A guide to Coffee County's largest city
Living in Tullahoma, TN
Tullahoma is the largest city in Coffee County and a natural part of any home search around Manchester. It had 20,339 residents at the 2020 Census, and the city reaches into both Coffee and Franklin counties. Here is what buyers should know.
A railroad town that became an aerospace town
The City of Tullahoma explains that the town grew up as a stop on the railroad from Nashville to Chattanooga and was chartered in 1852. Nearby springs made it a resort spot for a time. During the Civil War, General Braxton Bragg made his headquarters here from January through June 1863.
In 1926 the state set up Camp Peay as a National Guard training camp. It later became part of Camp Forrest, a major Army training base during World War II. After the war, the Camp Forrest area was chosen for what is now the Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base. President Harry Truman dedicated the center in 1951.
Work and Arnold Air Force Base
Arnold AFB sits between Tullahoma, Manchester and Winchester. The Air Force describes AEDC as a government owned, contractor operated test complex with more than 90 wind tunnels, engine test cells and other test units. The City of Tullahoma calls it the area's largest employer. If your job is on base, my Arnold AFB relocation guide covers the basics.
The city also lists the University of Tennessee Space Institute and Tullahoma Regional Airport, William Northern Field, as part of its aviation identity. The Beechcraft Heritage Museum sits next to the airport.
Schools and college
Tullahoma City Schools runs its own district, with eight schools listed by the National Center for Education Statistics and a central office at 510 South Jackson Street. Homes outside the city limits are generally served by Coffee County Schools, so always confirm the district for a specific address. Motlow State Community College has its Moore County campus at 6015 Ledford Mill Road in Tullahoma.
Utilities
Tullahoma Utilities Authority provides electric, water, wastewater and telecommunications service in the city, according to the Coffee County Industrial Board. Just outside town you may be on Duck River Electric and a different water provider, so check before closing. See my utilities guide.
Getting around
Tullahoma sits on US 41A. Estill Springs is about 8 miles to the southeast on the same highway, and Tims Ford Lake begins there. Manchester and Interstate 24 are to the northeast. Normandy Dam is about eight miles north of Tullahoma, according to its National Register nomination.
Manchester or Tullahoma?
Both cities share a county, a courthouse and many of the same employers, but they feel different. Tullahoma has its own school district and utility authority and a larger population. Manchester has the county seat, the interstate at the edge of town and the Duck River running through it. My Manchester vs Tullahoma comparison goes deeper.
Touring homes in Tullahoma
I help buyers across Coffee County, including Tullahoma. If you are deciding between the two cities, we can tour homes in both on the same day so you can feel the difference yourself. Start with the buyer guide or send me a message.
Common questions
Is Tullahoma in Coffee County?
Yes. Tullahoma is in Coffee County and also extends into Franklin County.
What is the population of Tullahoma TN?
Tullahoma had 20,339 residents at the 2020 Census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Does Tullahoma have its own school district?
Yes. Tullahoma City Schools serves the city. Homes outside the city are generally in Coffee County Schools, so confirm the district for each address.
Matt Sargent is a Tennessee licensed affiliate broker with Keller Williams who helps buyers and sellers in Manchester and Coffee County. Call (615) 497 1658 or send a message.