Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

What It Is Like to Retire in Pigeon forge

Pigeon Forge, is a small town in East Tennessee, that is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a tourist destination with millions visiting each year due to its southern culture, country music, and its proximity to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the country. The town's name comes in part from the Little Pigeon River which runs through it, (due from numerous passenger pigeons who flew into the valley before becoming extinct), and from the bloomery forge built by Isaac Love in 1817.  Where To Retire Magazine recognized Pigeon Forge as one of “8 Captivating Park Cities” with its natural beauty and as the back door leading to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They also noted its Southern charm and low cost of living, Picture with mountain in background by J654567 in Wikipeida, picture of Pigeon Forge Mill and Pigeon Forge Sign courtesy of Wikipedia and Brian Stansberry, both Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ .

Watch this short video prepared by Jessica Bookstaff Doppelt:

<iframe width="300" height="200" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3RX1SrXIeko" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here is Topretirements Mini-Guide To Retirement in Tennessee

Where to Retire in Pigeon forge and Home Prices

Zillow reports the Home Value Index to be $223,603 in late 2020.

What Is Special about Pigeon forge

Pigeon Forge is a small town in a beautiful location with a low cost of living.  The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a few miles away, along with all sorts of outdoor recreation; there are many entertainment and dining choices.

What Is Not Special about Pigeon forge

It is a tourist destination with millions of visitors passing through each year; high crime rate; It is not a walkable community and there is no traditonal or historical downtown area.

Who Will Like Retirement in Pigeon forge

Retirees who want a small town with lots to do, an active communtiy center, parks, and a Riverwalk, may enjoy living in Pigeon Forge. 

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy is driven by tourism.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is 35 degrees, and the town does see a little snow during the winter months.  July's average is about 75 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

As a tourist attraction, Pigeon Forge offers many restaurants, recreation opportunities, and musical venues. The popular Dollywood Theme Park and Dixie Stampede theater, both owned by country music superstar Dolly Parton, are also located nearby. For residents, the town has an active community center, an award winning Department of Parks and Recreation for its programs and facilities, and offers over 130 acres of park land and nearly 2 miles of greenways.  

Crime

The crime rate here is high with most incidents involving theft.

Medical facilities

Leconte Medical Center in Sevierville is the nearest hospital, about 5 miles away.

Transportation

Knoxville's airport is about 35 miles away.

Valuable Links

Pigeon Forge, TN City of Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains National Park