Capital” benefits from manufacturing job growth and affordable housing stock, positioning it as an excellent entry-level investment with strong cash flow potential and below-average vacancy rates.
21. Hohenwald
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.28%
- Home value in 2016: $90,574
- Home value in 2017: $99,345
- Home value in 2018: $105,613
- Home value in 2019: $118,254
- Home value in 2020: $134,263
- Home value in 2021: $157,413
- Home value in 2022: $194,879
- Home value in 2023: $201,893
- Home value in 2024: $211,023
- Home value in 2025: $216,722
Hohenwald offers exceptional ROI potential with a low initial capital requirement that’s grown by $126K over nine years. The 17.3% jump from 2020-2021 signals market discovery by remote workers seeking affordability. This Lewis County seat presents a perfect small-portfolio entry point with price-to-rent ratios favorable for investors, while the 2022-2025 slowing growth pattern suggests timing your exit strategy within 3-5 years for optimal returns.
20. Lafollette
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.56%
- Home value in 2016: $88,956
- Home value in 2017: $96,452
- Home value in 2018: $99,338
- Home value in 2019: $110,255
- Home value in 2020: $122,810
- Home value in 2021: $132,516
- Home value in 2022: $166,422
- Home value in 2023: $173,415
- Home value in 2024: $197,404
- Home value in 2025: $213,103
With just $89K yielding nearly $124K in equity growth, Lafollette demonstrates the wealth-building potential of affordable markets when selected wisely. The 25.6% surge from 2021-2022 followed by continued growth indicates sustainable momentum rather than speculation. This northern Tennessee town near Norris Lake combines vacation rental potential with affordable permanent housing, creating multiple exit strategies for investors willing to look beyond metropolitan markets.
19. Caryville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.62%
- Home value in 2016: $96,074
- Home value in 2017: $104,622
- Home value in 2018: $107,946
- Home value in 2019: $117,592
- Home value in 2020: $134,055
- Home value in 2021: $145,548
- Home value in 2022: $184,024
- Home value in 2023: $198,122
- Home value in 2024: $210,149
- Home value in 2025: $230,207
Caryville’s property value trajectory shows an impressive 139.6% gain, with particular acceleration during 2021-2022’s 26.4% jump. The continued strong performance into 2025 defies the cooling seen in some markets. This I-75 corridor community benefits from both Knoxville’s economic influence and tourism dollars from nearby Norris Lake, creating a diverse economic base that supports both long-term appreciation and strong rental demand throughout economic cycles.
18. Hilham
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.65%
- Home value in 2016: $96,600
- Home value in 2017: $107,565
- Home value in 2018: $115,513
- Home value in 2019: $128,196
- Home value in 2020: $141,456
- Home value in 2021: $161,168
- Home value in 2022: $200,533
- Home value in 2023: $205,831
- Home value in 2024: $213,316
- Home value in 2025: $231,498
Hilham’s sub-$100K entry point in 2016 has transformed into a $231K asset, representing exceptional leverage for investors who utilized mortgage financing. The steady appreciation curve suggests fundamental growth rather than speculation. Nestled in Overton County near Dale Hollow Lake, the area benefits from both retirement relocations and vacation property demand, creating a diverse buyer pool that maintains liquidity even during market downturns.
17. Castalian Springs
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.24%
- Home value in 2016: $165,381
- Home value in 2017: $188,882
- Home value in 2018: $208,379
- Home value in 2019: $224,042
- Home value in 2020: $249,254
- Home value in 2021: $275,944
- Home value in 2022: $341,163
- Home value in 2023: $359,566
- Home value in 2024: $378,512
- Home value in 2025: $397,318
Castalian Springs’ $231,936 absolute gain offers compelling evidence of Nashville’s expanding influence on surrounding communities’ real estate markets. The 23.6% jump in 2021-2022 signals the market discovery phase as urban buyers expanded their search radius. This historic community near Gallatin combines rural charm with growing amenities, making it particularly attractive to remote workers seeking value without sacrificing accessibility to Nashville’s economic opportunities.
16. White Pine
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.52%
- Home value in 2016: $98,668
- Home value in 2017: $102,727
- Home value in 2018: $111,971
- Home value in 2019: $120,693
- Home value in 2020: $133,108
- Home value in 2021: $145,202
- Home value in 2022: $178,530
- Home value in 2023: $192,105
- Home value in 2024: $214,599
- Home value in 2025: $237,318
White Pine demonstrates the wealth-building power of affordable real estate, with values increasing by $138,650 while maintaining a price point attractive to first-time buyers. The accelerating growth pattern from 2021 onward indicates increasing market awareness and demand. Located near I-81 between Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, White Pine benefits from regional economic diversification and relatively affordable housing stock that positions it for continued growth as larger markets become unaffordable.
15. Clarkrange
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.57%
- Home value in 2016: $112,473
- Home value in 2017: $123,174
- Home value in 2018: $131,168
- Home value in 2019: $141,940
- Home value in 2020: $152,093
- Home value in 2021: $173,468
- Home value in 2022: $220,108
- Home value in 2023: $228,305
- Home value in 2024: $245,844
- Home value in 2025: $271,704
Clarkrange’s 141.6% appreciation translates to an exceptional 10.3% compound annual growth rate, outperforming most traditional investment vehicles during this period. The dramatic 26.9% spike in 2021-2022 signals increasing market discovery by remote workers. Positioned on the Highland Rim with natural beauty and affordable acreage, Clarkrange appeals to both retirees and remote workers seeking value, creating multiple demand drivers that support continued appreciation potential.
14. Lafayette
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.11%
- Home value in 2016: $102,840
- Home value in 2017: $114,889
- Home value in 2018: $128,963
- Home value in 2019: $141,651
- Home value in 2020: $156,347
- Home value in 2021: $177,720
- Home value in 2022: $221,888
- Home value in 2023: $224,198
- Home value in 2024: $239,268
- Home value in 2025: $250,019
Lafayette’s $147,179 equity growth reveals the financial power of strategic small-town investing, with returns exceeding 143% over nine years. The 24.9% surge in 2021-2022 followed by stabilization suggests a market maturation phase now entering sustainable growth. This quaint county seat north of Nashville offers investors both cash flow potential and appreciation upside, with favorable price-to-rent ratios and growing appeal to remote workers seeking affordable homeownership.
13. Jamestown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.79%
- Home value in 2016: $88,573
- Home value in 2017: $95,391
- Home value in 2018: $99,683
- Home value in 2019: $108,396
- Home value in 2020: $119,119
- Home value in 2021: $144,413
- Home value in 2022: $181,692
- Home value in 2023: $182,276
- Home value in 2024: $197,644
- Home value in 2025: $215,932
Jamestown’s sub-$90K entry point growing to nearly $216K demonstrates the wealth-building potential of low-basis real estate in emerging markets. The dramatic 21.3% jump from 2020-2021 signaled the beginning of substantial market momentum. Located in the scenic Upper Cumberland region, Jamestown combines outdoor recreation appeal with low cost of living, creating multiple demand drivers from both retirees and young buyers that support continued price appreciation despite its rural location.
12. Mount Pleasant
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.26%
- Home value in 2016: $106,725
- Home value in 2017: $121,505
- Home value in 2018: $136,762
- Home value in 2019: $149,436
- Home value in 2020: $161,914
- Home value in 2021: $191,393
- Home value in 2022: $235,119
- Home value in 2023: $248,913
- Home value in 2024: $258,311
- Home value in 2025: $260,689
Mount Pleasant’s 144.3% growth yielded over $153K in equity, representing an exceptional 10.4% annual appreciation rate compounded over nine years. The 22.9% surge from 2021-2022 indicates the market entering a discovery phase by urban expatriates. This historic community southwest of Columbia benefits from both manufacturing jobs and rural charm, creating a diversified economic foundation that supports both rental demand and homebuyer interest across multiple market cycles.
11. Jellico
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 145.71%
- Home value in 2016: $47,540
- Home value in 2017: $50,066
- Home value in 2018: $51,771
- Home value in 2019: $55,952
- Home value in 2020: $63,913
- Home value in 2021: $69,031
- Home value in 2022: $83,731
- Home value in 2023: $90,310
- Home value in 2024: $107,131
- Home value in 2025: $116,809
Jellico’s ultra-low $47K entry point demonstrates the extraordinary leverage potential of micro-market investing, with values more than doubling despite remaining below $120K. The recent 18.6% surge from 2023-2024 suggests the market may be entering a new growth phase. This border town along I-75 between Kentucky and Tennessee offers exceptional cash flow potential with cap rates potentially exceeding 10%, making it particularly attractive for investors seeking income over appreciation despite its impressive growth numbers.
10. Whitleyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 147.60%
- Home value in 2016: $89,281
- Home value in 2017: $99,847
- Home value in 2018: $109,621
- Home value in 2019: $121,412
- Home value in 2020: $135,161
- Home value in 2021: $158,650
- Home value in 2022: $190,773
- Home value in 2023: $185,024
- Home value in 2024: $199,840
- Home value in 2025: $221,056
Whitleyville’s impressive 147.6% appreciation has transformed modest $89K properties into $221K assets in just nine years. The rare value dip in 2022-2023 (-3%) followed by recovery demonstrates market resilience despite broader economic headwinds. This rural Jackson County community near Cordell Hull Lake combines natural amenities with ultra-affordable real estate, appealing to both retirees and remote workers seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
9. Williamsport
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 147.96%
- Home value in 2016: $161,649
- Home value in 2017: $180,540
- Home value in 2018: $205,402
- Home value in 2019: $212,285
- Home value in 2020: $239,617
- Home value in 2021: $275,653
- Home value in 2022: $357,020
- Home value in 2023: $364,640
- Home value in 2024: $384,142
- Home value in 2025: $400,832
Williamsport’s $239,183 absolute gain represents exceptional wealth creation potential from a moderate initial investment. The extraordinary 29.5% jump in 2021-2022 signals market discovery by buyers priced out of Columbia and Franklin. This picturesque rural community in Maury County combines pastoral charm with proximity to Nashville’s employment centers, creating a perfect investment trifecta of cash flow potential, appreciation upside, and long-term economic sustainability.
8. Culleoka
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 149.13%
- Home value in 2016: $165,662
- Home value in 2017: $180,891
- Home value in 2018: $208,008
- Home value in 2019: $217,753
- Home value in 2020: $241,118
- Home value in 2021: $277,608
- Home value in 2022: $365,100
- Home value in 2023: $380,069
- Home value in 2024: $393,645
- Home value in 2025: $412,716
Culleoka’s exceptional 149.1% appreciation has generated over $247K in equity wealth from a $165K investment, representing a 10.7% compound annual growth rate. The remarkable 31.5% surge in 2021-2022 demonstrates the explosive growth potential when suburban migration discovers rural markets. This bucolic Maury County community offers investors a compelling blend of rural character, good schools, and proximity to Columbia’s amenities, creating sustained demand from both homeowners and rental residents seeking value outside urban centers.
7. Unionville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.33%
- Home value in 2016: $135,053
- Home value in 2017: $153,159
- Home value in 2018: $167,650
- Home value in 2019: $188,430
- Home value in 2020: $206,701
- Home value in 2021: $227,426
- Home value in 2022: $280,562
- Home value in 2023: $297,430
- Home value in 2024: $322,720
- Home value in 2025: $338,081
Unionville’s remarkable 150.3% appreciation has generated $203K in equity wealth, far outpacing most traditional investment vehicles during this period. The 23.4% jump from 2021-2022 signals strong market recognition and accelerating demand. This Bedford County community benefits from Murfreesboro’s expansion and Nashville’s growing sphere of influence, creating a perfect investment environment combining affordability, growth potential, and economic diversity.
6. Pigeon Forge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.56%
- Home value in 2016: $174,566
- Home value in 2017: $186,597
- Home value in 2018: $208,736
- Home value in 2019: $229,666
- Home value in 2020: $265,400
- Home value in 2021: $322,095
- Home value in 2022: $450,246
- Home value in 2023: $474,841
- Home value in 2024: $460,246
- Home value in 2025: $437,384
Pigeon Forge’s 150.6% growth represents a $262K absolute gain despite recent price moderation, highlighting both its explosive potential and cyclical nature. The remarkable 39.8% surge in 2021-2022 demonstrates tourism-driven real estate can outperform traditional markets. This Smoky Mountain destination offers unique investment opportunities through short-term rentals with potential ROIs exceeding 15%, though the 2022-2025 price correction warns investors to carefully time entry and exit points.
5. Primm Springs
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.77%
- Home value in 2016: $225,096
- Home value in 2017: $256,393
- Home value in 2018: $286,747
- Home value in 2019: $301,421
- Home value in 2020: $332,280
- Home value in 2021: $387,350
- Home value in 2022: $512,957
- Home value in 2023: $501,841
- Home value in 2024: $537,897
- Home value in 2025: $566,721
Primm Springs’ extraordinary $341,625 absolute gain leads Tennessee in raw dollar appreciation, creating substantial wealth for early investors. The eye-popping 32.4% surge in 2021-2022 shows the explosive potential when rural luxury properties gain mainstream appeal. This scenic Hickman County retreat attracts affluent buyers seeking rural estates within reach of Nashville, creating a unique investment niche combining exclusivity, rural privacy, and proximity to urban amenities that commands premium prices.
4. Mason
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 153.00%
- Home value in 2016: $64,408
- Home value in 2017: $71,713
- Home value in 2018: $75,556
- Home value in 2019: $83,760
- Home value in 2020: $96,415
- Home value in 2021: $109,900
- Home value in 2022: $131,112
- Home value in 2023: $138,337
- Home value in 2024: $148,536
- Home value in 2025: $162,951
Mason exemplifies exceptional ROI potential with its 153% appreciation on an ultra-low $64K entry point, translating to an impressive 10.9% compound annual growth rate. The accelerating price growth pattern since 2019 suggests continued market momentum and discovery. This small Tipton County town benefits from strategic positioning between Memphis and the Blue Oval City Ford plant development, creating multiple demand drivers that support both rental yields exceeding 8% and continued appreciation upside.
3. Chapel Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.42%
- Home value in 2016: $150,936
- Home value in 2017: $170,717
- Home value in 2018: $197,697
- Home value in 2019: $218,104
- Home value in 2020: $239,752
- Home value in 2021: $271,652
- Home value in 2022: $341,475
- Home value in 2023: $359,248
- Home value in 2024: $366,813
- Home value in 2025: $384,015
Chapel Hill’s remarkable 154.4% appreciation has transformed $150K properties into $384K assets, generating $233K in equity wealth over nine years. The explosive 25.7% growth in 2021-2022 reveals the market’s discovery phase by Nashville commuters. This charming Marshall County community offers the perfect blend of small-town character, good schools, and strategic location between Nashville and Columbia, creating sustainable demand from both homeowners and investors seeking value outside metropolitan boundaries.
2. Santa Fe
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 158.35%
- Home value in 2016: $179,294
- Home value in 2017: $198,207
- Home value in 2018: $231,992
- Home value in 2019: $239,757
- Home value in 2020: $271,536
- Home value in 2021: $301,834
- Home value in 2022: $396,234
- Home value in 2023: $420,017
- Home value in 2024: $436,818
- Home value in 2025: $463,202
Santa Fe’s extraordinary 158.3% appreciation has created nearly $284K in wealth from a moderate initial investment, representing an 11.1% compound annual growth rate. The dramatic 31.3% surge in 2021-2022 signals explosive market discovery by buyers priced out of Columbia. This picturesque Maury County community offers investors a rare combination of rural character, scenic beauty, and strategic location within Nashville’s expanding economic orbit, supporting both premium rental rates and continued price appreciation.
1. Gatlinburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 164.15%
- Home value in 2016: $174,639
- Home value in 2017: $190,661
- Home value in 2018: $213,205
- Home value in 2019: $238,929
- Home value in 2020: $276,307
- Home value in 2021: $334,540
- Home value in 2022: $506,661
- Home value in 2023: $532,899
- Home value in 2024: $490,123
- Home value in 2025: $461,306
Gatlinburg tops Tennessee’s appreciation chart at 164.1%, generating nearly $287K in equity wealth despite recent price moderation from its 2023 peak. The phenomenal 51.4% surge in 2021-2022 demonstrates vacation rental market power during post-pandemic travel booms. This iconic Smoky Mountain gateway offers unparalleled short-term rental potential with gross yields potentially exceeding 20%, though the 2022-2025 correction signals the importance of market timing in tourism-dependent real estate investments.
