Why I Chose to Plant Roots in Southern Middle Tennessee

There’s something about wide open spaces that’s always spoken to me.

Maybe it’s because I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — a rural area where fields stretched as far as you could see and life moved with the seasons instead of the clock.

My path took me from rural Virginia to a bustling career in Washington, DC — and for a long time, I thought that was exactly where I was meant to be.

After years of busy city living, I realized what I truly craved wasn’t just success — it was space. It was peace. It was home.

When a job opportunity in Franklin, Tennessee came up, it felt like the open door I had been waiting for. I packed up my life, headed south, and quickly found myself falling in love with Southern Middle Tennessee — the perfect place to build a slower, richer life.

Today, I call Columbia, TN home, and I can honestly say it’s the best decision I ever made.

A Lifestyle Rooted in Nature and Community

What drew me to Southern Middle Tennessee wasn’t just the beautiful countryside (though it still takes my breath away).

It was the lifestyle. The values. The connection to the land and to each other.

Here, you can spend your mornings sipping coffee on the porch while the sun rises over the hills, and your afternoons hiking through quiet trails or paddle boarding along peaceful waterways.

You can spend Saturdays at the farmers market picking up local produce, or gather with friends at Mama Mila’s — our favorite spot for a cozy, home-cooked meal.

It’s a place where the pace slows down enough to notice the important things: fresh air, family dinners, porch swings, starry nights.

It’s the kind of life I had been searching for — and I want to help others find it too.

Close to Nashville, But a World Away

One of the things I love most about living here is that you don’t have to give up city life completely.

Need a little Nashville energy?

You’re just a short drive away from incredible concerts, baseball games, bagels at Crieve Hall, or a peaceful walk around Radnor Lake.

But at the end of the day, you get to come home — to a quiet piece of land, fresh air, and room to breathe.

Building the Life You’ve Been Dreaming About

If you’ve ever dreamed of slowing down, finding land to call your own, and raising your family in a place that feels safe, peaceful, and grounded, Southern Middle Tennessee might be calling your name too.

As a real estate agent who lives this lifestyle every day, it’s my passion to help others find their perfect place here — whether it’s a few acres to roam, a home where your kids can grow up outdoors, or a retreat where you can reconnect with what matters most.

Let’s find your piece of Tennessee together.

To get started on your journey to owning land in Southern Middle Tennessee, email me at Mattie@MattieNicholsonRealEstate.com or visit MattieNicholsonRealEstate.com. Let’s make your dream property a reality.