Columbia
Nashville 45 miThe Maury County seat. Historic downtown square, older brick neighborhoods, and newer subdivisions on the edges. About 47,000 people.
My take: the best mix of small-town feel and room to grow. I'm biased. I grew up here.
STOP1
Pick your town
Middle Tennessee is a bunch of very different places within an hour of each other. Start with how you want to live, then pick the town.
Spring Hill
Nashville 30 miNewer homes, lots of subdivisions, closer to Franklin and I-65. About 62,000 people. Part of the city sits in Williamson County, so check which side a house is on.
My take: great if your commute runs north. Drive it at rush hour before you decide.
Santa Fe
Western MauryRolling hills, farms, and acreage. Unincorporated, so you pay county property tax only.
My take: for people who want land and quiet and don't mind a drive to the store.
Culleoka
South of ColumbiaFarm country with a close-knit community and quick access to I-65.
My take: one of the best spots to get acreage without going too far out.
Franklin
Williamson Co.Historic downtown, big employers, and the highest prices in the area.
My take: worth it for some people. Compare what the same money buys 20 minutes south first.
Lewisburg
Marshall Co.A smaller town with its own square, a slower pace, and lower prices than Maury or Williamson.
My take: if your budget is tight, look here before you give up on the area.
STOP2
What it really costs
Your paycheck goes further here. The register is where Tennessee gets its money.
State income tax on wagesNone
Sales tax in Maury County (7% state + 2.75% local)9.75%
State rate on groceries, plus the local rate4%
Maury County wheel tax per vehicle$25
Median Maury County home sale value, 2025$392,711
Property tax estimator
Tennessee taxes homes on 25% of appraised value. Enter a price to see the yearly estimate in each area.
| Where the home sits | Rate per $100 | Per year |
|---|
Estimates use 2025 rates and assume appraised value equals the price. Your actual bill depends on the county appraisal.
STOP3
Your first 30 days
Two deadlines matter. Your driver's license and your car registration are both due within 30 days of moving here.
- Get your Tennessee driver's licenseBring original documents, not copies: ID, Social Security proof, and two proofs of Tennessee residency like a utility bill or bank statement. Moving from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, or West Virginia? Bring a driving record from your old state too.
- Register your vehiclesGo to the county clerk with your current out-of-state registration and your lender's name and address if the car is financed.
- Set up utilitiesIn Columbia, power and water come from Columbia Power & Water Systems. Outside the city, electric is usually Duck River Electric. Spring Hill runs its own water and sewer. Natural gas is Atmos Energy across the county.
- Turn on weather alertsStorms here aren't just a spring thing. Get an app with alerts and know your safe spot at home before you need it.
- Wave backPeople wave from trucks, porches, and the other lane. You'll get used to it.
STOP4
Mistakes I see every month
Picking a house off the map
A road that looks quiet online can be a cut-through for everyone heading to I-65. Drive it before you make an offer.
Skipping the commute test
Drive to work at 7:30 in the morning on a weekday. That trip is your new normal.
Assuming new means well built
A lot of homes went up fast. Get a full inspection, and have someone look in the crawl space and attic.
Buying land without asking about septic
Out in the county, sewer often isn't an option. Find out how old the system is, where it sits, and whether it's been inspected.
Want a short list that fits you?
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