Clarksville, Tennessee is located In Montgomery County.
Its population includes a diverse mix of residents numbering at just over one-hundred fifty thousand people.
It is the fifth-largest city in the state with a strong military presence and a rich history.
Read along to learn more about some of the pros and cons of living in Clarksville, TN.
Contents
- Pros of Living in Clarksville, TN
- 1. The Cost of Living Is Lower Than the National Average
- 2. The School System Is Top Notch
- 3. Clarksville Crime Rates Are Relatively Low
- 4. Clarksville Has Plenty of Green Spaces for Outdoor Recreation
- 5. A Strong Military Presence Provides a Sense of Safety and Security
- 6. The Town Is a Diverse Melting Pot of Different Cultures
- 7. Clarksville Is Just an Hour Away from Nashville
- 8. The City Is Very Family Friendly
- Cons of Living in Clarksville, TN
- 1. Uncontrollable Humidity Can Lead to Discomfort in Warmer Months
- 2. Traffic Congestion Can Be Frustrating for Commuters
- 3. Limited Public Transportation Options Can Leave Carless Residents Stranded
- 4. The Job Market Is Extremely Competitive
- 5. There Are Pockets of High Crime in Some Areas of the City
- 6. Small-Town Politics Can Erode Resident’s Sense of Privacy
- 7. Distance from Major Airports Can Make it Difficult to Travel
- 8. Limited Options for Enjoying Nightlife
- Pros and Cons of Living in Clarksville, TN – Summary Table
- Clarksville Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pros of Living in Clarksville, TN
1. The Cost of Living Is Lower Than the National Average
One of the major upsides of living in Clarksville, TN, is that the cost of living is much lower than that of other cities.
Residents pay lower prices when buying homes and renting apartments.
They also pay less for necessities, including food, transportation, child care, and health care.
2. The School System Is Top Notch
Families with children appreciate the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s long track record of high academic achievement, where students consistently score above national and state averages on standardized tests.
The school district fosters an above-average environment for learning by providing a supportive environment, dedicated teachers and staff, and a variety of extracurricular programs and advanced placement courses for college-bound students.
3. Clarksville Crime Rates Are Relatively Low
Online neighborhood reports show that crime rates in Clarksville are relatively low in most areas.
The Clarksville Police Department has implemented some crime prevention and education programs to reduce the number of violent and property crimes in this Tennessee town.
4. Clarksville Has Plenty of Green Spaces for Outdoor Recreation
Clarksville’s residents who love getting outside for exercise, recreation, and family time have a variety of parks, greenways, and outdoor recreation areas to choose from.
Residents can hike, fish, and boat at popular local parks like McGregor Park & Cumberland Riverwalk, which provide over 140 acres of outdoor space.
The Clarksville Greenway offers a six-mile stretch that winds through and connects several parks and neighborhoods via its scenic walkways and jogging paths.
5. A Strong Military Presence Provides a Sense of Safety and Security
Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell, which is a large military installation that has a significant impact on the local community.
Having such a large military presence nearby adds a sense of safety and security for local residents.
Military officials houses at Fort Campbell are highly trained to protect people and property.
Their strong presence in the city helps to deter crime.
6. The Town Is a Diverse Melting Pot of Different Cultures
The city of Clarksville is rapidly becoming more diverse as its racial and ethnic makeup has evolved in recent years.
Clarksville is home to a variety of white, black, Hispanic, Asian, and military populations that make this small Tennessee town a virtual melting pot of cultural experiences and influences.
7. Clarksville Is Just an Hour Away from Nashville
People living in Clarksville who want to get a breath of fresh air and explore outside the city limits can take a drive to nearby Nashville to take advantage of the city’s class music scene, which includes the world-famous Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.
They can also take advantage of restaurants, bars, shopping, and the nightlife scene.
8. The City Is Very Family Friendly
The city of Clarksville ensures that families with children feel at home within its boundaries.
They offer a variety of local amenities and activities that are geared toward families while providing a strong community support network.
Their commitment to families is shown through their top-of-the-line school district, affordable housing options, safe neighborhoods, and the plethora of outdoor activities that keep families entertained.
Cons of Living in Clarksville, TN
While the city of Clarksville has tons of upsides that keep residents loyal, it also has a few downsides like any other similar-sized US city.
Following are a few cons of living in Clarksville.
1. Uncontrollable Humidity Can Lead to Discomfort in Warmer Months
The humidity in Clarksville can be extremely high throughout the year, especially during the summer months.
Residents exposed to such high humidity can experience discomfort when venturing outside during the summer.
Incredibly high summer humidity can make locals feel sweaty, sticky, and uncomfortable.
It can also make it difficult for some people to breathe.
2. Traffic Congestion Can Be Frustrating for Commuters
Clarksville can experience heavy traffic congestion during rush hours, weekends, and holidays, which can make trying to get around the city a nightmare for commuters.
It appears that the city’s traffic network is becoming overburdened by its rapidly growing pace, and the infrastructure is not keeping pace with that growth.
A limited number of transportation options means that more people have to use their cars to commute, which only aggravates the traffic congestion problem.
3. Limited Public Transportation Options Can Leave Carless Residents Stranded
The lack of adequate public transportation options in Clarksville means that more residents are forever relying on cars and trucks to make it to work, school, and leisure activities.
Inadequate transport can leave some residents without cars stranded and unable to reach critical destinations, including work or school, which can contribute to poor attendance, job loss, and a feeling of isolation.
4. The Job Market Is Extremely Competitive
The job market in Clarksville can be extremely competitive, which can give employers more bargaining power than employees and drive down the cost of wages as a result.
Increased stress and anxiety can also be factors in such a competitive market where residents worry about meeting their basic needs as they compete for a limited number of low-wage-paying positions.
5. There Are Pockets of High Crime in Some Areas of the City
While many areas of Clarksville are relatively safe for families and children, there are some areas of the city known for high levels of violent crimes and property crimes that can leave locals feeling anxious and afraid.
Residents in these areas can be fearful of leaving their homes, which can lead to social isolation.
High crime in certain areas of the city can lead to economic depression when businesses refuse to operate and reduce property values for homeowners.
6. Small-Town Politics Can Erode Resident’s Sense of Privacy
While some residents enjoy the small-town feel of living in Clarksville, other residents can feel smothered by it.
People tend to know almost everything about each other in small towns, which can lead some residents to feel a limited sense of anonymity and an unwanted familiarity with their neighbors.
Maintaining a sense of privacy and individuality in such a close-knit environment can feel almost impossible.
Anonymity and confidentiality are of concern when rumors and gossip can spread like wildfire throughout the town.
7. Distance from Major Airports Can Make it Difficult to Travel
Clarksville residents who need to travel for business or leisure can find being so far away from major airports to be frustrating.
A small regional airport serves the city with limited flights.
Most travelers drive to larger cities like Nashville to catch an outbound flight to their destinations.
Having to travel to other cities to catch flights can increase the cost of travel and extend travel times.
8. Limited Options for Enjoying Nightlife
Clarksville residents who enjoy the nightlife can find themselves wanting when it comes to finding entertainment in the area after dark.
The city has a limited nightlife scene, which features only a few small bars and clubs.
Limited nightlife options can lead to reduced opportunities for social interaction, lack of entertainment, and boredom for people looking for diverse entertainment and socialization options.
Pros and Cons of Living in Clarksville, TN – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Clarksville, TN | Cons of Living in Clarksville, TN |
|---|---|
| 1. The Cost of Living Is Lower Than the National Average | 1. Uncontrollable Humidity Can Lead to Discomfort in Warmer Months |
| 2. The School System Is Top Notch | 2. Traffic Congestion Can Be Frustrating for Commuters |
| 3. Clarksville Crime Rates Are Relatively Low | 3. Limited Public Transportation Options Can Leave Carless Residents Stranded |
| 4. Clarksville Has Plenty of Green Spaces for Outdoor Recreation | 4. The Job Market Is Extremely Competitive |
| 5. A Strong Military Presence Provides a Sense of Safety and Security | 5. There Are Pockets of High Crime in Some Areas of the City |
| 6. The Town Is a Diverse Melting Pot of Different Cultures | 6. Small-Town Politics Can Erode Resident's Sense of Privacy |
| 7. Clarksville Is Just an Hour Away from Nashville | 7. Distance from Major Airports Can Make it Difficult to Travel |
| 8. The City Is Very Family Friendly | 8. Limited Options for Enjoying Nightlife |
Clarksville Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Clarksville Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quality of Life Like in Clarksville, TN?
Local residents and online reports show that the overall quality of life in Clarksville is pretty good.
Homeowners and renters pay lower prices than in most other areas of the country.
They pay lower costs for housing and reduced costs for everyday necessities and food.
Access to good schools and plenty of outdoor recreation are also major contributors to the quality of life in this Tennessee town.
What are the Job Opportunities Like in Clarksville, TN?
The job market in Clarksville is highly competitive, with many residents competing for a handful of jobs with primary employers.
Fort Campbell is the largest employer in the city, followed by leading companies in the manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors.
What is the Arts and Culture Scene Like in Clarksville, TN?
Clarksville offers residents and visitors access to a variety of arts and culture venues that include the Roxy Regional Theater, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, and the Clarksville Symphony Orchestra.
The city also hosts a number of public street festivals throughout the year that represent the diverse cultures of the surrounding population.
What is the Weather Like in Clarksville, TN?
Clarksville is situated in an area of the country that leads to hot, humid summers and mild wet winters.
Most residents in the area are satisfied with the subtropical climate and only become frustrated during the summer months when extremely high humidity can literally take their breath away.
What are the Schools Like in Clarksville, TN?
Clarksville’s schools are highly rated by students, parents, and local accrediting agencies.
Public school students in this area regularly exceed national standards on standardized testing.
High levels of parental and community involvement, along with plenty of extracurricular activities, make this one of the most sought-after school districts in the state.
