Henderson's quiet character and college town energy
The city of Henderson is home to Freed-Hardeman University, a Christian school of about 2,300 students. Many of the 6,000 residents moved to the city for the university, either to enroll or to take a job with the school. But even homebuyers who came for different reasons — for the quiet, small-town energy or for the easy commute to Jackson — find Freed-Hardeman to be a central part of life in the community. “It is a big part of Henderson,” says longtime resident Destiny Burns, owner and broker of Stellar Realty Group. “They’ve done a lot to make Freed-Hardeman a little more involved with the community.”
Ranch-style homes in town and New Traditional builds on the outskirts
Homes line the residential streets in town, where front yards are shaded by tall oak trees, and most homes have driveways and garages. Ranch-style builds are most common, with prices ranging from $85,000 to $340,000, based on size and renovations. Farther from the town center, the setting gets rural and the lots get bigger. Newer, larger homes — most of them New Traditionals — go for $350,000 to $850,000. Rentals in Henderson are not as common as in many college towns, since Freed-Hardeman requires most students to live on campus.
Education at Chester County Schools, plus Freed-Hardeman University
The Chester County Schools system serves Henderson and receives an overall B-plus grade from Niche. For kindergarten through third grade, most students are zoned to East Chester Elementary, followed by Chester County Middle for fourth and fifth grade and Chester County Junior High for seventh and eighth. All three schools receive an A-minus. At B-rated Chester County High School, students can take the ACT admissions exam at no cost. The Freed-Hardeman University campus is located downtown.
Supporting Lions sports and community festivals
The community supports events at Freed-Hardeman, including performing arts and sports. The Lions won the NAIA men’s basketball national championship in 2024. Each fall, downtown Henderson plays host to the Chester County BBQ Festival. “The barbecue festival brings in a ton of people every year,” Burns says. “They shut down the streets for that.” The free event features live music, carnival rides and the Tennessee State Hog Callin’ Championship, alongside dozens of barbecue smokers. The Henderson Farmers Market is held weekly over the summer at the permanent stand in Gene Record Memorial Park. Shoppers can find fresh produce and baked goods each Friday at the market.
Recreation in town and nearby state parks like Chickasaw
Residents head to Gene Record Memorial Park for recreation. The expansive park has playgrounds, soccer fields and a mile and a half of walking paths. A splash pad opened in 2021, operating over the warmer months. Meanwhile, Sue Shelton White Park is located in the center of Henderson’s downtown and offers shaded seating, plus free Wi-Fi. Chickasaw State Park is a regional destination for outdoor activities, 8 miles west of Henderson. The park has campsites and cabins, plus a lake for kayaking or swimming. The Chickasaw Golf Course, adjacent to the state park, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is open to the public.
Shopping and dining on Main Street, and big box retail
The primary commercial corridor of Henderson, Main Street, runs through the heart of town. Besso’s Coffee is a community staple in a brick industrial interior, with both lattes and lunch options. City Drug Store, a local pharmacy on Main, has been open for over a century. Fast food spots like Jack’s Family Restaurant and Dairy Queen are outside downtown, as is the Hays Cashsaver grocery store. More shopping options, including a Walmart, are available 13 miles away, near Jackson.
Easy trips to Jackson for work
While many residents work in town at Freed-Hardeman, commuters can also head 17 miles to Jackson, the region’s largest city. “It’s really an easy commute,” Burns says. Jackson Regional Airport offers the nearest commercial flights, and Jackson-Madison County General Hospital has the closest emergency room. Henderson locals tend to drive, though the Southwest Human Resource Agency also offers on-demand transit.
