Townsend, Tennessee Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Townsend Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
-
Short Term City Rating5.3
-
Competition
4.7 -
Real Estate Cost
5.4 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
3.9 -
Rental Rates
7.0
Townsend, Tennessee Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 462
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Blount
- Airports
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Want to learn more about Townsend?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Townsend rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Townsend rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Townsend.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Townsend guests.
Interested in other Tennessee cities?
Check out the Tennessee Airbnb rules directory
What makes Townsend a great place to invest?
- Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Townsend is known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring America's most visited national park. With its stunning vistas, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, the park offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Rich History and Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Townsend by visiting the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, where you can explore the region's Native American, pioneer, and Appalachian culture through interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and engaging programs.
- Cades Cove: Just a short drive from Townsend, you'll find the picturesque valley of Cades Cove, an iconic destination that showcases the area's natural beauty and history. This 11-mile loop road offers majestic views of the valley, historic structures, and ample opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears.
- Outdoor Adventure: Townsend is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and fishing. The nearby Tuckaleechee Caverns, a spectacular underground world of breathtaking formations, offers guided tours for an unforgettable subterranean experience.
- Warm Hospitality and Quaint Accommodations: In Townsend, you'll discover a variety of cozy lodging options, from charming bed-and-breakfasts to rustic cabins and modern hotels. Experience the warm hospitality of this friendly town and make new memories that will last a lifetime.
- Local Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Townsend hosts a range of vibrant events, including the Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Townsend Spring and Fall Heritage Festivals, and the Townsend Grains & Grits Festival. These events showcase local arts, crafts, cuisine, and music, allowing visitors to experience the unique character of this charming mountain town.
Townsend Nearby Cities
-
-
11 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
-
-
-
14 miles away
- Rating: 4.7
-
Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Townsend?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Townsend has increased 0% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $321, which is higher than the national average.
-
Median Sale Price
-
$534,494
0% YoY
-
Median per Square Foot
-
$321
-15% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Townsend
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Townsend, Tennessee
Common terms for Townsend short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Townsend has a description approximately 2,799 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,823 listings in Townsend, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Cabin, Smoky Mountain, Hot tub, Pigeon Forge, Deck, Game, Pool, Wears Valley, Family, and View.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Townsend?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Townsend involve Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Viewing, Antiquing, and Theme Parks. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
-
Hiking
-
Horseback Riding
-
Wildlife Viewing
-
Antiquing
-
Theme Parks
-
Museums
-
Mountain Biking
-
Water Tubing
-
Cycling
-
Swimming
-
Outlet Shopping
-
Water Parks
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Townsend, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Island at Pigeon Forge, and Titanic Museum. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Cades Cove
Included on 71% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters
Included on 63% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park
Included on 61% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Included on 60% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Included on 59% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Island at Pigeon Forge
Included on 59% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Titanic Museum
Included on 57% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Dollywood
Included on 56% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Included on 55% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
Included on 54% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Included on 54% of listings
What’s the weather like in Townsend, Tennessee?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 69°, while the average low is about 50°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 43 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is relatively rare, averaging less than 4 inches per year. The humidity levels in Townsend are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
34° Low 51° High
Spring
March through May
50° Low 70° High
Summer
June through August
68° Low 86° High
Fall
September through November
51° Low 70° High
Cities Near Townsend
Townsend, Tennessee, is located in Blount County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
