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Relocation guide
Moving to Johnson City, Tennessee
Johnson City is one of the three Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee, along with Kingsport and Bristol. ETSU and Ballad Health are major employers here, Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, and most newcomers compare Johnson City neighborhoods with Jonesborough, Gray and Elizabethton before they buy.
- Region
- Tri-Cities, Northeast Tennessee
- Major employers
- ETSU, Ballad Health
- State income tax
- None
- Airport
- Tri-Cities Airport, Blountville
Compare these areas first
Each of these feels different, and a weekend drive will not show you all of it.
- Tree Streets: historic homes close to ETSU and downtown
- Downtown Johnson City: urban living mixed with shops and restaurants
- North Johnson City and Boones Creek: more suburban, often with bigger yards
- Jonesborough: Tennessee's oldest town, with a walkable Main Street
- Elizabethton: rivers, Watauga Lake and the Cherokee National Forest close by
Check these before you buy
- Whether water, sewer, trash and internet come from the city or the county, because it changes by address
- The school zone for the exact property, before you close
- Property tax, which differs between Washington County and the Johnson City portion
- Your commute at the hour you would drive it
Getting around and flying out
Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville has routes to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Orlando and Washington, D.C. The Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Biltmore Estate are all within reach for a day or weekend trip.
Why we tell people not to rush
When our family moved to East Tennessee from city life, we felt rushed by rentals that were never meant for long stays. A 3-month stay gives you time to see a neighborhood on a Tuesday morning as well as a Saturday. Past guests searched from our furnished Johnson City home and found homes and land in Jonesborough. If you want that kind of time, send Sophia your dates.
Common questions
Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live?
It depends on what you want, and it suits people who want mountains close by and a lower cost of living than most of the country. One local relocation guide puts the cost of living at roughly 10 to 15 percent below the national average.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. Check with a tax professional about your own situation.
How long should I rent before buying in Johnson City?
We suggest at least 3 months, which is our minimum stay. That gives you time to learn the areas and wait for the right property to come on the market.
Related
Sources
Last reviewed November 2026.
Take your time finding the right place
See an estimate for your dates, and Sophia will write back with a quote.