Buford Pusser Country — Affordable Southwest Tennessee Living
McNairy County in southwest Tennessee is famously known as the home of Sheriff Buford Pusser, whose story inspired the Walking Tall films. The county offers affordable wooded and agricultural acreage, a warm climate, and a relaxed pace of life well-suited to barndominium construction.
| Zone | Min Lot | Barndo OK? |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | 1 acre | ✅ Yes |
| Residential | 0.5 acre | ⚠️ Conditional |
| Rural | 2 acres | ✅ Yes |
McNairy County has minimal zoning regulation outside Selmer, with most rural land freely permitting barndominium construction.
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
McNairy County Building Department 130 E. Court Avenue Selmer, TN 38375 (731) 645-3511
McNairy County has moderate flood risk around 10%, primarily along the Hatchie River tributaries in the northern portion. Most of the county's upland terrain is flood-free.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
McNairy County provides some of the most affordable land in Tennessee, with low construction costs making it ideal for budget-friendly barndominium projects.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, McNairy County Assessor
McNairy County offers a quiet southwest Tennessee lifestyle with rich history, affordable living, and proximity to both Corinth, Mississippi and the greater Memphis region.
Sheriff Buford Pusser's legacy lives on in Selmer, with a museum dedicated to his fight against corruption in the 1960s and 70s.
Rolling, forested terrain with abundant wildlife provides a natural setting for private barndominium homesteads.
Among Tennessee's most affordable counties, with land prices and property taxes that stretch your building budget further.
McNairy County is served by local electric cooperatives and small water systems, with rural properties typically requiring well and septic installations.
McNairy County's full USDA eligibility makes zero-down financing available throughout the county, complementing its already low land and construction costs.
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