Newbern appeals with its schools and community-minded residents
Newbern is among the many small communities in West Tennessee’s rural region beyond Memphis . This town of over 3,000 people stays close through events like a holiday parade, a large church yard sale and a Main Street festival celebrating the town’s rail history. “It’s a small town atmosphere. The people are friendly and very community-minded," says Mike McCullough, associate pastor at Newbern First Baptist Church. "In comparison to a lot of places, it’s a low cost of living. It’s not too crowded. Newbern is also appealing in comparison to Dyersburg because I think a lot of people are drawn to its school system.”
Architecture ranges from 1960s ranch-style homes to New Traditionals
Some of Newbern’s residential streets have sidewalks, and many of the homes are on spacious lots surrounded by mature trees. The neighborhood has many ranch-style homes from the 1960s and 1970s and some Craftsman bungalows. There are also modern brick New Traditional homes with double garages and amenities like backyard pools. Costs depend on factors like house size, acreage and condition. Many homes under 2,000 square feet go from about $120,000 to $300,000. A few larger or newer homes run between $340,000 and $590,000. Newbern also has a median sale price of about $206,000, nearly $170,000 below nearby Dyersburg’s.
Students may attend Dyer County School District
Dyer County School District serves Newbern, which has three of the system’s schools. The district gets an A-minus from Niche. Students may start at Newbern Elementary before going to Northview Middle, both receiving A-minus grades. They may finish at Dyer County High School, which gets a B-plus and has a STEM workshop and various coding and computer science courses. “The high school is top-notch,” says Andrea Newman, a Realtor with Tennessee Realty. “They have nursing programs. They have welding programs, and you can graduate with a certificate. It’s pretty awesome.”
Dining options include barbecue and Mexican fare
The town has a few fast-food chains and locally-owned restaurants serving comfort foods and Mexican fare. With options like soft corn tortilla tacos and guacamole dip, El Vallarta is the local spot for a Tex-Mex meal. Bad Bob’s is a barbecue institution serving ribs, shredded meats and baked beans. It's on a gravel lot with a wooden Bigfoot sculpture beside the restaurant’s rustic building. Regional chain Food Rite has a store in town, but more retail and grocery shopping options are nearby. Located about 10 miles southwest, Dyersburg has a Walmart and a Kroger.
Many come out for Depot Days and the community yard sale
One of the town’s signature events is Newbern Depot Days in September. On Main Street, vendors sell crafts, while country musicians play near the historic depot, a present-day Amtrak stop. Other activities include a 5K run and walk. On the same weekend, the Newbern First Baptist Church hosts what McCullough says is the county's biggest yard sale. “We have a gym at our church, and it will be completely filled up,” he says, adding that items sold range from housewares and clothes to furniture. “You name it, we probably have it.”
Newbern’s parks offer playgrounds, golf and sports
The town has a couple of parks with some open green spaces and sports amenities. The main spot for sports and casual recreation is Oakview Park, also home to the public nine-hole Oakview Links Golf Course and its gently rolling fairway. The park has playground equipment and tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts. There are also some diamonds used for youth baseball and softball leagues. Located within walking distance of several homes, Newbern City Park is a small neighborhood park with some open space and a playground.
U.S. 51 is a direct route to Memphis and Dyersburg
Newbern is one of Tennessee’s two stops for Amtrak’s City of New Orleans train. Otherwise, residents usually drive to get around the area. U.S. Highway 51 goes to Dyersburg, about 10 miles southwest. The highway also goes to Memphis, more than 90 miles south. The Bluff City has Memphis International Airport, where many West Tennessee residents go for commercial flights. West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg Hospital is the nearest major medical facility.
Tornadoes occur in Newbern
Much of West Tennessee may receive tornadoes. A severe tornado notably passed by Newbern in 2006, while storms in 2025 caused evacuations in the Dyersburg area.
