Heard of Cookeville, Tennessee? It’s the most affordable place to live in the United States with some of the best places to hang out including natural waterfalls, three lakes, local restaurants, rural back roads, southern charm and some amazing farms! Did we mention it’s only an hour to Nashville, Knoxville and Chattagnooga?

So why should you move here?

Cost of Living

How can it be the cost of living is so low in such an amazing place? The Upper Cumberland offers super low property taxes and no state income tax. Take a look at a few houses in the area, and you’ll see a big difference in pricing. Nashville homes are through the roof right now, and there’s no sign of that bubble bursting anytime soon. Come to the Upper Cumberland and you won’t have to pay $300K+ for a tiny 1500 sqft dated home in Williamson or Davidson County. Dreaming of a big Tennessee farm? We got it. New construction homes in family friendly neighborhoods? Yep. Building lot for your dream home? Definitely. Waterfront property and lake view? You bet.

Careers

When you move, having a job lined up is the ideal scenario, but that’s not always how it works out. Either way, finding the right place to work isn’t usually an easy job, but it shouldn’t be an impossible feat for anyone. Well good news future Cookeville residents! The unemployment rate, according to the Upper Cumberland Development District, Putnam County, the largest county in the region, has dropped .7 percent since May of 2016. Cookeville is also the perfect spot to start your own business or grow. With affordable places to rent and buy, it’s ideal! Also with the new business parks in place and some large companies coming to the area, several jobs will be added to this area over the next few years.

No traffic

If you have lived in or around Nashville or any other big city, you know what I’m talking about. There’s nothing worse than sitting in your car for an extra two hours a day just to get to and from work. What’s the point! While Cookeville may not have huge skyscrapers, hundreds of thousands of people or big interstates, we don’t have the problems that come with all that. You’ll be able to get across town in no time with no stress!

Great Schools

We all know Cookeville is home to Tennessee Tech University, but the elementary, middle and high schools have it going on too. Your kids don’t have to go to private school to get a great education.

Location

Cookeville is located halfway between Knoxville and Nashville which makes it a prime location! No more choosing between your beloved Vols or keeping the streets hot in downtown Nashville. Neyland and those loud honky tonks are just about an hour away! Cookeville is also 8 hours away from 80% of the U.S. population so it’s also a great place for businesses.

Good people

It’s been said the best people in the world live in the Upper Cumberland. While that statement can’t necessarily be proven, we can agree with it! (Side note: Alexandria’s main welcome billboard even says so!) It’s true…you’ll pass people on the road who will wave, you’ll have small talk with people in the line at Kroger, the tellers at the bank will remember your name and you’ll be sure to fit right in. We have that laid back, small town vibe!

Local Events

Annual events and festivals are kinda a big deal around here. Street festivals on Broad and Main Street and family friendly events in Dogwood Park are year round! No matter what time of year, we always find a reason to celebrate and have a good time! Not to mention these events are pretty unique. Check out Slide Cookeville and Wine on the West Side. There are also a few local places that host festive events including DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards and of course the Muddy Roots Music Festival at June Bug Boogie Ranch. You can’t forget about the marinas and docks around the lake too!

Falls & Lakes

That’s right! Every year, a ton of tourists visit this place. Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls, Waterloo, Fall Creek Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, Virgin Falls, Ozone Falls, Upper Piney Falls, Dale Hollow Lake, Center Hill Lake…and all those places only the locals know about. Needless to say, we have a lot of hot spots to cool off. And no, we aren’t talking about some small waterfall in the woods either…a lot of the falls here are 75+ ft tall and surrounded by cool hiking trails! What’s better than hanging out behind some massive waterfall or on the rocks below? If you’re living in the Upper Cumberland, it’s pretty much like being on vacation all the time.

Here are just a few scenic places around the UC.

Nature

If you’re in Nashville, you have to leave the city to catch a breath of fresh air. One of the best things about the Upper Cumberland is all the natural beauty! Scenic hiking destinations, state parks, and all the waterfalls and lakes make this area a hidden gem. Bring man’s best friend too! Most places are dog-friendly.

Looking for hiking trails? Check it.

Community

Cookeville has a population of about 32,000 people. That may seem like a lot (or maybe not compared to Nashville), but you’ll feel right at home. The small town community feel is very evident everywhere you go. We are hometown proud!

Dining

Cookeville has a ton of favorite local restaurants, bars and cafés. Kick it by the lake at one of the dock restaurants or keep it classy on West Side in downtown Cookeville. Whatever your taste, we have some options including local restaurants, meat and three diners, vineyards, and breweries!

Want to know where all the lakeside dining spots are? Check it out.

Need I say more? Are you convinced yet? We are real estate matchmakers! Call us today at 931.520.7750 and let’s get started. Not only will we find the perfect match for you and your family, but we will also let you in on all the insider local information and hot spots!

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