What To Know About Living in Jackson, TN

Nicknamed the Hub City, this Jackson is conveniently located between Memphis and Nashville. Historically it was a central rail hub. Its strategic location on I-40 and near other major shipping centers continues to make it an important trade center. But people don’t live in places just because it’s easy to get around. Jackson has a rich cultural tradition as the home of Rockabilly Music. The mid-size city is an excellent place for those who love the bustling activity of an urban center and appreciate the small-town feel that comes with living near a rural environment.

Are you looking to live in Jackson, TN? Here we answer your questions about what it’s like to live in Jackson and what to know about the real estate market there.

What’s it like to live in Jackson, TN?

Situated in the heart of the “Music Triangle,” one of the city’s claims to fame is its music roots. Rock-a-billy, a sound made famous by Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins, was born here. Two other major music cities, Memphis and Nashville, await on either side of I-40.

The modern music tradition continues at the Jackson AMP, an outdoor amphitheater hosting free concerts in the summer, plus the Carnegie Tennessee Legends of Music Museum, the McWherter Cultural Arts Center, and the Jackson Symphony.

Jackson may be known for its live music and culture, but residents also have incredible access to outdoor attractions throughout the area. The city has 12 parks covering 800 acres of recreation, sports, and green spaces. Five state parks are within a 1-2 hour drive.

The West TN Healthcare Sportsplex is a major recreational facility with 17 baseball or softball fields and two dog parks. Other facilities for BMX, rodeos, water access, and walking are available.

What is the cost of living in Jackson, TN?

When it comes to the overall cost of living, Jackson is an affordable place to call home. Based on Sperling’s Best Places index, which sets the national average at 100, Jackson is overall 19% cheaper than the rest of the United States. It’s also about 8% more affordable than the rest of Tennessee. Much of these cost savings are in housing, which is about 47% cheaper than in the US. It’s one of the most affordable cities to live in Tennessee.

Nearly every essential expenditure was under the national average. The only exception was the miscellaneous category. Transportation, groceries, and utilities were all below the national average.

What is the average price of a home in Jackson, TN?

If you’re looking for a home in Jackson, you’ll have many choices, but predominantly for single-family homes on a spacious lot. Rural homesteads surround Jackson if you’d like even more space, and ample vacant land was on the market in December 2022.

The real estate market at that time had 404 listings at a median price of $250,000, well below the national median. The median price per sq ft was $130. Prices were up 21% year-over-year.

The most affordable listing was a vacant lot for $5,000. The most expensive existing residential listing was $2.1 million for a custom, 9,147 sq ft home on 4.66 acres.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Jackson, TN?

Condos and townhomes aren’t as prevalent in Jackson, which is dominated by single-family homes. The December 2022 market had one condo listing for $259,900. This listing had 2,588 sq ft and three bedrooms.

What is the property tax rate for Jackson, TN?

All residential property taxes in Tennessee are assessed at 25% of the home’s value. The county sets these values on January 1 of a given year. Millage rates are charged per $100 of assessed value.

In 2022, the City of Jackson charged 1.6114, and Madison County set 1.8736 for a combined 3.485 in property taxes.

Using Jackson’s December 2022 median price of $250,000, property taxes would be assessed on $62,500 of property value. The tax bill would be $2,178.13 and does not include school taxes.

What county is Jackson, TN in?

Madison County sits at the heart of western Tennessee, with Jackson as the county seat. The area has a long history, as it was occupied by the Chickasaw Nation and other nations for millennia. You can visit the Pinson Mounds, one of the largest known mound complexes in the United States.

Since its colonization, Madison County has been an agricultural area, particularly for cotton production. It saw action during the American Civil War and has several historical battle sites.

Madison is at the heart of the American Music Triangle in the contemporary era. It’s proud of the many musical artists that come from its borders. They include opera, gospel, soul blues, and rockabilly musicians.

It has two industrial plants that are major economic drivers, including Proctor and Gamble and Stanley/Black & Decker.

Other towns in Madison County include Penson, Beech Bluff, Madison Hall, Denmark, Huntersville, and Fairview.

Is Jackson, TN growing?

Jackson’s population is moderately growing. In the April 2020 census, it had 68,205 residents. It added 3,000 residents over a decade. About a quarter of its population was under 18 years old. It was a demographically diverse area, with about 48% identifying as Caucasian and 46% identifying as African-American.

Its population grows about one percent each year.

The surrounding Madison County has about 98,000 residents, and the Census reports growth has been stable over the last decade with neither growth nor loss.

What neighborhoods are in Jackson, TN?

Jackson is a pretty small city, and the neighborhoods here are places where people get to know your name. You’ll find more historic homes near the downtown core, but as you move around Jackson, there are plenty of new construction and other subdivisions for you to call home.

Key areas in Jackson include:

Union University is located northwest of downtown near I-40 and beside the Hwy 45 Bypass.

Windy City is northwest of Union University. The lots here are typically larger, and it’s primarily a residential area. Shops are near Union University.

Youngs Crossing is a region directly north of downtown beside the 45 Bypass. Much of the area is developed subdivisions with homes from the 1990s, 2000s, and more recently. The North Park Soccer Complex provides recreational space.

The Westwood Gardens area is near downtown and I-40. Several schools are in the community, as is the University of Memphis–Lambuth Campus. It’s also beside the general hospital. Sandy Creek runs through Westwood Gardens.

Some parts of downtown are highly walkable to the shopping and dining area. Lane University is just east of downtown.

Stanworth is a popular area south of I-40 and beside the Hwy 45 Bypass interchange. Residents enjoy convenient access to shopping with two shopping centers and numerous dining options along Carriage House Dr. Housing is a mix of apartments and single-family homes in developments.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Jackson, TN?

Waterfront is not as common in this part of Tennessee, but you can find properties along creeks and rivers. A few homes even had private lakes and ponds, although these were primarily at the top end of the market.

How is golf in Jackson, TN?

Jackson National Golf Club is a well-maintained public, daily fee golf course just 2.5 miles off I-40. This course offers an extraordinary golfing experience with breathtaking views and standard amenities. The greens provide a great challenge to golfers of all levels. Play par 72 at 7011 yards from black tees.

Bent Tree Golf Club is another great spot for golfers to hit the links. This seasonal 18-hole municipal course provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience with its recently upgraded layout.

The Jackson Country Club is a favorite in West Tennessee for its carefully manicured and classically designed golf course. The private course is known for the firm, fast greens, pristine fairways, and a wind that seems to be in your face on every hole.

Are there golf course communities in Jackson, TN?

Winfield Place is the perfect option for you if you’re looking for a cozy community filled with people who take pride in their neighborhood. This desirable community is conveniently located near the Jackson Country Club and Golf course and features spacious homes with floor plans ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 sq ft. Many of these homes come equipped with custom gourmet kitchens ideal for entertaining guests.

Look no further than The Fairway on Country Club Lane across from Jackson Country Club for a gated community with upscale homes. With houses developed in the mid-2000s, these designer residences vary from 3,500 sq ft to 4,300 sq ft. Even though some are built very close together, every home has beautifully decorated backyards.

What areas are near Jackson, TN?

Jackson is located in the center of West Tennessee and conveniently close to many attractions. The city’s proximity to I-40 makes it easy to explore nearby cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga. You can find plenty of live music venues, renowned museums, historic landmarks, and shopping centers just a short drive away.

Memphis and its suburbs await about an hour away, offering world-famous attractions like Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum. At two hours drive, go slightly further to Nashville for country music and hot chicken.

Nearby small towns include Humboldt, Brownsville, Milan, and Medina. Humboldt has a thriving downtown area with local restaurants and live music events throughout the year.

For some outdoor adventure, the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent spot for bird watching and other natural activities, as well as for enjoying the beauty of nature.

What to know about living in Jackson, TN

Residents of Jackson enjoy the convenience of a big city and the comfort of small-town living. With its close proximity to nearby attractions, vibrant live music scene, and spectacular golf courses, Jackson is the perfect place for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for an urban or suburban setting, there’s something for everyone around Jackson. With its beautiful homes, friendly neighborhoods, and vibrant atmosphere, you’ll love living in the Hub City!