Living in Downtown

In the heart of Northeast Tennessee, Downtown Johnson City offers more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Here, historic storefronts meet modern lifestyles; the mountains are always a short drive away, and your favorite coffee, restaurant or live-music venue might just be around the corner.

Walk, bike or ride: explore independent shops, catch a live show, or wander into a park — all within your neighborhood.

Whether you’re seeking the energy of an urban core or the ease of access to nature, this is a place where community, culture and the Appalachian backdrop converge.

Neighborhood & Lifestyle

Essentials

Downtown Johnson City is built around the day-to-day conveniences that make urban living easy. More than 275 locally owned businesses call our district home—coffee shops, restaurants, services, boutiques, fitness studios, and everything in between. Whether you’re grabbing groceries, picking up takeout, getting a haircut, or stopping in at a neighborhood bookstore, the essentials are always a short walk away. Living here means supporting a thriving small-business community that keeps your dollars local and the district vibrant.

Events & Community

Living downtown means you’re never far from something happening. From concerts and festivals to markets and family-friendly gatherings, the district stays active year-round. Seasonal favorites, small pop-up happenings, cultural events, and Main Street programs all contribute to a neighborhood that feels alive and welcoming. Community connection isn’t a special occasion. It’s built into the rhythm of living here.

Parks & Outdoors

Our downtown is framed by some of the region’s most inviting green spaces. Founders Park offers wide open lawns, water features, and public art; King Commons brings walking paths and community gathering areas; the Tweetsie Trail and Tannery Knobs give residents instant access to biking, hiking, and mountain views. Outdoors isn’t an afterthought here—it’s part of everyday life. Step out your front door and you’re already on your way to a trail, a park bench, or a quiet moment by the creek.

Live Downtown

Founders Park

Founders Park is a 5-acre greenspace located in downtown Johnson City. Completed in 2014 as part of a stormwater retention project to mitigate flooding, the park offers an amphitheater, walking paths, a creek, and a variety of public art. Adjacent to the park is a large open-air pavilion.