Cordell Hull Lake Country in Al Gore's Hometown
Smith County is a scenic Upper Cumberland county along the Cumberland River, home to Cordell Hull Lake and the hometown of former Vice President Al Gore. Carthage's charming square and affordable surrounding acreage make it an excellent barndominium destination.
| Zone | Min Lot | Barndo OK? |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural/Rural | 1 acre | ✅ Yes |
| Residential (Carthage) | 0.5 acre | ⚠️ Conditional |
| Lakefront | 1 acre | ⚠️ Conditional |
Smith County has minimal zoning in unincorporated areas. Most rural land allows barndominiums with standard building permits.
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Smith County Building Department 322 E Main Street, Carthage, TN 37030 (615) 735-2093 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Cumberland River and Cordell Hull Lake create flood zones through the county. Elevated ridge and hilltop parcels — abundant throughout Smith County — are well above flood levels.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
Building costs in Smith County are affordable with reasonable land prices and access to Nashville and Upper Cumberland contractors. The county sits between the two markets.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Smith County Assessor
Smith County blends Cumberland River beauty with small-town Upper Cumberland charm, positioned conveniently between Nashville and Cookeville.
This Cumberland River impoundment offers excellent fishing, boating, and some of the prettiest coves in Middle Tennessee.
Carthage's courthouse square, antique shops, and the Gore family legacy give this small town outsized character.
Pastoral farmland, hardwood forests, and winding country roads create a picture-perfect rural Tennessee landscape.
Smith County is served by Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation and the Carthage water system. Rural areas may require wells and septic.
Smith County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans. Banks in Carthage and nearby Lebanon and Cookeville handle rural construction lending regularly.
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