A centrally-located city home to the Bonnaroo Festival
In June, tens of thousands of out-of-towners flood the small city of Manchester, Tennessee, for the Bonnaroo Musical Festival. It's four days of rock, reggae and Americana at the Great Stage Park, and past acts have included A-listers like Elton John, Bob Dylan and Radiohead. The event brings in millions of dollars to Manchester's economy each year; motels fill, and visitors stock up on essentials at the local Walmart. For the vast majority of the year, however, just 10,000 individuals call Manchester home and it's still the type of place where people know one another by name. "It's a very friendly town," says Dana Dillinger of Re/Max 1st Realty, who's been a resident for over 30 years. "When you go to Walmart, it's like a little reunion. There's no quick trip to the grocery store here because you're going to run into someone." Interstate 24 connects the city to Nashville, just 65 miles away, and Chattanooga] is 70 miles away; Dillinger says Manchester's "central" location has also contributed to its popularity. It's a midway point, a quiet country escape for the vast majority of the year and — over the span of a few days in June — a bustling hub of entertainment. "It's a great place to live, raise a family and work," says Dillinger.
Manchester is the county seat of Coffee County with a growing population of over 12,000 people.
Thousands of people flock to Manchester to camp and listen to music at the Bonnaroo Musical Festival.
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Housing prices still below the national median
According to Dillinger, "We have a lot of transplants that are still coming in from other states," and new housing developments have sprung up to accommodate. Throughout Manchester, prospective buyers will find a mix of modest, midcentury options on compact lots, with new construction options on the city's outer edges. Prices start around $200,000 for older homes and can reach upwards of $400,000 for post-2000s builds, many of which feature two-car garages and yard spaces for backyard trampolines. As is consistent with national trends, sale prices in Manchester are on the rise; the median cost of a single-family home now hovers around $340,000, which is still significantly less than the national median of $420,000.
Midcentury ranch homes are one of the most prominent style of homes in Manchester.
Newer home developments in Manchester have larger homes with two car garages.
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Mom-and-pops, breweries and big-box retail
Shopping and dining are spread out across the city and range from century-old businesses along Main Street in Manchester's downtown to the big-box retailers and fast-food chains along Hillsboro Boulevard. The Walmart Supercenter near Bonnaroo gets especially crowded during festival season, and Dillinger says it's not uncommon to spot musicians wandering the aisles themselves or dining out at O'Charley's. Restaurants here represent a variety of cuisines; there are sushi dives, taco joints and American comfort foods smothered in gravy. Dillinger also highlights mom-and-pop options like Jiffy Burger, a generational staple, and Common John Brewing Co. is especially busy on karaoke and trivia nights. On Saturdays from May through October, locals can shop for fresh produce at the Coffee County Farmers Market.
Jiffy Burger has been serving fresh made burgers to Manchester locals since 1965.
Manchester residents can visit the Coffee County Farmers Market every Saturday from May to October.
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Access to Interstate 24 and a new industrial mega-site
Core to Manchester's appeal is its location. "It's a good central hub about an hour from Nashville, approximately. And an hour to Chattanooga," says Dillinger. Although public transportation is limited, Interstate 24 makes for easy commutes. Most residents book commercial flights from international airports in larger cities, and medical care is readily accessible at Unity Medical Center on Interstate Drive. Although the population swells to nearly 10 times its typical size during Bonnaroo, the festival's organizers have taken care to prevent congestion in town. "You almost wouldn't know it's happening unless you stop by the Walmart," says Dillinger, adding, "Live Nation took over a few years ago and basically streamlined everything." The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development's recent purchase of a 2,000-acre industrial mega-site off of I-24 will result in more growth; new housing developments and shopping centers are in the works, according to Dillinger, and she also highlights "new hotels going in all over Manchester." The Arnold Airforce Base and Arnold Engineering Development Complex, or the AEDC, also employs thousands in the area.
Crime data and community organizations
"There's a lot of community service that people volunteer and help with," says Dillinger, highlighting Manchester's small-town feel. "We have a local food pantry and plenty of community services like Blue Monarch that help women and children, specifically," she says. The city's crime rates have declined dramatically within the last decade or so, dropping by more than a third between 2015 and 2023.
Public parks, river walks and archaeological sites
Manchester is also known for its outdoor recreation options, like the softball fields and playground in Dave King Park to the picnic area along the Little Duck River Greenway. "We've also got the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, and it's got a 2,000-year-old wall that goes around it," says Dillinger. Visitors can explore the site's hiking paths, take part in guided kayaking trips along the Duck River or learn about Native American history from park rangers. Not too far outside the city, there are also opportunities for caving at the Cumberland Caverns. "We get all the seasons here, so we're not always covered in snow or boiling in heat," says Dillinger. In the summertime, kids can splash in the rec center's outdoor pool, make the transition to laps inside when the weather gets chilly, or use the racquetball courts and gym equipment.
Visitors to the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park can gaze upon the beautiful waterfalls on the Duck River in Manchester.
The Little Duck River Greenway is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the river in Manchester.
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Manchester City Schools and Coffee County in high school
The Manchester City School District, which has an overall B grade from Niche, is home to three schools: College Street Elementary, Westwood Elementary and Westwood Middle. In ninth grade, students travel outside the district to Coffee County Central High School, which also earns a B. There are more learning opportunities at the city's public library, which has book clubs, sensory story times and STEM Workshops.
Coffee County High School enrolls around 1,200 students every year in Manchester.
College Street Elementary School enrolls over 500 students every year in Manchester.
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Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dianne Arnold,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Manchester, TN sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Manchester, TN over the last 12 months is $309,950, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Thoughtfully updated and move-in ready Smart Home; no-HOA, entertaining spaces, flexible layout with potential for a fourth bedroom, quick access to I-24. ***A comprehensive home inspection was performed, and all identified items were addressed, making this home ready to move in! The Kitchen: Updated appliances, an island with Rev-A-Shelf pull-out wire drawers. The Primary Suite: Custom shelving
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-level home on a spacious lot, offering plenty of room to relax or expand. Enjoy an inviting patio, perfect for outdoor living, enhanced by a Bluetooth speaker system on the patio and in the garage. A comfortable, well‐kept home with modern touches and generous outdoor space.
Welcome home to this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath all-brick residence, where timeless craftsmanship meets elegant design. Step inside to discover a spacious open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living room, kitchen, and dining areas—ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The gourmet kitchen boasts premium appliances (all of which remain), ample cabinetry, and a large island
Welcome to 775 Ragsdale Road in Manchester TN, where modern luxury seamlessly blends with timeless craftsman quality in this spectacular single-story all-brick masterpiece featuring premium Winter Haven Brick and energy-efficient Anderson windows throughout. This meticulously designed 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open-concept home showcases soaring ceilings, rich luxury vinyl plank flooring, and
Welcome to 22 Hickory Dr, an All Brick beautifully maintained single-level home in a quiet Manchester neighborhood located just minutes from WillowBrook Golf Club.Step inside to an inviting, open living area featuring vaulted ceilings with plenty of natural light and a comfortable flow into the kitchen and dining space. The attached 2 car garage includes a custom built-in workbench, perfect
Wake up to breathtaking golf course and Duck River views from this stunning luxury executive residence perched on a premier corner lot overlooking Manchester's Old Stone Fort Golf Course. This meticulously maintained custom home delivers the complete package with an entertainer's dream kitchen featuring premium quartz countertops, completely renovated bathrooms with designer finishes, and fresh
Fully renovated all-brick 4-bedroom home that is cute as can be with lots of charm. Located on approximately 1⁄2 acre and features a huge fenced backyard, perfect for entertaining, pets, or play. Major improvements have already been completed, including a new roof, new gutters, and new windows, providing peace of mind for years to come. Originally built by Dietzen Construction, a highly respected
Thoughtfully updated and move-in ready Smart Home; no-HOA, entertaining spaces, flexible layout with potential for a fourth bedroom, quick access to I-24. ***A comprehensive home inspection was performed, and all identified items were addressed, making this home ready to move in! The Kitchen: Updated appliances, an island with Rev-A-Shelf pull-out wire drawers. The Primary Suite: Custom shelving
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-level home on a spacious lot, offering plenty of room to relax or expand. Enjoy an inviting patio, perfect for outdoor living, enhanced by a Bluetooth speaker system on the patio and in the garage. A comfortable, well‐kept home with modern touches and generous outdoor space.
Great new construction on 5 acres with easy access to I-24 and Hwy. 41 nestled in the lovely foothills of the Appalachians! Plenty of room to have a garden and some chickens! Enjoy a vacation home feel all year round! Floorplan available upon request. Architectural Designs Plan #801105PM. Floorplan, materials, and colors are subject to some changes by the builder. Please note that construction
Ask about interest rates under 5%! Builder-installed 6' PVC fencebuy your new market home today with just $99 deposit & $99 it total closing costs using our preferred lender!
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, beauty, and functionality on this 16+ acre rolling countryside property. Fully fenced and featuring a pond, this land is ideal for animals, homesteading, or creating your dream country retreat.The gently rolling terrain offers multiple beautiful building sites with stunning views, making it easy to envision your forever home nestled among nature.
Beautiful tract on which to build your new home in the country! Plenty of room for you to spread out nestled among the lovely hills of Coffee County! Multiple parcels available at this location. This is the largest tract available at this location.
Welcome Home to Hayfield Homes – Your New Beginning Awaits!Nestled in the heart of Manchester, TN, Hayfield Homes offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. Whether you're looking for a cozy 1-bedroom, a spacious 2-bedroom, or a family-friendly 3-bedroom, we have the perfect floor plan to meet your needs.Our thoughtfully designed apartments feature modern
All Brick, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home; Main Bedroom w/ full bath and walk in closet. Hardwood, Tile in wet areas, Vaulted Ceiling in Living Rm, Granite counter tops, Stainless steel appliances, pantry. Concrete drive, Covered patio, 2 car garage. No Pets
Hills Chapel Apartments – Comfortable & Convenient Living in Manchester, TNWelcome home to Hills Chapel Apartments, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Manchester, TN. Offering spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, our community is designed for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with modern amenities and a prime location.Enjoy a peaceful setting while still
Spacious 4 BR, 3 Bath Brick Home; Sits on farmland and fairly secluded. Large Living Room/ Large Den/ Dining Area. Primary BR w/ Full Bath, 3 car attached carport w/ lots of storage
Welcome to Carden Estates Apartments! The Manchester Times voted us #1 Apartment Community 3 years in a row!!! Why were we voted number one? Carden Estates is a beautiful place to live. Our property features lush landscaping in a quiet, peaceful environment. You will enjoy the spacious apartments and wonderful neighbors. This community is professionally managed with an excellent management and
Welcome to Manchester Arbors Apartments in the heart of Manchester, TN. Our spacious units feature updated amenities such as a dishwasher for easy meal clean-up, laundry facilities on-site for added convenience, and luxury vinyl plank flooring for a sleek and stylish look.Located in a prime location, residents can enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Looking for a spacious and peaceful home? This newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom duplex is located at the end of a quiet tuck away street. Features: Large back patio, Spacious living area, Electric washer & dryer hookups, Quiet neighborhood, Rental Details: No Pets or No Smoking inside unit. Tenants pay water electric. Approved application is Required before showing/tour. Don't miss out!
4 Bedroom, 2 bath Mobile Home; Large Den and Living Rooms, Main BR w/ Full Bath- tub/separate shower. Eat-In Kitchen- appliances included, large yard, covered front porch.
HEY EVERYONE READY TO RENTWelcome to this brand new two-bedroom luxury apartment nestled in the heart of Manchester, TN. make this a great and affordable option to call home.-We are pet-friendly! if any questions please contact us!
Tenant agrees to pay a monthly rent of $1,900, due on the first of each month. Tenant will be responsible for all utilities unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement as well as Internet ($75) and trash collection of $10 a month. Smoking is not permitted inside the property. Pets are allowed with a non refundable deposit of $350 each pet and $35 dollars a month added to the rent. Renter’s
Vickie BeanKeller Williams Russell Realty & Auction
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