Possible move to Cookeville with school aged children (Algood: buying a house, employment)

[yankeegirl2]

My husband and I are considering a move to Cookeville possibly this summer. My husband has been employed by a company located in Cookeville for the past fourteen years and has been telecommuting, but as a born and raised southerner, he is somewhhat anxious to get back to the south. Although Nashville is also a possibility, the cost of housing seems a bit out of our reach. We would need to stay below $300,000 for a home for a family of five. I am hoping to possibly get some employment through the University, if even part time. Currently we live in a small town in southern Indiana of about 40,000 people. We have three children who will be in 9th, 6th, and 2nd grade next school year. According to my research, this would put them into three separate schools? I guess I am just looking for ideas of housing options, schools options etc. Currently my two oldest children are in special high ability programs. Do these exist in Cookeville. I am also a musician by trade, (violin and viola) and am wondering if there is much of a classical music scene in which I could participate. Thank you kindly for your time.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by yankeegirl2

My husband and I are considering a move to Cookeville possibly this summer. My husband has been employed by a company located in Cookeville for the past fourteen years and has been telecommuting, but as a born and raised southerner, he is somewhhat anxious to get back to the south. Although Nashville is also a possibility, the cost of housing seems a bit out of our reach. We would need to stay below $300,000 for a home for a family of five. I am hoping to possibly get some employment through the University, if even part time. Currently we live in a small town in southern Indiana of about 40,000 people. We have three children who will be in 9th, 6th, and 2nd grade next school year. According to my research, this would put them into three separate schools? I guess I am just looking for ideas of housing options, schools options etc. Currently my two oldest children are in special high ability programs. Do these exist in Cookeville. I am also a musician by trade, (violin and viola) and am wondering if there is much of a classical music scene in which I could participate. Thank you kindly for your time.

There are two schools in Cookeville that have K-8 campuses: Algood and Prescott South. You can absolutely find large homes for less than $300k in both of those areas. In the Cookeville picture thread you'll find pictures of all the schools in Cookeville: //www.city-data.com/forum/cooke...ea-photos.html

Capshaw Elementary, from what I understand, has a large program for gifted students. Avery Trace Middle School is about to make the International Baccalaureate Program part of its curriculum for all of its students, and of course the IB program is also available at Cookeville HS for those who wish to participate.

Cookeville does have its own professional symphony: Bryan Symphony Orchestra | Bryan Symphony Orchestra I'm sure you wouldn't have any problems joining their ranks. There's also a student symphony at the university. For a technological university, TTU has quite a music program: Music | Tennessee Tech University

Good luck! Cookeville is a great town, and I hope you and your family will enjoy living there.

[yankeegirl2]

Thank you JMT for your response. I am planning a trip down with my husband the end of February to take a look at things. The public schools look to be better than our current school situation. I especially like the IB curriculum. I will probably make some appointments at Capshaw, Avery Trace Middle, and Prescott south. Our housing location will most likely be chosen largely based on our school choices. We have also talked about buying a house with some land, 1-5 acres. I have dreams of owning horses some day. I looked at some of the pictures on another thread. It reminds me a bit of the topography of a few summers I spent in Brevard, N.C., especially with the falls. It does look to be a beautiful area. Now, what is this about NOT having a Target? This could be a deal breaker. LOL!