Mount Pleasant balances country living and accessibility
Mount Pleasant experienced its initial boom after the discovery of phosphate in the late 1800s. Over time, it became a town where small businesses thrive, and the arts and community are cherished as much as history. The community’s homes, some on the National Register of Historic Places, offer the space and tranquility many seek outside bigger cities. "People are drawn to Mount Pleasant because they don't want to be on top of each other," says broker Michael Gomez of Hive Nashville LLC, who specializes in middle Tennessee. “There's a lot of vegetation and nature everywhere." Located around 60 miles from Nashville and 14 miles from Columbia, Mount Pleasant strikes a balance between country living and accessibility.
Diverse architectural styles and prices
Buyers can find several styles of homes in Mount Pleasant. “There are going to be more traditional homes and a lot of farmhouse styles. At the same time, there are some late 1990s and 2000s builds as well,” says Realtor Phil Bogard of eXp Realty, a Middle Tennessee expert. Cottages and bungalows from the early 1900s to 1940s also have a foothold in Mount Pleasant as do historic Queen Anne styles. New construction in the area is rare, but there are some 21st-century homes in the area. Many properties are on at least a half-acre if not six or more acres, but closer to Main Street, they settle closer together. “Some [homeowners] want to be where there are people," Gomez says. “And others don’t want to see a neighbor." Investment, auction and small move-in-ready properties range from around $35,000 to $280,000. As homes get larger, lots get bigger and architecture becomes more distinct, the prices head into the $290,000 to $750,000 range. The highest range is $825,000 to $2.8 million.
Recreation between Mount Pleasant and Columbia
Mount Pleasant’s parks offer sports courts, playgrounds and trails. Veterans Park stands out for its splash pad, while Gardenia Clark Park has a nine-hole disc golf course. Mount Pleasant Dog Park’s doggy playground equipment keeps pups engaged. Residents enjoy a community center offering dedicated programming for seniors and free spin classes for anyone. Mount Pleasant Little League gives kids two fields to play on. Golfers can enjoy the nine-hole course at Mount Pleasant Country Club, which is open to the public. Less than 7 miles away in the city, Columbia Pond is a go-to for anglers. Gomez adds that one of the most popular parks is Chickasaw Trace Park. It's also in Columbia, around 16 miles away, and spans over 240 acres.
The shopping and dining scene in an evolving downtown
Mount Pleasant uses state grants to replace outdated infrastructure, spruce up old facades and expand its central square in the downtown area. Locals can satisfy a variety of food cravings here. Mt. Pleasant Grille serves a spin on comfort food with menu items like chicken marsala pasta and jalapeno pimento burgers. Twisted Copper Brewery is a popular spot for craft beer and live music. The Mayan Riviera Restaurant is a go-to for margaritas and tacos. Gomez says Tietgens Cee Bee is the only true grocery store in town, and still family-owned. Shopping in Mount Pleasant includes Walgreens, Dollar General and the locally owned Pleasant Home & Gift.
Concerts, food trucks and themed events create a lively community vibe
Mount Pleasant Music on the Porch occurs monthly from April to October. Welcoming neighbors host the free concert on their lawns as folk and rock bands play from the porch and food trucks keep the crowd fed. Touch A Truck is an annual summertime event allowing kids to climb into fire trucks and police cars and sign up for the Mount Pleasant Library summer reading program. The downtown square hosts A Very Pleasant Christmas in November, kicking off the season with a tree-lighting ceremony. Residents can celebrate their history through self-guided walking tours of historic homes or by visiting the Mt. Pleasant History Museum to explore the town’s mining past.
Public education paths and private options
Students attend the Maury County School District, which allows them to apply to any school within the district with an opening. They may begin at J.E. Woody Elementary School, which earns a B-minus on Niche. Common next steps are Mt. Pleasant Middle School of the Visual and Performing Arts and Mt. Pleasant High School, both earning C pluses. The middle school’s fine arts department supports creative expression by teaching students the intricacies of theater and various dance styles. Private options include the B-minus-rated Zion Christian Academy, covering prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Ways to get around the area
U.S. Route 43 and Tennessee 166 are major routes through town. Public transportation includes The Mule Town Trolley, a deviated fixed-route service, providing a connection to downtown Columbia.
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock