As someone who calls Northeast Tennessee home, it’s no surprise to me that Johnson City is drawing in families from across the nation. My family makes the 15 minute drive from Kingsport to Johnson City multiple times each week to enjoy the parks, foods, and shopping options.
Our top 5 favorite things to do in Johnson City are:
- My kiddos favorite Johnson City draw, by far, is Rotary Park. It’s a well kept playground in a wooded area with a splash pad and coverings that make for a perfect cool down spot on a hot day. We have spent more afternoons than I can count on a picnic blanket, with sprinkler soaked sandwiches, at Rotary Park.
- I never miss Johnson City’s “Tree Street” yardsale in September. The beautiful homes of the downtown area, on the streets named after trees, all have a giant community yardsale event. Hundreds of families participate in the selling and moms bearing iced coffees from miles around come to collect treasures.
- Christmas Trees in Founders Park are not to be missed! During the winter we love to stroll through all the decorated Christmas trees on display at Founder’s Park. Local businesses go all out to be the most creative and attention grabbing.
- The Johnson City Public Library playscape. Story time at the library then a picnic at the outdoor natural playground makes for a perfect day out! My kiddos’ favorite part is sliding down the big hill on their bellies.
- Winged Deer Park is a huge outdoor haven. It has lake activities like volleyball, fields for sports teams to practice, playgrounds, picnic areas, disc-golf, boat access, restrooms and much more. My football obsessed middle child always hopes practice will be at Winged Deer.
What’s going on in Johnson City?
Families from coast to coast are setting their sights on the mountains of East Tennessee—and more specifically, on Johnson City. According to MoveBuddha’s recently released 2025 migration trends report, Johnson City tops the list as the #1 place to move in the United States. For parents looking for a safe, fun, and affordable place to raise kids, this gem of the Appalachian Highlands offers small-town comfort with big city perks. So what’s the secret sauce that makes this Northeast Tennessee city such a family favorite?
MoveBuddha Says: Johnson City Is Trending for a Reason
MoveBuddha’s study analyzed over half a million user searches between July 2024 and March 2025 to determine where people were planning to move in the new year. Cities were ranked based on move-to interest compared with population size—and Johnson City came out on top. The winning formula? Johnson City’s mix of affordability, outdoor lifestyle, low traffic, and family-focused amenities.
In the study summary, MoveBuddha said,
Johnson City, TN, boasts under 100,000 people and is a university town nestled in the Appalachian foothills near the famed multi-state hiking trail, where mountain biking, camping, and fishing lakes beckon.
With median home prices around $280,000, access to top-rated public schools, and wide-open spaces for kids to roam, Johnson City offers a rare balance between cost of living and quality of life. Families moving from higher-cost areas like Nashville, Charlotte, or even California are finding more square footage, shorter commutes, and deeper community roots.
Strong Schools
One of Johnson City’s biggest selling points for families is its school system. Johnson City Schools consistently earn high marks for academic performance, arts programs, and extracurriculars. Standout public schools include Indian Trail Intermediate, Liberty Bell Middle School, and Science Hill High School, which offers dual enrollment, AP courses, and career-track pathways.
Private options abound as well, including Providence Academy, Ashley Academy, and St. Mary’s Catholic School. For parents seeking a unique academic experience, University School, located on the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) campus, offers a lab-style K–12 environment that blends innovation with hands-on learning. Families with young children will also appreciate Johnson City’s many preschools, Montessori programs, and early childhood centers.
Outdoor Fun and Natural Beauty Around Every Corner
Johnson City is a nature lover’s paradise—and it’s all family-friendly. Buffalo Mountain Park, perched on the city’s edge, offers moderate hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and shaded picnic spots perfect for weekend outings. For biking and walking, the Tweetsie Trail stretches for 10 miles along a converted railroad bed, offering a flat, paved path ideal for strollers and scooters.
Water lovers can explore Winged Deer Park on Boone Lake, where there’s fishing, swimming, volleyball courts, and large playgrounds. Founders Park, located downtown, features a peaceful creek, splash pad, amphitheater, and grassy lawn for concerts and playdates. And don’t miss Willow Springs Park—a neighborhood favorite with rolling hills, shaded trails, and tons of open play space.
Health and Wellness for the Whole Family
When it comes to health, parents want the best for their kids—and Johnson City delivers. The city is home to Niswonger Children’s Hospital, one of the top pediatric centers in the region, offering specialized care just minutes from home. Johnson City Medical Center provides comprehensive family healthcare, and ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine brings medical innovation and access to cutting-edge treatments.
Whether your child needs a pediatrician, speech therapist, or allergy specialist, families have plenty of trusted choices close by.
Family-Friendly Bites in Johnson City
Food matters—and in Johnson City, you won’t go hungry. The city’s restaurant scene is casual, creative, and packed with kid-approved options. For brunch or a treat, Main Street Pizza Company serves up wood-fired pies and house-made mozzarella. Looking for comfort food with a twist? Head to Mid City Grill, known for its legendary burgers, tater tots, and milkshakes.
Kids who love breakfast for dinner will adore Pals Sudden Service, a beloved local chain where fast food meets cult classic (and yes, the fries are that good). For a more scenic setting, try Yee-Haw Brewing Co. & White Duck Taco, where adults can enjoy craft beer while kids chow down on fun taco combos by the outdoor fire pits.
A Four-Season Playground
Johnson City’s weather might just be perfect. The climate is mild for the South, thanks to its elevation at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Winters are short and rarely harsh, with just enough snow to make it fun. Spring brings colorful blooms and cool mornings, while fall is a postcard of orange and gold. Summer days are warm but manageable, especially with so many lakes and splash pads nearby.
Plus, the views are unbeatable—watching the sun dip behind Buffalo Mountain is a family memory in the making.
Fun Facts About Johnson City
- It has its own theme song—no joke. Country musician Billy Walker recorded “Johnson City, Tennessee” in the 1960s.
- Pals Sudden Service, founded in nearby Kingsport, has a drive-thru training program so good, it’s studied in business schools.
- Johnson City is part of the region famously referenced in the song “Wagon Wheel” (“Headin’ down south to the land of the pines… I made it down the coast in seventeen hours, pickin’ me a bouquet of dogwood flowers… and I’m a-hopin’ for Raleigh, I can see my baby tonight”).
- The town’s nickname is “Little Chicago”—a Prohibition-era nod to its speakeasy history and once-bustling rail trade.
Why Johnson City Truly Stands Out
Affordable homes, great schools, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community—it’s no wonder Johnson City captured MoveBuddha’s top spot. For families considering a fresh start, this East Tennessee town blends outdoor adventure with small-town comfort and modern resources.
Whether you’re raising toddlers or teens, Johnson City makes it easier to slow down, connect, and enjoy the moments that matter. From sunny trail walks to cozy bookstore visits and late-night ice cream runs, the memories you make here may just last a lifetime.
Ready to explore Johnson City for yourself? Whether it’s a weekend visit or a full-blown relocation, this top-ranked city invites families to discover what makes it not just a great place to move, but a wonderful place to grow.
