Specifically about Clarksville -- relocating (apartment, crime rates, townhouse)

[Fennia]

Hello,

My husband and I are to relocate to Clarksville in a couple of months. He is military and we do not want to live at the base (Ft. Campbell). We are from Chicago, used to the big city lifestyle, we are both highly educated and career oriented, don't own vehicles, etc.

I hope someone would kindly help me with the following questions:

How do the locals feel about military families / couples living in Clarksville? I have gotten the impression that they are mostly unwelcome and the base being located close to Clarksville is somehow related to the raising crime rates in the area... How is that true?

What subdivisions are considered "downtown Clarksville"? I am trying to find a rental, townhouse / SFH, apartment / duplex, and we'd prefer to live downtown, as opposed to "on the fields"... Is the downtown area considered "dangerous"? Is there a shuttle bus service or similar to Ft. Campbell?

Please help, I am clueless and scared as I have never lived in a small town before. I fear that we will have to buy a vehicle and no shopping / entertainment can be found in walking distance, where ever we live. Can anyone just merely recommend a neighborhood that would be appealing to young couple with no kids? How is the University area?

Thank you so so much!!

Anna

[cashmannsdq]

Anna, let me be the first to welcome you to Fort Campbell and Clarksville Tennessee. To answer your questions:

How do the locals feel about military families / couples living in Clarksville? One of the reasons that we retired in the Clarksville area is because of the community support for the Soldiers and their Families. Having been stationed at Fort Campbell for 17 of my 20 years I can speak on this with authority.

I have gotten the impression that they are mostly unwelcome and the base being located close to Clarksville is somehow related to the raising crime rates in the area... How is that true? I can get you in touch with the Clarksville PD to get some info on crime in particular areas, but as opposed to other Military installations I think you will find that the crime in the area is relatively low.


What subdivisions are considered "downtown Clarksville"? I am trying to find a rental, townhouse / SFH, apartment / duplex, and we'd prefer to live downtown, as opposed to "on the fields"... Is the downtown area considered "dangerous"? Is there a shuttle bus service or similar to Ft. Campbell? Downtown is in the Riverside area. There are some new townhomes and some single family homes that are being built which are walking distance to the river walk and the downtown pubs and eating areas. I would not call the area dangerous at all - it is really developing into a great area.


Can anyone just merely recommend a neighborhood that would be appealing to young couple with no kids? How is the University area? I don't think you will find one neighborhood that is not friendly to young couples. The Austin Peay State Univeristy area is located close to downtown and is growing. Very nice area to go for a walk.

If you have any questions or concerns about the area - please do not hesitate to ask. Again, I think you will absolutely love our City and Fort Campbell.

[alleycat]

I'm originally from Clarksville, although I haven't lived there in years.

For the most part, Clarksville is proud to be home to Ft. Campbell, and proud of the men and women who serve there. Of course, a military base the size of Ft. Campbell also brings a few problems with it. I'm sure you're aware that there can be more crime and drugs and shady businesses around an army base.

I don't have an specific recommendations on where to live. Cashmannsdq would know more about that than I would. Personally, I prefer the east side of Clarksville and Montgomery County. That is further away from Ft. Campbell, but I find the neighborhoods nicer in general. The east side is less connected to Ft. Campbell, so you can sort of "get away" from army life living there, if that would be something you wanted to do.

One additional comment, I agree that you will probably need a car. In places like New York or Chicago, or certain neighborhoods in other cities, someone can live without a car but it would be hard to do in a town the size of Clarksville. I know cars and gas are expensive, but you might consider buying a good used car (something like a five-year-old Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla). I think you will find that it makes your life much easier. The drive from the east side to Ft. Campbell isn't bad if you live anywhere fairly close to I-24.

[alleycat]

I can't edit my post above (the forum software doesn't allow it after a certain amount of time), or I would just add this note.

If you like, when you move I can put you in touch with some people in Clarksville who are either current or former military. They can help answer any questions you might have. One of them is like a daughter to me.

[Fennia]

cashmannsdq and alleycat,

Thank you both so much for your replies. I look forward to experiencing a totally different environment / atmosphere than what I am used to. Life is an adventure!

Anna