Occupying a generous portion of the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, Fort Campbell supports the fourth largest military population in the Army (and the 7th largest in the Department of Defense). The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment all call this base home. The Sabalauski Air Assault School (famed for being the “10 toughest days in the Army”), the Pathfinder Course, Rappel Master, and FRIES/SPIES Master are just a few of the other schools and qualification courses available at Fort Campbell.

A majority of Fort Campbell is located in Tennessee, but the post office that serves the base is just across the Kentucky border, giving on post residents and the installation itself the designation of being located in Kentucky. Clarksville, TN and Hopkinsville, KY are the two larger towns that serve the base. The base boasts modern facilities including a huge new commissary, parks, splash pads, a Starbucks, and updated housing.

Clarksville is growing, but keeps a mindful eye on preserving its history and “small town” feel. It’s only about 40 minutes north of Nashville, and some areas between the two cities are gaining popularity for being “bedroom communities” for Nashville (ie. where you go to sleep). The low cost of living, home prices, and absence of state income tax are all perks to living in Tennessee. You get the rural, country lifestyle, but with the option of a thriving metro area just a short drive down I-24. Kentucky towns offer the same beautiful rolling hills, sprawling farms, and gracious Southern hospitality as Tennessee, but with a bit more land and a greater horse to person ratio. Into organic produce, pastured beef and forested pork?  (It’s a thing — we checked!) You can actually get to know your farmer or rancher, if you’re so inclined! The Nashville music scene bleeds into Clarksville, influencing the caliber of music at festivals, community concerts, karaoke bars, and even church ensembles. Austin Peay University provides an abundance of cultural, sporting, and community events. Parks, shopping, dining, wineries, breweries and entertainment options round out the fairly solid amenities that you’ll find here.

Summers are long, hot, and humid with frequent storms, and you will most likely see snow in the winter. The local communities are friendly, laid back, markedly blue collar and love their military! The customs and values are a perfect representation of the “Bible Belt” on which it lies, so don’t make plans for a Sunday without checking if a business is open. Being central to most of the United States makes travel convenient, especially since we’re always displaced from friends and family!