Outdoor recreation and quiet living define Monterey
With a name that means King of the Mountains and a town motto of "where the hilltops kiss the sky," it's no surprise that natural recreation is one of the biggest perks of life in Monterey. "The outdoor amenities in the area are a big draw. We're surrounded by nine state parks within an hour, and we have an active outdoor lifestyle," says Chena Morris, a Realtor with The Real Estate Collective, who has six years of experience. "There's a lot of hiking and lakes nearby." This Middle Tennessee community is affectionately known as Putnam County's mountain town, offering a quiet and scenic lifestyle right along Interstate 40.
Mountain views and natural areas surround the community
From mountainous natural areas to small city parks, outdoor activity surrounds Monterey. Whitaker Park on Commercial Avenue has a playground, picnic shelters and an amphitheater. Across the street, the city pool, tennis courts and basketball courts offer plenty of room to exercise or play a pick-up game. Bee Rock is an overlook just outside town with sweeping views of the nearby Cumberland Mountains. According to legend, Native Americans gathered honey underneath the cliffs, leading to the location's name. Meadow Creek Park is a 300-acre natural area with a lake for kayaking and fishing. Other popular activities include mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing. State parks within 60 miles of Monterey include Standing Stone, Cumberland Mountain and Fall Creek Falls.
Spacious lots and rural properties offer room to spread out
Several housing styles are available in Monterey, from century-old bungalows to 21st-century Craftsman and New Traditional homes. Ranch-style houses are also common. Buyers won't feel crowded even in the heart of town; homes often sit on spacious lots with towering trees scattered around the yards. Properties in the more rural areas have even more room, sometimes on lots of 2 acres or more. Despite the larger lots, prices in Monterey are lower than in nearby communities. "The pricing and affordability are a draw," Morris says. "It's a little more affordable than Cookeville. Cookeville's median home price is around $400,000, and Monterey's is a bit under that." The median price for a single-family home in Monterey is around $320,000.
Locally owned businesses in town with more options nearby
Commercial Avenue has several hometown restaurants, like Los Agaves. This casual Mexican spot is known for its fajitas and margaritas. Laurel Mountain Bakery on Holly Street sells various baked goods, including sourdough breads and pies. The community also has several chain restaurants, including Burger King, Domino's and Dairy Queen. Groceries are available at Save A Lot, and stores like Family Dollar and Dollar General offer other household items. Cookeville is a quick drive west on I-40 for more shopping and dining. "The proximity to Cookeville is what makes it so great. Cookeville is the largest micropolitan area in Tennessee. It's got really great shopping, dining and a live music scene," Morris says.
High school students can explore agriculture, IT and health sciences
Burks Elementary School serves prekindergarten through sixth grade and receives a B from Niche. Monterey High School serves seventh through 12th grade and has a B rating. High school students can study career pathways like agriculture, architecture, information technology and health sciences. The school also offers a JROTC program.
Historic sites and annual events reflect community pride
The Monterey Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from May through October, bringing locally grown produce and other foods downtown. Other community events include the Fire on the Mountain Independence Day Celebration, featuring fireworks, food vendors and live music. The annual Monterey Christmas Parade has been held in early December for nearly 70 years. Residents can also learn about and celebrate local heritage at the Monterey Depot Museum, which details the area's history, from Native Americans to coal-mining settlers. The Standing Stone Monument is the remnant of a 16-foot-tall rock that once stood in the region, marking the boundary between the Cherokee and Shawnee territories.
Highway access makes commuting easy from Monterey
Interstate 40 is the main highway through Monterey, providing a 15-mile drive to Cookeville or a 22-mile route east to Crossville. State routes 62 and 84 also pass through the area, connecting to places like Clarkrange and Livingston. The closest hospital is Cookeville Regional Medical Center, about 16 miles away.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
