I have been born and raised in and around the Cookeville, TN area. I have family ties to this area all the way back to after the Revolutionary War. It is a good sized area IMO, not too big like the bigger city, but reality is I can be to Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga in between 1.5-2 hours drive. personally I prefer to stay away from those bigger area. I also have good friends in the Lenior City area and that is also a good area, but farther east verses middle of the state. I do think that it is a great state , I just hope that it doesn't change into a more liberal state with growth. There are also some decent car show within a driving distance to enjoy too. Best of luck, and If I can help just PM me.
Matt