Centerville is a rural community about 60 miles from Nashville
Gentle hills, steams, rivers and acres of farmland fill Centerville, about 60 miles from Nashville . “There are several rivers around the area, but Duck River runs through Hickman County with its bends and curves,” says Realtor Beth Edwards with be Home Realty, who has lived in the community for over 25 years. The abundant nature and farmlands offer residents a slower pace of life than living in a major city. While a handful of local restaurants and a grocery store are in the area, people travel for most of their shopping.
Recreation includes the diverse Duck River and local parks
With more than 50 mussel species and 150 fish species, the Duck River is among North America’s most biologically diverse rivers. Popular catches include bass, trout and catfish. One of the many access points for kayakers and fishers is at River Park, which also has a walking trail and basketball courts. Many of the city’s events, like the farmers market, are at the park’s shaded pavilion. There is a playground at C.A. Thompson Park, while most of the community’s athletic fields are at the Doyle and Faye Bowen Memorial Park. Golfers play nine holes at Centerville Municipal Golf Course, which is open to the public.
Centerville properties vary in acreage and pricing
Centerville’s winding country roads go through rural areas with rolling hills, where properties start at half an acre of land and exceed 20 acres. Older homes, like Victorian-era styles and cottages from the early 1900s, are common near the city square, while ranch-style houses make up most of the other residences. Many were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, but there is some newer construction. Because it is such a rural area, parcels of land are available, starting at an eighth of an acre and exceeding 100 acres. Depending on size and condition, most homes cost $120,000 to $500,000. Larger properties on 20 acres or more can cost $600,000 to $1.6 million. “If they have a really good stream or creek on them, that can make a home more valuable,” Edwards says. Manufactured houses range from $130,000 to $270,000.
Centerville receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Small businesses include The Local Place and David’s Farm Market
Locally owned businesses make up most of the shops and restaurants in Centerville. People can start their day with a coffee and pastry from The Local Place or visit Trim Healthy Cafe, owned by Trim Healthy Mama, for a keto- and gluten-free-friendly menu. “When you go in, you literally have people walking in who have taken a vacation just to drive to Centerville, Tennessee, to go to Trim Healthy Mama,” Edwards says. “I’ve gone in there and there’s been people from Ohio, Kentucky and Alabama.” Papa KayJoe’s BBQ has been serving barbecue and comfort food for over 25 years. David’s Farm Market is a locally owned specialty grocery store with jams, cheeses and ready-to-eat deli meals. The Farmers Market at River Park is on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from May through September. Otherwise, residents shop at Save A Lot and Dollar General. Big-box stores require more travel; Walmart is about 20 miles away.
Public, private and at-home education is in Centerville
Centerville students attend Hickman County Schools, which has open enrollment. Prekindergartners through second graders attend Centerville Elementary, which receives a C from Niche, while Centerville Intermediate School has third through fifth grade and is rated C-plus. Hickman County Middle School scores a C. The C-plus-rated Hickman County High has career and technical education programs like advanced manufacturing and social health services. Private education is available at the unrated Centerville Christian School, which offers kindergarten through 10th grade. There is a large homeschooling community, and local organizations like Centerville Christian School and the Hickman County Public Library regularly host programming for homeschooled children.
Events include the National Banana Pudding Festival
Centerville’s largest event is the National Banana Pudding Festival, held on the first weekend of October. Besides having live music, craft vendors and kid-friendly activities, there is the National Banana Pudding Cook-Off. Ten competitors, selected from a larger pool of applicants, make their original recipes on Saturday morning. A panel of judges selects the top three, each receiving a cash prize. Attendees also look forward to the Puddin’ Path. “You go through the path and little samples of every one, and then you get to judge which one you think is best,” Edwards says.
Another popular event is the Hickman County Halloween Parade, which occurs on the Saturday before Halloween. Decorated floats and trucks ride through the streets, and there are vendors selling themed food and drinks.
State Route 100 offers a direct route to Nashville
Centerville residents rely on cars to get around. State Route 100 goes into downtown Nashville. Most people fly out of Nashville International Airport, which is about 65 miles away and has over 110 nonstop destinations. Ascension Saint Thomas Hickman is a hospital with an emergency room within city limits.
