Whether you love the hustle of the city, the simple life of a small town, or something in between, Middle Tennessee has a community where you can feel at home. Many inviting Middle Tennessee communities lie roughly between thirty minutes to just over an hour from Nashville. These communities are home to lakes, parks, historic places, and above all, Tennessee's Volunteer Spirit. No matter where you travel in Middle Tennessee, you'll find someone to graciously hold a door open for you, share an encouraging word, or lend a hand when you're in need. Southern hospitality is a way of life throughout Middle Tennessee.
Davidson CountyMetropolitan Davidson County is the social, entertainment, economic, and cultural hub of Middle Tennessee. The City of Nashville and the entirety of Davidson County operate under one government known simply as Metro Nashville. Davidson County, as an established county in Middle Tennessee, dates back to 1783. It was named in honor of General William Lee Davidson, a North Carolina general who was killed in the Revolutionary War. Nashville, the county seat of Davidson County, is the oldest permanent settlement in Middle Tennessee. It was founded in 1779 by James Robertson and John Donelson. Davidson County encompasses 536 square miles. The Cumberland River flows through the Middle of the county. Downtown Nashville sits on the banks of the Cumberland. Davidson County is the transportation Hub of Middle Tennessee. Three major interstates, I-40, I-65, and I-24 intersect in Metro Nashville and form a loop around the city. Also, Davidson County is home the region's only major airport, Nashville International. The airport serves more than 12.9 million passengers per year flying to destinations across the United States and overseas.
Williamson CountyWilliamson County is home to a number of Middle Tennessee's most treasured historic places.Many are located in Franklin, the county seat. Williamson County was named after Hugh Williamson, a politician and a signer of the United States Constitution. The Tennessee General Assembly created Williamson County in 1799 from land that was previously part of Davidson County. Many of Williamson County's earliest residents were Revolutionary War veterans, who were compensated with land grants following the war. Today, Williamson County is one of the fastest growing areas of Middle Tennessee. Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, and Fairview are all popular suburbs of Nashville. The county, home to many Country Music celebrities, has the distinction of being one of the wealthiest counties in the United States after cost of living adjustments.
Sumner CountyNamed for Revolutionary War General Jethro Sumner, Sumner County is one of the most populous areas of Middle Tennessee. Gallatin is the county seat and Hendersonville is Sumner County's largest city. The county borders Davidson County, and comprises 543 Square miles. Founded in 1786, Sumner County was an early leader in agriculture in the Middle Tennessee area. Today, much of Sumner County maintains its agricultural roots. However, Hendersonville and Gallatin offer excellent shopping, and education opportunities. Some of Middle Tennessee's most prestigious lakefront homes are those along the banks of Old Hickory Lake in Sumner County. Many Country Music celebrities migrated to the area in the 1960s and 1970s. Sumner County was home to Conway Twitty's "Twitty City" along with Johnny and June Carter Cash's House of Cash Museum. Twitty City is now owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network. The House of Cash is no longer in operation, but much of its contents can now be seen at The Johnny Cash Museum in downtown Nashville.
Wilson CountyIn recent years, Wilson County has experienced a population boom, because of its affordability and proximity to Nashville.The County was created in 1799 from a portion of neighboring Sumner County and named for Revolutionary War Veteran, Major David Wilson. The county comprises 583 square miles of land. Lebanon is the county seat of Wilson County, but Mount Juliet is its largest city. Mount Juliet is home to of the Providence Mall, one of Middle Tennessee's most popular shopping destinations. The city of Mount Juliet is only twenty minutes from downtown Nashville. Bordered by Old Hickory Lake to the north, and Percy Priest Lake to the south, it is known as the City Between the Lakes. Wilson County enjoys a rich agricultural history and remains a leader in Middle Tennessee's farming traditions. The annual Wilson County Fair is Tennessee's largest fair, drawing in excess of 450,000 visitors each year.
Rutherford CountyRutherford County plays a significant role in Middle Tennessee's overall economy.It is home to a Nissan plant, several prominent health care organizations, a State Farm Insurance hub, an Amazon facility, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, a General Mills production facility, and a Whirlpool appliance plant. Rutherford County is the fifth most populous county in the state of Tennessee, and covers 624 square miles. Murfreesboro is the county seat, and most populous city in Rutherford County. Middle Tennessee State University is located here and is considered one of Tennessee's best colleges. The county's name honors Griffith Rutherford, a Revolutionary War general who settled in the area after the war. The county was established in 1803 from land that had previously been part of Davidson and Williamson Counties.
Cheatham CountyCheatham County is one of Middle Tennessee's most picturesque counties. Its 307 square miles of hilly landscape provide incredibly breath-taking views. Home to a large portion of protected land, the Cheatham State Wildlife Management Area, it is a popular spot for hunting and fishing because it is bisected by both the Cumberland and Harpeth Rivers. Ashland City is the Cheatham County Seat and its most populous city. The popular Nashville suburbs of Kingston Springs, Pleasant View, and Pegram lie within Cheatham County. The county was formed in 1856 from land that had previously been part of Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, and Robertson Counties and was named after Tennessee State Legislator, Edward Saunders Cheatham.
Robertson CountyRobertson County encompasses 476 square miles on Tennessee's central northern border with Kentucky.The county seat is the town of Springfield with a population of over 16,000 residents. Thirty minutes from downtown Nashville, Springfield is the quintessential small American town, with a beautiful and vibrant downtown that conjures visions of Mayberry. Robertson County's economy has historically been largely agricultural, but the county supports industry as well. Prominent industries in Robertson County include various facilities that manufacture automobile parts and components and an Electrolux appliance facility. Robertson County was founded in 1796 and is named for Nashville's founder, James Robertson. Robertson is often referred to as, "The Father of Middle Tennessee."
Montgomery CountyMontgomery County has the distinction of claiming the highest population of veterans in Tennessee.This can be attributed largely to the number of service members who retired in Clarksville, the county seat of Montgomery County. Clarksville is the fifth most populous city in Tennessee, and the most populous city in Montgomery County. Clarksville borders Fort Campbell, a United States Army base. While it straddles the Tennessee and Kentucky state borders, Fort Campbell is just 10 miles from downtown Clarksville. The post office for the base is in Kentucky, but the majority of the base's acreage lies in Tennessee. In addition to its proud military heritage, Montgomery County is home to the well respected Austin Peay State University. The county was named for John Montgomery, a Revolutionary War Soldier who founded the city of Clarksville. Montgomery County was organized in 1796, and covers a total of 544 square miles. In recent years, the county has experienced a real estate boom because of its affordability and proximity to Nashville.
Maury CountyLike many other counties in Middle Tennessee, Maury County has a rich agricultural history that lives on today. Prior to the Civil War, Maury County was the wealthiest county in Tennessee. The county seat of Maury County and its most populous city is Columbia. Maury County is known as the "Antebellum Homes Capital of Tennessee." There are more pre-Civil War homes in Maury County than any other county in Tennessee. One of these homes is the only surviving residence of President James K. Polk. The county covers 616 square miles and was established in 1807 from what had been a portion of Williamson County and adjacent Indian lands. The county's name honors Major Abram Poindexter Maury, a member of the Tennessee legislature. Today, Maury County leads the state in beef cattle production. Maury County is also home to a General Motors Plant that assembles Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet SUVs. The plant is in the Maury County portion of the city of Spring Hill that sits on the Maury and Williamson County lines.
Bedford CountyBedford County was established in 1807. The county was formed when a group of Rutherford County residents petitioned the Governor to divide Rutherford County into two separate entities. Bedford county was named for Thomas Bedford, a Revolutionary War officer who had settled in the area. The county is comprised of 475 square miles. Shelbyville serves as the county seat and is the most populous city in Bedford County. Shelbyville is known as "The Tennessee Walking Horse Capital of the World" and is the epicenter of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Beautiful, scenic horse farms dot much of the county's landscape. Since 1939, Bedford County has hosted the annual Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville. During this eleven day event, The World Grand Champion of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed is crowned. Bedford County's Bell Buckle is a popular spot for tourism, thanks to its historic downtown and well preserved Victorian homes.
Coffee CountyCoffee County covers 435 square miles in the southern portion of Middle Tennessee.It is located halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga and is popular with commuters to both cities. Like its neighboring counties, Coffee County has an agricultural background, having been established in 1836 from land that was part of neighboring Bedford, Warren, and Franklin counties. The Coffee County seat is Manchester, but Tullahoma is its most populous city and economic hub. Coffee County was named after John Coffee, a local planter and resident of the area. Since 1950, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, formerly known as Arnold Air Force base, has operated in Coffee County. It is a ground based flight test facility located in Tullahoma, and operated by the Air Force Test Center. As many as 90,000 music fans descend on Coffee County every summer for the four day Bonnaroo Music Festival, which takes place on a 650 acre farm in Manchester. Past performers at Bonaroo have come from all genres of the music industry. The festival has been headlined by music legends including U2, Pearl Jam, Billy Joel, Elton John, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney.
Putnam CountyPutnam County sits on the Highland Rim, just over an hour east of Nashville on I-40.Putnam County was first established in 1842 and comprised land that was once part of Jackson, Overton, Fentress and White Counties. A Tennessee court deemed the county's founding unconstitutional because it resulted in the neighboring counties falling below constitutional limits. However, in 1854, the county was reestablished when surveys proved that it was a legally established county. Putnam county is comprised of 403 square miles, and was named for Revolutionary War hero, General Israel Putnam. Cookeville is the most populous city and county seat. Putnam County is home to one of the state's highly regarded colleges, Tennessee Technological University. The county is known for its strong industrial sector. Companies with a manufacturing and distribution presence in Putnam county include the vacuum cleaner innovator, Oreck Manufacturing, the industrial automatons specialist, ATC Automation, the sports and outdoor company, Academy Sports, and the regional supply chain and distribution giant, Averitt Express.
Other Notable Middle Tennessee CommunitiesAmerican Heritage, Inc. is proud to serve all of Middle Tennessee.Our Realtors are prepared to assist you throughout the region. We have highlighted most of the counties within a roughly one hour drive from Nashville, based on housing availability, employment opportunities, tourism, and proximity to shopping and health care. If you wish to explore homes in other counties of Middle Tennessee, please give us a call. We love every inch of Middle Tennessee, and we will gladly partner with you in your search for a home anywhere in our beloved Middle Tennessee.
