Living & Working in Cookeville
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $388,500 . Buying analysis suggests higher upfront costs but potential long-term savings.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
West Side
SUBURBANEast End
URBANQuick Decision Guide
Major HVAC Employers
Top-Rated School Districts in Cookeville, TN
- Upperman High School: Rated 9/10 by GreatSchools for academic performance.
- here High School: Rated 8/10, known for strong STEM programs.
- Prescott South Elementary: Rated 9/10, highlighted for student-teacher ratios.
Childcare Costs in Cookeville, TN
- Daycare: Average monthly cost ranges from $600–$900 for full-time care. Subsidies available through TDHS.
- Nanny: Rates average $1,200–$1,800/month for full-time care.
Recommended Pediatricians or Family Clinics
- Kids Kare Pediatrics: Board-certified providers, offers mental health services. Website.
- Cookeville Pediatric Associates: Features in-house dispensary and Saturday clinics. Website.
- here Medical Clinic: Family and pediatric
Work-Life Balance Culture
Cookeville, TN, is known for its balanced work-life culture, with a mix of professional opportunities and leisure activities. The city's lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas allows residents to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Many employers offer flexible schedules, and the community emphasizes outdoor recreation and family-friendly events.
Fitness Facilities
- Gyms:
- Planet Fitness: Located at 1200 S Jefferson Ave, membership starts at $10/month for basic access.
- Cookeville Community Center: Offers a gym, pool, and fitness classes; annual membership is $300 for residents.
- Parks and Trails:
- Dogwood Park: Features walking paths and open spaces.
- Cane Creek Park: Includes a 2.5-mile trail loop and a disc golf course.
- Burgess Falls State Park: Located 10 miles southwest, offering hiking trails and waterfalls.
Dining Costs
- Lunch: Average cost at casual spots like Ralph's Donuts or Seven Senses ranges from $8–$12 per meal.
- Dinner: Mid-range restaurants like The Blue Pig or Father Tom's Pub charge $15–$25 per entrée.
- Drinks: Local breweries like Red Silo offer craft beers for $5–$7 per pint. For
Financial Facts for Cookeville, TN
- State Income Tax Rate: Tennessee does not levy a state income tax on wages and salaries, making it one of the few states with no personal income tax. However, there is a 1% tax on interest and dividends. For more details, refer to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
- Property Tax Average: The 2025 property tax rate in Cookeville is $0.99 per $100 of assessed value. For example, a home assessed at $200,000 would owe approximately $1,980 annually. Additional county rates may apply, with combined rates around $3.58 per $100 in some areas. More information is available on the City of here website.
- Cost of Living Compared to Nashville: Cookeville's cost of living is approximately 20% lower than Nashville. Housing costs are notably cheaper, with median home prices around $250,000 compared to Nashville's $400,000+. For a detailed comparison, visit RentCafe.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: Key industries driving job growth in Cookeville include advanced manufacturing (e.g.,