Huntingdon's commercial and cultural draws between Jackson and Paris
The Carroll County Courthouse is the epicenter of activity in Huntingdon, a small city in Northwest Tennessee. “Huntingdon’s got a nice town square,” says Logan Drewry, a Realtor with Casey Drewry Realty, who is originally from the area. “They’re the county seat, so you’ve got a big, nice courthouse downtown.” Along with restaurants and cultural institutions around the square, Huntingdon offers established neighborhoods, recreation options and highly rated schools between the bigger cities of Jackson and Paris.
Restaurants and shops on the town square, plus shopping centers
Around the square, locally owned shops like Hardware House are community staples, while popular spots for a meal include the Cornerstone Eatery and Mallard’s Restaurant. East of downtown, small shopping centers and fast-food joints line Main Street, and a Walmart on the opposite side of the town center has groceries and other essentials.
Established ranch-style homes, including some on acreage
Narrow residential streets wind through Huntingdon, especially north of downtown. Large front lawns are common, and many homes back to the woods. South of town, houses sit on or around Main Street, including some with acreage. Ranch-style homes are most common throughout town, often dating to the middle of the 20th century. Most sell for $120,000 to $300,000. Smaller properties and fixer-uppers range from $40,000 to $100,000.
Education in the highly rated Huntingdon Special School District
Most of Huntingdon is included in the Huntingdon Special School District, which receives an A-minus grade from Niche. Students in the district can start at Huntingdon Primary School, followed by Huntingdon Middle; both schools get an A-minus. Huntingdon High, rated B-plus, offers agricultural courses, including classes on farming equipment and raising animals. As in many Southern towns, high school football is an important part of the community. In particular, Drewry says the game between Huntingdon High and McKenzie High — nicknamed the Cross-Creek Rivalry for the landmark that separates the two communities — is a big event each fall.
Plays and concerts at The Dixie on the square
Actress Dixie Carter grew up in nearby McLemoresville, and Huntingdon’s Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Enrichment Center is named in her honor. The Dixie’s Hal Holbrook Theater — named for her actor husband — hosts concerts, plays and musicals. “They always have something going on there,” Drewry says. The Huntingdon Heritage Festival, also organized by the Dixie, features street vendors, food trucks and live music in the town square.
Parks in town and recreation at 1000 Acre Lake
Several parks sit near the center of Huntingdon. Edwards Park has baseball fields, basketball courts and a playground, while Thomas Park features a gazebo and a caboose at the former site of the city’s train depot. But the town’s biggest recreation area is the Kelley Sports Complex, which includes several baseball fields and a soccer field, plus a walking track. Both youth and adult sports programs utilize the park. Just outside town, 1000 Acre Lake is a popular spot for boaters and anglers. “It’s a big fishing lake and a pretty good recreation lake, too,” Drewry says.
Accessible commutes to both Jackson and Paris
U.S. Highway 70 is the main highway through Huntingdon, running 35 miles to the larger city of Jackson. Paris is roughly 25 miles away. Residents generally drive, though the Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency serves the area with an on-demand transportation program. Jackson Regional Airport has the nearest commercial flights. Baptist Memorial Hospital is in Huntingdon, with services including an emergency room.
