Small town charm within commuting distance of Nashville
Known for its tobacco farming throughout the mid-1800s, and strawberry fields in the late 1800s, Portland, Tennessee, has grown exponentially over the past century. Today, it's home to approximately 13,000 people, many of whom are attracted to the city's comparatively affordable pricing and proximity to Nashville, which is about 40 miles — or just over 40 minutes — south. Despite strip mall-style shopping centers along State Routes 109 and 52, much of Portland still has a small-town feel. Kids can be seen climbing on the strawberry sculptures outside of City Hall, saddle clubs sit next to open fields and church steeples poke out above treetops. It's enough to inspire country artists like Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton, both of whom have filmed music videos in the city, and singer Ronnie McDowell — who serves as the namesake for Ronnie McDowell Parkway — grew up walking past Main Street's historic mom-and-pop shops. In the coming years, more new construction will be added to the housing market and infrastructure improvements are planned along major thoroughfares; it's a blend of old and new in Portland, all within an hour of Music City, USA.
There are large brick homes on large lots in Portland.
There is a large water tower at the I65 exit for Portland.
There are several cottages in Portland.
You can find historic Farmhouses in Portland.
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Early 20th century, mid-century and brand-new housing
"In Portland, you'll find starter homes and multimillion dollar properties on large acreages," says Shelly Gregory, principal broker with EXIT Realty Garden Gate Team, who has lived and worked in Portland for nearly 30 years. "We have a little bit of everything. All of Sumner County does." There are two-bedroom bungalows and cottages built during the early 20th century, midcentury ranch-style houses and New Traditionals with multi-car garages. Median sale prices for single-family homes hover around $350,000, which is well below the national median of $420,000 and less than the Nashville median of $470,000. However, as is the case in much of the country, housing prices are on the incline in Portland. Compared to Nashville, which is known for its trademark "tall and skinny" homes on compact lots, Portland residents enjoy large plots of land. Some keep chickens in their backyards.
With the exception of major thoroughfares like the Ronnie McDowell Parkway, streets are quiet in Portland. According to FBI data, the city's crime rates are lower than both national and state averages, and the majority of incidents are concentrated closer to downtown.
Smaller cottage-style homes make great starter homes in Portland.
There are large brick homes on large lots in Portland.
You can find historic Farmhouses in Portland, TN.
Classic farmhouses make up the majority of the homes in downtown Portland.
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Shopping at the intersection of Routes 109 and 52
Much of the city's retail and dining options are concentrated at the intersection of State Routes 109 and 52, where residents will find a few fast-food chains and a Food Lion grocery store. "We may not have some larger retail chains here, but people like our small downtown," says Gregory, adding, "They love the hometown feel and want to keep it." Main Street — which has served as a filming location for several music videos — is lined with century-old brick buildings. Pickup trucks park in front of salons, a musical instrument store and a collection of small restaurants serving both Southern comforts and Mexican classics.
Between May and October, residents can visit the Thursday farmers market in Richland Park for local vegetables, freshly baked breads and live music.
Milos Coffee is a quiet place to read or have breakfast in Portland.
You can find a last minute gift at 5 Chefs in Portland.
Locals love shopping at the Dash of Dez in Portland.
Residents can do their grocery shopping at Food Lion in Portland.
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Sumner County Schools and community opportunities at the public library
Portland's students can attend Sumner County Schools, which receives an overall A-minus grade from Niche. Portland High School is the alma mater of former NBA player Corey Brewer, who was a star forward for the Portland Panthers in the early 2000s. There are several other schools within the city limits, including Watt Hardison Elementary, Portland West Middle and Portland East Middle, which has also been featured in several music videos. The city's public library, meanwhile, hosts game nights for teens and story times for toddlers, while adults can take part in the Geneology Club, receive assistantship from the Sumner County Veteran's Service Office or join in on bingo.
Portland High School is located in Sumner County.
Portland West Middle School is located in Sumner County.
Portland Gateview Elementary School is located in Sumner County.
Portland has a public library in the center of town.
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Two public parks within Portland's city limits
There are two city-run parks in Portland: Meadowbrook and Richland. In Meadowbrook Park, locals can pack lunches to enjoy at the picnic shelter, which is housed in an old red barn, challenge one another to tennis matches or explore the paved Meadowbrook Greenway. Richland Park, surrounded by the Portland Greenway, has more amenities like a disc golf course, dirt biking trails and large athletic facilities. Both parks have playgrounds. "Rec sports are big here, and the community supports and rallies around them," says Gregory. There's city is also home to Dogwood Hill Municipal Golf Course, which has annual membership options and discounted tee-time rates for children.
Locals can take their dogs for a walk in Richland Park in Portland.
Meadowbrook Park is located in Portland Tennessee.
Portland has a public library in the center of town.
Meadowbrook Park also has a skatepark for all to enjoy.
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The Portland Strawberry Festival in May
"Portland is known for its strawberries, and you'll find them on decorations throughout town," notes Gregory. Residents can look forward to the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival every May, a tradition that's been going strong for well over 80 years. The event celebrates Portland's history as an exporter of strawberries. At its peak, 30 railroad cars of the fruit left the city each day. A week of festivities leads up to the main festival day, which includes live music, food vendors advertising various strawberry-themed products and a parade. According to Gregory, "Our population doubles that day." Other annual events include the Harvest Festival in November and a Christmas Parade and visits with Santa in December. Established in the 1930s, Portland's Temple Theater was restored in 2023. Since then, it's hosted singer-songwriter showcases, touring bands and even Ronnie McDowell on North Russell Street.
The city of Portland hosts and annual Strawberry Festival.
The Moye Boarding House is a historical building in Portland with ties to Strawberry farms.
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Commutes along Interstate 65 to Nashville and Bowling Green
Commuters enjoy direct access to larger hubs like Nashville and Bowling Green, Kentucky, along Interstate 65. Public transit is limited, so most will rely on their own cars. Although the strawberry and tobacco industries have since departed Portland, modern-day employers within the city limits include North American Stamping Group, Unipress, Inc. and Kirby Building Systems. Although there's a small, public-use municipal airport in Portland's northeast, most travelers will opt for the Nashville International Airport, which is about 45 miles away. Medical care is accessible at the TriStar Portland ER.
Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Nathan Pedigo
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dorothea Meisch,
an experienced agent in this area.
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