If you are relocating to Huntsville for the Space Command move or wanting to take advantage of the job growth that this move will bring, let me introduce to you a place just across the Tennessee border, a short commute to Huntsville, AL or Redstone Arsenal. Lincoln County, Tennessee is the home to the town of Fayetteville and beautiful surrounding rural areas which can offer a compelling alternative for commuters. Located just 25 miles north of Huntsville (about 30-40 minutes via US-231 or I-65), it's a popular spot for those seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle while staying close to the Rocket City's aerospace hub. If you value work-life balance over urban bustle, a home in Lincoln County, TN may be a great fit for you.

Lincoln County was established in 1809 and named in honor of Major General Benjamin Lincoln, a distinguished officer of the American Revolutionary War. Early on agriculture was the backbone of Lincoln County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming. Cotton, corn, and tobacco were the primary crops, and they played a crucial role in the local economy. The county's agricultural success attracted more settlers, contributing to its growth.

What makes living in Lincoln County, TN more desirable than living in Huntsville, AL? Several factors; lower cost of living, a manageable and low-stress commute, a rural vibe and small-town feel, outdoor recreational opportunities, taxes, and slawburgers (slawburgers???? Yes, definition to follow). Currently, Lincoln County's real estate market is thriving, offering a variety of options for those looking to make it their home. Whether you're interested in homes for sale in Lincoln County, TN, homes for sale in Fayetteville, TN, or exploring land for sale in the area, there are a range of properties to suit your needs. The county's blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it an attractive place to live.

Lower Cost of Living

Lincoln County's expenses are notably lower than Huntsville's, stretching your salary further without sacrificing essentials. Tennessee's overall cost of living is about 10% below the national average, with housing leading the savings.

Fayetteville, Tennessee (the Lincoln County Seat), stands out for its lower cost of living compared to Huntsville, Alabama. Housing costs are the most significant difference with Fayetteville beating out Huntsville by around 20%. Groceries and utilities are also more affordable in Fayetteville, typically running 5-10% less. Tennessee’s lack of state income tax further benefits Fayetteville residents, although Alabama’s lower base sales tax (4% compared to Tennessee’s 7%) offers a slight offset. Additionally, healthcare and miscellaneous expenses are generally lower in Fayetteville, allowing residents the ability to make their money go farther, especially as the area’s economic ties to nearby Redstone Arsenal continue to grow.

Manageable and Low-Stress Commute

Your daily drive to Redstone Arsenal (the primary site for Space Command) is straightforward and you can avoid Huntsville's peak-hour traffic. You can expect your commute to be around 25 to 35 miles each way, taking 30 to 40 minutes, depending on road conditions. Two direct routes between Lincoln County and Redstone Arsenal are US-231 and I-65. US-231 offers scenic, less-congested routes through rolling hills, and I-65 provides a quick interstate option. If you are used to a commute in a larger metropolitan area, then you will probably consider these “short” commute times. If not, then it may seem to be a little longer, but the lifestyle payoff may more than make up for it. One other thing, if you’re worried about the cost of using more fuel to travel the extra distance, Tennessee gas prices are about 5-10% cheaper than Alabama so that may about even things out.

Rural-Suburban Vibe with Small-Town Charm

If Huntsville's rapid growth feels overwhelming or if it’s just not your style, Lincoln County offers the feeling of a tight-knit community without the isolation. Residents of Lincoln County praise its "small town" atmosphere. Think tree-lined streets, and local festivals like the Lincoln County Fair, Slawburger Fest, Kid’s Fish Day, and the Christmas Parade where neighbors gather for music, crafts, and traditional Southern food. In your Lincoln County home, a larger home lot mean ample yard space for gardening, outdoor activities, or just enjoying the fresh air, making the this an ideal place for families or anyone craving room to spread out. The slower pace lets you unwind after a hard day at work, and its proximity to Nashville (just an hour north) allows you a weekend escape for music or fun without the hassle of daily city living.

Outdoor Recreation

Lincoln County is surrounded by the Appalachian foothills and is a shining light for outdoor enthusiasts. Elk River offers kayaking and fishing, while nearby Tims Ford State Park provides hiking, boating, and camping. It's a quick trip to Huntsville's Monte Sano State Park for trails, but with fewer crowds. This setup supports an active lifestyle, perfect for maintaining fitness and stress relief amid a demanding career.

There are two excellent bodies of water near Fayetteville for water activities, the Elk River and Tims Ford Lake. The Elk River offers miles of canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Local outfitters provide rentals and guided tours, allowing users to paddle the waters while soaking in the sun, the rolling hills and forests. For those land lovers, the nearby South Elk Nature Trail offers a peaceful hiking experience, winding through some diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re fishing or trekking through the woods, Tims Ford Lake is your place for outdoor living, a 10,700-acre lake boasting over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. Tims Ford is a great place for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, or relaxing picnicking.

Taxes

While taxes are low in both states, Tennessee has No State Income Tax, again, enough said.

The Slawburger

Is a slawburger enough of a reason to move somewhere? In my opinion, yes. For those of you who don’t know what a slawburger is, it is quite simple, it is a hamburger with slaw on it. Now, some may dispute the definition of “slaw” but I will just give my opinion here, and to be clear, we will be talking about coleslaw, not any relishes or things of that sort. Coleslaw comes in 3 varieties, mayonnaise based, vinegar based, and mustard based. However, the main ingredient is cabbage and mostly does have shredded carrots. Other add-ins to the mix vary but those are the basics. Which is best on a burger? In my opinion it is either the mayonnaise or mustard base. Vinegar base goes on BBQ or on a hot dog. There are several restaurants in Fayettville to get the famous slawburger, which is going to be the mustard base. For the slawburger connoisseurs consider the annual Slawburger Festival, also in Fayetteville.

Lincoln County, TN Real Estate

You don’t only have to work at/for Space Command to find Lincoln County a great place to live. The average sales price of a home in Lincoln County in August 2025 was $346,880. This was up 10% over August of 2024. The number of single-family home closings was up 50% over the same period. What that tells us is that Lincoln County is becoming a popular homebuyer destination. This could be due to several reasons, but whatever the reason, people are finding it a great place to live and work, raise a family, or retire. Home prices range from the low $100,000’s to over $2 million.

A popular new construction community with homes in the high-$200,000 to low-$300,000 is Bailey Park while Southpointe Landing has new construction homes in the high-$400,000’s to the mid-$500,000.

Why Make Lincoln County Your Home?

Easy commute, ample outdoor opportunities, lower cost of living, are all things that make buying a home in Lincoln County desirable. If room to grow a family, urban access, and schools matter, visit Lincoln County and Fayetteville for a look around and get the small town feel for yourself.