As a census-designated place (CDP), Cherokee overlaps most or part of three of the seven communities of the Qualla Boundary: Painttown, Wolftown, and Yellowhill.

It has generated jobs and revenue for the tribe, providing money that the EBCI applies to its people's education, welfare and culture.

Many of the Cherokee had to rely on jobs related to national park tourism and recreation, which provided work for about half of the year.

[12] Cherokee is a tourist-oriented area, located at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In addition to the casino, it is the site of attractions such as: Eastern Cherokee history, culture, and crafts are portrayed in the historical drama Unto These Hills, presented annually during the tourist season.

Bob Barker, a retired game show host and animal rights activist, has called for closing the black bear zoos at these attractions.

Previously the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) provided educational services, and in their schools students were not permitted to speak Cherokee.

[23] Scenes from movies such as Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, Digging to China, Forces of Nature, The Fugitive, and Stroszek were shot in Cherokee.