Cookeville, Tennessee

the hub of the Upper Cumberland region

Are you looking for a vibrant, growing community that perfectly blends small-town charm with outdoor adventure and modern convenience? Welcome to Cookeville, Tennessee. Located approximately 80 miles east of Nashville along the I-40 corridor, Cookeville is the county seat of Putnam County and acts as the economic, educational, and healthcare hub of the Upper Cumberland region.

Things to See and Do in Cookeville, Tennessee

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City Lake Park: Cookeville’s Waterfall Hidden Right Off I-40

Cookeville is strategically located, making it easy to enjoy weekend trips to larger cities while living in a peaceful, safe, and less congested environment.

Nashville: ~80 miles West (approx. 1 hour 15 min).
Knoxville: ~90 miles East (approx. 1 hour 30 min).
Chattanooga: ~100 miles South (approx. 1 hour 45 min).

With a 2026 population estimated at over 38,000, it is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing micropolitan areas in the country.

Key Lifestyle Features:

Outdoor Paradise: There are over 150 waterfalls within 40 miles, including the famous Cummins Falls State Park and Burgess Falls.
Downtown Area: A bustling, walkable downtown featuring independent boutiques, local coffee shops, and unique eateries.
Small Town Feel: Cookeville is newly popular so it has still kept its small town feel. It won't be like that for long though.

Cookeville offers an incredibly high quality of life compared to larger Tennessee metro areas.

Property Options: New construction in family-friendly neighborhoods, historic homes near downtown, and farmland/acreage in the surrounding, rapidly growing unincorporated areas.
Rental Demand: High, fueled by students and faculty at Tennessee Tech.

Interested in making Cookeville home or looking for more local insight?

Author / Photographer:

Rosemary Apple

Publisher of The Edit and the founder of Rosemary Media, a creative studio focusing on curated visuals and creative design. Real estate agent in the Upper Cumberland Region and greater Cookeville area with a focus on Center Hill Lake, bespoke homes, luxury properties, land, farms and lake properties.