Highland Hills Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Nestled in the rolling hills just south of Tennessee's oldest town, Highland Hills is a serene, established residential neighborhood that offers a peaceful retreat with convenient access to Jonesborough's historic charm. Developed primarily in the 1990s and early 2000s, the neighborhood is characterized by its spacious lots, mature hardwood trees, and quiet, winding streets that follow the natural contours of the land. Its location on the southern edge of town provides a semi-rural feel, with many homes enjoying scenic views of the surrounding countryside, while being only minutes from downtown Jonesborough and a short drive to Johnson City.
The character of Highland Hills is one of quiet stability and pride of ownership. Residents enjoy a strong sense of privacy and connection to nature, with deer and wildlife commonly spotted in the area. The neighborhood lacks through-traffic, making it ideal for walking, jogging, and family bike rides. This setting appeals to those seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing proximity to the cultural and community events that make Jonesborough, the Storytelling Capital of the World, a unique and vibrant place to live.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Highland Hills consists predominantly of single-family homes, ranging from traditional two-story colonials and sprawling ranch-style houses to more modern craftsman-inspired designs. Homes are typically situated on generous lots, often an acre or more, providing ample yard space and a sense of separation. Construction quality is generally high, with many homes featuring brick or vinyl siding, attached garages, and well-maintained landscaping that complements the wooded setting.
Price ranges in this desirable neighborhood typically fall within the upper tier for the Jonesborough area, reflecting the lot sizes, home square footage, and peaceful location. The market is overwhelmingly owner-occupied, with a very low percentage of rental properties, contributing to the neighborhood's stable and invested community feel. Recent trends show continued strong demand, with homes selling relatively quickly, as buyers from both the Tri-Cities region and out-of-state seek the combination of space, tranquility, and small-town accessibility that Highland Hills uniquely offers.
Schools & Education
Highland Hills is served by the highly regarded Washington County School District. Students typically attend Jonesborough Elementary School, a school known for its strong community involvement and academic programs, followed by Jonesborough Middle School and David Crockett High School. The district is recognized for its commitment to student achievement and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, advanced placement courses, and vocational training opportunities at the high school level.
For private education, several reputable options are within a reasonable commute, including schools in Johnson City. Higher education is readily accessible, with East Tennessee State University in nearby Johnson City providing a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The neighborhood's location makes it a popular choice for educators, university staff, and families who prioritize a strong public school system within a family-friendly community environment.
Parks & Recreation
While Highland Hills itself is more of a residential enclave, its proximity to exceptional public parks and recreational areas is a major draw. The Jonesborough Linear Trail, a paved walking and biking path, is easily accessible and connects to downtown, offering a safe and scenic route for exercise and leisure. For more extensive outdoor activities, the 200-acre Persimmon Ridge Park is just a short drive away, featuring soccer and baseball complexes, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and extensive wooded trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
Residents also enjoy quick access to the natural beauty of the wider region. Boone Lake and the Cherokee National Forest are within a 30-minute drive, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The downtown Jonesborough area itself serves as a cultural park of sorts, with its historic district, storytelling center, and numerous festivals providing year-round recreational and cultural engagement right at the neighborhood's doorstep.
Local Dining & Shopping
Daily conveniences and shopping are centered on the nearby Jonesborough Marketplace, which includes a Food City grocery store, various retail shops, and service-oriented businesses, all less than a five-minute drive from most homes in Highland Hills. For a more unique and historic shopping and dining experience, downtown Jonesborough is the undeniable heart. Here, residents can stroll Main Street and explore boutique shops, antique stores, art galleries, and the iconic Jonesborough General Store.
The dining scene in and around Jonesborough caters to a variety of tastes, from cozy cafes and coffee shops perfect for a morning pastry to well-regarded restaurants like The Dining Room at the McKinney Center or Main Street Cafe, offering everything from Southern comfort food to more refined cuisine. For broader retail and chain restaurant options, the commercial corridors of Johnson City are only a 15-minute drive away, providing comprehensive shopping at The Mall at Johnson City and a vast array of dining choices.
Who Lives Here
Highland Hills attracts a demographic that values tranquility, space, and a strong sense of community. The neighborhood is popular with established professionals, including those working in healthcare at the nearby Johnson City Medical Center, educators from the local school district and ETSU, and retirees seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. Many residents are long-term homeowners, contributing to the neighborhood's stable and neighborly atmosphere where people know one another and look out for each other's properties.
The community vibe is one of quiet, respectful privacy combined with an underlying friendliness. It is a neighborhood where families can raise children in a safe environment with excellent schools, and where empty-nesters can enjoy their homes as a serene sanctuary. People drawn to Highland Hills are typically those who appreciate the aesthetics of nature, desire a home with character
Top Real Estate Agents in Highland Hills, Jonesborough
Merit Criteria — Agents must hold an active license verified by
Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), maintain a minimum 4.5-star consumer rating with
10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months, have
5+ years of documented experience, and pass both AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review. Fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets qualify. No agent can pay for inclusion or ranking position.
7 agents met the full merit gate for Highland Hills, Jonesborough, TN, selected from over 50,000 licensed Tennessee professionals.
5.0 stars
169+ verified reviews
License: 1187320
Folsom Lake Realty
32+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 220-4000
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://folsomlakerealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/FolsomLakeRealty
Why selected: Selected for her deep community leadership as President/co-founder of a youth cycling nonprofit and board member of three organizations. This is paired with a 5-star rating from 169 reviews and over 30 years of market expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.8 stars
81+ verified reviews
License: 1850058
Compass
22+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 840-5300
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://darya916.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Darya%20Ghomeshi
Why selected: Selected for his 20+ year commitment to the community through his professional practice, evidenced by an exceptional 4.8-star rating from 81 client reviews. His longstanding career and featured industry presence demonstrate consistent excellence.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
56+ verified reviews
License: 1466952
Real Broker
21+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 365-3697
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://andreaduane.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndreaDuane
Why selected: Selected for her 35+ years of active community engagement and leadership in local initiatives. She combines this with a proven track record of 425+ transactions and 56 five-star reviews, backed by 20 years of expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
28+ verified reviews
License: 2247613
Keller Williams Realty
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 343-0372
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jenicawilliams.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jenicawilliams
Why selected: Selected for her deep community commitment and leadership since 2005, she also delivers top-tier results with a 5-star rating across 28 reviews and ranking in the top 5% of agents.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
28+ verified reviews
License: 976148
Jackie Dean Real Estate
19+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 458-1600
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jackiedean.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jackie%20dean
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership as a broker since 2014, combined with exceptional client satisfaction reflected in 28 five-star reviews and nearly two decades of expert market experience.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
27+ verified reviews
License: 1947556
eXp Realty of California
11+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (530) 306-8837
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://angelacarocci.exprealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Angie%20Carocci%20ACRE
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots as a lifelong local resident and her perfect 5-star rating across 27 reviews. She combines 10 years of dedicated experience with a specialized focus on first-time homebuyer advocacy.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
24+ verified reviews
License: 1043604
eXp Realty
26+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 813-3534
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.annaboyd.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/callanna
Why selected: Selected for her leadership as a board member of the El Dorado Association of Realtors, demonstrating significant community involvement. She is further distinguished by 25 years of experience and a perfect 24 five-star reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.