Top 14 Tiny House Communities in Tennessee
Complete directory of tiny house and small-home communities across Tennessee—from the Smoky Mountains to Nashville—with amenities, costs, zoning notes, and how to join.
TLDR: Tennessee Tiny House Communities
- Diverse Locations: 14 established communities across Tennessee, spanning from the Smoky Mountains to Nashville's urban outskirts.
- Tax Benefits: No state income tax and a low cost of living make Tennessee highly attractive for out-of-state remote workers and retirees.
- Mountain Luxury: "The Retreat" series of communities by Oakstone offers incredible luxury tiny living options along the Cumberland Plateau with high rental income potential.
- BYOH vs Built: A healthy mix of bring-your-own-home (BYOH) parks and developer-built foundation communities are available.
Why Choose Tennessee for Tiny Living?
Tennessee offers an eclectic mix of tiny house communities spanning the Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville's urban outskirts, and rural Middle Tennessee. The state's low cost of living, zero state income tax, and diverse landscapes—from mountain valleys to rolling hills—create an incredibly attractive environment for tiny living.
Before joining a community, make sure you understand Tennessee tiny house zoning laws so you know what to expect. Most communities handle the legal side for you, but it helps to know the rules. If you prefer to build your own tiny house instead of buying one already in the community, check out our directory of Tennessee builders who can create a custom home that fits specific community aesthetics.
East Tennessee & Smoky Mountains
1. Richmond Orchard Tiny Home Conservation Community
Richmond Orchard is Knoxville's answer to urban tiny living, offering a conservation-minded community of modern cottages on a 2.68-acre site off Western Avenue. Unlike movable THOW communities, Richmond Orchard features foundation-built homes that exceed Knoxville's 320-square-foot minimum. The site is divided between home sites and a protected wooded hillside managed as a natural conservation area.
Amenities: Fire pit, community garden (one row per cottage), three porches per home, wooded conservation area, modern design.
Visit Website2. Smoky Mountain Tiny House Village
Positioned at the gateway to Tennessee's most visited national park, this community offers tiny home living with immediate access to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The community operates as both a vacation rental hub and a long-term residential option. The location makes it ideal for investors who want rental income during peak tourist seasons while retaining personal use during quieter months.
Amenities: Fire pits, picnic areas, Wi-Fi, on-site management, near Dollywood and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visit Website3. Lookout Mountain Tiny Home Community
Lookout Mountain Tiny Home Community offers a rare combination of mountain living and city proximity, situated near the Tennessee-Georgia border. The community welcomes both tiny homes on wheels (meeting certification standards) and small foundation-built cottages. You're minutes from Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and Chattanooga's revitalized downtown.
Amenities: Mountain views, walking trails, fire pits, community garden, picnic areas, close to downtown Chattanooga.
Visit WebsiteMiddle Tennessee & Nashville Area
4. Piney River Resort
Piney River Resort sits on the banks of the Piney River in Bon Aqua, about 45 minutes west of Nashville. The property mixes 63 RV-friendly sites with four park model tiny home rentals and a luxury glamping tent. The river is the main draw: kayaking, fishing, and lazy afternoons on the water define the summer experience.
Amenities: River access, kayaking, hiking trails, campfires, picnic area, Wi-Fi, near Nashville and local wineries.
Visit Website5. Infinity Village
Infinity Village represents a different model of tiny living—one focused on social impact rather than recreation. Created by the interfaith group Infinity Fellowship, this micro-home village provides transitional housing for Nashville's homeless population. While not a traditional tiny house community for market-rate buyers, it demonstrates how micro-homes can address housing insecurity with compassion.
Amenities: 60 sq ft private homes, shared restrooms/showers, walking paths, supportive services, faith-based management.
Visit WebsiteThe Retreat Series (Luxury Mountain Communities)
6. The Retreat at Deer Lick Falls
The Retreat at Deer Lick Falls launched Oakstone Land & Capital's vision of luxury tiny living in Tennessee. Tucked into lush Cumberland Plateau forests, the community centers around one of Tennessee's most impressive waterfalls. The tiny homes are architectural showcases, ranging from 200 to 400 square feet with high-end finishes. It operates as both a vacation rental hub and an investment opportunity.
Amenities: Waterfall access, hiking trails, playground, community pavilions, fire pits, on-site management, high rental income potential.
Visit Website7. The Retreat at Water's Edge
The Retreat at Water's Edge is Oakstone's second luxury community, trading the roar of waterfalls for the calm of a 95-acre private lake ringed by forest. Located in Tracy City, the community offers wooded, lake-view, and lakefront tiny home sites with a design aesthetic inspired by coastal living. Nearby, the iconic Fiery Gizzard Trail adds massive outdoor adventure appeal.
Amenities: 95-acre lake, saltwater pool, bike & kayak stations, hiking trails, pavilions, fire pits, on-site rental management.
Visit Website8. The Retreat at Sunset Bluff
The Retreat at Sunset Bluff is Oakstone's most dramatic community, perched on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau with sweeping views of Tennessee's rolling hills. The bluff-front setting creates a sense of elevation and exposure that's rare in tiny home communities. Below the bluff, wooded hiking trails follow a serene creek through natural rock shelters.
Amenities: Bluff-side views, saltwater pool, natural rock shelter, hiking trails, community pavilions, fire pits, playground.
Visit Website9. The Retreat at Red Tail Mountain
The Retreat at Red Tail Mountain brings Oakstone's luxury model to East Tennessee's high country near the North Carolina border. The real draw is the location: Watauga Lake (10 minutes away) provides swimming and boating, while Boone, NC (20 minutes) offers access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The community also includes on-site property management and golf access for residents.
Amenities: Mountain views, stocked fishing pond, hiking trails, pavilions, fire pits, golf access, near Watauga Lake.
Visit Website10. The Retreat at Whiskey Creek
The Retreat at Whiskey Creek pays homage to Lynchburg's most famous export—Jack Daniel's—with a resort-inspired design that blends rustic charm with modern tiny home living. Located just a mile from Lynchburg's historic town square, the community features creekside fire pits, an outdoor stage for live music, and a private event space for weddings and celebrations.
Amenities: Creekside fire pits, outdoor stage, private event space, community pavilions, near Jack Daniel's Distillery and Tim's Ford Lake.
Visit WebsiteOther Tennessee Communities
11. Lakeland Ridge RV and Tiny Home Community
Lakeland Ridge offers one of Tennessee's most affordable entry points for tiny living, with 40 acres of old-growth trees overlooking Lake Cherokee. The community welcomes both RVs and tiny homes on wheels. The "Cumberland Park Model" is a popular option sold on-site. Lot rent is highly budget-friendly compared to the luxury mountain communities.
Amenities: Lake Cherokee views, pavilion, laundry facilities, showers/bathrooms, dog-friendly, planned restaurant and dog park.
Visit Website12. Tiny Homes Estates
Tiny Homes Estates holds the distinction of being Northeast Tennessee's first dedicated tiny house community. It takes an unusually inclusive approach, welcoming THOWs, RVs, yurts, park models, and site-built cottages. The gated community sits on 7 acres near Norris Lake and the Clinch River, offering a highly flexible and independent living environment.
Amenities: Community center, pavilion, walking trails, gated access, pet-friendly (no breed restrictions), near Norris Lake.
Visit Website13. Incredible Homes Tiny Home Community
Created by Incredible Tiny Homes, Inc., one of Tennessee's most active manufacturers, this builder-developed neighborhood sits on 34 acres. Plans call for 230 standardized 8x16 (128 sq ft) homes. While the floor plan is identical, buyers can completely customize the exterior finishes to reflect personal taste. It offers a streamlined, turnkey path to affordable housing.
Amenities: On-site property management, pavilion, walking trails, resident-built dog park, highly customizable exteriors.
Visit Website14. Cumberland Mountain Tiny Home Village
Cumberland Mountain Tiny Home Village offers a practical, amenity-rich base on the Cumberland Plateau. Crossville is known as the "Golf Capital of Tennessee," and this community welcomes THOWs and RVs with full hookups and paved roads. The Plateau's elevation delivers four seasons without the extreme cold of the higher mountains.
Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, fitness center, laundry, dog park, walking trails, full hookups, paved roads, near golf courses.
Visit WebsiteFAQs About Tiny House Communities in Tennessee
Are tiny house communities legal in Tennessee?
Yes! Tennessee is widely considered one of the most friendly states for tiny house living. Rural counties are incredibly lenient regarding zoning. Dedicated communities operate completely legally either as planned developments (for foundation homes) or under RV park ordinances (for THOWs).
How much does it cost to live in a Tennessee tiny house community?
Prices vary wildly based on the community model. "Bring Your Own Home" lot rents generally range from $400 to $700 per month. Luxury resort communities (like The Retreat series) require you to purchase the home and lot upfront, which operates more like traditional real estate but offers high short-term rental ROI.
Can I bring my own tiny house to Tennessee communities?
Yes, many communities (like Lakeland Ridge or Tiny Homes Estates) operate on a "Bring Your Own Home" (BYOH) model. However, high-end builder communities (like The Retreat or Incredible Homes) exclusively sell homes built by their own developers to maintain strict architectural consistency.
What's the best region in Tennessee for tiny house living?
The Cumberland Plateau and Smoky Mountains regions are the absolute best for luxury resorts and mountain retreats. The Rural East (Newport/Bean Station) offers the most affordable lot rents. The Nashville Metro is best for urban access but options are more limited.
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