Are you still on the fence about the best places to live in the Volunteer state? If so, this post will give you lots of great options! Read on to learn where you should work and live in Tennessee!
Tennessee (also known as a volunteer state) has lots of benefits to offer from great southern comfort food, and country music to the beautiful landscape. Living in Tennessee could be one of the best decisions in your life. Ranked as the second most affordable state in the US to live in and the number one place to retire, Tennessee is a good state to move in. If you are thinking about relocating to the Volunteer State, you are no doubt wondering what are the best places to live in Tennessee for families.
Whether you are searching for top places for your family to live or looking for your retirement destination, this post will assist you to narrow down your options about the best places to reside in Tennessee.
Without further ado, let us dive into our post!
Top 10 Best Places to Live in Tennessee
1. Nashville
On top of our list of the best cities to live in Tennessee. Sure, let us be biased here a bit because this is our town, but seriously, this vibrant city is full of life!
Nashville, the largest and capital city of Tennessee, is also known as the “Music City”. Known for its honky-tonk scene and amazing nightlife, people living in Nashville move there for music and fun. Full of downtown events, museums, a booming art district, and amazing restaurants, there is always something to do in the music city. Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Tennessee, the character of this town is what makes this city unique.
Nashville has a robust dining scene that features southern comfort food like a spicy kind of fried chicken and famous hot chicken. The city is also home to famous historic sites, like Belle Meade Plantation, a Greek-style grounds and house that dates back to the 1840s.
There are also lots of music-related museums, including the Johnny Cash Museum, the Musicians Hall of Museum and Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2. Franklin
Second on our list of the top 10 best places to live in Tennessee for families is Franklin, a city situated in Williamson County that is home to more than 68,000 natives. Offering natives with a great suburban feel, the housing prices are 9% lower than the national average and utility prices are 10% lower. Founded in 1799 and named after Benjamin Franklin, the town of Franklin played a critical role in the American Civil War.
Franklin has been known for its abundance of community opportunities and its fabulous schools. It also offers a glimpse of American history via its intense amazing sites relating to the Civil War, with a much-loved downtown. With more than 200 eateries to select from, you will not find as many restaurants together in one location in Tennessee as you will in Franklin.
3. Murfreesboro
As one of the growing cities in Tennessee, the city of Murfreesboro is attracting new people from all over the country. Known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Tennessee, Murfreesboro also has an abundance of green-ways and parks, high education opportunities, and outstanding schools.
This midsize city has a rich history and historical sites, including the popular Stones River National Battlefield, and the Civil War battlefield. In addition, nightlife in Murfreesboro is bustling and the locals normally describe its music scene as that of Volunteer State but “without going overboard or crazy”
4. Brentwood
With a population of more than 40,000 residents, Brentwood is one of the reputable places to live in Tennessee. This affluent neighborhood is renowned for its rolling hills and verdure. If you know any athletes and country music stars, who live in Tennessee, there is a big opportunity for them to reside here.
With more than 10 parks in the area, including Smith Park which boasts more than 400 acres of open fields, and lots of walking trails, it promises a lot of outdoor activity scenes. However, Brentwood has one of the highest costs of living in Tennessee, with home prices higher than those in other towns. But natives here argue that the city does offer bang for the buck, with the bonus being its proximity to the Nashville International Airport.
5. Knoxville
Another one of the best places to live in Tennessee is Knoxville. Knoxville is the home to the University of Tennessee, where infectious team spirit will convert you into a vols fan within no time. It is the third largest city in Tennessee. Knoxville is known as a progressive and friendly city, and it is a hub for different cultures.
Courtesy of its location along the Tennessee River, tourists and residents can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating. And of the fascinating things about Knoxville is that it is situated only 35 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Downtown Knoxville is a famous entertainment center that provides art, restaurants, microbreweries, and live music. The large art community hosts different festivals every year, such as the Dogwood Arts Festival, the Rossini Festival, and the Knoxville Cheese Festival.
6. Clarksville
Approximately an hour’s drive northwest of music city is another best place to live in Tennessee: Clarksville. Home to the Cumberland River Walk and McGregor Park, Clarksville provides lots of outdoor spaces to explore if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
Clarksville also has some superb locations for history buffs including Dunbar Cave, Cultural Center, and Clarksville’s Customs House Museum.
7. Germantown
Next on our list of best places to live in Tennessee is Germantown. This Memphis suburb has a population of approximately 40,000 people and is perfect for both retirees and young professionals. With a no-state income tax on top of the low cost of living, Germantown is a very affordable place to reside in Tennessee.
Not only does Germantown has low crime rates, but the city has some of the most highly-rated school districts. With a booming economy driven by commercial and retail sectors, the job market is thriving here.
8. Memphis
Famous for its rock, country, and blues, not forgetting its mouthwatering Southern Comfort cuisine, Memphis is a top place to live in Tennessee among those couples and newly graduated folks. It is referred to as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and is the home of Elvis Presley, the king of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Its lifestyle, culture, and vibrant nightlife make Memphis ideal for people who want to have an active and social lifestyle.
Memphis has a rich history that extends way back before the Civil War and has been engaged in the Civil Rights Movement. Besides the music venues, travelers and residents can enjoy a wide range of historic museums that can assist you in better learning the country and city at large.
The iconic Beale Street situated in Memphis downtown features three blocks of shops, nightclubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy live performances of blues, jazz, and rock n roll.
9. Collierville
If you are planning on moving to Tennessee, put Collierville on your list of best places to live in. This family-friendly suburb has some fantastic schools and a town vibe as displayed by the beautiful town square. It is a perfect option that will help you enjoy a small-town lifestyle with easy access to a bigger city.
More than 40,000 people call Collierville home and enjoy a row of charming shops, public parks, and cozy cafes that tell you all you need to know. The major benefit of living in Collierville is its affordable housing not to mention that residents here earn an above-average income
10. Chattanooga
Last on our list of best places to live in Tennessee is Chattanooga. Situated in the Southeastern part of Tennessee, Chattanooga provides a beautiful landscape that’s near to numerous outdoor adventures. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the town has white water rafting on Ocoee, hiking trails on Lookout, and Signal Mountain. Chattanooga has delicious eateries such as Tony’s Pasta shop and Tivoli theater for people who love performing arts.
Ready to live in Tennessee?
Tennessee is a great place for people to live and work since it ticks all the boxes and excels at almost everything. If you know Tennessee is the area you want to relocate to, your next steps are to organize your move and partner with a reputable real estate agent.