March 5, 2025
Why Land in Tennessee Is One of the Safest Investments You Can Make
As someone who's spent my life exploring every corner of this beautiful state, I can tell you that Tennessee land isn't just property—it's potential, freedom, and one of the smartest investments you can make right now.

There's something deeply satisfying about owning a piece of Tennessee. Maybe it's the rolling hills that catch the morning light just right, the hidden spring creeks teeming with life, or the ancient hardwoods standing tall like sentinels of time. As someone who's spent my life exploring every corner of this beautiful state, I can tell you that Tennessee land isn't just property—it's potential, freedom, and one of the smartest investments you can make right now.
Why Tennessee Land Is Different
Let me be straight with you: not all land investments are created equal. During my ten years in Georgia's Plantation Belt, I witnessed firsthand how regional characteristics dramatically impact land value. What makes Tennessee special isn't just its natural beauty (though we have that in spades)—it's the perfect intersection of affordability, low property taxes, no state income tax, and a business-friendly environment that continues to attract new residents and companies year after year.
On any given day at my farm in Williamson County, I can take prospective buyers out on UTVs to experience the lifestyle they're considering. We'll cruise along spring creeks, fish the pond, and sit on the porch of the guest cottage as the sun sets behind the hills. It's not a sales pitch—it's a chance to test drive the life they're dreaming about. And nine times out of ten, they're sold before we even get back to the main house.
Land as a Long-Term Investment Strategy
When I tell clients that land is one of the safest places to put your money, I'm not just talking real estate broker speak. I'm talking from experience as a landowner and investor myself.
Here's what makes Tennessee land particularly compelling as an investment:
- Fixed Supply: They aren't making any more land, and the demand for quality properties in Tennessee continues to increase as more people discover our state's combination of natural beauty and reasonable cost of living.
- Tangible Asset Protection: While financial markets fluctuate wildly, land remains steadfast. It's something you can actually walk on, improve, and enjoy while it appreciates.
- Multiple Revenue Streams: Depending on your property, opportunities abound—timber harvesting, hunting leases, agricultural income, or even event hosting can offset holding costs while your investment grows.
- Legacy Wealth: Unlike many other investments, land can be passed down through generations, creating a lasting family legacy.
Knowing What to Look For
Not all land is created equal, and this is where having a specialist becomes crucial. When I take clients out to view properties, I'm not just showing them boundaries—I'm pointing out the subtle details that impact value:
- Water Features: Properties with year-round creeks, springs, or ponds command premium prices and typically appreciate faster.
- Road Access: Good access significantly impacts value and future marketability.
- Topography Mix: The ideal Tennessee property has a balance of level and rolling terrain, providing both usable areas and scenic vistas.
- Timber Resources: Mature hardwoods aren't just beautiful—they're valuable. I help clients understand the timber asset on properties they're considering.
- Soil Quality: Whether for building, agriculture, or wildlife habitat, soil quality matters tremendously.
The Middle Tennessee Advantage
While I work with properties throughout Tennessee, Middle Tennessee offers particular advantages worth highlighting:
- Diverse Landscape: From the Highland Rim to the Cumberland Plateau, the variety is stunning
- Economic Growth: Nashville's boom creates ripple effects throughout surrounding counties
- Water Resources: Abundant rainfall and natural water features
- Four Distinct Seasons: Without extreme weather in any of them
I recently worked with a client who initially insisted on looking only in East Tennessee. After showing him comparable properties in Middle Tennessee, he quickly changed his mind. Not only did he get more acreage for his budget, but he cut his drive time from his primary residence in half and ended up with a property that had better development potential long-term.
When to Buy? The Time Is Now
The land market has its own cycles, somewhat independent of residential real estate. Right now, we're seeing a sweet spot for buyers in certain Tennessee markets. Interest rates have stabilized, some sellers have adjusted price expectations, and quality inventory is becoming available.
I've been in this business long enough to recognize patterns, and I'm seeing the same signals now that preceded significant price jumps in 2016 and 2019. Those who waited then often expressed regret later.
Not Just a Transaction—A Relationship
When you buy land through Covey Rise Properties, you're not just getting a transaction—you're getting a relationship with a team of specialists who understand land from every angle. As landowners ourselves, we know the questions you should be asking and the factors that will impact your enjoyment and return on investment.
Whether you're looking for 20 acres for a weekend retreat or 500 acres for a legacy investment, our approach remains the same: personalized service focused on understanding your goals, exhaustive research to find the right property, and the specialized knowledge to help you maximize your land's potential.
Experience It Yourself
If you're intrigued by the idea of Tennessee land ownership, I invite you to visit our model farm in Williamson County. Unlike a typical showing, we'll spend the day experiencing the land—fishing, riding trails, and really getting a feel for what land ownership means. Bring your boots, and we'll get them muddy together while discussing your vision.
Because at the end of the day, buying land isn't just about acres and boundaries—it's about finding a place that speaks to you, that offers the lifestyle you've earned, and that represents one of the smartest long-term investments you can make.
And trust me, there's nothing like the feeling of standing on your own piece of Tennessee, watching the sun set behind the hills, and knowing it's all yours.
Tom is the founder of Covey Rise Properties, specializing in land and farm sales throughout Tennessee. As a top 1% producer in Tennessee land sales volume and a farm owner himself, Tom brings first-hand experience to helping clients find their perfect property. To learn more about Tennessee land opportunities, contact Covey Rise Properties today.