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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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
Dave Goldstein,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Portland, TN sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Portland, TN over the last 12 months is $337,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully remodeled all-brick 3 bed, 2 bath home in Portland! This move-in ready property features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and custom tile backsplash. Large living room with exposed wood beams. Fresh paint, new carpet, and flooring throughout. Primary suite offers double vanities and a walk-in shower. Newer windows, separate laundry area and walk-in closet for added
Just Remodeled! Perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is ready for you! Located just a short walk from downtown, it features a completely updated kitchen with new cabinets, modern recessed lighting, a fully remodeled bathroom, and a brand-new HVAC system. Fresh updates throughout make this home move-in ready, blending style, comfort, and
Welcome to 149 Cora — where charm, updates, and functionality come together in one great package. This home has a flexible layout with 4 bedrooms (or 3 beds plus a bonus room — you choose what works best for you)! The kitchen and bathrooms have been beautifully updated, and all kitchen appliances remain — including a brand-new fridge that makes four different kinds of ice (yes, even nugget ice
Beautifully remodeled all-brick 3 bed, 2 bath home in Portland! This move-in ready property features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and custom tile backsplash. Large living room with exposed wood beams. Fresh paint, new carpet, and flooring throughout. Primary suite offers double vanities and a walk-in shower. Newer windows, separate laundry area and walk-in closet for added
Welcome home to this beautifully updated home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Portland, TN! Step inside the open foyer and into a spacious living room featuring vaulted ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace with remote. The formal dining room impresses with its soaring ceiling and chair rail detail, while the kitchen shines with new granite countertops, tile backsplash, and a granite composite sink. A
***** $32,000 UNDER CONSTRUCTION APPRAISAL *****DO NOT MISS THIS ONE WITH INSTANT EQUITY*** NEW construction CUSTOM build with beautiful country views. A must see. You won't be disappointed! List of extra added features that make this home unlike others at this price - 9ft.vaulted and trey ceilings, upgraded granite counters throughout, 42in kitchen cabinets, oversize shower in master bath,
Experience the ease of living at Sumner Pointe, a brand new affordable residential community in Portland, TN. Choose from our well-designed two or three-bedroom apartments, each offering spacious interiors and a range of features to enhance your comfort. Discover our community amenities that will make life more convenient such as a playground, computer room, and laundry facilities. If you're
One level, 2 bedrooms 1 full bath. 1 car garage. Covered deck. Large yard. $1400 deposit. $50.00 application fee for all adults living in home. Must have good credit (score 600 or above), good rental history, stable income and employment and no criminal history. Smokers not allowed. No pets allowed. Tenant responsible for lawn care and landscaping. Tenant responsible for all utilities.
New PaintNew floor coveringNew Light FixturesWater IncludedPet Deposit $350$30 a monthI perfer a call or text.... Will respond to email just notas timely
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
