Johnson City and Jonesborough — Tennessee's oldest town meets a growing Tri-Cities economy. ETSU, healthcare jobs, and Appalachian charm.
Yes — Washington County allows barndominiums in agricultural zones. Jonesborough's historic district has stricter standards, but rural areas are flexible.
| Zone | Min Lot | Barndo OK? |
|---|---|---|
| A (Agricultural) | 2 acres | ✅ Yes |
| R-1 (Low Density Residential) | 1 acre | ⚠️ Conditional |
| R-2 (General Residential) | 12,000 sqft | ❌ No |
Source: Washington County/Johnson City Planning Commission
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Washington County Building Dept 222 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659 (423) 753-1651 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Low flood risk. Only 9% of land is in FEMA zones. The Watauga and Nolichucky rivers create limited flood areas.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
Moderate pricing at $24K/acre. Johnson City's growth is pushing prices up, but outer areas remain affordable.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Washington County Assessor
Washington County has the best of northeast Tennessee: ETSU brings youth and culture, Jonesborough brings history, and the mountains bring beauty.
Jonesborough was founded in 1779 — Tennessee's first town. Historic charm meets modern living.
East Tennessee State University and regional hospitals are major employers.
Roan Mountain, Watauga Lake, and the Appalachian Trail are all within 30-45 minutes.
Good infrastructure near Johnson City. Rural areas use wells and septic. Broadband available in populated areas.
Rural areas of Washington County qualify for USDA Rural Development. Johnson City proper is excluded.
We're building a tool that scores every parcel by buildability — flood risk, soil, zoning, access, and more. Be the first to search.
New listings, zoning changes, and builder availability — delivered to your inbox.
Making products from home?
A new tax law lets you deduct 100% of a production workshop — not just equipment, the building itself.
See if you qualify →New listings, zoning changes, and builder availability — delivered to your inbox.