Crossville began as a crossroads, developing at an intersection of what was once the Great Stage Road, connecting Knoxville with Nashville, Tennessee, and the Kentucky Stock Road, a cattle drovers' trail that led to Kentucky and Chattanooga. Today these roads are supplanted by US-70 and US-127, and Crossville's still in the center of things.
Crossville is the county seat of Cumberland County, TN, located about 70 miles from Knoxville. With a population of just over 10,700 as of the 2010 census, Crossville fills just about 15 square miles.
Moving to Crossville
There are many rental properties here, and with vacancies hovering, depending on the neighborhood, between 14% and 22%, you should have no problem finding housing for rent here.
Your search for apartments or rental houses should start with a search online and in local newspapers such as the Crossville Chronicle. Driving the area yourself will help you see which neighborhood is best for you, the more rural Big Lick, or the the center of town, for example. You should allow yourself several weeks to find the property,
Be prepared to rent when you find the place you like the best - that means having your credit information, past rental information, proof of employment and identification at the ready for landlords.
Neighborhoods in Crossville
From magnificent fall foliage to wildflower studded springtime, you'll get a taste of all four distinct seasons no matter where you live in Crossville.
Woodlawn / Howard Springs: This suburban neighborhood, in terms of density, consists primarily of small to medium sized single family homes and apartment buildings constructed between 1970 and the present. You'll find most of the properties here are occupied by renters. There is around a 14% vacancy rate which means you'll be able to find available apartments with some ease.
Crossville City Center: Suburban in density, there's a solid mix of renters and owners in this community that borders lush Cumberland Mountain State Park. Three Mile Creek runs through the neighborhood. Homes range in construction age from the World War II era to 1999.
Big Lick / Hale Mill: This is a rural neighborhood with plenty of green space between neighbors. Mostly single family homes and mobile homes are located here, and most were built between 1970 and the present. There's a fairly large vacancy rate in this area, so if you like wide open spaces, take advantage of the 22.6% available properties.
Living in Crossville
Perched on top of the Cumberland Plateau by the headwaters of the Obed River, you'll find this pleasant town dotted with small lakes like Lake Tansi and Lake Holiday. The wooded Cumberland Mountain State park offers a fine view of Walden Ridge, hiking trails and many serene forested areas. Byrd Lake is also a part of the park, which was once the recreation area for the Depression era farms of the Cumberland Homesteads.
Along with nature, history also plays an important part in the community. The Cumberland County Civil War memorial in Crossville, lists both Union and Confederate veterans. The courthouse and town square were constructed in 1865.
Ready to go clubbing? Then you've come to the right place. Crossville calls itself the golf capital of Tennessee, and with 12 fine courses it lives up to its name. From River Run to The Bear Trace, there's a course worth your "Fore!"
Like yard sales? Well, Crossville is home to what may well be the biggest. The Highway 127 Corridor Sale is held every August and claims to be the world's longest. If you're looking for a lamp shaped like a bird or baby clothes, you're likely to find such items here. This vast outdoor second hand sale goes on for four days along a route that extends all the way - seriously - to Addison, Michigan. That's 690 miles of old comic books and handmade quilts.
Entertainment, Crossville Style
Theater plays a key role in this town's entertainment. The Cumberland County Playhouse, located here, is the only major non-profit performance theater in rural Tennessee, and over 165,000 visitors applaud annually. With two indoor and two outdoor stages plus a concert series, get ready to clap.
And speaking of theaters, The Palace Theater, opened in 1938, is now a fully restored community center, auditorium and the town's visitor center. And the Rocky Top 10 movie theater offers first run cinema year-round. Shoppers, take note: the Vanity Fair Mall offers a mix of chain stores and local shops.
Every August, the Cumberland County Fair sets up shop, with a big midway, animal and agricultural exhibits and musical performances. But you don't have to wait for the fair to find exhibits and fun. What claims to be the world's largest treehouse is housed in the capacious branches of Crossville. Located on Beehive Lane, visionary Horace Burgess began building it in 1993.
You can get your boat on at The Merrimack Canoe Company, where canoes use Tennessee cherry wood as part of their handmade construction.
Sporting Life
You'll find plenty to do if you love sports and recreation in Crossville. The Duer Soccer Complex provides three main professional soccer fields. Fido will enjoy his own turn with a ball at the Crossville Dog Park. And you won't be barking up the wrong tree if you spend some time enjoying Centennial Park. Horseshoes, senior softball and miles of walking and running trails offer plenty to do here whether you want to take a long tree shaded stroll or settle down for a picnic. There's a state of the art skate park too if you want to channel your inner Tony Hawk.
At Meadow Park Lake you'll find a boat launch, boat rentals and a campground. Nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers alike will want to spend time watching the scenery here.
Every May, a horseshoe tournament is held in Centennial Park - don't say nay until you've tried it!
Getting Around
Most residents drive their own cars or carpool to get to work or stores. You'll want to have your own car if you move to Crossville, but then that gives you a way to explore the vast state park and beautiful hills surrounding the community.