Dickson, Tennessee, occupies part of a larger area that was once a hotbed for the iron industry. Today, this small city of around 16,000 people is ideal for those looking for a quieter lifestyle. Unlike some of the region's larger, more densely populated cities, Dickson offers residents a historic and charming downtown paired with a myriad of recreation options. The town sits within minutes of spots like Montgomery Bell State Park, an outdoor getaway and resort that features attractions like the relics of an old 19th-century iron furnace.
“We are accessible to the big city, but you don’t really get the traffic or hear the noise of it,” says Zach Kinslow, the director of the Dickson-based Clement Road Hotel Museum. “As somebody that moved here myself, Dickson’s a place, that if you’re not from here, you can still feel at home. It has everything you need without the inconvenience of being in a place where you can get everything you need.”
Montgomery Bell State Park features a man-made lake.
The Historic Hotel Halbrook is now the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum in Dickson.
The Dickson Theater opened in 1951 but is now home to several local businesses.
Locals take pride in their downtown with several murals.
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Finding ranch-style homes with more room
While multi-acre properties don’t dominate Dickson’s landscape, prospective homebuyers will find more privacy here. Several neighborhoods feature lots that are a half-acre or larger and many are surrounded by groupings of tall mature trees. Homes in Dickson feature designs ranging from contemporary Traditionals and Colonial Revivals to ranch-styles and Craftsman bungalows.
Housing footprints in Dickson tend to vary from under 1,000 square feet to over 3,000 square feet. Depending on factors like size, most single-family homes here cost between $250,000 and $440,000. Dickson's median list price of around $375,000, is below both the national median and Nashville’s average of about $530,000.
There are colonial homes throughout Dickson.
You will find mostly ranch style homes in Dickson.
There are many new traditionals being built in Dickson.
There are a few Craftsman homes throughout Dickson.
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Southern cooking, brews and desserts in downtown Dickson
The city’s downtown features nearly a dozen restaurants and several boutiques that sell everything from country-themed women’s apparel to spices and teas. These businesses occupy a series of vintage brick buildings, where their storefronts are easily browsable on foot. Popular dining options include Zander’s Woodfired Pizza or traditional Southern cooking at Back Alley BBQ. Katie’s Ice Cream and Kourtney’s Kakes serve desserts, while the local watering-holes include the House of Brews.
Tennessee State Route 46 is a commercial corridor with numerous chain stores like ALDI and Walmart and local staples like the Manor at Dickson, a farm-themed buffet where patrons can help themselves to an assortment of fried foods and vegetables.
Back Alley BBQ is a local hotspot for lunch in downtown Dickson.
There are several boutiques like Three Times A Lady for all your shopping needs.
Zander’s Woodfired Pizza is a local favorite for wood fired pizza.
Locals can get their groceries from Aldi.
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A growing recreational landscape with additions like Henslee Park
Henslee Park is among the city’s latest additions, boasting amenities like a splash pad, an all-inclusive playground and an 18-hole disc golf course. The green space is also situated close to Buckner Park, which features youth soccer fields. The city has also expanded its indoor facilities to include the Dickson County Family YMCA, which opened in the 2010s, and is currently planning a $30 million project to build an aquatic and recreation center in Henslee Park.
Montgomery Bell State Park, which spans 3,800 acres, is named after the region’s 19th century iron magnate. It's home to a lodge, camping sites and cabins. When folks aren't out kayaking or exploring the woods on the miles of trails, many opt to relax with an ale or a glass of wine while taking in the scenic views. “It’s one of the best state parks in the entire state of Tennessee,” Kinslow says. The Dickson area is also home to some top-rated golfing grounds, which include the Montgomery Bell Park’s Frank G. Clement Golf Course.
Montgomery Bell State Park has several miles of hiking trails around the lake.
Dickson has a YMCA with gym and local sports teams.
Mountain bikers love to hit the trails at the Montgomery Bell State Park trails near Burns.
Residents practice putting at the Frank G. Clement Golf Course near White Bluff.
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Ernest Day, city celebrations and local history at Hotel Halbrook site
The Montgomery Bell park hosts events throughout the year, like June’s Ernest Day, an annual event honoring Ernest P. Worrell, the iconic and zany character played by Jim Varney. One of the character’s movies, “Ernest Goes to Camp,” was even filmed at the park.
One of the city’s largest events is the Dickson County Fair, which occurs each August and September and features carnival rides and livestock shows. Other celebrations include the Fishing Rodeo, where children and teenagers come out to Buckner Park to hook some catfish.
The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum downtown — also known as the historic site of the Hotel Halbrook — is home to artifacts showcasing Dickson County's history. Exhibits cover topics from the iron and railroad industries to biographies of historical figures like Montgomery Bell or the former Tennessee Gov. Frank G. Clement, who was born in the hotel.
Montgomery Bell State Park has many amenities including a lodge and restaurant.
The Clement Railroad Museum features an impressive replica of the Dickson train.
Montgomery Bell State Park is centrally located within White Bluff.
Fisherman can boat and catch fish in Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN.
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Access to strong Dickson County Schools
The Dickson County Schools district serves this city and receives an overall B rating from the review site Niche. The district oversees six schools in the town, including four elementary schools. Notable campuses include The Discovery School, an elementary school which earns an A-minus grade from Niche. The city is also home to Dickson County High School, which gets a B from Niche and is one of the district’s two high schools.
Dickson County High School enrolls over 1,400 students in Dickson.
Dickson Elementary School serves Pre-K through 5th grade in Dickson.
Dickson Intermediate School serves the 6th grade students of Dickson County.
Dickson Middle School serves 594 6th-8th graders.
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Headquarters of industrial company Tennsco
Tennsco, headquartered in Dickson, is one of the city’s largest employers. The company, which makes steel storage products, employs more than 600 people across several facilities. Following Tennsco is Nemak, which makes small aluminum parts for the auto industry and employs more than 300 people here. The TriStar Horizon Medical Center is another area employer and provides hospital services.
While the city is growing at a slower rate than in previous decades, the changes remain noticeable. “It was a lot smaller than it is now. It’s kind of exploded in the past 10 years,” explains Josh Massie, the Stormberg Group’s marketing director, who grew up in Dickson. “In the Dickson I grew up in, if you were going to say, ‘Hey, there’s going to be a YMCA, I would have said, ‘Yeah, right.’"
Nashville’s WeGo Public Transit system runs a bus route to Dickson. However, most residents drive to commute. U.S. Highway 70 and Interstate 40 go toward downtown Nashville, about 42 miles east of Dickson, and I-40 also connects folks with the Nashville International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Tennesco is one of the largest employers of Dickson residents.
Dickson is a small town with a lot of history.
Dickson was once a busy railroad city.
I40 and runs through Dickson with easy access to anywhere.
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Important to know
The climate here includes warm, humid summers and mild winters that occasionally bring in light snow. However, the region can also experience extreme weather events like tornadoes. During the December 2023 tornado outbreak in Middle Tennessee, one tornado passed through Dickson County.
Dickson has lower crime rates than Nashville. For example, the latest and most complete FBI data shows the Music City’s violent crime rate is nearly 50% higher than Dickson’s. However, Dickson does have slightly higher crime rates than the state. Dickson’s violent crime rate has also been trending down, dropping by more than 20% from 2020 to 2023.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Nathan Pedigo
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Dickson, TN sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Dickson, TN over the last 12 months is $339,650, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Compact yet spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage on a large fenced corner lot. Lots of updates - new stainless appliances, bathroom vanity, flooring, laundry cubbie, fence, paint make this a move-in ready home! 2 extra large storage buildings ideal for a workshop, tools, or extra space for all of life's 'sutff'. Oversized covered parking. Fabulous A-Frame over carport to use for storage, or you
Nason Homes built | 100% Move-In Ready on a gorgeous, wooded, 1.5 Acre Lot |*$5,000 Closing Cost Incentive with Preferred Title Co. ONLY* | Primary on the Main with Vaulted Ceilings | Primary Bathroom with Dual Vanities, Tile Flooring, Tile Shower and Quartz Countertops | Open Concept Design with Great Room connected to Kitchen by soaring Vaulted Ceilings | Dining Room off Kitchen | Laundry Room
Built in 2021 and move-in ready, this low-maintenance home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and small-town convenience. Situated on an easy-to-maintain lot just minutes from Downtown Dickson, you’ll love the energy-efficient design, concrete driveway, and fenced backyard.. perfect for pets, play, or relaxing evenings outdoors. Need extra storage? The almost brand-new storage building
Custom-built. Thoughtfully designed. Timelessly beautiful. This exceptional residence on 9.7 scenic acres showcases the kind of architecture and craftsmanship that never goes out of style. Every detail was intentionally selected to create a home that feels both sophisticated and inviting, where classic design meets the relaxed beauty of Tennessee countryside living. A striking board-and-batten
Private, peaceful, and designed for exceptional outdoor living, this beautifully maintained home is nestled on a landscaped one-acre lot in sought-after Rock Church Estates. Surrounded by mature trees that have been thoughtfully preserved, the property offers a true private backyard retreat featuring a built-in heated pool, hot tub, pool house, screened porch, spacious patio, and fenced
Rare Find, Brick Ranch Home on Large Level Lot!This beautifully maintained brick ranch offers the perfect blend of classic charm & modern updates including Recent updates provide peace of mind and added value, including Roof (2019), HVAC (2021), Refrigerator (2021), EV Charger (2022), Pella Windows, Screens, Gutters & Downspouts (2022, Warranty transfers thru PowerHome), and Gas Water Heater
Welcome to Heritage Homestead! Discover the perfect blend of peace and convenience on this beautiful property. Just 10 minutes from downtown Dickson, 40 minutes to Clarksville, and 45 minutes to Nashville, this land offers endless potential for your dream home or retreat. County water and electricity are available at the road, ensuring ease of build. With open space and natural beauty, this
Build your vision on this conveniently located 0.20± acre lot on Sylvia Rd in Dickson. With water and electric available at the road, this property is ready for your next project—whether you’re planning an investment build. Enjoy the ease of access to town while still having a peaceful setting. This lot offers a great balance of affordability, utility access, and location, making it an ideal
Compact yet spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage on a large fenced corner lot. Lots of updates - new stainless appliances, bathroom vanity, flooring, laundry cubbie, fence, paint make this a move-in ready home! 2 extra large storage buildings ideal for a workshop, tools, or extra space for all of life's 'sutff'. Oversized covered parking. Fabulous A-Frame over carport to use for storage, or you
Welcome to Heritage Homestead! Discover the perfect blend of peace and convenience on this beautiful property. Just 10 minutes from downtown Dickson, 40 minutes to Clarksville, and 45 minutes to Nashville, this land offers endless potential for your dream home or retreat. County water and electricity are available at the road, ensuring ease of build. With open space and natural beauty, this
Welcome to Heritage Homestead! Discover the perfect blend of peace and convenience on this beautiful property. Just 10 minutes from downtown Dickson, 40 minutes to Clarksville, and 45 minutes to Nashville, this land offers endless potential for your dream home or retreat. County water and electricity are available at the road, ensuring ease of build. With open space and natural beauty, this
Welcome to Heritage Homestead! Discover the perfect blend of peace and convenience on this beautiful property. Just 10 minutes from downtown Dickson, 40 minutes to Clarksville, and 45 minutes to Nashville, this land offers endless potential for your dream home or retreat. County water and electricity are available at the road, ensuring ease of build. With open space and natural beauty, this
Level 1.15 acre lot in amazing DRUID HILLS, perked for 3 BR home, seller to pay for water tap, nice LEVEL building site, building envelope is tight but can be built on, walking distance to Henslee Park walking trails and splash park, convenient to HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Dickson and all the COOL restaurants and businesses, no STR or business operation of any type, residential home only, no exterior
Level 1.13 acre lot in DRUID HILLS, perked for a 3 BR home, seller to pay for water tap, nice level building site ready to be built on, walking distance to Henslee Park walking trails and splash park, convenient to HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DICKSON and all the COOL restaurants and businesses, no STR or business operation of any type, residential home only no exterior vinyl siding other than soffits, etc,
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offering 2,864 sq. ft. of living space on approximately 2.4 acres in the high sought-after Druid Hills neighborhood. This spacious home features wood flooring throughout the main living areas, cherry cabinetry, a fireplace, and carpeted bedrooms and upstairs bonus room. Enjoy a large back deck for entertaining or ideal for relaxing, along with a private screened
Nestled away in the gentle, rolling countryside of Dickson you will find the The Grand at 150 Apartments. You'll love the perks of a small city coupled with a convenient drive to the bustling big city of Nashville. Our community offers a variety of floor plans so you're sure to find the home that's right for you. Choose from 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that feature walk-in closets,
The Trails of Dickson Apartment homes are pet-friendly homes designed with thoughtful details that make everyday living easier, including convenient extra storage and accessible features. Step into your spacious two- or three-bedroom home, where an all-electric kitchen with a pantry, dishwasher, and refrigerator makes cooking and clean-up a breeze. Afterward, unwind on your private balcony or
East Forest Park is a quiet, tucked-away community just off the main road, offering peaceful living with the convenience of nearby shopping and dining. Enjoy upgraded apartment homes, in-home washers and dryers, private patios or balconies, and amenities designed to make you feel right at home.
Now Leasing. Breeze Crossing is a 65 unit family property with a mix of 1BR, 2BR and 3BR units. All 2BR and 3BR units come with 2 bathrooms. All units include washers and dryers in the unit, carpeted bedrooms, ceiling fans, window treatments and keyless entry. The buildings also feature the Butterfly access control system giving our residents the latest in secure entry control. The property has a
Welcome to The Park at Beasley apartments, a spacious and bright affordable apartment home community open now in Dickson, Tennessee. Within proximity to great restaurants, an abundance of shopping, and a variety of parks and entertainment, our location will be adjacent to everywhere you want to be. If quality and convenience are at the top of your list, you have come to the right place. The home
A life of serenity awaits at Madison Ridge Apartments in Dickson, Tennessee. Our quaint community is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, immersed in the beautiful surroundings of a park-like setting. Several parks, dining, and shopping options are nearby so everything you need is within close reach of our tax credit apartments. Let Madison Ridge be your gateway to all that Dickson
2 Bedroom, 1 and 1/2 Bath Apartment near Downtown Dickson has been fully renovated with new floors, paint, tiled bathroom and showers, new appliances, and so much more! Each unit has its own washer and dryer hookups, central HVAC, and lots of storage. $25 utility bill for water will be added to rent.Small pets (25 lbs or less) are permitted with approval. A nonrefundable pet fee of $250
Now Leasing – Freshly Updated 1 Bedroom and 2 Bedroom Apartments!Brand new Laundry Room with on-site Washer and Dryers Coming Soon!Under new management and fully updated, these 1 and 2 bedroom apartments offer modern comfort in a prime location just minutes from downtown. Inside, you’ll find new flooring, updated appliances, modern countertops, and fresh finishes throughout.
Harpeth Trace is located just 4 miles from Interstate 40 exit 172 in Dickson. Great schools, easy shopping and a movie theater are just up the street. Historic Downtown Dickson showcases antique stores and gift shops. Located in the major thoroughfare in Dickson, you have many choices for dining, entertainment and shopping. With professional on-site management and responsive maintenance, we will
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