Born on The Cumberland Plateau (Cookeville, McMinnville: crime, vacation home, school)

[Turkey Creek Tom]

It was 65 years ago. I was born yonder on the Cumberland Plateau. Grew up as a Tennessee Hillbilly. Swam in the waters of Cane Creek. Watched the water of the creek plunge over beautiful Fall Creek Falls. Looked over into the beautiful Sequatchie Valley at the towns of Pikeville and Dunlap. Visited my grandmother in the countyside of Cumberland County near Crossville. Visited my aunts and uncles around Monterey, Cookeville and Algood in Putnam County. I have traveled the Baker Mountain road at the Hawk's Bluff area many times. I have spent time in VA, MA, & FL and as a young man I thought southern Georgia was the most beautiful spot I had ever seen. Most places are who you are and what you are looking for. There was a time that I would have steered clear of the Hawk's Bluff area when they have the annual Highland Rim Cycle classic with bike riders from all over the world, but last year I got caught in the traffic and enjoyed ever big of it. I may drive back up there this May and just follow them down the mountain. I will live the rest of my life in the beautiful little town of McMinnville (many on here hate it and run it down). I love it even with all the Mexicans and the two largest plants leaving and going to Mexico. All the contact I ever have with the Mexicans is in Wal Mart and the grocery stores and all then is I hear them speaking in Spanish. They all smile when you look at them. Some will move to Tennessee and be sorry you did. Some will come and will never leave. I have relatives who moved to Florida from the Plateau and say the would never move back. While I know of a couple who moved from Florida here and took a fifty thousand dollar loss on the property they bought here just to get back to Florida. It is all according to what you want. Remember there will be crime and loss of jobs in just about any place you live.

[Tek_Freek]

I would say you've been blessed in your life and continue to be so.

A large part of it likely comes from your attitude...

[inmodesto]

Tom,
Thanks for sharing.
We've been considering a move from Ca. to TN and specifically to the Cumberland Plateau. Your comments are truly that of a heartfelt native, I respect that, thanks again for sharing.
Dianna, inmodesto

[brcomm0]

I have a friend that has 10 lots that he is trying to sell along the river in Spencer . Nice lots about 1.5 ac each with water. He is selling them cheap for 110000 with all services.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by brcomm0

I have a friend that has 10 lots that he is trying to sell along the river in Spencer . Nice lots about 1.5 ac each with water. He is selling them cheap for 110000 with all services.

$110,000 is cheap??? Or is that for all 10 lots?

[brcomm0]

That Is Per Lot. Sorry. Still Think That Is Good Price.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by brcomm0

That Is Per Lot. Sorry. Still Think That Is Good Price.

The median house value there is $55,000, the median household income is $25,000. Spencer and Van Buren County have lost population since 2000 according to the US Census. It's a very, very poor area where 60% of its school students are economically disadvantaged. It's beautiful there, but no, I do not think that $110,000 for a 1.5 acre lot in Spencer is a good price, even if it's on the river.

[brcomm0]

I think if you were looking for vacation home on a lake would be really cool
If you are thinking about moving with kids your right.

[Shenandoah]

Originally Posted by JMT

$110,000 is cheap??? Or is that for all 10 lots?

Sounds REALLY high to me too, even if they are on the river. Maybe people in CA or FL may think that a reasonable price for a 1.5 acre lot, but - that's high.

Good luck to your friend.

blessings, Shen

[Shenandoah]

Originally Posted by Turkey Creek Tom

It was 65 years ago. I was born yonder on the Cumberland Plateau. Grew up as a Tennessee Hillbilly. Swam in the waters of Cane Creek. Watched the water of the creek plunge over beautiful Fall Creek Falls. <SNIP> Remember there will be crime and loss of jobs in just about any place you live.

Thanks for the post, Tom! Beautiful descriptions, and you're right on your last statement.

A persons attitude has alot to do with their perceptions of a place, and the response that they get from natives of the area. If you come in with an open and friendly attitude, you'll get it back, I've found. If you come in with suspicion and frowns, you'll get that back too.

Smile at least one time at one person everyday, and make a difference in someone's life in a small way everyday. Pass on the friendliness you receive, to someone else. And Smile!

blessings, Shen