Thinking about a new home in Powell but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Between large master-planned options and smaller townhome communities, it can feel hard to compare apples to apples. In this guide, you will get a clear look at Belltown and other new builds nearby, what amenities and lot sizes to expect, how HOAs and taxes affect your budget, and a simple checklist to shop with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Powell new construction is hot right now
If you want space, convenience, and modern floorplans, Powell is a smart place to look. Recent market snapshots show median pricing in Powell around the upper $300ks, which often sits between lower-priced North Knoxville and higher-priced Hardin Valley. That context helps you see where new construction may land within your budget.
You will also find options that match different lifestyles. Some buyers want a larger lot and community amenities. Others prefer a lower-maintenance townhome that keeps the payment in check. Powell and the nearby Halls corridor cover both.
Meet Belltown: Powell’s flagship community
Belltown is the headline project for new construction in Powell. It is a multi-phase, master-planned development with residential neighborhoods and a future town center. According to county approvals, the plan allows up to about 1,200 residential units with roughly 64,000 square feet of commercial space. You can review the approved case summary on the Knox County Planning site for details and maps. See the Belltown planned development case summary.
What is planned at Belltown
Belltown is designed as a live-work-play community with public and private amenities. Marketing materials and early neighborhood pages describe a large park, walking trails, a kayak launch, a pool and clubhouse, sports fields, a dog park, and a small town center for everyday conveniences. To preview the amenity vision and early neighborhood context, explore this local overview: Discover Belltown: Powell’s largest master-planned community.
Builder and phasing
Smithbilt Homes, a long-established Knoxville builder, is the primary name associated with Belltown. Learn more about the builder’s local track record on the Smithbilt Homes company page.
Belltown will open in stages. Phase 1 plans cover about 52.6 acres with 169 detached lots. The larger planned development extends both north and south of W. Emory Road and will deliver homes and amenities over several years. Review the Phase 1 and 2 concept exhibits here: Belltown concept and design plans (KGIS PDF).
The approvals also include developer-funded road improvements, such as turn lanes, that will be coordinated with Knox County. That work can improve long-term access but may create short-term construction impacts. You can find the timing notes within the planning case summary.
Beyond Belltown: other new-build options
Not every buyer needs a large lot or a full amenity package. Around Powell and the adjacent Halls corridor, you will find attached townhomes and smaller subdivisions that focus on affordability and lower maintenance.
D.R. Horton townhomes in Powell and Halls
D.R. Horton is active locally with townhome communities that often come in around 1,381 to 1,554 square feet. These three-bedroom plans typically price well below large single-family homes and include exterior maintenance through an HOA. One example to explore is Spring Lake Farms Townhomes. D.R. Horton has marketed similar offerings nearby, such as Saint Marc’s townhomes.
What to expect from this segment:
- Smaller footprints that keep the overall price lower.
- Monthly HOA dues that often cover exterior maintenance and common areas.
- Quicker move-in options when quick move-in inventory is available.
Other condo and townhome choices
The Powell and Halls corridor also includes newly built condos and attached homes in smaller communities. These typically carry monthly HOA dues and aim for middle-market pricing. If you like the idea of trading yard work for a lower monthly payment, this lane can be a strong fit.
Floorplans, lots, and HOAs: what to expect
Home sizes and starting prices
Belltown’s single-family plans from Smithbilt appear across a wide range. Community pages and local listings show homes from roughly 1,480 square feet up to 4,600-plus square feet, including 3 to 5 bedroom layouts and options with a primary suite on the main level. Many introductory listings start in the low-to-mid $400ks, with larger plans and premium lots priced higher. For a quick sense of plan variety, preview the Belltown by Smithbilt overview.
Townhome plans from regional and national builders often land around 1,380 to 1,550 square feet, with list-from prices commonly in the mid $200ks to $300ks depending on incentives and product line. This is the typical affordability anchor for new construction in the corridor.
Lot sizes and how to read phase maps
If a larger yard is high on your list, Belltown’s early concept maps give you a useful benchmark. Phase 1 shows 169 detached lots across about 52.6 acres. That averages near 0.31 acres per lot at a planning level. A broader single-family area within the planned development concept shows about 215 acres for 561 proposed lots, which indicates a 0.3 to 0.4 acre average. Actual lot sizes and dimensions are set by the final recorded plat. You can examine the concept exhibits here: Belltown concept and design plans (KGIS PDF) and the planning case summary.
Marketing materials for later phases also reference some larger, estate-style lots that can approach a half acre. If exact lot dimensions matter to you, ask for the final recorded plat for the specific phase and lot you are considering.
HOA dues and what they cover
HOAs are common in new construction. Townhomes and condos almost always have monthly dues. In the Powell and Halls corridor, a practical range for attached product is about 150 to 280 dollars per month. Master-planned single-family neighborhoods also charge dues to fund amenities and common-area maintenance. These can vary widely based on the amenity set.
A good approach is to request the HOA covenants, current budget, and reserve schedule before you write a contract. That way, you understand what is covered, whether there are initiation or transfer fees, and how dues may change over time.
Price and property tax context
To frame your search, it helps to compare median prices across nearby areas. Recent market snapshots suggest the following medians:
- Powell 37849: about 389,900 dollars.
- Hardin Valley 37932: about 644,950 dollars.
- North Knoxville aggregate: about 299,000 dollars.
These are not list prices for a specific home. They are zip-level snapshots that help you position Belltown’s single-family product and the townhome segment within a broader range.
How to estimate Knox County property taxes
Knox County calculates residential property taxes on 25 percent of appraised value. The county rate is applied per 100 dollars of assessed value. Get the current rates and method here: Knoxville and Knox County property tax basics.
Illustrations using the county rate example from the county’s guide:
- Powell median 389,900 dollars. Assessed value is 97,475 dollars. County tax is approximately 1,515 dollars per year.
- Hardin Valley median 644,950 dollars. Assessed value is 161,238 dollars. County tax is approximately 2,506 dollars per year.
- North Knoxville median 299,000 dollars. Assessed value is 74,750 dollars. County tax is about 1,162 dollars per year. If a property sits inside city limits, the city rate is added on top of the county rate.
These are simplified examples. Always check the parcel’s actual tax bill and the current millage rates before finalizing a budget.
Your buyer checklist for new builds
Use this checklist to stay focused and avoid surprises:
- Confirm the phase and plat. Ask which phase your lot is in and when roads, utilities, and amenities for that phase will be complete. Review the filed concept and phase exhibits: Belltown concept and design plans (KGIS PDF).
- Verify exact lot dimensions. Do not rely on planning averages. Request the recorded final plat for your lot and phase.
- Review HOA documents. Get the covenants, budget, reserve study, and current fee schedule. Clarify what is covered and any transfer or initiation fees.
- Ask about utilities. Belltown concept materials list Hallsdale-Powell Utility District for water and sewer. Confirm providers and any fees or reimbursements noted in approvals. See the planning case summary.
- Understand taxes and any special assessments. Use the county and city tax guide to estimate your annual bill.
- Compare builder practices. Review builder warranty terms, standard features vs. upgrades, and how change orders are handled. Learn about Smithbilt’s background here: Smithbilt Homes company page.
How to match the right home to your lifestyle
- If you want a larger lot with room to grow. Focus on Belltown’s single-family phases and ask about upcoming sections that may offer bigger lots or specific plan types.
- If you want lower maintenance and value. Start with townhome communities such as Spring Lake Farms or other attached offerings along the Powell and Halls corridor. Compare HOA dues and what is included.
- If timing is critical. Ask for quick move-in inventory across multiple communities. Multi-phase projects can have active construction for several years, so consider your comfort with nearby building activity.
- If amenities matter most. Prioritize communities with a pool, clubhouse, and trails on the roadmap. Ask the builder or developer for amenity timing tied to your phase.
Next steps
Ready to walk lots and compare plans? Tour the Belltown concept and amenity vision using the resources above, then visit a couple of townhome communities to feel the difference in space and monthly costs. If you need a clear, side-by-side picture of phases, HOA budgets, and taxes, our team will map it out with you, one decision at a time.
When you are ready, connect with Shannon Foster-Boline with Realty Executives Associates to schedule a neighborhood consultation or get a data-backed valuation if you have a home to sell.
FAQs
Will Belltown’s park, pool, and retail be finished when I move in?
- Amenities in master-planned projects often come in stages. The Belltown approvals include phasing and timing conditions, so ask your builder which amenities are scheduled for your phase and when construction is expected to start.
How do Powell townhomes compare to single-family homes on price?
- Townhomes around Powell and Halls typically offer smaller footprints near 1,381 to 1,554 square feet and often list in the mid $200ks to $300ks, while Belltown’s single-family plans commonly start in the low-to-mid $400ks with larger homes and lots.
What HOA dues should I budget for in Powell?
- Attached homes commonly carry about 150 to 280 dollars per month for exterior maintenance and shared areas. Single-family dues vary by amenity level. Always review the HOA budget and fee schedule before you sign.
How big are lots in Belltown compared with older Powell neighborhoods?
- Planning exhibits suggest many Belltown lots will average roughly 0.3 to 0.4 acres at a planning level, with some larger estate options referenced in marketing. Exact sizes are set by the final recorded plat for each phase.
Does 37938 factor into my Powell new-construction search?
- Yes. Powell’s primary ZIP is 37849, and the Belltown filings use Powell and 37849. The adjacent Halls corridor in 37938 includes several new-build options, especially townhomes, so it is smart to consider both areas when you compare price and lifestyle.
