Livingston's charming character and lower prices than Cookeville
Livingston is the seat of Overton County, about 20 miles north of Cookeville. While residents often commute to the larger city, they choose to live in Livingston for its more intimate character and lower home prices. “In Livingston, you get a little bit cheaper housing prices since you’re a little further from Cookeville,” says Chena Morris, a Realtor with the Real Estate Collective, who has worked in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee for six years. On top of the area’s prices, Livingston attracts homebuyers with a charming downtown and access to outdoor recreation.
Homes from the middle of the 20th century, plus some newer builds
Gridded residential streets rise toward the ridges to the city’s north, shaded by tall trees. Cars often park in driveways or carports rather than attached garages. Homes can date from the middle of the 20th century, though newer builds are also scattered throughout the area. Ranch and farmhouse-style houses are common, as are bungalows. The median sales price for Livingston is $229,000, compared with nearly $335,000 in Cookeville.
Nearby lakes and trails on the Cumberland Plateau
Outdoor recreation hotspots on the Cumberland Plateau are easy to get to from Livingston. Standing Stone State Park has trails around its namesake lake, as well as cabins, campsites and a pool, 11 miles away. The larger Dale Hollow Lake sits 12 miles away and is known as a great spot for bass fishing. Marinas and recreation areas have boat slips, while hiking trails and picnic pavilions are located around the water. But there are several parks in town as well. Downtown, Central Park has a playground and a splash pad, plus an amphitheater. Just up Main Street, Livingston City Park has a collection of baseball fields, tennis and pickleball courts and a community pool.
Education in the Overton County School District
Livingston is located in the Overton County School District, which receives a C-plus overall grade from Niche. Students can attend kindergarten through fourth grade at A.H. Roberts Elementary, which gets a C-minus rating. C-plus-rated Livingston Middle serves all of the district’s fifth- through eighth-graders. Livingston Academy is the system’s high school and receives a C grade. The school has honor societies for students, including Beta Club and National Honor Society. Volunteer State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology each have campuses in Livingston.
Antiques and boutiques on Livingston's Court Square
Storefronts line Livingston’s Court Square, with the Overton County Courthouse at its center. Several businesses sit inside the Antique Market, including the namesake vintage store as well as a record shop and a barbecue joint, while other boutiques focus on fashion and wellness. “It’s a really cute downtown on the square,” Morris says. “They’re known for their antiquing.” The Steel Coop, just south of Court Square, is one of the most popular restaurants in the city, serving sandwiches and entrees in a modern interior. Fast food sits along Main Street and Bradford Hicks Highway, while grocery stores include Jerry’s IGA and a Food Lion.
Events at Central Park, plus the county fair
Events in Overton County center on Livingston. The Overton County Fair takes place each summer at the fairgrounds just outside the community, featuring several pageants, cattle shows and a tractor pull. Within town, the Pioneer Days festival takes place at Central Park over a summer weekend. Themed to the frontier, the event includes costume contests and live bluegrass music. Livingston also celebrates holidays with family-friendly events. “They do a bunch of festivals,” Morris says. “They also have a really nice Fourth of July festival.”
Commutes to Cookeville and access to the interstate
Livingston is roughly 20 miles from Cookeville, the region’s largest city, and residents sometimes commute for work. While most people drive to their destinations, the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency offers an on-demand transit service throughout the area. Nashville and Knoxville are each roughly 110 miles away via Interstate 40. The closest commercial flights depart from Nashville International Airport. Livingston Regional Hospital has health services for the community, including an emergency room.
