Even though it’s far from the largest city in the state — and not even the largest in West Tennessee — Jackson proudly calls itself “The Hub City.” The nickname honors its historic role as a railroad hub, but Jackson also anchors the largest metro area in the otherwise vast rural region between Memphis and Nashville. “So we service nine counties. Everybody comes to Jackson to shop, to eat and to work. Outside of Memphis, we are the heart of West Tennessee,” says Chris Miller, the managing broker and owner of Crye-Leike Elite Realtors.
Additionally, this city — named after President Andrew Jackson — boasts a reinvigorated downtown, vibrant retail scene, a diverse academic sector, growing industries and a less expensive housing market than other parts of the state. “I’ve had people moving here from up north where they view it as a milder climate and I’ve had people move up here from Florida who are tired of not having four seasons…and tired of so many people moving to Florida,” says Jane Betts, a Realtor with Town & Country Realtors.
The Lawrence neighborhood is located in Jackson, Tennessee.
The Jackson Rockabilly baseball team plays in the Lawrence neighborhood.
Blue Oval City is a massive Ford plant that is poised to be one of the largest employers around Jackson.
Legends of Tennessee Music Museum offers insight into music history near Lawrence.
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Housing ranging from historic cottages to upscale suburban properties
Some of Jackson’s oldest homes exist in places like the Bemis Historic District to the south and around the downtown, where buyers will find classic styles like Craftsman bungalows, English Tudor cottages and American Foursquares. Trendy new houses influenced by Nashville’s “tall and skinny” designs are also found near the downtown. The neighborhoods around Interstate 40 include subdivisions of prominent Colonial Revivals and Traditionals with lavish landscapes and leisure amenities. Fast-growing North Jackson includes sought-after developments like the Summit, a gated community of leased homes with next-generation automated systems .
With size and acreage affecting prices, most single-family homes here cost between $150,000 and $450,000. The city has a median list price of just under $300,000, which is nearly $200,000 less than both the Nashville and national medians. “It’s very affordable, and that’s a lot of the reason they come here,” says Kim Holt, an affiliate broker with Town & Country Realtors. “Us compared to Nashville? I mean, Lord, you got a major gap.”
There are several beautiful historic homes in Historic Downtown Bemis.
Gilmore features many traditional homes.
You can find several new homes in the Historic Downtown Jackson neighborhood.
There are many craftsman homes in the Historic Downtown Jackson neighborhood.
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Muse Park, travel baseball hub and close to historic Pinson Mounds site
Jackson has over two dozen parks and recreational facilities. The city also owns the Bent Tree Golf Club, a public and seasonal 18-hole course. At the popular Muse Park, visitors enjoy views of its scenic pond, playing on the basketball courts and playgrounds and getting on the natural trails to explore the surrounding woods. A pedestrian bridge over North Parkway leads to a skate park.
Jackson is also a hub for traveling youth baseball teams, many of which pass through the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex. Plans are in the works to turn the Sportsplex area into a larger recreational destination by also adding a Great Wolf Lodge, a chain of indoor water parks.
Although it’s about 14 miles south of the city, the Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park draws many visitors. The more than 1,200-acre site and historic landmark is famous for its numerous Native American mounds, which hikers can reach via a series of trails. West Tennessee is also a sportsman’s haven. “In any direction, you can go and get a lot of good fishing. Not necessarily in Jackson proper, but in 30 minutes to an hour, you have all kinds of places to go fishing. That’s a big draw to some folks,” Betts says.
Muse Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors near Hicksville.
Muse Park is a beautiful shaded park that features a peaceful lake.
Gilmore is home to the West Tennessee Sportsplex.
Visitors to Pinson Mounds State Park near Jackson can climb the 127 steps of Saul's Mound.
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Jackson-Madison County School District and home of Union University
The Jackson-Madison County School District provides public education in the city and earns an overall B grade from the ratings site Niche. The site also ranks the district as the third most diverse in the state. The district oversees 26 schools and its governing body received the School Board of the Year award during the Tennessee School Boards Association’s annual convention in 2023.
The University School of Jackson is one of several private options that serves students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. Niche gives the institution an A-plus grade and ranks it as the third best Christian high school in Tennessee. Several higher education options also exist here, like the University of Memphis at Lambuth and Union University. Union is a private Christian institution known for its strong health care programs.
Westwood Gardens borders the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus.
University School of Jackson is one of the city's sought after private schools.
Union University is a major economic driver in Jackson.
North Side High School is a part of the Madison County School District.
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Free Friday night concerts downtown and celebrating local institutions
On warm Friday nights during the summer, the Amp downtown hosts free concerts showcasing Tennessee’s musical cultures. The venue also hosts other major events like the 420 Hemp Festival in April. The city also gets in the Holiday Spirit through festivities like the Downtown Christmas Parade, which follows the tree lighting ceremony. Downtown is also home to the 2,200-seat Carl Perkins Civic Center.
The Casey Jones Village hosts a festival each October honoring the famous train engineer of the same name. The private and historically Black Lane College also gives the city a hometown feel during its homecoming week celebration in October. Activities include a golf tournament and the traditional parade.
The Amp is a popular gathering place in downtown Jackson that hosts shows throughout the year.
The Carl Perkins Civic & Convention Center brings visitors to Jackson for conferences and conventions.
Brook Shaw's is a part of Casey Jones Village, a popular local attraction.
Lane College is a private college located in Hicksville.
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Arrival of BlueOval City and new flights out of McKellar-Sipes airport
With over 5,000 workers, the West Tennessee Health Care system is the area’s largest employer. Its flagship institution, the city’s Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, serves an area of more than 500,000 people.
Examples of Jackon’s industrial growth include Georgia-Pacific Manufacturing’s opening of a Dixie plant in 2024 and an expansion of the Toyota Boshoku facility. These multimillion-dollar projects promise the addition of about 300 jobs. However, the region most eagerly awaits BlueOval City, a massive Ford complex in neighboring Haywood County that will build electric pickup trucks and batteries. While the site is miles outside of Jackson, the city anticipates the company will pull from much of the local workforce to help fill it’s 6,000 jobs.
“We’ve had a ton of industry move here. It’s bringing in all kinds of people, and they’re moving here because of our taxes. We’re just a good spot, a good hub in the middle of Nashville and Memphis, and we’re easy for getting to places. I just love it,” says Destiny Burns, the owner of the Stellar Realty Group.
Although Jackson continues to add to its population, its growth has slowed since the turn of the 21st century. Estimates from 2023 show the city’s population at nearly 68,300 individuals, a fraction of a percent higher than the official 2020 count. The census also confirms this, noting that the city’s population grew by under 5% between 2010 and 2020.
The Jackson Transit Authority runs buses throughout the city, but many here drive to commute. Major roadways include U.S. Highway 45 and I-40, with the latter providing routes to Memphis —about 80 miles west — and Nashville — about 130 miles east. Although Jackson locals have long relied on the Memphis International Airport for commercial flights, the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport recently added flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O’Hare.
Downtown Jackson’s renewed dining and shopping scene
Downtown Jackson is undergoing a renovation and its dining and entertainment scene consists of numerous eateries — ranging from a Starbucks that opened in 2023 — to watering holes and unique shops selling everything from plants to taxidermy mounts. Hub City Brewing is among downtown’s staples and it entertains patrons with concerts, a small bowling alley and an outdoor pickleball court. Grubb’s Grocery sells natural foods, while those looking for fresh produce can visit the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market at Jackson’s AMP at the Market — also known as The Amp.
The I-40 and U.S. 45 bypass area is the main commercial hub for chain retailers. Shopping centers here include The Columns, which boasts stores like Ross and Bed Bath & Beyond. Nearby, and based in Casey Jones Village, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store provides patrons with downhome cooking and a shop filled with Tennessee-themed merchandise. Big-box stores include Sam’s Club and Walmart.
The Old Hickory Mall has struggled over the years, but the city is trying to revitalize that areato include a convention center complex that would include a 6,500-seat multi-use arena.
Hub City Brewing is a local brewery with fresh beer for locals to enjoy.
Brook Shaw's Old Country Store in Stanworth features a popular buffet.
Downtown Jackson hosts the West Tennessee Farmers' Market
Westwood Gardens is only a few minutes from Downtown Jackson's local shops and restaurants.
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Important to know
The local climate stands out for its warm, humid summers and mild winters. Snowfall can occur here, but extreme winter events are rare. The region, however, is prone to strong thunderstorms and tornadoes. West Tennessee has historically been less tornado-prone than Middle Tennessee, but the region has seen more twisters than East Tennessee since the early 2010s.
Of Tennessee’s four biggest cities, only Memphis has considerably higher crime rates than Jackson. FBI stats show Memphis’ property crime rate is more than double Jackson’s. Otherwise, Jackson has a slightly higher violent crime rate than Nashville but a lower property crime rate. Knoxville has lower crime rates than Jackson, while Chattanooga’s violent crime rate is 30% lower than the Hub City’s.
On average, homes in Jackson, TN sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Jackson, TN over the last 12 months is $282,495, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$299,900
Median Sale Price
$282,495
Median Single Family Sale Price
$295,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$204,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$192,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
996
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$7
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$147
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
326
Months of Supply
3.90
Cost of Living Comparison
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Jackson, TN
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 South Elementary School
B
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Community Montessori School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Pope School
B-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#4 Denmark Elementary School
C+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#5 Thelma Barker Elementary School
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#6 East Elementary School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#7 Arlington Elementary School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#8 Rose Hill Middle School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#9 Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
4
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Community Montessori School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Northeast Middle School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#3 West-Bemis Middle School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#4 North Parkway Middle School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#5 Rose Hill Middle School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#6 Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
4
GreatSchools
#7 Parkview Learning Center
Best Public High Schools
#1 Madison Academic Magnet High School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 South Side High School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#4 Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
4
GreatSchools
#5 Liberty Technology Magnet High School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#6 North Side High School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#7 Jackson Central Merry High School
3
GreatSchools
#8 Jackson Central-Merry Academy Of Medical Technolog
Winnie is a native of Wisconsin and currently resides in Buena Vista, TN with her husband (28 year Navy Veteran) and son. Winnie enlisted in the US Air Force after graduating high school. She retired in 2021, after 23 years of distinguished service. Her military service includes 6 combat tours, multiple joint command assignments, working on the US Military Delegation to NATO in Brussels, Belgium and she concluded her military career as a Senior Enlisted Leader within a Combatant Command. Winnie found her way to Carroll County on a whim through Zillow and there is no place she would rather be. In her free time, she manages their farm of mini and micro cows, emus, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and a plethora of other animals. Winnie loves to hunt and fish as well. Her goal is to become a self-sustaining farm and eventually live off grid. Winnie would love to find her clients their own piece of paradise in Tennessee! Give her a call if you need some assistance in finding the perfect place to call your own!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
