DeKalb County Real Estate

Dowelltown

DeKalb County, Tennessee

DeKalb County has four principal towns: Smithville, Alexandria, Liberty and Dowelltown. The area seen much growth over the last two decades and by the last census count, there were more than than 18,000 residents. That’s a dramatic change from the years before and after World War II, when many traded farm life for the promise of good paying jobs in the factories of the North. They may have left, but it was hard to let go memories of the area’s natural beauty and easy pace.

Some returned as soon as they could retire. The area’s growth has also been fueled by a steady infusion of others who migrated here from all over the U.S. for the affordable homes farms and property in a rural setting still available. Because of technology, many like myself can enjoy that lifestyle without giving up on their career through telecommuting.

The county sits approximately 60 miles southeast of Nashville, easily accessible through Lebanon by Interstate 40 or U.S, highway 70. Highways crossing the county include State Route 96, a direct link to Murfreesboro; State Highway 53 connecting Alexandria with I-40 to the north through, and linking Liberty with Woodbury in Cannon County to the south; and State Route 56, a direct road to McMinnville in Warren County, and also linking Smithville, the county seat, to US-40 at Silver Point

The county is named for Baron Johann DeKalb, a Bavarian general who provided critical support to the patriots in the American Revolution. Some land in the area was originally pensioned to veterans of the American Revolution. During the Civil War local allegiances were divided and both the Blue and Gray armies spent time here. The Battle of Snows Hill, involved as many 4000 soldiers and is commemorated with a historical marker along Highway 70 just east of Dowelltown, near the base of Snows Hill.

As far as real estate goes, amily farms were a fixture of the area and along the Caney Fork River before construction of the dam creating Center Hill Lake. Acres farmed decades ago are now being divided into smaller tracts for new homes. Today’s residents are as likely to be employed at one of the businesses, factories or stores which fuel the local economy, as they are to commute to larger cities within driving distance, including Cookeville, Lebanon, Murfreesboro, McMinnville and Nashville.

Residents here enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the state and pay no state income tax. Combined with comparatively affordable housing and land, that makes the entire area an attractive destination for families, relocation and retirement.

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