I’ve analyzed data from the Zillow Home Value Index to identify Tennessee’s towns with the most impressive home value appreciation from 2016 to 2025. These findings highlight remarkable investment opportunities across diverse communities.
What stands out is the geographic diversity – from tourist hotspots like Gatlinburg to rural gems like Hilham, proving Tennessee’s real estate boom isn’t limited to any single region. The growth percentages ranging from 136% to nearly 160% demonstrate extraordinary market resilience and potential.
Perhaps most compelling is the acceleration pattern visible in many towns, where appreciation rates intensified dramatically after 2020, suggesting that early investors who recognized these trends have realized exceptional returns on their capital.
25. Lafollette
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.32%
- 2025: $217,700
- 2024: $203,626
- 2023: $177,514
- 2022: $173,704
- 2021: $138,041
- 2020: $125,828
- 2019: $114,373
- 2018: $102,431
- 2017: $98,278
- 2016: $92,120
Lafollette’s consistent 136% appreciation represents an annual ROI that outperforms many traditional investment vehicles. Current buyers can expect modest but steady equity growth, though the steepest gains may have already been realized. For sellers, the market has reached a potential sweet spot where liquidity meets maximized value. Positioned within driving distance of Knoxville, this community offers accessible price points with proven appreciation potential.
24. College Grove
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 136.76%
- 2025: $1,222,199
- 2024: $1,161,403
- 2023: $1,120,285
- 2022: $1,134,039
- 2021: $833,317
- 2020: $727,499
- 2019: $670,138
- 2018: $626,463
- 2017: $578,255
- 2016: $516,219
College Grove’s luxury market has doubled investors’ capital and then some, with million-dollar valuations creating a high barrier to entry but exceptional wealth preservation. The dramatic post-2020 acceleration suggests institutional investment has discovered this once-overlooked gem. For sellers, timing couldn’t be better with values at historic peaks, though buyers should note the plateau in recent quarters. Minutes from Nashville, this prestigious enclave blends pastoral charm with proximity to urban amenities.
23. Maynardville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.04%
- 2025: $273,615
- 2024: $263,344
- 2023: $237,117
- 2022: $222,529
- 2021: $177,573
- 2020: $158,287
- 2019: $145,630
- 2018: $135,062
- 2017: $127,857
- 2016: $115,431
Maynardville offers impressive capital appreciation with relatively modest entry costs, making it an accessible wealth-building opportunity. The steady upward trajectory without significant corrections suggests sustainable, recession-resistant demand. Buyers entering now can still capture appreciation as values continue their upward climb at a measured pace. Located north of Knoxville, this market combines affordability with the stability of steady demographic inflows.
22. Bell Buckle
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.42%
- 2025: $418,735
- 2024: $400,882
- 2023: $375,169
- 2022: $366,027
- 2021: $292,879
- 2020: $261,954
- 2019: $245,170
- 2018: $221,176
- 2017: $198,779
- 2016: $176,369
Bell Buckle’s real estate has outperformed indexed funds by a significant margin, representing exceptional mid-cap growth in Tennessee’s residential market. The 25% jump between 2020-2021 signals an inflection point where demand dramatically outstripped supply. Current buyers benefit from continued momentum while early investors have seen their equity position more than double. This charming historic town between Nashville and Chattanooga commands premium pricing due to its cultural cachet and limited inventory.
21. Shelbyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.79%
- 2025: $299,718
- 2024: $289,791
- 2023: $273,450
- 2022: $263,195
- 2021: $210,709
- 2020: $192,067
- 2019: $176,208
- 2018: $155,720
- 2017: $139,352
- 2016: $126,045
Shelbyville exemplifies optimal middle-market performance with nearly 138% appreciation translating to significant household wealth creation. Your investment horizon should remain mid-to-long term as the growth curve shows no signs of reversing despite modest cooling. The consistent year-over-year growth makes this an ideal market for building generational wealth through property. Known for its equestrian heritage, Shelbyville benefits from diversified economic drivers maintaining steady demand.
20. Jellico
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.9%
- 2025: $118,407
- 2024: $112,069
- 2023: $93,433
- 2022: $88,508
- 2021: $71,894
- 2020: $65,854
- 2019: $59,329
- 2018: $54,067
- 2017: $51,147
- 2016: $49,772
Jellico presents exceptional starter investment potential with sub-$120K prices despite delivering 137% appreciation over nine years. The dramatic acceleration in 2023-2025 suggests emerging market awareness and potential for continued outsize returns. Your capital goes furthest here, with entry costs less than 10% of College Grove yet nearly identical percentage returns. Situated at the Kentucky border, Jellico offers investors maximum leverage with minimal capital requirements.
19. Caryville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.12%
- 2025: $236,298
- 2024: $217,063
- 2023: $203,777
- 2022: $192,610
- 2021: $151,649
- 2020: $137,494
- 2019: $122,728
- 2018: $112,086
- 2017: $107,157
- 2016: $99,235
Caryville demonstrates powerful wealth-building dynamics with $137K in pure equity creation since 2016. The impressive 8.9% jump from 2023-2024 suggests momentum remains strong despite broader market cooling elsewhere. Your investment here would benefit from both appreciation and relatively low entry costs, maximizing ROI potential. Located near the Cumberland Mountains, Caryville’s strategic position along I-75 ensures steady demand from both locals and travelers.
18. Castalian Springs
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.36%
- 2025: $401,841
- 2024: $385,086
- 2023: $363,400
- 2022: $352,251
- 2021: $283,293
- 2020: $253,860
- 2019: $228,724
- 2018: $211,760
- 2017: $192,087
- 2016: $168,583
Castalian Springs has transformed $168K investments into $401K assets, representing extraordinary capital efficiency in a secondary market. The 24% single-year jump from 2020-2021 highlights how quickly equity positions can accelerate in emerging hot markets. For current buyers, the steady 4-6% annual appreciation since 2022 suggests sustainable growth rather than speculative bubbling. This historic community northeast of Nashville benefits from overflow demand as metropolitan prices rise beyond reach for many buyers.
17. Hilham
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.68%
- 2025: $233,410
- 2024: $214,956
- 2023: $208,579
- 2022: $205,016
- 2021: $163,488
- 2020: $142,572
- 2019: $130,171
- 2018: $116,882
- 2017: $108,129
- 2016: $97,794
Hilham’s market offers remarkable investment efficiency, with values increasing 138% while remaining at accessible price points. The 8.6% surge from 2024-2025 defies broader market trends, suggesting untapped potential still exists in this rural sector. Your investment strategy should consider both appreciation and rental yield potential given the favorable price-to-value ratio. Located near Dale Hollow Lake, Hilham’s recreational appeal drives consistent demand from both primary residents and vacation homebuyers.
16. Clarkrange
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.72%
- 2025: $269,297
- 2024: $245,008
- 2023: $226,367
- 2022: $221,505
- 2021: $173,788
- 2020: $151,223
- 2019: $141,545
- 2018: $131,600
- 2017: $122,205
- 2016: $112,811
Clarkrange has delivered exceptional ROI, generating $156K in equity from a $112K investment over nine years. The pronounced 9.9% jump from 2024-2025 indicates accelerating momentum rather than a peaking market. Your capital would benefit from both continued appreciation and relatively low property tax rates enhancing overall returns. This rural community along the Historic Dixie Highway offers value-conscious investors prime positioning in a consistently appreciating market.
15. Hohenwald
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.66%
- 2025: $220,826
- 2024: $215,487
- 2023: $206,609
- 2022: $200,839
- 2021: $162,297
- 2020: $137,490
- 2019: $122,403
- 2018: $108,925
- 2017: $101,900
- 2016: $92,143
Hohenwald presents compelling wealth-building metrics, having grown $92K investments into $220K assets through sustained appreciation. The substantial 18% value increase from 2020-2021 demonstrates how market sentiment can shift dramatically, creating wealth acceleration phases. Current buyers benefit from moderated price points despite proven performance, offering an accessible entry to a market with demonstrated growth. Centrally located in Lewis County, Hohenwald’s appeal combines affordability with strategic positioning within Tennessee’s growth corridor.
14. White Pine
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.48%
- 2025: $243,975
- 2024: $220,275
- 2023: $197,714
- 2022: $186,827
- 2021: $149,844
- 2020: $137,762
- 2019: $125,377
- 2018: $115,367
- 2017: $105,374
- 2016: $101,452
White Pine’s market dynamics have generated $142K in pure equity growth, representing extraordinary returns relative to conventional investment vehicles. The impressive 10.8% single-year jump from 2023-2024 demonstrates continued market strength despite broader economic headwinds. Your investment horizon should remain optimistic given the consistent pattern of acceleration rather than plateau in recent years. This Jefferson County community benefits from its strategic location between Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains tourism corridor.
13. Mount Pleasant
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.69%
- 2025: $266,304
- 2024: $265,665
- 2023: $256,325
- 2022: $246,109
- 2021: $199,855
- 2020: $168,840
- 2019: $155,075
- 2018: $140,582
- 2017: $124,833
- 2016: $110,185
Mount Pleasant represents exceptional capital efficiency, turning $110K investments into $266K assets through steady appreciation. The remarkable 18.4% jump from 2020-2021 signals how rapidly equity positions can accelerate when market conditions align. Your investment thesis here should consider both the proven track record and the relative stability shown by more modest 2023-2025 growth rates. Located southwest of Columbia, this historic phosphate mining town continues attracting buyers seeking affordable alternatives to Nashville’s metro area.
12. Lafayette
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.81%
- 2025: $254,196
- 2024: $244,170
- 2023: $228,700
- 2022: $228,764
- 2021: $182,401
- 2020: $159,815
- 2019: $145,292
- 2018: $131,786
- 2017: $116,836
- 2016: $105,124
Lafayette’s real estate has produced exceptional capital returns, generating nearly $150K in equity from $105K investments over nine years. The remarkable 25.4% surge from 2020-2021 indicates how quickly wealth positioning can accelerate when market demand shifts dramatically. Your investment here would benefit from continued momentum while remaining at price points that allow maximum leverage of available capital. Situated northeast of Nashville, Lafayette offers investors a strategic position in Tennessee’s expanding commuter corridor without metropolitan pricing pressure.
11. Jamestown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 142.69%
- 2025: $217,683
- 2024: $201,160
- 2023: $184,585
- 2022: $185,753
- 2021: $148,855
- 2020: $121,326
- 2019: $110,100
- 2018: $101,616
- 2017: $96,633
- 2016: $89,696
Jamestown’s real estate has delivered superior investment performance, converting $89K initial capital into $217K assets through sustained appreciation. The impressive 22.7% single-year gain from 2020-2021 demonstrates how quickly wealth positioning can accelerate in emerging markets. Your investment strategy should consider both short-term returns and long-term appreciation as growth continues at an impressive 8.2% from 2023-2024. This charming mountain town on the Cumberland Plateau combines affordability with proven performance metrics.
10. Williamsport
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.32%
- 2025: $411,411
- 2024: $396,526
- 2023: $373,691
- 2022: $377,190
- 2021: $287,988
- 2020: $249,316
- 2019: $220,165
- 2018: $211,800
- 2017: $185,915
- 2016: $167,020
Williamsport has generated exceptional investor returns, producing $244K in equity growth from $167K initial investments. The dramatic 31% value surge from 2020-2021 illustrates how rapidly wealth positions can accelerate when market sentiment shifts decisively. Your capital deployment here benefits from both proven performance and continued upward momentum despite broader market uncertainties. Located southwest of Nashville, Williamsport’s rural charm and accessibility continue attracting buyers seeking value outside metropolitan pricing pressure.
9. Whitleyville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.72%
- 2025: $217,418
- 2024: $196,392
- 2023: $182,116
- 2022: $191,269
- 2021: $156,897
- 2020: $133,327
- 2019: $121,550
- 2018: $107,253
- 2017: $97,759
- 2016: $88,123
Whitleyville demonstrates exceptional investment efficiency, turning modest $88K properties into $217K assets through consistent appreciation. The impressive 10.7% jump from 2023-2024 shows accelerating momentum rather than the market plateau visible in many regions. Your capital deployed here benefits from both continued growth potential and relatively low entry costs compared to similar-performing markets. This scenic community near Dale Hollow Lake offers investors maximized returns while maintaining accessibility for first-time investors.
8. Pigeon Forge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.83%
- 2025: $437,797
- 2024: $464,161
- 2023: $475,570
- 2022: $473,375
- 2021: $335,563
- 2020: $273,199
- 2019: $234,343
- 2018: $213,635
- 2017: $190,555
- 2016: $177,369
Pigeon Forge presents a fascinating investment case study with its tourist-driven market generating $260K in equity despite recent cooling. The extraordinary 41% surge from 2020-2021 demonstrates how vacation markets can experience explosive growth when conditions align. Your investment strategy should consider both appreciation potential and significant rental income opportunities in this high-demand tourist destination. This gateway to the Smoky Mountains benefits from its dual appeal to both investors seeking rental yields and lifestyle buyers seeking vacation properties.
7. Unionville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.77%
- 2025: $345,570
- 2024: $331,469
- 2023: $304,833
- 2022: $293,789
- 2021: $234,781
- 2020: $212,781
- 2019: $195,534
- 2018: $172,999
- 2017: $158,072
- 2016: $138,911
Unionville has delivered premium investment returns, generating $206K in pure equity growth from $138K properties in just nine years. The substantial 24.8% surge between 2020-2021 exemplifies how rapidly wealth positioning can accelerate in emerging markets. Your capital deployed here benefits from proven growth trajectories while maintaining more favorable price-to-income ratios than metropolitan alternatives. This Bedford County community between Nashville and Shelbyville combines rural charm with strategic positioning in Tennessee’s growth corridor.
6. Culleoka
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.91%
- 2025: $417,507
- 2024: $399,825
- 2023: $385,318
- 2022: $377,559
- 2021: $286,452
- 2020: $246,345
- 2019: $222,447
- 2018: $211,104
- 2017: $183,743
- 2016: $167,737
Culleoka demonstrates exceptional capital multiplication, transforming $167K investments into $417K assets through sustained appreciation. The dramatic 31.8% equity surge from 2020-2021 illustrates how rapidly wealth creation can accelerate when market sentiment shifts decisively. Your investment horizon should remain optimistic given the continued 4.4% growth from 2023-2024 despite broader market headwinds. Located south of Columbia, this Maury County community benefits from Nashville’s expansion while maintaining more favorable entry points than metropolitan alternatives.
5. Mason
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 150.06%
- 2025: $165,044
- 2024: $152,452
- 2023: $140,850
- 2022: $134,260
- 2021: $114,165
- 2020: $99,297
- 2019: $88,106
- 2018: $79,100
- 2017: $73,245
- 2016: $66,002
Mason offers exceptional capital efficiency, delivering 150% appreciation while maintaining sub-$200K price points for maximum leverage potential. The notable 8.2% growth from 2023-2024 demonstrates continued momentum in this emerging market rather than plateauing. Your investment dollars stretch furthest here, with entry costs just 13% of College Grove yet delivering superior percentage returns. Located east of Memphis, Mason combines affordability with proximity to a major employment center, creating ideal conditions for continued appreciation.
4. Primm Springs
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 151.1%
- 2025: $571,753
- 2024: $543,132
- 2023: $501,345
- 2022: $532,565
- 2021: $397,028
- 2020: $337,097
- 2019: $306,877
- 2018: $289,369
- 2017: $262,116
- 2016: $227,703
Primm Springs represents premium wealth creation, generating $344K in pure equity from $227K initial investments through sustained appreciation. The extraordinary 34.1% surge from 2020-2021 demonstrates how rapidly wealth positioning can accelerate when limited inventory meets surging demand. Your investment strategy should balance current elevated valuations against the market’s proven ability to outperform broader indexes. This exclusive rural retreat southwest of Nashville combines privacy with proximity, creating enduring appeal for luxury buyers seeking pastoral settings.
3. Chapel Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.8%
- 2025: $389,188
- 2024: $372,723
- 2023: $363,878
- 2022: $354,435
- 2021: $280,391
- 2020: $245,194
- 2019: $222,636
- 2018: $203,333
- 2017: $174,355
- 2016: $153,949
Chapel Hill epitomizes exceptional investment performance, transforming $153K properties into $389K assets in just nine years. The remarkable 26.3% surge between 2020-2021 illustrates how rapidly equity positions can accelerate when market sentiment shifts decisively. Your capital deployment here benefits from both proven growth trajectories and continued 4.4% appreciation from 2023-2024 despite broader cooling trends. Located in Marshall County between Nashville and Lewisburg, this community combines rural charm with strategic positioning within Tennessee’s growth corridor.
2. Santa Fe
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 158.04%
- 2025: $470,100
- 2024: $443,618
- 2023: $426,917
- 2022: $413,541
- 2021: $312,310
- 2020: $278,088
- 2019: $245,927
- 2018: $236,261
- 2017: $202,698
- 2016: $182,182
Santa Fe’s market has delivered extraordinary returns, building $287K in equity from $182K investments through consistent appreciation. The remarkable 34.4% value surge from 2020-2021 demonstrates the explosive growth potential when rural markets suddenly capture urban buyer interest. Your investment would benefit from continued momentum with an impressive 6% growth from 2023-2024 despite broader market headwinds elsewhere. This scenic Maury County community offers a strategic position between Columbia and Nashville, combining rural charm with regional accessibility.
1. Gatlinburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.95%
- 2025: $454,137
- 2024: $485,126
- 2023: $523,370
- 2022: $520,272
- 2021: $343,050
- 2020: $277,558
- 2019: $238,354
- 2018: $214,424
- 2017: $190,627
- 2016: $174,703
Gatlinburg leads Tennessee with extraordinary 160% appreciation, though recent market adjustments require investor attention. The explosive 51.7% surge from 2020-2021 demonstrates unprecedented wealth creation potential when tourist markets experience demand surges. Your investment strategy should carefully weigh recent cooling trends (-7.3% from 2023-2024) against long-term growth potential in this vacation destination. This gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park combines tourism-driven demand with limited developable land, creating enduring appreciation drivers despite cyclical fluctuations.
