everyone,” says Mayor Jeffers. “Conservative values are important here. When we talk about God and country, we mean God and country. It is a very good place to raise a family. We have our challenges in rural Tennessee, but we are not subject to some of the bigger problems that larger municipalities face.” This strong sense of community has helped Huntsville become an attractive destination for new residents and businesses. As the county seat of Scott County, the town serves as a hub for education, healthcare, and commerce in the region, despite its modest population. With Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Roane State Community College, and several schools within its boundaries, Huntsville’s daytime population swells well beyond the number of permanent residents, creating a vibrant atmosphere that balances small town charm with economic vitality. NEW RESIDENTS AND A CHANGING COMMUNITY Huntsville has experienced significant population growth in recent years, part of a broader influx to Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau region. “We have had a large influx not just in Scott County or Huntsville, but in Tennessee as well,” Mayor Jeffers notes.“People are coming here to slow down because they realize it is a beautiful place.Taxes are low here. We are very user friendly to new businesses and homeowners.” The appeal extends beyond out of state transplants. Many Scott County residents are relocating within the region, specifically targeting Huntsville for its combination of services and quality of life.The town sits as the gateway to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a 125,000-acre natural treasure that serves as the fifth largest national park in the eastern United States. This strategic growth aligns with the town’s evolution from traditional industries to a more diverse economic base. After decades relying on coal mining and timber harvesting, Huntsville now embraces tourism and recreation while maintaining its industrial presence through employers like Great Dane trailer manufacturer, which employs approximately 350 residents. 119 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 HUNTSVILLE, TN
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