Spaces in Between: Unincorporated Areas

Unincorporated communities in Middle Tennessee are often profiled as “a wide spot in the road” with winding roadways, rolling farmland, and old homesteads in rural areas. While that may be the case in some areas, several unincorporated communities have sizable residential areas and a bustling commerce. In both Williamson and Maury Counties you can find well-known communities with historic boundaries that appear on the map, but are legally located outside of a city’s bounds. These areas are generally run by the county government rather than having their own mayoral office. Still, they have distinct historical roots that give each community its own unique identity.

MAURY COUNTY

Photo: TrentonLeePhotography.com

Culleoka is a small town located southeast of Columbia which is home to over 5,000 residents. Its name derives from the Choctaw Indian words “Culle” (good or sweet) and “Oka” (water) - and locals still tenderly refer to the area as “Sweetwater.”

Hampshire is home to the 6.9-acre community park of the same name. Families can enjoy a leisurely day at the park pavilion, baseball field, basketball court, playground, and running/walking track. The park is a shared facility with the adjoining Hampshire Unit School of Applied Science and Natural Resources.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Bethesda is in rural southeastern Williamson County near Thompson’s Station and Spring Hill. The area is characterized by rolling hills and farmland, although it has its own elementary school, public library, and recreation center.

Arrington is located east of Franklin, off I-840. Williamson County has recently implemented plans to preserve the historic lands of this serene, but increasingly popular community. Notable stops include Arrington Vineyards and Hideaway Golf Course.

College Grove is located south of Nolensville, situated near Murfreesboro and Franklin. The area has growing residential population alongside family farms such as Hatcher Family Dairy and 96-acre Delvin Farms. The latter supplies signature vegetables to farmer’s markets, restaurants, and grocery stores around Middle Tennessee.

Leiper’s Fork is an iconic community village southwest of Franklin on Hwy. 46. With a population of about 650, the area is known for its quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, live music, and picturesque countryside. Santa Fe sits northwest of Columbia and is home to 1,886 people. The area consists largely of family farms and the Santa Fe Unit School with roughly 600 students in K-12 .

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Williamsport Lakes

Photo: VisitFranklin.com

Leiper’s Fork

Williamsport is situated just west of Santa Fe off Hwy. 50 and has 1,739 residents. The area is best known for its four scenic fishing lakes (totaling 164 acres) and surrounding rural hunting areas. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages this year-round fishing and hunting hub.