If you've been dreaming of a slower pace, lower costs, and a community where life just feels easier, Smithville, Tennessee might be exactly what you've been looking for. Set along Center Hill Lake in the heart of DeKalb County, Smithville is a close-knit small town with something increasingly rare: a peaceful place to call home, without giving up the conveniences that matter. And with new homes in Smithville, TN now on the way, it's easier than ever to make the move.

Here's why more people, especially those ready to downsize and simplify, are moving to Smithville, TN.

What It's Like Living in Smithville, TN

Smithville is the kind of place where you'll run into someone you know at the grocery store. Historic Downtown Smithville still has the charm of small-town life, with local shops, cafes, antique stores, and an old-fashioned soda fountain that feels like it's been there forever.

Once a year, the town fills up for the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree, a bluegrass and craft festival that's been a DeKalb County tradition for decades. After years of busy schedules and city noise, that kind of community rhythm matters more than most people expect. You can see that same spirit at work in our Myles Place Fall Fest recap, where more than 260 neighbors came out to celebrate.

Center Hill Lake and the Outdoors Right Outside Your Door

Smithville sits on Center Hill Lake, one of Middle Tennessee's most scenic reservoirs, with 415 miles of shoreline. Marinas offer fishing, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding just minutes from town.

Edgar Evins State Park is close by, with rugged hiking trails, birdwatching, and a watchtower overlooking the lake. Add nearby waterfalls at Rock Island and Burgess Falls, and you've got a small town surrounded by some of the best scenery in Tennessee. For anyone searching for Center Hill Lake homes without the lakefront price tag, Smithville puts the water within an easy drive.

How Far Is Smithville from Nashville and Cookeville?

Smithville's location gives you the best of both worlds. Cookeville is about 28 miles east, and Nashville is roughly 60 miles west. You get the peace of small-town living with easy access to healthcare, shopping, dining, and entertainment whenever you want it.

Cost of Living in Smithville, TN

For downsizers, affordability is everything, and Smithville delivers. The median home value sits well below the national average, so your money buys more house, more land, and more breathing room.

Tennessee is also one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. There is no state income tax, so retirement income, including Social Security and retirement account withdrawals, isn't taxed by the state. Property taxes in the area average an effective rate of about 0.48% (Niche). That's money that stays in your pocket every month.

New Construction Homes in Smithville, TN: Myles Place

Whether you are upsizing, or downsizing, you find a home at Myles Place that works smarter for your life right now: less maintenance, a better layout, and a community you actually want to be part of. That's exactly what we had in mind when we built Myles Place, Banner Built Homes' new construction community in Smithville.

Myles Place offers thoughtfully designed homes with flexible floor plans, quality finishes, and the kind of low-maintenance lifestyle that lets you spend your time doing what you love. No more house that's too big to manage. Just a home that fits. Curious how building works? Walk through our process or meet our approved lender partners.

Join the Myles Place VIP List

Myles Place is still in its VIP launch phase, launching in October 2026 which means the best homesites and the earliest pricing go to those who get in early. Join the VIP list to be the first to see floor plans, lock in early pricing, and choose your homesite before the community opens to the public.

Join the Myles Place VIP list or call a Banner Built home counselor at (931) 346-7755 to learn more about new homes in Smithville, TN.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Smithville, TN

Is Smithville, TN a good place to retire or downsize?

Yes. Smithville offers a lower cost of living, no state income tax on retirement income, and a quiet small-town pace, all within about an hour of Nashville.

How far is Smithville, TN from Nashville?

Smithville is roughly 60 miles east of Nashville and about 28 miles west of Cookeville.

What lake is Smithville, TN on?

Smithville sits on Center Hill Lake, a Middle Tennessee reservoir with 415 miles of shoreline, popular for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Are there new construction homes in Smithville, TN?

Yes. Banner Built Homes is building Myles Place, a new construction community in Smithville with flexible floor plans and low-maintenance living. Join the VIP list for early pricing and first pick of homesites.

What county is Smithville, TN in?

Smithville is the county seat of DeKalb County, Tennessee.