Moving to Monteagle means living a peaceful small-town lifestyle at the top of the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Tennessee. Monteagle is a town best known for its scenic mountain setting, the Monteagle Mountain stretch of I-24 with its steep drop offs, and its role as a historic travel and cultural hub between Chattanooga and Nashville. It was originally settled in the mid-1800s and incorporated in 1962.
The town was first called βMoffat Stationβ, for John Moffat. Moffat was a temperance advocate who purchased over 1,000 acres of land in the area and later donated a portion of it to a women’s college. Moffat Station later became βMount Eagle,β and finally Monteagle by the time it was incorporated. It has ties to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly and the historic Highlander Folk School. Monteagle is a good place to live if youβre seeking quiet surroundings and fresh mountain air with a close-knit community feel.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhere Is Monteagle TN?
Monteagle is in Marion County, Grundy County, and Franklin County in southeastern Tennessee. The town sits atop the Cumberland Plateau, at the top of Monteagle Mountain. It is best known for its elevated terrain and access to Interstate 24, a major route between Chattanooga and Nashville.
The Marion County portion of Monteagle is considered part of the Chattanooga metropolitan area, and the Franklin County area is part of the Tullahoma, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area. Nearby communities include Sewanee, Tracy City, and South Pittsburg. Monteagle TN is about 45 miles from Chattanooga TN, and about 90 miles from Nashville. Public transportation is limited, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel.
Households moving to Winchester TN can work with a team familiar with Franklin County routes and the logistics of traveling between the valley and the plateau. Those relocating to Manchester can also benefit from movers experienced with I-24 access and the steep grades around Monteagle Mountain.
Monteagle TN Population & Demographics
If youβre wondering βwhat is the population of Monteagle TN?β it is 1,393 per the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census). The population has grown an impressive 16.9% since the 2010 census, and the population density is 154 people per square mile. One possible reason for this growth could be the areaβs relative affordability and beautiful surroundings.
Demographics
- 48% men vs 52% women
- Median age: 49 years
- The racial and ethnic composition: White alone 89% (4% Hispanic), Black or African American 2%, Asian 2%, two or more races 2%
- Foreign-born population: 4.6%
- Median household income: $53,005 β the TN state median household income is $67,097
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 81.7% and Bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.6%
Is Monteagle TN Safe?
Monteagle TN is a fairly safe place to live. The overall crime rate is 2,909 per 100,000 people, which is 0.5% lower than the state and 25.2% higher than the country. For violent crime, the rate is 291 per 100,000 people, 53.2% lower than the state and 21.3% lower than the rest of the country. The overall crime rate is higher due to property crime, but these incidents can often be prevented by securing belongings and locking doors.
To keep the community safe, the local police department employs seven dedicated officers. Learn more about them and safety in the community before moving to Monteagle at the Monteagle TN Police Department website.
Things to Do in Monteagle TN
Despite its small size, there are a handful of fun things to do in Monteagle TN. Starting with shopping, people living in town have practical options like CVS Monteagle TN and Ace Hardware Monteagle TN. Other popular shopping destinations include a clothing and gear shop called Mountain Outfitters Monteagle TN, and The Amish Hippie, an interesting gift shop.
Fiery Gizzard State Park
Fiery Gizzard State Park is a 7,811-acre park in Grundy and Marion counties. It is known for its rugged terrain, waterfalls, and features the nationally recognized Fiery Gizzard Trail. The park offers campsites and exceptional hiking and rock climbing. This is one of the best things to do in Monteagle TN with the whole family if you enjoy the outdoors.
11745 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356, 888-867-2757
Sam H. Werner Military Museum
One of the more interesting Monteagle TN attractions for history buffs. The museum showcases an impressive collection of military vehicles and artifacts from World War I to the present day. Built from more than 50 years of collecting, it serves as a meaningful tribute to veterans while helping younger generations better understand military history and the past of the nation.
1148 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356, 931-607-9200
Additional Attractions
Discover more local things to do when moving to Monteagle from the Town of Monteagle Parks & Rec. You can also find some interesting activities listed on the townβs events calendar.
Restaurants in Monteagle TN
Monteagle restaurants are quite popular both with locals and visitors, and there are some excellent options to choose from.
A popular cafe and sandwich shop. At Mountain Goat Market, you will find a variety of freshly-made and filling sandwiches, pizzas, and bakery items. Thereβs plenty of seating, including a patio for outdoor dining, and most people recommend the pesto and green goddess sandwiches. This is one of the best places to eat in Monteagle TN if youβre moving to Monteagle and craving a filling and delicious meal.
109 Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356, 931-924-2727
High Point Restaurant
Set inside a 1929 mansion rumored to have ties to Al Capone, this historic restaurant combines upscale dining with Prohibition-era history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, itβs best known for classic gourmet dishes like Brie en Croute and Blackened Salmon Oscar, and its recognition as βBest Gourmet Meal in Tennesseeβ by Tennessee magazine.
224 Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356, 931-924-4600
Homes for Sale in Monteagle TN & Average Rent
Approximately 65% of homes in Monteagle TN are owner-occupied, which means there are a good number of rental opportunities in the area if you’re moving to Monteagle and plan to rent. Rentals are a mix of apartments and single-family homes.
Average rent in Monteagle TN ranges from $675-$970 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. This figure is significantly lower than the nationwide average rent, which is $1,737. Larger nearby cities like Chattanooga TN have an average rent of $1.460.
Homes in Monteagle are a combination of older single-family homes built in the 1980s and β90s, along with newer construction homes built within the last 10 years. When moving to Monteagle, it can be helpful to know that Monteagle TN real estate isnβt very competitive. The average home price in Monteagle TN is $331,000, and the average sale price per square foot is $215 (Redfin), which is down 68.6% from previous years. For context, the average home price nationwide is $428,071.
If youβre considering moving to Monteagle, be sure to explore homes for sale Monteagle TN.
Jobs in Monteagle TN for the Working Population
The largest industries in Monteagle TN are tourism, hospitality, and service. There are also several small businesses in the area potentially offering management occupations. The average salary is $45,853, and the average hourly wage is $22.04 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Major employers include Dollar General, McDonaldβs, and CVS.
To find available Monteagle TN jobs, search Indeed.com and the Town of Monteagle job board. Since Monteagle is in several counties, be sure to check the job boards for Grundy, Marion, and Franklin Counties also.
Monteagle TN Schools
There is one public school in Monteagle: Monteagle Elementary School, a PK-8 school with around 240 students. The school is served by the Marion County Board of Education and has operated since the early 1900s.
If you’re a student moving to Monteagle, nearby colleges and universities include Sewanee: The University of the South and Chattanooga State Community College β Kimball Site.
The May Justice Memorial Library offers plenty of free resources, including public access computers, WiFi, and audiobooks.
Monteagle TN FAQs
How Far Is Monteagle TN From Chattanooga TN?
Monteagle, TN is 45 miles northwest of Chattanooga, TN. The drive takes about 50 to 60 minutes via Interstate 24 West, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Monteagle sits atop the Cumberland Plateau at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, so drivers should be aware of the steep grades along Monteagle Mountain, especially during heavy rain or winter weather.
Where Is Monteagle TN?
Monteagle, TN is a small town located in Franklin, Grundy, and Marion counties in southeastern Tennessee. It is located at the top of the Cumberland Plateau, positioned along Interstate 24 between Nashville and Chattanooga. Monteagle is approximately 45 miles northwest of Chattanooga and about 90 miles southeast of Nashville.
Is Monteagle TN In The Smoky Mountains?
No, Monteagle TN is not in the Smoky Mountains. Monteagle is located on the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains are in eastern Tennessee along the North Carolina border, more than 150 miles east of Monteagle.
Monteagle TN Statistics & Information
- County: Marion County, Grundy County, Franklin County
- Area: 9.15 square miles
- Monteagle TN zip code: 37356
- Monteagle TN area code(s): 931/423
- Monteagle elevation: 1,926 feet
- Monteagle time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Monteagle TN: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately 90 miles away
Monteagle TN Map
Here is a helpful map to find additional points of interest, whether youβre moving to Monteagle or just visiting.
Moving to Monteagle? Call All Out Moving & Storage
If you’ve decided that moving to Monteagle is in your future, youβre making a smart choice, especially if you love a small town surrounded by nature with an interesting history. Whether youβre making a long distance move, local move, or just need some extra moving help, All Out Moving & Storage is the best Monteagle TN moving company for the job.
Before moving to Monteagle, call us for a free quote today at 423-716-3025.



