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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Dickson, TN sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Dickson, TN over the last 12 months is $339,900, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move in ready corner lot! No deposit, 10-year warranty! Welcome to The Leland G Floor Plan in Hickory Cove, an exclusive 27-home community offering comfort, space, and thoughtful design.This spacious 1,682-square-foot home features the only five-bedroom option available in the neighborhood. Upgraded LVP flooring in all bedrooms and closets! The primary suite is conveniently located on the
Walk into instant equity!! Priced BELOW Appraisal Value! A fantastic Vintage Home for a Buyer seeking a home with real character! Charming 1918 Cottage 2 minutes walk to Downtown Main Street with 11 ft Ceilings & many Original Features. Understated from the exterior, this well maintained jewel 3 Bed, 2 Bathroom home is much larger than it appears. Well-Preserved Turn-of-the-Century home is “turn
This beautifully custom-built 3BR, 2BA home is just steps from Main St. Featuring Hardie Board siding, a front porch, and a garage, the open floor plan includes LVP flooring, granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, and matte black finishes. The master bathroom offers double vanities and a stylish tile walk-in shower. The spare bathroom features a soaking tub with elegant tile finishes.
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
2% in seller concessions towards rate buy down and closing costs! 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! Mature trees on the lot create the perfect setting for outdoor enjoyment. 2 extra large storage buildings ideal for a
Rare opportunity to own **7.08 private acres within the city limits of Dickson!** This unique property offers the perfect blend of convenience, space, and privacy in one of Dickson's most desirable locations. Enjoy the peaceful setting while being just minutes from shopping, dining, schools, and all that Dickson has to offer.The home features **3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms**, along with
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
Exquisite home on 25 acres updated to perfection with extensive upgrades throughout. This home has 5 large Bedrooms (including a second owner's suite), 3 baths, a sizeable office, 40x18 pool with tanning ledge and a diving board and water slide, 27x22 covered patio, a barn, and a versatile basement with sink and cabinets, all with ultimate privacy. The hidden camping area and outhouse is a
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,
Tucked among mature hardwoods, this 16.19-acre property offers the privacy and natural beauty that's becoming harder to find. With road frontage on both Bear Creek Road S and Caps Ridge, you'll have multiple access points and flexibility for several potential homesites.The wooded landscape creates a peaceful, secluded setting that's well suited for a private estate, weekend retreat, or
MOTIVATED SELLER! 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
Welcome to Easy One-Level Living in East Hills Village!This clean and well-maintained one-level condominium in the desirable East Hills Village development in Dickson, TN offers comfortable, convenient living with everything you need on one floor. The view from the patio is great!The unit features a new dishwasher, new microwave, washer, and dryer, making it move-in ready and
Treetop living in Dickson, TN. New construction tucked away in the Druid Hills neighborhood. This lodge-inspired home delivers panoramic views from the tip-top. Primary on Main with vaulted ceilings, real hardwoods or tile throughout, and an airy great room anchored by a Brick fireplace, quartz hearth and with soaring vaulted ceilings. The exterior makes a statement with beautiful wood arches,
The land and privacy youve been searching for - while still being under an hour to Nashville, and just 15 minutes to downtown dickson. On over 15 acres just off I-40, you’ve got over 2300 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a huge back patio, and an 1,800 sq ft shop - all brand new and ready for you now!This modern farmhouse with MASSIVE main living area, overlooks the wooded acreage with
Welcome to your next home. As you step into the foyer, you're greeted by the stairs leading to the second floor. As you move toward the back of the home, you'll pass the one-car garage and a powder bath before entering the open kitchen and family room, with a patio located just off the family room. Upstairs, you'll find two additional bedrooms—one with a walk-in closet—as well as a laundry room.
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,
Welcome home to this charming 1-bedroom, 1.5 bath condo offering 857 sq ft of comfortable living space. The kitchen provides plenty of functionality, and the convenient stackable washer and dryer make laundry a breeze! Enjoy your own private patio, perfect for relaxing or enjoying your morning coffee! Residents also have access to a community pool, fitness center, and convenient mailbox room.
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.
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
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
This unit is under complete remodel. All new interior from the wood style flooring, to kitchen cabinets, kitchen countertops, to bath fixtures and vanity. All new lighting fixtures, trim, and paint. Duplex Apartment in Child Friendly Community with Large Master Bedroom with walk in closet. Due to unit remodel all photos are samples of paint, kitchen cabinets, and flooring along with kitchen
A life of serenity awaits at Madison Ridge Apartments in Dickson, Tennessee. Our spacious and inviting apartments for rent were designed for your comfort and satisfaction. Choose from a selection of one, two, and three bedroom floor plans offering luxurious apartment living at an affordable price. Each home features a fully equipped kitchen, carpeted floors, private entry, window coverings, ample
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