WORKING IN DOWNTOWN

A man browsing vinyl records at a record store, surrounded by shelves filled with records and collectibles.
  • Downtown Johnson City’s business community is tight-knit, collaborative, and genuinely supportive. Independent shops, creative studios, professional services, and entrepreneurs all share the same streets and that mix creates a culture where people know each other, help each other, and celebrate each other’s wins. Whether you're grabbing coffee, attending a Main Street event, or joining a networking meetup, you’re part of a community that wants to see you succeed.

  • Working downtown means everything you need is close at hand. Co-working spaces, lunch spots, meeting venues, and everyday essentials are within a few walkable blocks. Parking options, transit access, and bike-friendly routes make getting around easy, and parks like Founders Park and King Commons offer quick escapes for fresh air on your lunch break. It’s a simple, streamlined way to work—no wasted time, no long commutes, just a practical daily rhythm.

  • Downtown is built for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. From start-up checklists to local resources, grants, and business development support, the district offers a strong foundation for launching or relocating your company. With a built-in customer base, high foot traffic, and a supportive Main Street network, downtown gives new ventures the momentum they need from day one. This is where small businesses can plant roots and grow with the community.

DOWNTOWN JOHNSON CITY STATS

279+ Businesses

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655,675+ Annual Visitors

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3,300,000+ Unique Visits

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87 Minutes per Visit

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279+ Businesses - 655,675+ Annual Visitors - 3,300,000+ Unique Visits - 87 Minutes per Visit -

Get to Know Downtown

Downtown Johnson City is a growing, active district shaped by small businesses, steady foot traffic, and a community that keeps choosing local. The numbers tell the story.

Business Community
More than 275 businesses operate in the downtown district—shops, restaurants, services, studios, and professional offices that form the backbone of our local economy.

Visitor Activity
Over the last 12 months, Downtown Johnson City welcomed 642,400+ visitors with 3.3m visits, marking a 10% increase since 2022. People aren’t just stopping in—they’re staying. Visitors spend an average of 86 minutes exploring downtown, supporting local shops, dining, and enjoying everything the district offers.

A District on the Rise
The continued growth in activity, investment, and small-business development shows a district that’s gaining momentum year after year. Downtown isn’t just busy—it’s becoming a destination.

A view of downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, at dusk, featuring a park with winding paths, a small stream, and a circular seating area with the Tennessee state emblem. Surrounding buildings include a church, shops, and parking areas with cars, with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
A retail shop with a woman customer at the counter talking to a smiling cashier. The shop has various decorative items and jewelry displayed on the counter and shelves.

Local Support

As the heart of Johnson City, downtown is where ideas come to life and businesses thrive. We’re dedicated to building a supportive, energetic community for everyone — from first-time entrepreneurs to established business owners and future residents. Through creative initiatives, public space improvements, and programs that celebrate local culture, downtown offers the perfect environment to invest, grow, and belong.

  • Reimagine vacant spaces and explore what’s possible downtown.

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  • Want to invest into a property for current and future generations? Find funding and grants.

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  • Find support, tools, and funding to grow your downtown businesses.

    Business Resource Hub

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  • Empowering downtown businesses with grants up to $4,000 to grow and thrive.

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