Retire to Tennessee

Counties

McMinn County:

McMinn County was created in 1819 from Native American lands and was named in honor of Joseph McMinn (1758-1824). Joseph McMinn was a militia commander during the Revolutionary War, a member of the territorial legislature, speaker of the state senate, and eventually governor of the state of Tennessee. McMinn died October 17, 1824, and is buried at Shiloh Presbyterian Cemetery, Calhoun, Tennessee.

McMinn County is located in Southeastern Tennessee along the I-75 and U.S. 411 corridors. With a population of 51,000 people, the 430 square mile county is considered rural. Though considered rural, the county has a significant amount of industry with new industries choosing to locate here at a record pace. Notable industries, such as Mayfield Dairy Farms, Bowater Newsprint, Johnson Controls, J.M. Huber Corporation, DENSO Manufacturing, Heil Company, Johns Manville, Thomas and Betts and Texas Hydraulics all choose to operate from McMinn County. With a transportation network that includes a major interstate, two U.S. highways, numerous Tennessee state highways, a navigable river, an excellent airport and two major rail lines, it is no surprise these companies have decided to call McMinn County home.

McMinn County is a progressive county with one of the lowest tax burdens per capita in the nation. The quality of life continues to improve each year for this county that lies half way between the metropolitan areas of Knoxville and Chattanooga and has the Cherokee National Forest as its eastern border.

McMinn County Statistics:

Cost of living:
2011 cost of living in McMinn County: 83.1 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Median price of homes:
$102,400

Population of city/county and/or median age:
County Population (2011): 52,971
Median age: 37.9 years old

Average year-round temperature/weather:
Average July high: 88°F
Average January low: 25.9°F
Average annual rainfall: 56.1 inches
Average annual snowfall: 5.2 inches

Recreational and Cultural:

Attractions

Chilhowee Gliderport

Delano Daylilies

Gem Theater

Lost Sea

Maize Quest at Guthrie Farms

Mayfield Dairy Visitor Center

Mayfield/Mason Corn Maze

Masons Corn Maize

Mid-Way Drive In Movie Theater

Mouse Creek Nursery

Ocoee Whitewater Center

Pheasant Fields Fish Rearing Pools

Savannah Oaks Winery

Sunshine Hollow

The River Maze at Ocoee

Outdoor Adventure

Rapelling

Hiking Trails

Mountain Biking

Horseback Riding

Llama Trekking

Boating

Fishing

Hunting

Shooting Ranges

Golf Courses

Historical Sites & Museums

Fort Loudoun State Park

Fort Marr

Reliance Historic District

Education:

Colleges & Vocational Schools

McMinn County Vocational Center

Tennessee Technology Center at Athens

Tennessee Wesleyan College

Athens Junior High

Calhoun Elementary

City Park Elementary School

Englewood Elementary

Etowah City Schools

Ingleside Elementary School

McMinn Central High School

McMinn County High

Mountain View Elementary

Niota Elementary

North City School

Riceville Elementary

Westside Elementary School

ESL (Centennial School)

Specialized Educational Facilities

Patchwerk's Computer School

Shopping:

Open-air markets, are numerous in the Athens community.

There are four shopping centers located in the Athens area. Many major department stores are located within theses shopping complexes thereby aiding in consumer selection.

Lowe's Home Improvement

Wal-Mart

Medical Facilities:

Athens Regional Medical Center

Woods Memorial Hospital District

Additional Information:

Cities and towns

• Athens
• Calhoun
• Claxton (unincorporated)
• Delano (unincorporated)
• Englewood
• Etowah
• Niota
• Riceville (unincorporated)
• Sweetwater (partial)

Airport

McMinn County Airport