Are you exploring the best places to live in Tennessee? Well, we have pretty good options in the article below. Here, we list the best cities to migrate to in Tennessee. But before that, let’s find out where Tennessee is and other facts before you decide to move.
1. Facts about Tennessee
Tennessee state is in the Southeast region of South America in the United States. It has the nickname “Volunteer State,” as it came forward voluntarily and played a fundamental role in the history of the Civil War (War of 1812). Apart from its rich history, Tennessee is the fastest-growing state and the second cheapest state to move to in the USA.
According to Statista, the population in Tennessee in 1960 was 3.68 million, which will rise to 6.98 million in 2021.
The beauty of Tennessee’s landscape, country music, low cost of living, no state income tax, southern charm, fantastic food, cultural traditions, and thriving music scene make it a great choice to live in Tennessee.
Is there anything more fascinating than watching the scenery of rolling hills with small towns and large urban areas? So, getting excited about moving to the Volunteer State and looking for the best places to live in Tennessee? Let’s look at the best cities below.
2. Best Places to live in Tennessee
2.1 Nashville
Tennessee’s capital, Nashville, is one of its most desirable cities. It ranks second in population and is the state’s second-largest city. This city came into existence in 1779 and shows its popularity for country music and the music industry. Hence, Nashville has an alternate name, “Music City.”
It’s also called “Athens of the South,” as it provides higher educational institutions. It attracts many young professionals, students, and families for live music, stunning restaurants, thrilling nightlife, museums, concerts, and downtown events.
The net migration rate in Nashville keeps increasing with more immigrants. Nashville natives also pay only around 20% of their median household income on accommodation.
Nashville sits on the Cumberland River, measuring 688 miles, and is the finest waterway with beauty and natural wonders. A variety of single-family homes and high-rise apartments in this music city makes it one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
2.2 Brentwood
Brentwood is one of the wealthiest and safest cities in the entire state and the United States, with a population of more than 40,000. Located in Williamson County, it is a suburb of Nashville.
In 2017, Brentwood ranked as the 1st best place to live in Tennessee and the 21st best place in the United States. It is a historic city with beautiful national parks and rolling hills.
With plenty of national parks providing open fields and walking, biking, and hiking trails, the city offers a perfect retreat for lovers of the great outdoors.
Besides, this affluent suburb is prominent as the best school system with excellent ratings, including private and public schools. Also, there is a provision for easy ingress and accessibility to Nashville International Airport. Brentwood is yet another one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
2.3 Franklin
Franklin is again one of the most desirable cities located south of Nashville in Williamson County, with a resident population of 68,500. The housing costs in Franklin constitute 9% lower than the national average, with utility at a 10% lower cost. Hence, the median home value is significantly lower than Brentwood.
The city, established in 1799, gets the name “Franklin“ after Benjamin Franklin, as it played a crucial role in the American Civil War. It is the brutal battle that took place in Franklin. Many tourists travel to Franklin to visit this place of the Battle of Franklin.
In 2014, Franklin got the name of 1st best southern town in Tennessee, with incredible restaurants and dining, history buffs, art galleries, antique shops, and local boutiques.
Deemed the 8th fastest-growing city in the nation and one of the best places to live in Tennessee, Downtown Franklins Main Street is notable for annual festivals and parades.
2.4 Hendersonville
Hendersonville is the 4th largest city in the Nashville suburb, located on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, a segment of Cumberland River. Therefore, it is labeled the “City of the Lake.“ Residents can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking on the shoreline.
This city is a 20-minute from downtown Nashville and 30 miles from the Kentucky or Tennessee border, in the heart of Middle Tennessee. Concerning education, Hendersonville provides highly-rated schooling institutions.
Founded in the late 1980s, Hendersonville is famous for its natural and historic landmarks, plenty of national parks, and shopping areas. The Street of Indian Lake is a recreational spot to take a break with shopping and restaurants.
2.5 Nolensville
Nolensville is a small Nashville suburb in Williamson County founded in 1789 by William Nolen, who served in the American Revolutionary War. It provides a close-knit community with growing households and has 6400 residents.
The city is between Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s two most significant metro areas. Hence, housing prices come with high rent, and the median household income stays above the national average. Further, excellent schools and a booming healthy economy attract more residents to Nolensville, making it one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
2.6 Mount Juliet
Mount Juliet is another suburb of Nashville located in Wilson County and one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Located 20 miles east of downtown Nashville, it sits in the middle of Cumberland River and Percy Priest Lake. Thus, it’s called “The City between the Lakes.”
The resident population in this city accounts for 28,400, and it is the best place to start businesses. Hence, it is also a business-friendly city in Tennessee.
Also, it is a scenic city with the perfect place for families to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping, with Old Hickory Lake at the north and Percy Priest Lake to the south. The living costs in Mount Juliet are less than the national average, but residents can relish high-income levels.
2.7 Thompson’s Station
Thompson’s Station is a beautiful town in Williamson County, 25 miles south of Nashville and Franklin. From the city, there are breathtaking views of Middle Tennessee’s hills and countryside.
Like most other cities in Tennessee, this city also plays a prime role in history. It is notable for the Civil War battle of 1863, the Battle of Thompson’s Station.
It is a significant escape from the hastiness of living in a big city. With many parks and walking trails, Thompson’s Station forms a superb place for quiet, relaxing walks and family picnics and is one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
2.8 Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro, called Boro, is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Tennessee, in Rutherford County, located 35 miles from Nashville. The population in this city is 1,18,000.
It attains its glory for its American Civil War history, historical sites, and history buffs. Stones River National Battlefield is one such historical place, a 570-acre-long park renowned for the Battle of Stone River.
The other factors that make it remarkable to live in Tennessee are its outstanding schools, higher educational opportunities, and abundant parks and greenways. The Middle Tennessee State University is a world-renowned public open university in Murfreesboro.
The city is designated as one of the best places to live in America. It has a low cost of living, lower median home value, and affordable single-family homes. With the growing economy, it is a worthy place to raise a family.
2.9 Chattanooga
Chattanooga is one of the most beautiful cities located southeast of Tennessee, bordering Georgia, and the 4th largest city in the entire state.
The city resides in the hillocks of the Appalachian Mountains and alongside the Tennessee River. Chattanooga River, which is 16 miles long along the river, is excellent for strolling downtown.
Residents can enjoy and relax in outdoor activities, from bicycling and mountain biking to hiking in the greenways that allow stress relief. Due to its gorgeous natural scenery, the city has been nicknamed “Scenic City.“
It also has an excellent school system, higher education opportunities, and good job growth in healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, food, and beverage production. Chattanooga is a lovely place for outdoor wonders and affordable city life.
2.10 Spring Hill
Spring Hill is the 4th booming city in Maury County, located 30 miles of Nashville south, with a population of around 33,000.
It blends Tennessee’s countryside and historic homes with booming businesses and residential growth. Spring Hill residents enjoy a high income rate.
A pleasurable school system with various employment opportunities makes Spring Hill a classic place for families.
2.11 Knoxville
Knoxville is the 3rd largest city in Tennessee, located in Knox County on the Tennessee River. So, the residents can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the river. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, just 35 miles from Knoxville.
Surprisingly, it is also a city center for zinc and coal mining. The major employers in Knoxville are mainly healthcare, retail trade, and educational and social services.
It is a friendly and progressive city that supports different cultures and hosts many festivals. Downtown Knoxville is an admired entertainment spot that provides live music, microbreweries, restaurants, and art. You can find affordable apartments near the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
2.12 Maryville
Maryville is a suburb of Knoxville in Blount County, with a population of 28,000. Located 15 miles south of Knoxville, it is at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains.
With splendid mountain views, this city provides proximity to urban amenities with a reasonable cost of living, considering it one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
2.13 Johnson City
Johnson City, located in east Tennessee, Washington County, sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with a population of 65,000. It is also the residence of the Great Smoky Mountains.
This city holds its fame as the birthplace of the popular soft drink Mountain Dew (for its flavor), although its production was in Knoxville in 1946.
The East Tennessee State University is a famous public research university in Johnson City. World-class outdoor recreation with big-city urban amenities and a leisure weekend retreat are the best reasons to enjoy a resident life in Johnson City.
2.14 Townsend
Townsend is the best place for those who wish to live in the Tennessee mountains in Blount County, and it is a 45-minute drive from Knoxville. It’s also named the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.“
The city lies on the side of Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains. Hence, it acts as a “Gateway to Cades Cove“ and entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove is a gorgeous natural scenery and hiking destination for any adventurer.
Townsend also offers a lot of festivals to enjoy and beautiful views of wildflowers, trees, birds, and other forest wildlife for nature lovers at any time of the year. Altogether, it’s one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
2.15 Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is a city in Anderson County located 25 miles west of downtown Knoxville, with a population of 24,000. This city, built in 1942 by the government, was to develop technology to end World War II, and it later became an independent city in the 1950s.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a famous science and technology national laboratory, and the Y-12 National Security Complex is an administration facility for national security assets, where scientific and technological development plays a vital role in the city’s economy and culture.
With the lowest crime rate and low real estate market prices, many young professionals and families move to Oak Ridge to become residents.
2.16 Memphis
Memphis is the state’s most 2nd populous and largest metropolitan city in extreme southwestern Tennessee, located on the mighty Mississippi River that runs along the western border of Tennessee.
It is well known for its influential music like blues, soul, country, hip-hop, and rock ‘n’ roll. Providing substantial contributions to the music and its historic music scene, it has an alternate name, “Home of the Blues.“
Outdoor activities like hiking tracks connect the city to the Mississippi River park. The living costs are at an affordable median home price, 24% lower than the national average.
2.17 Collierville
Collierville is a Memphis suburb located 30 miles from downtown Memphis in Shelby County, with a population of around 48,000. It is the state’s largest populated city with an affordable cost of living and an affluent suburb.
Downtown Collierville’s historic square is an eminent shopping destination that highlights local shops, quirky cafes, and a park hosting a summer concert series.
Collierville is home to the Shelby County school district and multiple private schools, the most beloved areas, and the best place to live in Tennessee.
2.18 Bartlett
Bartlett is a city in Memphis, located in Shelby County, with a population of 58,000. Its original name was “Union Depot,“ as it was a central depot in Tennessee along the westward stagecoach route from Nashville. Later, it became a rail station depot for the Memphis and Ohio railroad.
The city sets its foundation to live a quality life for families, professionals, and retirees at a cheap cost of living and a low employment rate.
The Barlett Station Historic District, a residential area to the north of the business section of Barlett Station, has some of the area’s best shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
2.19 Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a beautiful mountain town located in Sevier County. It provides a gateway to the Appalachian Mountains and nestles in the Smoky Mountains.
There are hiking trails, ski slopes, and places to experience camping in the dense forests. The Island in Pigeon Forge is a spectacular point for shopping and restaurants. Overall, it’s one of the best places to live in Tennessee for those who wish to live in a small, tight-knit community.
2.20 Germantown
Germantown is a city in the Memphis area, a 14-mile drive from Memphis, in Shelby County. This Memphis suburb has a population of around 40,000 with a living at an affordable cost.
The job market in Germantown keeps thriving, with the economy driven by retail and commercial sectors. The city also memorializes the historical sites and their significance in the downtown “Old Germantown.“
It is the best place for young professionals and retired people, providing the lowest crime rate and best-rated school system.
2.21 Kingsport
Kingsport, located 10 miles from Virginia’s border, has a population of 53,000. It is one of the hot tourist destinations providing access to national and state parks and numerous lakes in Tennessee for those who love the outdoors.
It also offers local shows and restaurants, making it an ideal living place. The city has diverse technology firms, manufacturing, and small businesses.
Kingsport is popular among households with low living costs and abundant outdoor attractions.
Final Note
What are the best places to live in Tennessee? Tennessee is a fabulous place to live as it has all the beauty and culture, from big cities to small towns.
Tennessee has it all if you want to enjoy retirement, family life, employment, or scenery and lifestyle. So, check for your dream home in one of the above lovely cities!!
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
