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Marvin Bullock
Sparta - White County Chamber
931-836-3552
marvin@spartatnchamber.com
16 West Bockman Way, Sparta, TN 38583

Living, Working, Playing and Retiring at a Higher Level

We can’t wait to welcome you to the neighborhood.

Location 

Sparta/White County sits on the Highland Rim of the Tennessee Valley, on the Cumberland Plateau, roughly 85 miles from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. We are only 15 minutes from Interstate 40 and a short drive from Interstate 24 via Appalachian North-South Highway 111 and scenic U.S. Highway 70 — the historic Broadway of America and a Tennessee Heritage Trail.

Sparta/White County is part of the 14-county Upper Cumberland region of Middle Tennessee and Highlands of Tennessee, the latter a four-county economic marketing partnership consisting of Putnam, Overton, White and Jackson counties.

Sparta is the seat of government for White County, which celebrated its bicentennial in 2006. Sparta/White County is a rural community, offering its citizens outstanding retail, employment, education, healthcare, recreational and cultural opportunities.

Affordability

The cost of living in Sparta/White County is very affordable due to our low taxes, low land and housing costs, and low insurance rates. 

Quality of Life - A Quiet Life

Sparta/White County is on the quiet side of I-40. As you will see, we are proud of our heritage. Our local Main Street Program initiated a renovation of the historic downtown district, which is lined with trees and flowered landscaping. The crown of this program is the Sparta Amphitheater and Oldham Theatre Welcome Center. 

River Park — in downtown Sparta — is a quaint city park with a popular paved walking trail along the Calfkiller River. It also has a pavilion and playground for you to enjoy with your grandkids.

Countryside, Suburban and Historic Living

Houses, with varying amenities, are available in a variety of sizes and prices. The median cost of a house in Sparta/White County is from $90,000 to $100,000.

Here you can fulfill your dream of retiring to the wide-open spaces of our countryside, live in one of our new subdivisions or purchase one of our historic houses. 

Arts and Antiques

Many well-known artists, whose works are available at festivals and galleries across the country, have their homes and studios in our community. One local potter is developing an artist incubator program to draw additional talent to our area. 

If you are an artist or senior entrepreneur and always wanted to open your own gallery or store, we have the perfect space for you in our historic downtown. We have shopping to please any need, from antiques, pottery, quilts, art, fine furniture and home decorating to large discount stores. Enhancing the small-town atmosphere are quaint traditional and ethnic restaurants scattered throughout the community.

Education, Hobbies and Faith

Now that you are retired, you may want to enroll in that course you always dreamed of taking. You can further your education at Motlow State Community College, have fun at our very active Senior Citizens Center, volunteer at the new library or join one of our many community organizations, such as Welcome Neighbors, Master Gardeners, YMCA or the country club for golf, tennis and swimming. Or, just sit back and enjoy a movie at our restored mid-century drive-in movie theater.

Tennessee Tech University is next door in Cookeville — only 15 miles — and is the educational and cultural pinnacle of Highlands of Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland. People are attracted to Tennessee Tech for its outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs, and its art exhibits, crafts, concerts, plays, workshops and more. The Appalachian Center for Craft on Center Hill Lake, a satellite campus of Tennessee Tech, offers diverse options in professional craft studies. Tennessee Tech also sponsors 16 NCAA Division I athletic programs.

And, of course, you are also welcome at any one of more than 100 churches located throughout our community.   

Climate 

The climate in Sparta/White County typically is moderate. The occasional extreme weather usually lasts only a short time. The average high temperature for July is 89 degrees, and the low is 65 degrees. In January, the average high is 48 degrees, the low 28 degrees.   

Music

The Sparta Amphitheater offers musical tributes to our deep bluegrass heritage throughout the year. Legendary bluegrass artists who have called Sparta/White County home include Lester Flatt, Benny Martin and Blake Williams. Many other local residents have had successful careers in bluegrass as artists and artisans. 

Numerous events such as the Sock Hop & Cruise-In, Liberty Square Celebration, White County Fair, Old Timers Day, music at the Civic Center and Senior Citizens Center all celebrate part of our musical and cultural history. Local eateries offer entertainment from various musical groups.

History

Our historical past is revered by preserving the Rock House Stage Coach Stop, buildings around the “Square” and homes in the historical residential district being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

State Parks

You will be amazed at how many state parks, natural areas and wildlife management areas are within or nearby our community. The Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness is one of the largest, boasting 10,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Nearby recreation areas include some of the most spectacular waterfalls and overlooks in the Southeast, and Sparta is surrounded by spots perfect for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. 

Lakes 

Water enthusiasts can enjoy numerous rivers and lakes, such as Center Hill, Dale Hollow and Cordell Hull lakes, and Caney Fork, Calfkiller, Rocky and Collins rivers and Falling Water river at Burgess Falls. Each is within a short drive, and offers great fishing, boat cruising and scenic vistas.

Golf

Numerous golf courses are located within a few miles of Sparta/White County, each with beautiful greens and lovely surroundings.