Baxter offers affordable prices and easy commuting routes
The town of Baxter is just west of Cookeville in Middle Tennessee. While the area first developed as a rail town around the turn of the 20th century, the community today is more of an exurb for the larger city to its east. Baxter’s relatively affordable housing prices and easy commuting routes have contributed to its recent growth, which includes some new home construction. “You’re still close to all the conveniences of Cookeville, but it’s just a little bit cheaper,” says Chena Morris, a Realtor with the Real Estate Collective, who has worked in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee for six years.
Mix of midcentury homes and newer construction throughout the town
Narrow residential streets branch off Main Street, shaded by tall maple trees. Midcentury ranch-style houses and manufactured homes are common, with cars parked in gravel driveways. Farther out from the center of the community, new home developments have popped up since 2020. The bi-level homes and townhouses often have garages and well-manicured lawns. Baxter’s median home sales price is roughly $280,000, about $60,000 lower than the median in nearby Cookeville.
Education at Putnam County schools, including Upperman Middle and High
Baxter is zoned to the Putnam County School System, which receives a B-plus overall grade from Niche. Students can attend Baxter Primary for kindergarten and first grade, followed by Cornerstone Elementary for second through fourth. Each school gets a B rating. Upperman Middle serves fifth through eighth grade and receives a B-minus grade. B-rated Upperman High received the Tennessee Purple Star School Award in 2025, honoring the school for its commitment to serving military families.
Baxter City Park and Baxter Seminary Park have playgrounds and picnics
Recreation in Baxter is concentrated between the city’s two elementary schools. Baxter City Park has a playground and picnic area. Across the street is Baxter Seminary Park, which features a BlueCross Healthy Place playground built and sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. The area is also home to several baseball and softball fields. Outside town, residents can head to nearby state parks. Cummins Falls State Park is 8 miles away and features a swimming hole at the bottom of its namesake waterfall. Burgess Falls State Park, known for its hiking trails, is 9 miles away. Morris mentions Center Hill Lake as a popular destination for boating and fishing, about 10 miles from Baxter.
Businesses on Broad Street, with more options in Cookeville
Main Street runs parallel to the train tracks through the center of town, but most of Baxter’s businesses are opposite the tracks, on Broad Street. Achilles Greek & American Cuisine serves a fusion of Mediterranean favorites and sandwiches, while Freedom House Coffee, located a block away, supports veterans alongside brewing its hot beverages. The Baxter Bi-Rite is a small, local grocery store. More shopping options are a quick trip down the road in Cookeville.
Community events in town, plus more throughout the county
The Baxter Historical Society helps organize community events, drawing residents and visitors from across the region. Each fall, the Baxter Harvest Festival features a car show and local vendors. Locals also head into Cookeville for its events, including festivals, holiday celebrations and the Putnam County Fair.
Commutes to Cookeville and Nashville via Interstate 40
Baxter is 9 miles west of the larger town of Cookeville. Interstate 40 runs along the southern edge of the town, leading toward Cookeville, though most locals use Route 70N. Residents often commute to Cookeville, though some drive toward Nashville , 70 miles away. “It’s also a good sleeper town for people who work in Nashville,” Morris says. “It’s pretty close to I-40, so it’s pretty easy to hop on that and drive in and out to the Nashville area.” While most residents drive, the Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency provides a public transit system with on-demand rides throughout the region. Cookeville Regional Medical Center has the closest emergency room. Nashville International Airport has the nearest commercial flights.
