Wide open space with peaceful streets are a common sight in Macon County.
From rural escape to rural draw
Much of Macon County is made up of spacious farmland and gently rolling hills interspersed by streams and creeks. Lafayette’s downtown is comprised of a few groups of flat-roofed brick buildings no more than two stories tall. These structures house local institutions like the Macon Department Store, where apparel, including outfits for church on Sundays, can be seen through the business’ vintage display window. Although some newer developments are sprouting in certain pockets, the long-time appeal of Macon County has been its small town charm and more laidback rural lifestyle. “It’s a good ole’ country place to live. It ain’t got all that fancy stuff in it,” says Macon County Commissioner Bobby Ray King. King’s elected colleague Kyle Petty adds: “It still has that hometown feel to it, where you know the majority of the people. You can go to Walmart and always run into somebody you know, but we’re slowly getting away from that.” Macon County sits on the far northeastern reaches of the Nashville metropolitan area. Many over the years — including some from as far as California and New York — have migrated to the region to snap up a growing number of jobs in fields like technology and finance. While Macon County locals have long enjoyed their distinct rural setting, the scenery has also attracted some of the transplants. Like in other parts of the region, fiber lines capable of delivering impressive internet speeds exist throughout much of the county, even in parts Petty humorously says don’t even have city supplied water. “The cost of living is cheaper here, but there’s only about an hour’s drive to get to Nashville. So they’re getting out of the bigger areas, the suburbs of Nashville, and coming here and have more land and a bigger house for less money. That’s what spurring all the growth here,” he says. “What COVID taught us, in my opinion, is people can work from home or drive to Nashville one day a week and then come here and have that rural lifestyle and setting.”
Single story homes are on heavily wooded lots in parts of Macon County.
Ranch-style on farmlands and newer Craftsmen
Outside of the county’s small cities, ranch-style houses dot spacious farmlands, some of which feature animal fences and nearby barn structures. In Lafayette, the neighborhoods become denser, but a number of ranch-style houses can still be found yards away from the roads. The lots here end with drainage ditches right along the roads, while some properties are flanked by gravel driveways. The county’s cities also include pockets of new housing with Craftsman and ranch-style traits. Price points here can go from about $230,000 for a mid-20th century Craftsman to up to the mid-$300,000s for a slightly larger home with similar features, but that was built within the past few years. Ranch-style houses here can go for between $300,000 and $350,000.
Still ‘Taking the waters’ in Red Boiling Springs
The small city of Red Boiling Springs on the eastern end of the county was among the places that contributed to the mineral springs resort boom of the late 1800s, a trend fueled by widespread beliefs at the time in the healing properties of the mineral waters. The historic Armour’s Hotel continues to offer a mineral bath spa, being the only place in Tennessee to still offer the distinct service. Lafayette residents are close to few outdoor destinations. They can hike through the dense woodlands at the 35-acre Winding Stairs Park and get a view of the cascades. They might also spot deer and other wildlife along the way. At Lafayette City Park, young athletes will find multiple courts for tennis, volleyball and basketball, while other children and teens can splash around in the outdoor pool during the summer.
Red Boiling Springs is the Home of the Bulldogs in Macon County.
Red Boiling Springs is located in Macon County with a population of 1205 as of 2020.
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Macon County is homes to Gibson's Cafe.
Stop for a burger at Gibson’s Cafe
County residents often go to Lafayette if they’re seeking some nearby dining options. They can go to Gibson’s Cafe downtown for burger and even free live music on Friday nights. Decorations that include framed photos of artists and signed acoustic guitars adorn the establishment’s walls. There’s La Tia Mexican Restaurant a little farther south. While it serves Tex-Mex fare, there are other non-traditional menu items like crab legs. For groceries, there’s a Piggly Wiggly right along Scottsville Road. There’s also a Walmart right along Tennessee State Route 52.
Macon County High School serves grades 9-12.
Strong girls’ basketball program at Macon County High
Schools here include Lafayette Elementary School, Macon County Junior High School and Macon County High School, all of which received grades of C-plus or higher from ratings site Niche. Macon County High has had a strong girls’ basketball squad over the years, often competing in the state tournament. The team won a state title during the 2020-2021 season and has over the past few years included both a winner and finalist for a coveted Miss Basketball award.
Macon County Fairgrounds hosts a yearly fair for all of Macon County in Lafayette.
From Tennessee’s second longest yard sale to Hillbilly Days
Those interested in hunting for rare or unique finds can look forward to the third weekend in May, the time of TN52 Yard Sale. The event is the state’s second longest yard sale, featuring over 500 vendors selling products like antiques, crafts and even food. The sale stretches from Orlinda to Celina, passing through Macon County along the way. The weeklong Macon County Fair in August is another major event. The event staged at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Lafayette features carnival rides, and new events include a ventriloquist show and helicopter rides. Those looking to enjoy some live bluegrass music and a multitude of other activities can look forward to the Macon County Hillbilly Days, which occurs over three days at Lafayette’s Key Park in June.
Lafayette Municipal Airport is a public use airport located in Macon County.
A small city-owned airport
State Route 52 passes through both Red Boiling Springs and Lafayette, connecting the two small Macon County cities to the other communities on the far northern end of the greater Nashville metro area. Tennessee State Route 10 can be part of the route from Lafayette to downtown Nashville. However, going west on Route 52 and then turning left on U.S. Highway 31 trims the trip by a few miles. The city-owned and public use Lafayette Municipal Airport sits approximately 4 miles west of the city’s downtown area. For more flying options, however, county residents will need to go to the Nashville International Airport, which is a roughly 57-mile drive south of Lafayette. Macon Community Hospital is near the heart of Lafayette.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Ricky Woodard Community Park
Lafayette City Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Winding Stairs Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Parking Lot
Key Park I
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
Trey Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Pool
Dr. Thomas Carter Midtown Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Macon County
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Macon County, Lafayette sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Macon County, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $291,973, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gwen Dowland,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
27,486
Median Age
40
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,538
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,251
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.7%
College Graduates
9.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
16''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
1/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
