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Center Hill Lake, TN Waterfront Properties
About Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake is one of Middle Tennessee's most scenic and sought-after destinations for waterfront living. Located in DeKalb County approximately 75 miles southeast of Nashville, the lake was created by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 through the construction of the Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River. It covers roughly 18,000 acres with over 415 miles of shoreline, significantly more shoreline than Old Hickory Lake, and the surrounding landscape of rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and clear water gives it a character distinct from other Middle Tennessee lakes.
The lake's more secluded location relative to Nashville makes it a popular choice for buyers seeking a weekend retreat, a vacation home, or a permanent lakefront residence away from the growth corridors of the northern Nashville suburbs. Communities surrounding Center Hill Lake include Smithville (the DeKalb County seat), Cookeville, Sparta, Carthage, and Silver Point. Each offers its own character and price range, with overall waterfront pricing generally more affordable than comparable properties on Old Hickory Lake.
Center Hill Lake is well regarded for clear water, excellent fishing, particularly smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and walleye, boating, and water sports. The Corps of Engineers manages several recreation areas around the lake with boat ramps, campgrounds, and day-use areas. Middle Tennessee's temperate climate means the lake is usable for most of the year, and the combination of recreational access and relative seclusion gives Center Hill a loyal buyer base.
Whether you are searching for a weekend retreat, an income-producing vacation property, or a full-time lakefront home, Center Hill Lake combines natural beauty, recreational opportunity, and long-term value that is difficult to match at comparable price points in the region.
Lake Homes For Sale on Center Hill Lake
- All Listings
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $300,000 - $400,000
- $400,000 - $500,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
- $700,000 - $800,000
- $800,000 - $900,000
- Over $1,000,000
Current Center Hill Lake Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $1.1M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $300K |
| Highest Price | $2.9M |
| Total Listings | 18 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 114 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $358 |
Property Types
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Frequently Asked Questions About Center Hill Lake
Where is Center Hill Lake located?
Center Hill Lake is located in DeKalb County in Middle Tennessee, approximately 75 miles southeast of Nashville. The lake was created by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 through the Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River. Surrounding communities include Smithville, Cookeville, Sparta, Carthage, and Silver Point.
How big is Center Hill Lake?
Center Hill Lake covers approximately 18,000 acres with over 415 miles of shoreline. It is significantly larger in shoreline length than Old Hickory Lake, and the surrounding landscape of limestone bluffs and wooded hillsides gives it a more rugged, natural character than the developed communities further north.
What is Center Hill Lake known for?
Center Hill Lake is known for exceptionally clear water, excellent fishing, particularly smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and walleye, and a more secluded character compared to other Middle Tennessee lakes. It is a popular destination for weekend retreats, vacation homes, and buyers seeking a quieter alternative to Old Hickory Lake with more shoreline and natural scenery.
What is the price range for homes on Center Hill Lake?
Waterfront homes on Center Hill Lake are generally more affordable than comparable properties on Old Hickory Lake. Entry-level lake-access homes and cabins start in the low-to-mid $300,000s. Larger waterfront homes with private dock access and significant frontage typically range from the $500,000s into the $800,000s, with premier properties exceeding $1 million. Pricing varies considerably by community and proximity to amenities.
Are there full-time residents on Center Hill Lake or is it mostly vacation homes?
Center Hill Lake has a mix of full-time residents, weekend retreat owners, and vacation rental properties. The communities closer to Smithville and along the main lake body have established full-time residential areas. The lake's distance from Nashville makes it more of a secondary home market than Old Hickory Lake, though buyers seeking a primary lakefront residence away from the metro regularly choose Center Hill for its value and natural setting.
Does Kim Blanton sell homes on Center Hill Lake?
Yes. Kim Blanton serves buyers and sellers of waterfront properties throughout Middle Tennessee including Center Hill Lake. She can be reached at 615-969-1460 or through the contact form on this site.