Thinking about retiring to Cookeville, TN, but worried about the latest flood warnings... (house)

[Scoobydoo531]

We are thinking about visiting Cookeville area in summer, as a potential place for future retirement ( thank you JMT and others for your info). We currently live in western Massachusetts, and have had enough of high prices and liberal politics. Our budget is not impressive, only 160-180k or so, and we would finally like to have a decent life in Tennessee without having to pay thousands on bills and utilities. Other than a few short trips through the eastern/middle part of the state ( love the area! ), this will be our first longer trip to Cookeville. Lately, however, we have been glued to the TV watching parts of Nashville and surrounding areas covered in water. How is Cookeville holding up? Has there ever been mandatory evacuations due to the riding waters? I hope somebody can chime in and answer our questions. Thank you so much!

[Wileykid]

Here is a current thread about flooding in Cookeville.

Flooding in Cookeville area?

As you can see, just pull up the FEMA map from the link in the thread, and you will see that there is only a small amount of flooding concern. Although, as with anywhere, things can happen.

[JRR]

For two years I've lived on the east side of Cookeville. I was out running some errands yesterday and didn't come across any problems. Retention ponds are pretty full and low areas have some water standing and streams are running fast, but that is to be expected with the rain amounts. I'm sure that in some low lying areas that a street or road might be flooded or a house might have some water problems. As long as you are cognizant about where you build or buy a house, flooding shouldn't be a problem.

[Scoobydoo531]

Wileykid, thank you for the thread about flooding. We are relieved Cookeville is not in an imminent danger. JRR, your input is greatly appreciated. I was telling my husband that people who actually live in Cookeville would know first hand about what things looked like. We are planning to visit Cookeville sometime in early July and stay for a week to get the feel of the place and explore a bit. Hopefully, our meager budget will be enough to buy a house in a nice part of Cookeville. My husband needs a routine medical care and we are hoping for lower cost of living, so we can pay medical bills.

[JRR]

Housing prices have really moved up the last few years here, but it looks like they may be leveling off, for at least a bit. Depending on what your expectations are for a house, you should be able to find something in your price range. Let me know when you are going to be in Cookeville and we can meet for breakfast or lunch and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Also, when you get closer to coming, if you don't have a realtor, I can give you the name of the one who helped us when we moved here from Florida. She is very professional and pleasant to work with.

[Scoobydoo531]

JRR, that's so kind of you! Thank you! We would love to meet you for breakfast or lunch. We haven't decided on the exact date if our trip, but we know it will be in the first of second week of July. I will post the date as soon as I know. Do I just write another forum message?

And thank you for offering to help us with a realtor. We are private people, so our number one house requirement is to have privacy. A nice yard, two bed/two bath is fine.

[JRR]

Originally Posted by Scoobydoo531

JRR, that's so kind of you! Thank you! We would love to meet you for breakfast or lunch. We haven't decided on the exact date if our trip, but we know it will be in the first of second week of July. I will post the date as soon as I know. Do I just write another forum message?

And thank you for offering to help us with a realtor. We are private people, so our number one house requirement is to have privacy. A nice yard, two bed/two bath is fine.

Hi. You can just click on my name and select send me a direct message.

[Scoobydoo531]

JRR, thank you again for your help! When we are ready, I will send you a direct message. Bless your little heart!