Waverly is a rural Tennessee city still rebuilding after a 2021 flood
Nearly 4,300 people live in Waverly, a small city in Middle Tennessee. However, Vicki Stribling, Realtor and broker with Bill Collier Realty & Auction, says that number used to be slightly higher. Many people moved after a flood devastated the community in August 2021. “It was one of those freak things that has never happened before,” says Stribling, who is a lifelong resident. Recovery is ongoing and includes plans for a new school building. Waverly residents continue to find community and joy in their city, with local businesses like Ross Farms and nearby attractions like Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.
Local businesses include Mi-De-Ga and Ross Farms
Locally owned businesses make up most of Waverly’s shopping and dining. While Carol’s Restaurant is known for its Southern comfort food, Samuel’s on the Square serves Italian and American dishes. After dinner, residents can catch a movie at Mi-De-Ga Theatre, which has cheaper tickets than chain theaters. Ross Farms sells fresh produce from a stand on Main Street. “He has a box set up so if somebody wants to come down and get tomatoes or potatoes, they weigh it and put their money in the box,” Stribling says. “He does it on trust — serve yourself. I think that’s neat and tells you how small-town we are.” Residents also shop at Cash Saver, Walmart and Dollar General.
Properties range from an eighth of an acre to 5-acre lots
Forests of pine and oak trees surround Waverly, shading some of the country roads. Closer to Main Street, properties dating back to the early 1900s, like bungalows and cottages, are close together, on half an acre or less. Ranch-style homes and other mid-20th-century residences are common farther from the city center, on lots as large as 5 acres. There are some New Traditional houses, and parcels of land range from an eighth of an acre to over 15 acres. Most smaller homes cost $120,000 to $260,0000, while larger ones range from $310,000 to $650,0000.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is about 10 miles from Waverly
Waverly is less than 10 miles from Hurricane Mills, home to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, where the famous country singer lived most of her life. “Loretta’s always been a big part of our community,” Stribling says. The ranch draws in locals and tourists with campgrounds, guided tours, boutiques and the Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum, which catalogs her life and career. It hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts and chuckwagon races. Some of the largest events are on the motorcycle racetrack, including the annual American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) National Motocross Championship and AMA ATV Motocross Championship.
Recreation includes water activities and colorful community parks
Kentucky Lake and the Buffalo and Duck rivers are within 15 miles of most homes. “We’re blessed with creeks and rivers and lakes, and that’s really our main draw recreation-wise,” Stribling says. People go boating and swimming at Kentucky Lake, which they can access from Johnsonville State Historic Park. The park also has about 10 miles of hiking trails. The rivers’ shallow water is better suited for kayaking. The closest boat launch is off Paint Rock Road and goes into the Duck River. Waverly Municipal Park, also called Ashbury Park, has tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool and a playground. The walking trail at The Wall Arts Park is lined with 30 walls that artists can paint. “The talent is just unbelievable,” Stribling says. Anyone can add a mural, as long as the existing artwork has been around for over 30 days.
Humphreys County School System is building a new school
Waverly is part of the Humphreys County School System, which announced plans for a new building for Waverly Elementary and Waverly Junior High schools in 2025. Classes are held in the former Acme Boot Factory until the new building is complete, which should take two to three years. The elementary school earns a B-minus from Niche and serves kindergarten through third grade. Fourth through eighth graders attend Waverly Junior High, which receives a C-plus. Waverly Central High earns a B-minus and shares a campus with Humphreys County CTE Center, which has programs like welding and human and social services.
Events include the county fair and Music on the Square
As the county seat, Waverly hosts the Humphreys Co. Fair every August. Programming includes the Fairest of the Fair pageants and 4-H and Future Farmers of America events like livestock shows and a haybale decorating contest. There are carnival rides, food vendors and live entertainment throughout the event. During the summer, locals enjoy free concerts at Music on the Square every Saturday night from June through August.
U.S. Route 70 is a direct path to Nashville, 75 miles away
Residents rely on cars for transportation. U.S. Route 70 goes through the area, leading about 75 miles to Nashville. Residents fly out of Nashville International Airport, which is about 80 miles away and has over 110 direct flights. “We do have a hospital and a really good emergency room,” says Stribling, referring to Ascension Thomas Three Rivers. “For a small town, that’s big, because not all small towns have hospitals.”
