The fifth-largest city in the state of Tennessee, Clarksville is the seat of Montgomery County, and is growing fast--it is the fifth-fastest growing city in the nation with a population over 50,000, as well as the second-fastest growing metropolitan area.
If you are planning or considering a move to this Southern military town, this guide will tell you more about the weather, living costs, schools, employment opportunities and lifestyle so you can prepare for your move and decide if it is the right place for you.
Clarksville Climate
The city lies in the humid subtropical zone, with four varied seasons. Summers are hot and sticky, and winters are mild but chilly. Precipitation is considerable--about 50-inches a year. However, the region receives very little snowfall--just 6.9-inches a year.
Temperatures in the summer reach the 90s, and drop as low as the 20s in the winter. Be sure to pack a varied wardrobe when heading to Clarksville to accommodate the seasonal contrasts in the weather.
Clarksville Neighborhoods
If you're looking for shopping and recreation in your new city, you should certainly head downtown. The historic downtown district of Clarksville features 1870s architecture, art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, brew pubs and locally-owned restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the historic attractions Roxy Theatre and the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center.
If you're seeking security, the safest neighborhoods in the city include Port Royal, Sango, the Mississippi Ave./Bastogne Ave. area, Kirkwood/Hampton St. area, Dunbar Cave Rd./Old Russellville Pike area, Excell/Fredonia, Peachers Mill Rd./Tiny Town Rd. area, and the Trenton rd./Needmore Rd. area.
Registering Your Car
Within 30 days of moving to Tennessee permanently, you must register your vehicle. This can be done at any County Clerk's office, and you will need your current registration, title, proof of identification, proof of residency, and an emission inspection certification.
To transfer your driver's license to the state, you must visit any Tennessee driver's License center within 30 days of moving to the state. You will have to pass a vision test, and show proof of identity, residency, and citizenship. Tennessee is one f the few state's that has no minimum requirement for car insurance--however, you must prove that you meet the standards of the Financial Responsibility Law to ensure that you are economically capable of covering damages on your own. If your out of state license has been expired for more than six months, you will have to take the road skills test and written test.
Clarksville Schools
If you are relocating to the city with children, you will be enrolling them in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. The district operates 36 facilities in the county, and serves 30,000 students. These include seven high schools, seven middle schools, 20 elementary schools, and one magnet school serving grades K-5.
If you are seeking higher education, there are several universities in the city, including Austin Peay State University, a public college; the North Bible Tennessee Bible Institute, a private Christian-affiliated college; and Nashville State Community College, a two-year junior college in nearby Nashville.
Clarksville Employment
As of the first quarter of 2013, Clarksville had an unemployment rate of eight percent--about the same level as the national average. If you will be relocating to the city without a job, you can apply for government positions here or get career information and services at the Tennessee Career Center at Clarksville. If you are a small business owner or would like to open a business in the city, the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce can provide you with the resources to get you started.
The top employer in the city is Fort Campbell, a U.S. Army base. Other major employers are American Standard, a manufacturer of plumbing fixtures; Bridgestone Metalpha U.S.A., an auto parts manufacturer; Convergys Corporation, a customer management software supplier; and Josten's, a producer of class rings.
Living Costs in the City
If you are considering a move to Clarksville, the good news is that this city is a fairly affordable place to call home. The overall cost of living is three percent below the national average, with housing being the most economical amenity in the region at 11 percent less than the typical American city. Groceries are close behind, at nine percent below average.
Transportation and utility costs are also low--both are seven percent more affordable than in other cities. Healthcare costs are about the same as the rest of the country.
If you are looking to rent, the average one-bedroom apartment in the city goes for about $811 a month, while the typical two-bedroom will cost around $1,062 a month. If you plan to buy, the median home price is listed at $164,900.
Clarksville Moving Resources
There are numerous moving and storage companies located in Clarksville that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Clarksville Transportation
Public transportation in the city is operated by Clarksville Transit System. There are ten fixed routes, which run from 4:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.
All buses leave the Transit Center, which is located at 200 Legion Street, at approximately the same time and travel to various points in the city. The buses return to the Transit Center at about the same as well, which allows passengers to easily transfer from one route to another. There are also transfer points along each route for quicker transport.
CTS also operates a paratransit system for the disabled and the elderly known as The Lift.
Culture and Contemporary Life
If you are seeking leisure and entertainment in your new city, there are several popular local attractions many residents enjoy. Take a walk along the Cumberland Riverwalk--a riverside path that features overlook plazas, an amphitheater, playground, picnic facilities, performance stages, and a wharf; visit the award-winning Beachaven Vineyards and Winery to sample delicious vintages in a charming Tudor-style building; or explore the Dunbar Cave State Natural Area, where you can take guided tours of the cave, hike, and fish.
If you are feeling creative, you can create your own masterpiece at Swirlz Art Studio. If you are looking for a taste of the town's history, check out the eclectic and quirky Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. Rainy day? Enjoy a live performance at the historic Roxy Theatre.
Clarksville Relocation Tips
- Bring a varied wardrobe--the city experiences four distinct seasons with temperatures ranging from the upper 90s in the summer to dropping below freezing in the winter.
- Make a moving checklist--there are numerous tasks associated with your relocation to complete before you make your trek to Clarksville. Make a packing schedule, change your address, and compare quotes from several moving companies at Movers.com.
- Research the neighborhoods. Before choosing any section of the city to call home, you will want to know everything it has offer--housing costs, crime rates, proximity to amenities, and quality of nearby schools.