Parsons is a friendly Tennessee town with lots to explore
Located in central Decatur County, Parsons is a small rural city where residents value relationships and connections. “We have a ton of local shops. When it comes to kid’s clothes, adult clothes or grocery stores, everything is really local and everyone is on a first-name basis,” says Sommer Crosby, the owner and broker of Clear Choice Realty and Parsons resident. Small businesses line Main Street and Tennessee Avenue, the two main roads through town. In addition to the locally owned shops and restaurants, neighbors gather for annual events that celebrate the community, like the county fair and the Christmas parade. Weekends bring water activities on the Tennessee River, about 6 miles east of the city. With U.S. highways and an interstate nearby, it’s easy to enjoy the slow pace of life in this small town while being within quick reach of larger cities.
Traditional homes on suburban and rural lots
Brick ranch-style homes make up much of the community, often on spacious suburban properties with lots of trees. Cape Cods, small cottages and bungalows are also common. Outside of the city center, buyers can find rural properties set along winding roads with dense foliage on either side. These properties frequently have private septic systems. Fixer-uppers and investment properties in town typically cost between $40,000 and $60,000. Move-in ready homes can sell for $120,000 to $380,000.
Small businesses offer friendly service for shopping and dining
Downtown Parsons is home to a mix of locally owned businesses. Stores in the area include multiple gift shops, clothing boutiques and a children’s clothing store. Warehouse Market is an outlet mall open on the weekends, selling everything from hardware and tools to antiques and décor. Groceries are available at the locally owned Lackey’s Supermarket on Main Street or Food Giant on Tennessee Avenue. Chain stores in town include Tractor Supply Co. and Family Dollar. Crosby recommends Corner Grill for a casual breakfast or lunch, but her favorite meal is a short drive east of town. “We have some of the best Tennessee River catfish places, the River Shack and Little Josh’s. I’m telling you, I will never eat catfish anywhere else,” she says. Little Josh’s Family Restaurant is a small spot on U.S. Route 412, while the River Shack is on Perryville Road near the water. Each restaurant serves fried filets or whole catfish with sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw.
City parks and the Tennessee River provide lots of outdoor fun
Multiple parks around town offer plenty of recreation. Parsons Regional Community Park is built on the site of a former air strip and has four baseball fields. Residents can also visit for a stroll around the walking path or bring the kids to play on the splash pad and playgrounds. City Park on Camden Road has more playgrounds, plus tennis and pickleball courts. Fishing and boating are popular activities on the Tennessee River. Boat ramps are available on Kilo Ford Road or at Perryville Marina, which also has plenty of covered boat slips for long-term storage. Golfers can tee off at Tennessee River Golf Club, a par-71 course open to the public.
Highly rated Decatur County Schools serve Parsons
Students might attend Parsons Elementary School, rated a B-plus, and Decatur County Middle School, rated an A-minus. Riverside High School also gets a B-plus and offers several career and technical education programs. Students can take courses in agriculture, business, information technology and manufacturing. Tennessee offers some transfers to out-of-district schools and magnet programs. Space may be limited, and lotteries can be used when applications exceed the capacity of a desired school or program.
Lemonade stands, parades and fair activities bring neighbors together
Parsons has several community events that bring neighbors together throughout the year. The Big Squeeze takes place on the Friday before Independence Day. Businesses and organizations all across town open up lemonade stands, with all proceeds going to local veterans. The event continues all day with vendors, a parade and live music. The Parsons Christmas Parade weaves through downtown each December, while the Decatur County Fair brings carnival rides, livestock shows and fair food in August.
Major highways connect to larger cities in West Tennessee
Highway 412 and U.S. Route 641 are the main roads through town. Highway 412 leads about 16 miles west to Lexington and 43 miles to Jackson . Highway 641 connects to Interstate 40 about 14 miles north, offering an east-west route across the state. The closest hospital is about 16 miles away in Lexington.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
