Jonesborough is a tough one. City of is completely financially taxed. Literally 100% dependent on tax dollars from tourism. They, like many others cannot keep up with demand. Housing is an absolute issue. Other issue is Washington County, which wants all the dollars without bearing any responsibility.
That is relevant as Jonesborough real estate is in even higher demand than JC. Average home costs are closer to $300K, but there arent any available. Florida and CA have driven up cost of everything else, by building massive homes in the County.
I'm not sure what you're looking for, or your budget. Since there's nothing going on downtown JB. I'd recommend looking toward Telford.!The mountains back up to the Nolichucky. If you can find a nice parcel, or home there is plenty of acreage. Close enough to downtown JB, but far enough away from people and noise.
Other option would Strawberry Fields, but that is closer to Johnson City. Ridges is close by, but a bunch of pomposity resides. Hard pass.
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Also if you like beer, and food trucks. Depot Street is solid. Rocky's Pizza is good. Music on the square is fun.