Retire to Tennessee

Counties

Polk County:

Polk County, Tennessee is the home of the Ocoee River. No matter what other areas claim, they can't claim one of the most exciting whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. It's also home to the Cherokee National Forest, a favorite for hunters and fishermen, as well as campers and photographers.

Train lovers and kids of all ages will enjoy the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure, a trip that will take you to the top of the famous "Hiwassee Loop" where the tracks cross over themselves as they corkscrew up a mountain.

History buffs will delight in museums, historic sites, and Cherokee history. Antique hunters and collectors will be right at home in our shops and galleries. Our music and art will nourish your soul.

Polk County Statistics:
Average year-round temperature/weather:
Rainfall (in.) 55.9

Snowfall (in.) 2.1

Avg. July High 88.1

Avg. Jan. Low 27

Median price of homes: $86,200

Cost of living:
Polk County's cost of living is 13.96% Lower than the U.S. average.

2008 cost of living index in Polk County: 78.1 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Population of city/county and/or median age:
15,678 (2009)

Median resident age: 38.6

Recreational and Cultural:
Ocoee River:

Hiwassee River

Conasauga River

Parksville Lake (Lake Ocoee)

Ocoee Whitewater Center

Horseback Riding in the Cherokee National Forest

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Nancy Ward & Five Killer gravesites

Education:
Benton Elementary School

Chilhowee Middle School

Copper Basin High School

Copper Basin Elementary School

Polk County High School

South Polk Elementary School

Colleges and Universities
Kinsey Junior College

Cleveland State Community College

Tennessee Wesleyan College

Lee University

Appalachian Technical College
Medical Facilities:

Copper Basin Medical Center

Fannin Regional Hospital

Woods Memorial Hospital

Sky Ridge Medical Center

Crime Rate: VERY LOW

Additional Information:
Cities and towns
* Benton

* Copperhill

* Ducktown

Unincorporated communities
* Delano

* Farner

* Ocoee

* Old Fort

* Reliance

* Turtletown