Cookeville is a rapidly growing city of about 35,000 between Knoxville and Nashville, known primarily for Tennessee Tech University. With a growing job market, support for small businesses and a housing market on the rise, Cookeville offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. “We really have the best of both worlds,” says Laurin Wheaton, mayor since 2022. “We’re a community that really supports one another.''
The city of Cookeville was founded in 1845.
Downtown Cookeville is very walkable with many shops and restaurants.
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Midcentury homes at an accessible price point
Nearly 1,400 homes sold in and around Cookeville between December 2023 and December 2024. Housing inventory is low, but Cookeville’s residential spaces are growing. “We know there is a need for housing. We’re still behind, but we’re working on it,” says Wheaton. “We had a record-breaking number of residential building permits allocated, so we’re seeing a ton of new developments. There are a lot of single-family houses and townhomes going up, but we’re not really big on apartments.” Cookeville’s midcentury homes and residential lots are both affordable for and appealing to first-time buyers. The most common architecture is the classic ranch-style home, but buyers will also find more traditional homes. Typically, lots sell for between $15,000 and $60,000. Most of the city’s homes average a sale price between $250,000 and $400,000, with a median of $354,000.
Homeowners in Cookeville keep their front yards clean and manicured.
Cape Cod-style homes with dormer windows can be viewed in Cookeville's Four area.
Newly built modern farmhouses are popping up in the Eight area of Cookeville.
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Ample parks and recreation areas
Six state parks surround Cookeville, including Cummins Falls State Park and Burgess Falls State Park. While nearly all the landscape immediately outside the city is rural, the green spaces in town are focused on specific uses. “We have multiple parks, but Cane Creek Park is probably the most popular,” says Wheaton. “It has a mountain bike trail, disc golf and a dog park, and there is just plenty to do for the whole family.” Along with ample outdoor activities, the park features a recreation center with basketball, yoga and more. Dogwood Park sits behind the city library with a large playground, picnic tables and an amphitheater. “It’s at the heart of the city,” says Wheaton. “It’s where we have Symphony in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park, the tree lighting and things like that. It’s also next to the Performing Arts Center where dance recitals are held.”
Take in the beautiful lake views at Cane Creek Park in Cookeville's Five.
The sound of the waterfall at City Lake Natural Area in Cookeville is soothing to the mind.
Parkview Park's skate park has multiple ramps and rails for skaters.
City Lake Natural Area boasts a 35-acre lake near Eight.
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A growing job market
Cookeville’s job market is rising. “We really want to make sure college students have opportunities after they graduate,” says Wheaton. “We want them to stay here and start a career, buy a home, and set roots.” Top employers include Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Putnam County School District and Tennessee Tech itself. Career opportunities align with Tennessee Tech’s top majors such as engineering and medicine. Cookeville is also a town that supports the endeavors of entrepreneurs. “Small businesses are the pulse of our community,” says Wheaton. Along with the support of the local government, mom-and-pop shops get plenty of love from the community. In fact, residents created Shop Local Cookeville, a free marketplace to promote and discuss local businesses.
Tennessee Tech is a public 4-year school in Cookeville with over 10,000 enrolled students.
Tennessee Tech University and Cookeville's Four have multiple transit stops for commuting.
Students attending Tennessee Tech University can walk to campus from their dorms in Cookeville.
Cookeville Regional Medical Center is a major employer.
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Dining out in Cookeville
Cookeville has its share of eclectic, locally owned restaurants. Most of these are in the center of town, where residents can drop into places such as Mauricio’s Italian Kitchen and Cinco Amigos. For drinks, there’s Hooligans Half Irish Pub, a sports bar. Spankies is a bar closer to the north end of the city, where folks go for burgers, beer, steaks and prime rib.
Midtown Social has a large dining room and serves food and cocktails in Five.
Hooligans Half Irish Pub offers traditional pub grub to its visitors.
Mauricio's Italian Restaurant offers upscale Italian fare.
Cinco Amigos offers traditional Mexican cuisine.
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Highway 111 and Interstate 40 make for easy trips
Highway 111 and Interstate 40 cross through the area and provide easy access to Nashville, which is 80 miles west, and Knoxville, which is 100 miles east. Even with heavy traffic, a commute from the south end of the city to its center takes 18 minutes by car. The UCHRA’s bus service, the Go Route, services Cookeville and the Tennessee Tech campus. It's been free to ride since mid-2024 for residents. For flights, residents head about 72 miles east to the Nashville International Airport.
Cookeville has public transportation to get around town.
Residents of Five can catch a bus into Downtown Cookeville during certain hours.
I-40 is a major interstate that runs East/West across the entire state of Tennessee.
Highway 111 is a major North/South interstate that runs through the heart of Cookeville.
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Putnam County Schools
Putnam County Schools has a B-plus rating on Niche and rates higher for college preparation. Of the district’s 22 schools, 11 are in Cookeville. The town has six elementary schools, three middle and one high school. Across these schools, the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17-to-1, which is on par with the national average. Tennessee Tech, with about 10,000 students, has a B-plus rating on Niche and is ranked the second-best public university in Tennessee.
Cookeville High School offers a variety of clubs and activities for students.
As of 2024, Capshaw Elementary had a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1.
As of 2024, Cane Creek Elementary has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1.
Cookeville is home to the Cavaliers at Cookeville High School.
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Crime and tornadoes in Cookeville
According to the FBI statistics, Cookeville’s rate of reported violent crime was 3.5 times lower than that of the state and about half the national average. The city's rate of reported property crime is about 4% higher than the state norm.
Tennessee experiences its fair share of tornadoes, and of its towns and cities, Cookeville ranks approximately in the middle of them for overall risk. In 2020, a storm struck, killing 19. “When that deadly tornado swept through here in 2020…I’ve never seen a community come together and support each other the way we did then. There is only one Cookeville.”
Written By
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Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
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On average, homes in Cookeville, TN sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Cookeville, TN over the last 12 months is $353,653, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Embrace the perfect blend of modern comfort and 1940s charm in this beautifully renovated home located just minutes from downtown Algood on 1.7 acres. While modern updates have been made, the enchanting charm still shines through, making this delightful home a personal haven. The property offers a fresh, brand-new interior and exterior, featuring a spacious covered front porch and a new concrete
Discover this beautifully updated all-brick home located within the city limits of Cookeville, offering convenient access to restaurants, shopping, Tennessee Tech, and I-40. This move-in ready 3-bedroom, 1-bath, one-level home features a spacious level backyard and a covered back deck perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the updated kitchen showcases cherry cabinets, tile flooring, and
Tucked away on 2.6 private, wooded acres, this striking three-story retreat offers complete seclusion and a true treehouse living experience. Surrounded by mature trees, the home blends nature and comfort with expansive views and exceptional outdoor living. The main living area features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, along with a cozy fireplace that anchors the
Your search is over...You've found the one! Located in the heart of Cookeville, this lovely home stands out on its oversized corner lot with stunning professional landscaping. The yard is filled with plants that bloom through every season, along with ornamentals and fruit trees that bring color and charm. The partially fenced backyard creates a versatile outdoor area to enjoy. Inside, the
Embrace the perfect blend of modern comfort and 1940s charm in this beautifully renovated home located just minutes from downtown Algood on 1.7 acres. While modern updates have been made, the enchanting charm still shines through, making this delightful home a personal haven. The property offers a fresh, brand-new interior and exterior, featuring a spacious covered front porch and a new concrete
Seller has an accepted offer with a 48-hour right of first refusal contingency. Encompassing 3,590 square feet and thoughtfully designed with 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant baths, the home showcases expansive living areas, natural light, and a floor plan that balances openness with intimacy; plus, a finished basement, 2 car-garage upstairs and 2 car garage and shop in basement. Receive a
Beautiful 60 acre tract located in Jackson County, Tennessee, just 25 minutes to downtown Cookeville. This mostly wooded property offers over 1,300 feet of road frontage, cascading waterfall, and is unrestricted, providing endless possibilities for hunting, recreation, building, or a private retreat. Peaceful and quiet with abundant wildlife, the land offers excellent privacy while remaining
Beautiful 60± acre tract located in Jackson County, Tennessee, just 25 minutes to downtown Cookeville. This mostly wooded property offers over 1,300 feet of road frontage, cascading waterfall, and is unrestricted, providing endless possibilities for hunting, recreation, building, or a private retreat. Peaceful and quiet with abundant wildlife, the land offers excellent privacy while remaining
Adorable & well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring soaring 9-foot ceilings & elegant crown molding throughout. Beautiful hardwood floors flow through the living area, kitchen, & spacious primary bedroom, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open kitchen and dining area offer the perfect space for everyday living & entertaining, complete with stainless steel appliances, custom
Looking for a home that works for the whole family — including aging parents or older kids craving their own space? This spacious home boasts 3.5 baths on 0.47 acres and delivers a true multigenerational layout. The lower level offers a private walk-in entry with no stairs, plus a versatile flex space — ideal for in-laws or adult children who want independence without losing connection. Upstairs,
The subject property is close proximity to( I-40 exit 286) allowing easy access. consisting of 6+/- acres.. The site offers 50 ft access adjacent Humble Dr. with visibility just off Willow Ave and Interstate Dr The entire parcel is zoned CG (Commerical General) allows wide variety of use. Utilities at road. Already surveyed, cleared, and silt fenced(city specifications) which saves time and money
Spacious 4 BD, 3.5 BA home offering 2,855 sq ft, additional 725sq ft(appr) of finished basement & 1130sq ft(appr) workshop. Nestled among stunning picturesque countryside views, property features a welcoming wraparound porch & a screened-in back deck, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful countryside. Main level offers a warm & inviting layout with a living room, formal dining room,
Country living, yet close to town. Homes must be 75% brick or stone with developer approving all house plans. Centralized mailbox system. All lots have been surveyed and soil tested. No HOA.
Newly remodeled split-level home in a prime in-town location at 160 Monticello Circle! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 2,286 sq ft of updated living space and is situated on a private 1.2-acre cul-de-sac lot. Conveniently located within walking distance to Prescott schools. Priced $40,000 below appraised value—an excellent opportunity for instant equity. The lower level features a cozy gas
Residences designed to make the everyday extraordinary.Saxony Apartments is located at 800 East Spring Street, Cookeville, TN, which is approximately 1 mile from the Putnam County Court House, one-half mile from both Avery Trace Middle School and Capshaw Elementary School, and adjacent to Belle Acres Golf Course.At Saxony, we offer amenities and a luxurious community allowing you
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Cookeville, Tennessee, Hampton Creek offers a lush, wooded landscape in a quiet community. While Hampton Creek Apartments seem like an oasis in the hills, it is near several area shops, restaurants, businesses, Tennessee Tech and Putnam County Fairgrounds. We're near I-40, halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. At Hampton Creek Apartments, you
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-full bath home, showcasing a classic front exterior with an attached garage and a welcoming covered porch. Step inside to the bright, sun-drenched living room, which showcases gorgeous wood flooring and a modern ceiling fan. The seamless layout flows into a spacious tile-floored dining area with a pantry/laundry closet with a standard washer and dryer hookup,
This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home features an inviting front porch with classic white pillars and a shaded entryway. Inside, the spacious living room offers a bright, open layout with neutral walls and a convenient ceiling fan. The living area flows effortlessly into a functional dining space and a well-equipped kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and essential
Our recently renovated 2BR / 2BA apartments homes are located in central Cookeville. All units feature an open living area, brand-new finishes, and upgraded appliances. Our property management team is on-site from 9 am-5 pm Monday-Friday to assist with any tenant needs. The Bellevue is located in the heart of Cookeville with convenient access to nearby retail shops, grocery stores, restaurants,
Brand new apartments with soft-close kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, large kitchen island, premium flooring, all LED lighting, walk-in closets and washer/dryer hookups. Plenty of space in a nice, quiet complex featuring a large lawn area. This apartment complex is no pets, no smoking, and no vaping. It is only one mile from TTU in a nice secluded setting.
Brand new apartments with soft-close kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, large kitchen island, premium flooring, all LED lighting, walk-in closets and washer/dryer hookups. Plenty of space in a nice, quiet complex featuring a large lawn area. This apartment complex is no pets, no smoking, and no vaping. It is only one mile from TTU in a nice secluded setting.
Brand new apartments with soft-close kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, large kitchen island, premium flooring, all LED lighting, walk-in closets and washer/dryer hookups. Plenty of space in a nice, quiet complex featuring a large lawn area. This apartment complex is no pets, no smoking, and no vaping. It is only one mile from TTU in a nice secluded setting.
The Gables at Veterans is located less than a half mile from I-40, in the heart of Cookeville’s retail, restaurant, and residential district. Our upscale apartment community is walking distance to parks, schools, churches, gyms, shops and any eatery imaginable. Tennessee Tech, the hospital, and historic downtown are a short drive from our location. Our buildings are constructed with a traditional
Discover luxury living at Copper Springs, where we offer exquisite townhomes for rent in Cookeville, TN, within the secure embrace of our gated community. Unparalleled in the Cookeville area, Copper Springs pampers its residents with an array of exceptional amenities, including an exclusive fitness center, a picturesque walking trail offering stunning scenic views, a private community pool for
Now Pre Leasing for Spring and Fall 2026!!! Single Occupancy 1 Bed/1 Bath suites and Studio Apartments, includes ALL UTILITIES+ WiFi. Located less than a block from campus and a short walk to everything TTU has to offer! Location is proximal to everything in Cookeville as well! Each suite has carpet or wood and tile floors, stainless steel appliances, 9 foot ceiling, washer and dryer, and much
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