Very kind of you. Thank you.
We started visiting East Tennessee (Smokies) in 2016 and loved it. Unfortunately, we procrastinated and missed the boat on buying something in Maryville, Townsend, or Sevierville (even a cabin as a rental property) before prices went parabolic.
Personally, I think you might have lucked out missing out on Sevierville and Townsend. Lots of those long-time residents are moving into our area (rural just west of Knoxville) because of the insanity of increased tourism, and general overbuilding.
Maryville might be better; don’t know much about that.
In any case, good luck to you!