Welcome to Rhea County, Tennessee

Imagine the grace and history of the old south, gently blended with city sophistication and country contentment. This is Rhea County, Tennessee. Home never felt so right.

Rhea County, a certified three-star community in Eastern Tennessee, has something for everyone. Located between the shores of the Tennessee River and the Cumberland Plateau, the scenic beauty of the area is not to be outdone by the convenience of shopping, educational opportunities, spiritual fostering and recreational activities.

In Northern Rhea County, Spring City is situated on the banks of 35,000 acre Watts Bar Lake. Water enthusiasts will enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and skiing on this pristine body of water. Spring City is also home to the Tennessee Valley Theater, which offers a dinner theater experience with six different productions each year.

Central Rhea County is home to Dayton, the County Seat, which has earned the distinction of being certified by the state of Tennessee as a Main Street community. Dayton has a quaint old fashioned "down town" with modern shops and restaurants. The Rhea County Courthouse, in the center of town, houses both a modern courtroom, and the Scopes Trial Museum. Older homes are of the Craftsman, Victorian and Edwardian styles.

The south end of Rhea County boasts the quaint, quiet community of Graysville. Named for Billy Gray, the town's first postmaster, Graysville has a reputation for celebrating Independence Day, and when autumn leaves start to fall, the folks in Graysville turn their attention toward the Annual Apple Festival.

Rhea County is centrally located between Chattanooga and Knoxville. These major cities offer a wide range of entertainment and cultural opportunities.

With everything Rhea County has to offer - if you don't find it here, you probably don't need it.

Population (2003): 29,286
Hospital Beds*: 49
Health & Medical Professionals: 98
Average cost of Home: $76,700
Places of Worship: 130+
Denominations Represented: 70+
Commercial passenger air service is available at both Chattanooga (35 miles south), and Knoxville (75 miles north).
* Rhea Medical Center is currently building a new facility which will open in mid-2007.

For more information about retiring in Tennessee please see: www.retiretennessee.org.