First post here. Homes are going for about $263,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Cookeville sits at 352.0 per 100K. Rent is about $885/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
13 upvotes
5 Replies
emily_local
following this thread
36 upvotes
Victoria W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Emily Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Valentina Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Emmett Wood
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
All Countries
