Moving to Clarksville: Clarksville, TN Relocation & Homebuyer Guide [2024 Guide]

Considering a move to Clarksville, TN? Explore what this thriving city has to offer, from its scenic beauty to its robust economy.

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Moving to Clarksville: Clarksville, TN Relocation & Homebuyer Guide [2024 Guide]

Posted by Gary Ashton on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at 8:42am.

Moving to Clarksville Relocation Guide

Located in the very northern part of Tennessee and just a stone's throw away from Kentucky, Clarksville is home to over 150,000 residents. While the city has retained its small-town feeling, it offers big-city amenities to all its residents. Those who want to get a taste of city life can take a quick trip to the city of Nashville, which is just 50 miles south of Clarksville. With the tremendous growth that Clarksville is experiencing, more job opportunities, community amenities, and resources for residents are becoming available by the day.

The downtown area in Clarksville is historic and well-maintained. Residents can enjoy the riverwalk and a variety of nearby restaurants. Austin Peay State University offers numerous free events and cultural galleries for the public to attend. With its low cost of living and high quality of life, the city of Clarksville is quickly growing and welcoming new residents every year. So, what makes Clarksville such a great place to live? Here's what you should know before moving to Clarksville.

8 Reasons to Move to Clarksville

  • Affordable cost of living
  • Strong and growing job market
  • Outdoor recreational opportunities
  • Just 50 miles from Clarksville to Nashville
  • Historical sites and landmarks
  • Variety of educational institutions
  • Vibrant arts and cultural scene
  • Diverse dining and shopping options

Cost of Living in Clarksville

The cost of living in Clarksville is among the lowest in Tennessee. Approximately 1% more affordable than the entire state, Clarksville's cost of living is a whopping 10% cheaper than the nationwide average. The low cost of living combined with the beautiful views available in Clarksville simply cannot be beaten!

The largest factor in Clarksville's affordability is the real estate prices in the city. Despite rising home prices that are typical for a rapidly growing community, average home prices still remain in the $300s. Detached new construction homes in Clarksville list from the mid-$200s and the city's small selection of condos and townhomes are typically priced from the low $200s to the mid-$400s. 

Homes in Clarksville's most affordable neighborhoods rarely top $600,000. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the luxury homes in Clarksville list from the mid-$500s to $1.1 million, with only the most exceptional homes with extensive acreage topping $1.5 million.

With over 47% of residents renting an apartment or home, the rental market is incredibly competitive. Homes for rent in Clarksville start at under $1,000, and even the most expensive four-bedroom homes top out at $2,500 a month. Clarksville offers a low cost of living in nearly every factor that is considered for the index score. Take a look at how Clarksville compares to the rest of the state and country:

Cost of Living Clarksville Tennessee United States of America
Overall 88.8 89.9 100
Grocery 96.4 95.4 100
Health 99.8 100.4 100
Housing 79.3 79.4 100
Median Home Cost $281,900 $277,400 $338,100
Utilities 100.3 96.7 100
Transportation 83.4 90.2 100
Miscellaneous 103 84.7 100

Data via BestPlaces.net

Residents in Clarksville do tend to make a lower salary on average than citizens in other cities across the country. Per-capita income in Clarksville is around $28,000, while the average household income comes in at just under $60,000. Though lower than the national average, household income is typically sufficient for residents to live and thrive in any of Clarksville's best neighborhoods. Clarksville residents save an average of 4.6% of their income annually because the state of Tennessee does not require residents to pay an income tax. Residents are required to pay a sales tax rate of 9.5%, which is higher than the national average.

Clarksville Job Market

The city of Clarksville is home to the Fort Campbell Military Base, which happens to be the area's largest employer. In addition to the military base, the city is home to a number of non-military businesses. In fact, some corporations have even set up their headquarters in the area. These corporations include Trane Company, Convergys Corporation, and Bridgestone.

These corporations are some of the largest employers. Trane Company employs 1,100 residents, Convergys Corporation employs 600 residents, and Bridgestone employs over 375 Clarksville residents. Other large employers in the area include Akebono, with 500 residents on the payroll, and Agero, with over 750 Clarksville citizens reporting to work daily.

The economic landscape and job opportunities in Clarksville are undergoing drastic changes, and they're all for the better of the community. The city has more than doubled in population since 1990, and its workforce has grown by more than 20% since 2010. Despite the abundance of jobs and future job growth, Clarksville's proximity to the big city means that it's possible for residents to take advantage of the massive Nashville economy.

The economy of Clarksville relies heavily on military, government, manufacturing, and hospitality. These industries alone employ over 75 percent of Clarksville residents. However, these are not the only industries in the area. Other popular industries include healthcare, education, food services, and retail.

Things to Do in Clarksville

Activities and Entertainment in ClarksvilleClarksville offers a variety of activities for residents to engage in throughout the year. Adventurers and history buffs alike have a plethora of things to do in Clarksville, TN. From mini golf for the whole family to the state's second-largest museum and regularly scheduled reenactments of the Civil War, Clarksville always has something going on. In the summers, the weekly Jammin' in the Alley music series can be found in the downtown area.

Outdoor Activities

Those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride can enjoy the one-mile paved trail in McGregor Park Riverwalk, one of Clarksville's best walking trails. Trees line the trail, which helps create much-needed shade. Boaters can utilize the boat ramp at the riverwalk for a small fee. Clarksville also has wooded trails in the Clarksville Greenway for those who want to get further into nature. Adventurers are just a short drive away from mountain biking trails and rock climbing crags.

Those who want to stay closer to home and seek adventure can visit Dunbar Cave State Park. Interested in fishing or splashing around in the water? The lakes near Clarksville are perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

If you ask any local for the best place to eat, they will tell you to head to Miss Lucille's Café. It offers the best Southern dishes and hospitality in the area. Once you are done with your meal, you can go shopping in the market until you drop. Other restaurants in Clarksville also offer award-winning dishes and tasty Southern meals.

Clarksville is home to a number of families who took their hobby of making libations and turned them into businesses. The Old Glory Distilling Company, Beachaven Vineyards & Winery, and Blackhorse Pub & Brewery allow residents to try local spirits, wines, and brews without having to leave the city.

Clarksville has three local watering holes that residents can be found at every night of the week. These include Tippers Neighborhood Pub, Fusion Bar and Grill, and Mike's Bar & Grill. Each bar ranges in its theme, decor, and offerings. However, every single one of them offers exceptional happy hours and specials that keep local residents coming back for more. Even though a resident doesn't need to trek to Downtown Nashville for a night out, doing so is also a popular move for special occasions.

Nightlife

While Clarksville may feel like a small town, the city does have a healthy mix of nightlife options for adult residents to enjoy. The most famous and highly rated is the Electric Cowboy. This Western club keeps residents howling and laughing for hours every night it is open. The Arirang Lounge International Karaoke Club lets friends come together and enjoy singing together, whether they are on-key or not. Finally, the Warehouse Concert Lounge & Event Center varies in its offerings. Depending on the event organizer renting the space, the Warehouse can offer rock n' roll one night and an 80s and 90s tribute band the next.

Clarksville Climate

Climate and Weather in ClarksvilleDespite being in the South, Clarksville is an incredibly comfortable city to live in the United States. With its comfort index rating of 7.3 out of 10, it is also one of the most comfortable areas to live in Tennessee. The summer high is typically 88°F. Only 42 days in the year exceed 90°F, which makes the summer much more enjoyable. The winter low can reach 27°F, with over 80 days dropping below freezing. Despite the cold temperatures, citizens only see an average of five inches of snow throughout the winter, and it's rare for snow to remain on the ground for more than 24 hours.

There are over 215 days of sunshine in the area, which exceeds the United States average of 205 sunny days. In fact, only 117 days a year produce some form of precipitation, so it's possible to hit the links on Clarksville's best golf courses on most days. With just under 50 inches of rain spread evenly over the year, Clarksville is considered to have a dry and mild environment. The most comfortable and pleasant months of the year tend to be May, September, and October. Clarksville is one of the few areas in the southern region of the United States where residents can witness the leaves changing in the fall.

Clarksville Traffic

The average commute for a Clarksville resident is under 23 minutes, which is slightly less than the country's average of 26 minutes. Just under 90 percent of residents drive their own vehicle to work each day, while six percent carpool. The rest of the residents either work from home, take public transportation, or ride their bikes. Many residents commute from Clarksville to Nashville for work.

Congestion has steadily been increasing every year in Clarksville. This is largely due to the city's infrastructure not increasing as the population has risen over the years, with the current population of Clarksville, TN, being over 171,000 residents. However, the city has been working on creating feasible plans that will help diminish the amount of congestion. Most major road improvements are expected to be completed by 2025.

Alternative Routes

In Clarksville, it is important to add at least 15 minutes to your drive if you are traveling during peak hours. Few alternate routes exist in the area. Rather than trying to find a better way, residents frequently elect to sit in the congestion rather than trying to skirt around it.

However, residents can take advantage of two routes to specific areas. When traveling north through Clarksville, residents move much faster by utilizing Cumberland Drive. It bypasses the university traffic on the east side of the city. When heading to the Clarksville Regional Airport, residents can save take by taking Peachers Mill Road to Tiny Town Road in place of the congested U.S. Highway 41.

Public Transportation in Clarksville

The only mode of public transportation available in Clarksville outside of ride-sharing is the Clarksville Transit System. This highly-rated bus system is rarely late and consistently clean. It offers fixed routes throughout all of Clarksville in all cardinal distractions. All city employees enjoy half off their fares, and university students save $0.50. For all others, fares are $1.50 for a one-way ticket, $4 for a day pass, $20 for a seven-day pass, and $50 for a 31-day pass. Day passes include unlimited use of the Clarksville Transit System. If lost, passes cannot be replaced. Passengers who do not have a pass must have exact change in order to board the bus.

Schools in Clarksville

Schools and Education in ClarksvilleThe Clarksville-Montgomery County School System has 34 public schools available for students to attend. Educating over 35,000 students annually, the public schools in Clarksville offer a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students have access to Gifted and AP programs in addition to vocational classes.

For those looking to further their education, there are several institutions of higher learning in the area, as well. Austin Peay State University is the only university in Clarksville, and it is a public four-year school that offers a variety of degrees. There is one private two-year college: North Central Institute. NCI is unique because it's a technical school that offers aviation programs. Not far outside Clarksville is Hopkinsville Community College, another two-year school. Because this school is in Kentucky, prospective students will need to remember that they will be considered out-of-state students, and their tuition will be higher.

Make Your Home in Clarksville

Residents in Clarksville, the largest community in Montgomery County, have access to everything offered in a big city while enjoying a delightful small-town feel. Nightlife, modern bars and restaurants, and exciting activities line the historic downtown streets in Clarksville. Those who want to get their heart pumping are minutes away from outdoor adventures, and the riverwalk offers residents a breath of fresh air while taking a leisurely stroll. Combined with the state's lowest cost of living, Clarksville truly is the whole package!

If Clarksville is your top choice for a new home, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to speak to a Clarksville real estate agent and get started finding your Clarksville dream home.

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Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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