Cookeville neighborhoods... (Memphis, Sevierville, Crossville: apartment, city hall, renting)

[JoeCartpath]

My wife and I are planning to visit Cookeville for a few days in a couple of weeks to see how we like the town. So far, everything I've seen and heard has been very favorable. Our plan is to move from Memphis ASAP - might have to wait a few years for retirement - might happen soon if I can secure a job in the area.

We'd like to find a home (either to buy or rent) somewhere near the city's center. Within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, etc., would be ideal. If we buy, we'd be looking at maybe $150K or less, 3 bedrooms preferably, but 2 if the home is right. We're looking with a neighborhood with character. Our ideal would be a tree shaded cottage on a quiet, picturesque street (just like everyone else, I suppose!). We would also consider renting a home, townhouse or maybe apartment if the location is right - even an "urban" loft style apartment in the middle of town.

Any suggestions for neighborhoods or outlying areas we should visit (or NOT visit)? We also haven't ruled out nearby towns such as Crossville and Sparta either - so we'll visit there as well. We don't want to engage a realtor at this time, but just want to tour the areas in and around the city to get a feel for where we might want to live. Who knows, we might just stumble upon a wonderful cottage just made for us!

[JMT]

Cookeville definitely has some great in-town neighborhoods that are within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, banks, museums, the main library, city hall, even a downtown supermarket.

Just north of downtown is a neighborhood called Dixie Avenue Historic District. It's got some larger homes as well as smaller bungalows. Here's the only pic I have of it:



A couple of blocks from Dixie Ave is Mahler Ave which has some new townhomes built across the street from the farmers' market. This is the only pic I have:



Both of those neighborhoods are within easy walking distance (2-3 blocks) of several restaurants and cafes around the Depot district and the outdoor performance pavilion (and a soon-to-be-built water park), the drama center, art galleries, and downtown shopping:























A couple of blocks east of there is the courthouse square, and adjacent to that is the Freeze Street/East Broad Historic District which also has larger homes (mainly Victorian) as well as smaller homes.

Just south of the courthouse square is a neighborhood bordered by South Lowe Ave to the west, East Spring Street to the north, Stevens Street to the south, and Capshaw to the east. It's also within easy walking distance to the courthouse square.

Pics of that part of downtown:

[JoeCartpath]

Thanks a LOT! Those areas look just like what I had in mind. I'll start my search there...

[Mary_Moon]

What great pictures! I especially love the one of Ralph's. I went to TTU almost 20 years ago and have fond memories of the time spent at that place with friends over coffee and doughnuts. Glad to see it's still there!

[Wordy]

My town, my town! Yep, that's what it looks like.

$150K or less should get you what you want, no problem, particularly since you don't want anything grand and seem to prefer an older home. There is a restored craftsman in the area of that first neighborhood JMT showed you that takes my breath away every time I see it. If it went on the market, I think I would be seized with house lust so strong that nothing could stop me--and I have never even seen the inside. Now, I'm sure that one is a bit more than $150K but there have to be lots right in that neighborhood that would be well within your budget. It's a nice neighborhood and there is definitely a lot of character. I think you'll really like it! Have fun.

[loonyrich]

Thanks for the great pics, JMT and thanks also for the PM re realtors. Those pictures make us want to get to packing right now but we know that chore will be here soon enough.

[Tinman313]

Great Photo's !!!! and thanks for sharing.... Question what street is the Ice Cream place on?

[JMT]

Originally Posted by Tinman313

Great Photo's !!!! and thanks for sharing.... Question what street is the Ice Cream place on?

I wish there was an ice cream store there! The Cream City sign is on West Broad Street downtown (next to the Depot) but there's not an ice cream store there. It used to be an ice cream factory but closed something like 40 years ago, unfortunately. I've always thought that an ice cream parlor would be a big hit there, particularly now that the entire neighborhood has been fixed up with restaurants, cafes, galeries, etc.

Anyway, the sign over the old ice cream factory was never torn down and it has become a beloved icon around Cookeville.

[lutarian]

I seriously can't wait to visit Cookeville and possibly move there!

[tennesseedreamin]

We thought about moving here last year but decided not to because it looks so lonely! Every picture shows this absolutely beautiful town but there's NOBODY on the streets or in the shops and restaraunts. It reminded me of that Twilight Zone where the couple finds themselves alone in such a lovely town only to find out a giant alien kid had them in a human habitrail, they were pets. Anyway, I want some bustle, some life when I take a walk in town. Call me crazy but I love Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, lots of people, lots of life. Good fortune to you in your move though.