Best Places To Live in Tennessee
From booming “it” cities to small mountain towns, discover the best places to live in Tennessee.
Known as the Volunteer State, Tennessee is nestled in the heart of the Southeast, and it is easy to see why more than 7 million people call this scenic spot home. Stretching nearly 450 miles and home to 95 counties and three distinct regions, narrowing down the best places to live in Tennessee can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we are here to help.
From the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the mighty Mississippi River, the Volunteer State offers natural beauty and plenty of ways to get out and explore. Entertainment options are endless and music to our ears (pun intended!). The entertainment industry hits a high note from Nashville’s reputation as Music City to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Tennessee has a nationwide reputation as a hub of industry, including music, health care, finance, tourism and manufacturing. Add a delicious dining scene and an affordable cost of living – it is no surprise that Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
In This Article
Chattanooga
Why is Chattanooga one of the best places to live in Tennessee?
Known as the “Scenic City” because of the surrounding mountains and valleys, Chattanooga could just as easily be called the river city due to its location on the Tennessee River and surrounding Chattanooga lakes. Chattanooga launched an ambitious campaign to become North America’s first National Park City. The famed Tennessee Aquarium sits along the riverfront, and downtown draws families to places like the Creative Discovery Museum and High Point Climbing and Fitness, as well as a wide range of great restaurants and shops.
Chattanooga’s cost of living is lower than that of other similarly sized cities, making it an easy place to put down roots. Chattanooga is the fifth-largest city in the state and is best known for its roster of fun things to do and plentiful outdoor activities like rock climbing and mountain biking. The city also has several well-known attractions that beckon visitors. Spend some time at Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Hunter Museum of American Art in the beautiful Bluff View Art District.
Chattanooga is often called Gig City because it pioneered fiber internet. This well-connected city of more than 195,000 is attracting lots of startups and tech firms. Big-name companies such as BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Volkswagen Group of America and Erlanger Health System call Chattanooga home, solidifying its spot as a best place to live in Tennessee
Read more about living in Chattanooga, TN.
Columbia
Why is Columbia a top city in Tennessee?
Columbia sits along the scenic Duck River, offering plenty of outdoor recreation, including kayaking and mountain biking. This city of nearly 50,000 is an affordable place to call home, with friendly neighbors and an easy pace of life. Columbia State Community College, Tennessee’s first community college, draws students from across the region. The city continues to attract new residents, helping to fuel job growth. Locals and visitors alike enjoy Columbia’s vibrant arts and live music scene.
History is around every corner in Columbia. In fact, the city and Maury County have more antebellum homes than any other county in the state. You can see some of those buildings around the city’s charming historic square. The city is also the proud home of the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, the only surviving private home of the 11th U.S. president, which contains artifacts and memorabilia from the 11th president and his wife, Sarah. Known as the “mule capital of the world,” Columbia has hosted an annual Mule Day event since the 1840s.
Read more about living in Columbia, TN.
Franklin
What makes Franklin a best place to live in Tennessee?
Franklin is a city on the move but with a strong sense of history. Located about 20 miles south of Nashville, Franklin has reinvented itself in recent years. Today, this quaint community has a thriving downtown with an array of upscale restaurants and shops. As one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest counties in the state, it’s no surprise that Franklin has a higher-than-average median household income. Education gets high marks in the city and across Williamson County. Health care continues to grow as places such as Williamson Health expand their services and offerings.
The area’s Civil War history is reflected across preserved historic sites like Carnton and the Carter House, as well as the historic public square, which now features the landmark “Fuller Story” historical markers and USCT monument. Numerous festivals, such as Dickens of a Christmas, the Main Street Festival and the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival, offer music and fun rolled into one!
The city of nearly 90,000 is known for its many corporate headquarters – firms like Nissan North America, Mars Petcare and several national health care companies – as well as being an electric environment for entrepreneurs and startups. Shopping is also big business here. CoolSprings Galleria and The Factory at Franklin offer fun places to dine and shop, making it a clear top pick for the best place to live in Tennessee.
Read more about living in Franklin, TN.
Jackson
Why is Jackson a top city to live in Tennessee?
Located midway between Nashville and Memphis, Jackson is a mid-sized city that offers the best of both worlds – a bustling urban area with small-town charm. Affordability is one of Jackson’s major calling cards, with a lower cost of living than the national average. Ford Motor Co.’s massive BlueOval City project in nearby Stanton will create thousands of new jobs in West Tennessee, which is one reason new home construction is on the rise here. In addition, the city is a regional business hub and home to several colleges and universities that educate tomorrow’s leaders.
In addition to its reputation as the birthplace of rockabilly music, Jackson was the site of America’s first Hard Rock Cafe, launched by Jackson native Issac Tigrett. An outdoor amphitheater (think free summer concerts!) draws local and regional artists, and a wide range of music can be heard in the city’s many clubs. History buffs can visit the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum (located inside the historic Carnegie Center) to explore how West Tennessee artists shaped the evolution of rock, gospel, and blues
Read more about living in Jackson, TN.
Johnson City
Why is Johnson City a great place to live in Tennessee?
Situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Tennessee, Johnson City is a college town, home to East Tennessee State University with an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. The university is one of the city’s largest employers, alongside Ballad Health and Johnson City Medical Center.
Johnson City offers an accessible housing market and exceptional healthcare options, making it a great place to raise a family or retire in Tennessee. The Tri-Cities Airport is only 15 minutes away, making regional and national travel a breeze.
Because of its location near both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, Johnson City offers easy access to waterfalls, trails, Class IV rapids and miles of lakes, rivers and streams for fishing, boating and kayaking and plenty of authentic Appalachian experiences. The Tweetsie Trail, a 10-mile walking and biking trail, connects Johnson City to Elizabethton. And just 10 minutes from downtown, outdoor enthusiasts will find the 40-acre Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park and Buffalo Mountain Park, a 725-acre natural resource area perfect for spending time outdoors.
Read more about living in Johnson City, TN.
Knoxville
Why is Knoxville a best place to live in Tennessee?
A college town if there ever was one, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee – otherwise known as Rocky Top – where over 36,000 students bring incredible youthful energy to the city. Named one of Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S., Knoxville has a robust economy and an entrepreneurial spirit, evident in the creative businesses and tech startups that thrive here.
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a lifestyle that seamlessly combines outdoor adventure with an excellent arts community and delicious dining scene. Major corporate titans are headquartered here, including the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Regal Cinemas and Pilot Company. As the third-largest city in Tennessee, Knoxville was the proud site of the 1982 World’s Fair. The distinctive Sunsphere – a 266-foot-high steel structure topped with a 24-karat gold-plated glass sphere – still towers over World’s Fair Park and the many community festivals hosted there throughout the year.
The University of Tennessee and its iconic checkerboard orange and white dominate the city, on full display on game days at the legendary 101,915-seat Neyland Stadium where the Volunteers play ball. Outside of game days, life and local culture thrive along Cumberland Avenue, throughout historic Market Square and along the revitalized Gay Street downtown, offering a wide selection of independent boutiques, coffee shops and live music venues.
Read more about living in Knoxville, TN.
Lynchburg
Why is Lynchburg one of the best small towns in Tennessee?
Lynchburg’s population is small (about 6,800), but its name is known worldwide. Located approximately 75 miles south of Nashville, this quaint town is the home of the world-famous Jack Daniel Distillery – producing signature Tennessee whiskey inside a historically dry county! Lynchburg is consistently recognized as one of the safest small towns in the state and offers an exceptionally affordable cost of living.
The distillery, of course, is the main draw, and tours are offered daily except on major holidays. But Historic Lynchburg Square feels like stepping back in time and is worth a visit. Restored buildings house interesting shops and restaurants, along with the 1885 historic courthouse and the Old Jail museum, built in 1893 and serving as a jail until 1990. Take a peek inside Jack Daniel’s Barrel Shop, where you’ll find items handcrafted from seasoned Jack Daniel’s barrels. For a taste of Southern hospitality, take a seat at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant and enjoy some fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens and other tasty fare.
Read more about living in Lynchburg, TN.
Maryville
Is Maryville a best place to live in Tennessee?
Small-town Maryville offers many perks for residents. It has a reasonable cost of living, a low crime rate and outstanding educational opportunities, not to mention its scenic location in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Maryville College was founded in 1819 and ranks among the nation’s 50 oldest colleges. With a population of roughly 33,000, Maryville provides an easy way of life and offers access to big-city amenities in nearby Knoxville – just 17 miles away – meaning that Blount County residents really can have it all. Maryville boasts a charming downtown district with restaurants, bars and boutiques, as well as places to hear live music.
Maryville’s proximity to the Smoky Mountains draws nature lovers. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway affords opportunities for walking, biking and running, while the Smokies offer numerous hiking trails and other outdoor activities for the whole family. Athletic complexes and recreational facilities in Maryville make it easy to stay active, and the Little River is a great place to get your feet wet with boating, fishing and other water sports.
Read more about living in Maryville, TN.
Memphis
Why is Memphis a great place to live in Tennessee?
Memphis sits along the Mississippi River, a constant in this ever-changing Tennessee city. The cost of living is relatively low for a city this size – home to more than 60,000 people. The Civil Rights movement was front and center in the late 1960s, and you can trace that memorialized history at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll are always on tap along historic Beale Street – three blocks of iconic clubs, restaurants and shops – as they have been since the early 1900s. Great neighborhoods throughout town, such as Cooper-Young and Overton Square, offer additional places to shop, eat and hear live music.
Influential music makers made the Bluff City famous – names like Elvis Presley, Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis and Justin Timberlake. Elvis lived here for nearly 30 years, and his Graceland house is known as the most famous home in America after the White House. Some of the country’s most beloved music emerged from Memphis studios, including Sun Studio and Satellite Records (which became the legendary Stax Records). Today, the music and entertainment industry continues to drive tourism and economic growth.
Read more about living in Memphis, TN.
Murfreesboro
Why is Murfreesboro among the best cities to live in Tennessee?
Murfreesboro, located just 45 minutes south of Nashville, is a great place for both families and young professionals. With more than 172,000 residents, the city has a vibrant downtown with all kinds of restaurants, breweries and shops. This Middle Tennessee city is also known for its Civil War history, with Stones River National Battlefield and Cemetery located here. Sports and outdoor activities take center stage, with soccer and golf, greenways and parks drawing young and old alike outdoors. Besides Middle Tennessee State University, the city is home to big companies such as NHC, Guaranty Trust and Kasai North America.
Middle Tennessee State University, with more than 20,000 students – the largest undergraduate population in the state – brings excitement to the city with its many sports and cultural offerings. Go Blue Raiders!
The Rutherford County school system consistently ranks among the best school districts in the state and continues to grow, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and experiences. Professional and technical education opportunities are also available in Murfreesboro.
Read more about living in Murfreesboro, TN.
Nashville
Why is Nashville a best place to live in Tennessee?
Nashville, otherwise known as Music City for its many recording studios, songwriters and musicians that work and live here, is also the state capital and boasts thriving health care, tech and printing industries. Tourism also ranks at the top, with the city welcoming more than 17 million visitors each year and offering a wide range of first-rate attractions and events when you’re visiting Nashville. Education hits a high note around town, too. Nashville is also known as the “Athens of the South” because of the city’s many prestigious colleges and universities, such as Vanderbilt, Belmont and Fisk. Nashville played a strategic role in the Civil Rights movement, and it is known for the invention of hot chicken, which now dots menus across the country.
Music is the city’s calling card and for a good reason. The industry employs more than 56,000 people and adds $10 billion in economic impact to Nashville’s economy each year. The city and its diverse music scene were in the national limelight when the television show “Nashville” ran for six seasons, and the WSM Barn Dance preceded the Grand Ole Opry, now known worldwide. Music plays a role in almost every event staged here, from marathons to auto racing, helping explain why it consistently ranks as a best place to live in Tennessee.
Read more about living in Nashville, TN.
Oak Ridge
Why is Oak Ridge a great place to live in Tennessee?
The city of Oak Ridge made a name for itself during World War II, when it was known as the “Secret City” because of its involvement in making the atomic bomb. Today, Oak Ridge still plays a prominent role in the scientific world, attracting many people in those career fields. Situated about 25 miles west of downtown Knoxville, Oak Ridge offers a traditional community setting with affordable housing, award-winning schools, safe neighborhoods and excellent health care facilities. What’s more, shopping is a breeze, with Jackson Square and a Main Street Project bringing in new stores and jobs. With more than a dozen community parks and several greenways, it’s easy to get out and be active, making it a clear choice for a best place to live in Tennessee.
Ever since the Manhattan Project in 1943, Oak Ridge has attracted world-class scientists and researchers. It remains a global leader, with groundbreaking work being performed daily at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Manhattan Project National Historical Park, K-25 History Center, the American Museum of Science and Energy and the Oak Ridge History Museum help tell the interesting story of Oak Ridge to locals and visitors alike.
Read more about living in Oak Ridge, TN.
Springfield
Why is Springfield among the best cities to live in Tennessee?
It could be the iconic county courthouse that looms over the downtown square or the scenic Springfield greenway, or maybe it’s just the charm and warmth of this small town that makes it a great place to live. Either way, Springfield is rooted in Southern hospitality, evident from the folks you encounter in the many shops and restaurants here.
The town of roughly 20,000 – located just 30 miles from Nashville – is home to several large manufacturers, including Electrolux Home Products, Johnson Electric, Martinrea Fabco and Owens Corning, providing a stable but growing job market. Add safe neighborhoods and friendly folks, and you can see why living in Springfield appeals to so many people.
Encouraging economic growth has been central to attracting manufacturing firms to the Springfield area. The city’s industrial parks have welcomed several new manufacturers, strengthening its industrial base. Current infrastructure, a large regional workforce and a high quality of life are just a few reasons many of these companies were drawn to Springfield and Robertson County.
Read more about living in Springfield, TN.
Thinking of Moving to Tennessee?
Finding a great place to live in Tennessee doesn’t have to be a chore. We also have resources on moving to Tennessee and other great places to live in the Southeast. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S.
