Cookeville, Tennessee: The State’s Next Big City
Written by: Rosemary Apple
Tucked right between Nashville and Knoxville on Interstate-40, Cookeville, Tennessee is quietly becoming one of the most exciting places to live, work, and explore in the Southeast. Long known primarily as a charming college town, Cookeville has experienced significant growth in recent years — and that momentum is showing no signs of slowing.
Where It Sits & Why It Matters
Strategically placed roughly 80 miles east of Nashville and 110 miles west of Knoxville, Cookeville offers the perfect mix of small-town serenity and big-city access. Whether you’re flying across the country — most major U.S. hubs are within an 8-hour flight — or heading to dinner and a show in Music City, Cookeville makes it easy to balance convenience with quality of life.
It’s also the largest city in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region, a hub for surrounding towns and cities — and a growing urban center in its own right.
Growth You Can See — and Feel
In the past decade, Cookeville has steadily grown in population and importance:
As of 2020, the city population was about 34,800 — and recent civilian estimates and census data show continued growth well into the mid-2020s.
Between 2022 and 2023 alone, the Cookeville micropolitan area was ranked the 4th-largest gaining micropolitan area in the U.S.** — a telling indicator of both in-migration and regional growth.
Local data puts the **median age at around 29–30**, giving the city a youthful energy and family appeal.
Whether you’re browsing neighborhoods for a family home or plotting your next career move, Cookeville has room to grow — socially, economically, and culturally.
Big Developments & New Retail
Cookeville is on the cusp of a major retail transformation.
Several large developments are bringing new opportunities and jobs to the region. With places like Publix, Home Depot, Target, tile manufacturers and more, this area is gaining momentum and new businesses.
This kind of economic investment reflects broader trends: Cookeville is attracting new businesses, services, and conveniences that elevate everyday life while building the foundation for future growth.
Live, Work & Play: What Makes Cookeville Special
Home & Lifestyle
A growing city surrounded by rural farmland, you can expect to find what you’re looking for in the greater area when searching for a home. Expect to find:
Farm land
Lake views
Mountain views
Waterfront parcels
Tight knit neighborhoods
and more
Culture & Education
Cookeville is a true college town — home to Tennessee Technological University, a respected public research university with a student population of over 10,000 and vibrant campus life.
Downtown Cookeville is near campus so bars, restaurants, and other places to hang out are easy to find. With more businesses moving in, competition is improving local businesses.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor lovers will feel right at home here. The Upper Cumberland region is a playground:
Center Hill Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, and Dale Hollow Lake offer boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and stunning water views right minutes from town.
Nearby state parks like Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls feature waterfalls, swimming holes, and hiking trails perfect for weekend adventures.
More than 20 parks and trails wind through the city itself — a real draw for families and active lifestyles.
Easy Access Without the Headaches
Interstate-40 and U.S. Highway 70 give Cookeville excellent connectivity to the rest of Tennessee and beyond. Whether commuting to Nashville for a concert, hopping a flight for business, or planning a weekend getaway, Cookeville’s central location means time spent enjoying life — not stuck in traffic.
Plus, nearby airports like Nashville International Airport and regional bus services make travel convenient for residents and travelers alike. There are also smaller regional airports.
Why Cookeville is the Next “It” City in Tennessee
Cookeville is more than a place people move to — it’s a place people choose to build a life in.
Growing population and strong community networks
Increasing retail, services, and economic opportunities
Natural beauty that rivals many known destination cities
The perfect balance of small-town charm with big-city conveniences
Whether you’re exploring gorgeous homes, planning your next life chapter, or simply chasing a lifestyle filled with beauty, adventure, and ease — Cookeville, Tennessee deserves a close look.
Thinking of moving to the area? Reach out for more information!