Absolutely! Clarksville, Tennessee, situated in the North of the state, not far from the Kentucky border, has a unique blend of urban amenities and countryside charm. Often overshadowed by the more well-known Nashville, Clarksville is a hidden gem that’s gradually carving a distinctive identity.
Clarksville, Tennessee is a good place to live. It is a large city with a population of over 150,000 people. It is located in the middle of Tennessee, about 40 miles northwest of Nashville. Clarksville is a military town, and is home to Fort Campbell, a large Army base. The city has a strong economy, and is home to a variety of businesses and industries. Clarksville has a good school system, and is a great place to raise a family. The city also has a variety of amenities, including parks, museums, and theaters. Clarksville is a safe city, and has a low crime rate. The cost of living in Clarksville is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live.
Clarksville is a good place to live for many reasons. It has a low cost of living, a high quality of education, a strong job market, and a variety of amenities and attractions. It also has a low crime rate, a moderate climate, and a clean environment. Here are some of the details:
Location and Accessibility
Geographically, Clarksville is just an hour’s drive from Nashville, making it a more affordable alternative while still providing the convenience of easy access to Music City’s rich culture and bustling nightlife. The city is also encircled by natural beauty, with a plethora of parks and outdoor spaces that appeal to nature lovers, such as Dunbar Cave State Park and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
Housing and Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, Clarksville shines brightly. With a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, Clarksville is undeniably budget-friendly. Housing prices here are particularly noteworthy, offering spacious homes that are surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, you’ll find Clarksville’s living expenses to be quite reasonable.
Cost of living: Clarksville has a cost of living index of 93, which is lower than the national average of 100 and the state average of 89. That means that housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, health care, and other expenses are more affordable in Clarksville than in many other places. The median home value in Clarksville is $172,700 and the median rent is $1,016, which are both below the national averages of $244,900 and $1,163 respectively.
Economy and Job Market
Clarksville’s economy is robust, with a number of significant employers in the region, including Fort Campbell, Google Data Center, Hankook Tires, and LG Electronics. The job market is growing at a steady pace, and the city’s strategic location and booming sectors attract a diverse pool of professionals from many fields.
Job market: Clarksville has a strong job market with a low unemployment rate of 6.5% and a high median household income of $55,819. The city has a diverse economy that includes sectors such as manufacturing, health care, education, retail, military, and tourism. Some of the major employers in Clarksville include Fort Campbell, Trane Company, Google Data Center, LG Electronics Plant, Tennova Healthcare, and Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.
Education
For those with families, Clarksville’s education scene is reassuring. It is home to Austin Peay State University, known for its programs in Business, Nursing, and Education. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System also offers a broad array of choices, with schools that have been recognized for academic excellence.
Education: Clarksville has a high quality of education for both public and private schools. The city has 36 public schools that serve over 35,000 students and have an average rating of B+ on Niche. The city also has several colleges and universities, such as Austin Peay State University, Nashville State Community College, and Miller-Motte Technical College. The city has a higher percentage of residents with some college or associate’s degree (38%) than the national average (29%).
Community and Lifestyle
Clarksville has a strong sense of community, often amplified by city-wide events and festivals such as the Rivers and Spires Festival and the Clarksville Downtown Market. The lifestyle here is a perfect balance of small-town charm and modern conveniences, with trendy eateries, craft breweries, and a budding arts scene. There are also plenty of recreational opportunities, from golfing and fishing to hiking and biking.
Amenities and attractions: Clarksville has a variety of amenities and attractions that cater to different interests and lifestyles. The city has a historic downtown that features shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and events. The city also has many outdoor recreation options such as parks, trails, golf courses, lakes, and rivers. Some of the popular attractions in Clarksville include Dunbar Cave State Park, Beachaven Winery & Vineyards, Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Liberty Park & Marina, Roxy Regional Theatre, and McGregor Park Riverwalk.
Crime rate: Clarksville has a low crime rate compared to other cities in Tennessee and the United States. The city has a total crime rate of 2,852.9 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the state average of 3,165.5 and the national average of 2,346. The city also has a lower violent crime rate (609.9) than the state (672.7) and the national (387.8) averages. The most common types of crime in Clarksville are property crimes such as theft, burglary and vandalism.
Climate: Clarksville has a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. The city has an average annual temperature of 59°F and an average annual precipitation of 51 inches. The city experiences hot and humid summers with average highs in the upper 80s°F and mild winters with average lows in the lower 30s°F. The city also gets occasional snowfall in the winter months.
Environment: Clarksville has a clean environment with good air quality and low levels of pollution. The city had only two days with unhealthy air quality in 2020 due to particulate matter (PM2.5). The city also has low levels of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The city also has several initiatives to promote environmental sustainability such as recycling programs and green energy projects.
•Affordable cost of living. Clarksville has a lower cost of living than most cities in Tennessee and the U.S. Housing costs and rent are very affordable. Healthcare, transportation and utilities also cost less here compared to national averages. This can appeal to young families, students, military and retirees.
•Strong job market. Clarksville has a fast-growing economy, with major employers being Fort Campbell, propelling health care, and education. Unemployment is lower than both state and national averages. Many jobs are available in trades, business, education, government and service industries.
•Outdoor recreation. Clarksville’s location along the Cumberland River and near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides access to boating, fishing, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. The RiverWalk is a popular paved trail for biking, walking, jogging and more.
•Family-friendly. Clarksville is an appealing place to raise a family, with highly rated schools, kid-friendly amenities, parks, recreation centers and special events. Crime rates are lower than average, while community support programs are abundant.
•Mild weather. Clarksville’s weather is humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. High temperatures average around 90 F in July and August, while lows rarely drop below freezing in January. The city gets plenty of rainfall and experiences all four seasons.
Like any place, Clarksville is not without its drawbacks. Some residents express concerns over crime rates, although it’s important to note that these rates are decreasing. Traffic can be troublesome at peak hours, and public transportation options are limited.
Downsides to consider:
•Fort Campbell noise. Military helicopter and aircraft noise from Fort Campbell army base can impact some neighborhoods. Although not dangerous, the noise may bother some residents. Check an online noise map before choosing a home.
•Conservative culture. Clarksville and the surrounding region have strong conservative and religious values. Some may find the culture to be close-minded regarding progressive social issues. Nightlife and music venues are limited for a city of its size.
•Traffic and commute. As the population has grown, Clarksville has experienced issues with traffic congestion and long commute times. The road infrastructure has struggled to keep up with increasing demands. Rush hour and weekends can involve major delays.
•Isolated location. While situated along major interstates 24 and 75, Clarksville is over 1-2 hours away from major cities like Nashville, Memphis and Louisville. The nearest metropolitan area is Nashville, about 50 miles west. Some may find the location too rural and remote.
Pros & Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of living in Clarksville:
Pros:
- Strong economy
- Good school system
- Safe city
- Low cost of living
- Close to Nashville
- Variety of amenities
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Humid winters
- High humidity
- Traffic congestion
- Crime rate is increasing
In conclusion, Clarksville, TN offers a great quality of life, with affordable living costs, a thriving job market, excellent educational opportunities, and a vibrant sense of community. If you’re seeking the charm of a smaller city that still offers quick access to larger urban centers, Clarksville could be an ideal choice for you.
Overall, Clarksville can be a very attractive place to live for the right person. For affordability, jobs, family-friendliness and outdoor recreation, Clarksville scores highly. However, the conservative culture, noise, traffic and isolated location may deter some. By choosing a suitable neighborhood and managing expectations, Clarksville has much to offer residents seeking a safe, budget-friendly community.