Bells' railroad town origin and agricultural present
The city of Bells first emerged as a railroad town in the 19th century, shipping the region’s agricultural goods to market. While the train no longer stops in Bells, agriculture is still a significant piece of the city’s DNA. Cotton farming is important to the area around Bells, and a food processing plant is located in town. Alongside employment opportunities, Bells offers well-regarded schools and contemporary subdivisions in a small-town environment.
Older homes in town, plus newer subdivisions on the outskirts
Older homes sit along narrow drives that snake through downtown Bells. Ranch-style houses and cottages are most common, with cars parked in driveways or under carports. Newer neighborhoods on the town’s outskirts have more of a contemporary subdivision feel. The one-story homes, generally built within the last 25 years, have garages and well-maintained front lawns. Prices can go from $150,000 to $350,000.
Highly rated schools, starting with Bells Elementary
The Bells City Schools district serves the community and operates Bells Elementary School, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Students then attend school at the Crockett County School District. Crockett County Middle and Crockett County High each get a B-plus rating. The high school has student organizations focused on career paths, such as HOSA, for those interested in healthcare careers, and Future Farmers of America.
Businesses sit around High Street in Bells
Main Street was once the commercial hub of Bells, tracing back to its rail town origins. But today, businesses cluster around High Street. Raines Pharmacy and the Food Rite grocery store each provide essentials to residents. Farther down the road, Burger Basket is a community staple serving its namesake burgers and loaded potatoes. S&J’s Roadside Market is a favorite for traditional meat-and-three lunches. Otherwise, residents head outside of town. “On the highway between Alamo and Bells, they have some restaurants,” says Realtor Betty Brown, the owner of Vantage Real Estate Services, who is a lifelong resident of the area.
Pictsweet is a significant regional employer
Bells is roughly 18 miles from Jackson, and some residents commute to the city for work. But Brown notes that Pictsweet, a food processing company in Bells, is the community’s largest employer. While the Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency operates an on-demand transit system, most residents drive to their destinations. The nearest commercial flights are at Jackson Regional Airport, which offers connections to Atlanta and Chicago. Haywood County Community Hospital is 11 miles away in Brownsville and has the closest emergency room.
Youth sports at Andrew Walker Community Park and Bells Elementary
Recreation in Bells centers on Andrew Walker Community Park. The park has a small playground and a picnic pavilion, plus athletics facilities for basketball and soccer. Youth sports teams can hold nighttime practices on the lighted field. A pair of baseball fields and a pair of playgrounds are located on the Bells Elementary campus. The Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is 20 miles away, with trails through the wetlands and hunting during designated seasons.
Holiday events, or more festivals in nearby Jackson
The community comes together to celebrate holidays in Bells. The town gathers for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony outside City Hall each winter. The event features carolers, food vendors and a silent auction. The area’s largest city, Jackson, has plenty of festivals and events for visitors to participate in. “There are flea markets every month at the old fairgrounds in Jackson,” Brown says. “That’s a big attraction. People go there from all over.”
