Best Places to Live in Tennessee for Retirees
There’s a reason more and more people are searching for the best places to live in Tennessee for retirees. Actually, there are a few: no state income tax, a relatively low cost of living, mild seasons, and that unmistakable Southern pace that makes life feel just a little more enjoyable.
But here’s the thing most lists won’t tell you: the “best” place isn’t just about affordability or weather. It’s about how you want to spend your days.
Do you picture mornings on the golf course? Coffee with a mountain view? Grandkids visiting on weekends? A walkable town where you know your neighbors? Plenty of options for eating out, enjoying live music, or spending time with friends and family?
Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you decide.
Why Tennessee Is a Top Choice for Retirees
There are tons of different options for where to retire in Tennessee. But before we take a closer look at the pros and cons of specific Tennessee cities, let’s discuss why Tennessee, in particular, continues to be a great state to retire in:
No state income tax.
Mild four-season climate (without extreme winters).
Access to top healthcare systems, especially near Nashville and Knoxville.
Diverse lifestyle options, from vibrant suburbs to quiet countryside.
Strong sense of community in both large and small towns.
Moving to Tennessee as retirees lets you upgrade your lifestyle all around.
Best Cities to Live in Tennessee for Retirees
1. Franklin
Best for: Walkability, charm, and a tons to do
Franklin consistently tops the list of the best places to live in Tennessee for retirees for good reason.
Located just south of downtown Nashville, it offers:
A historic downtown filled with boutiques and local restaurants.
Easy access to top-tier healthcare and a major international airport.
A calendar full of community events, local festivals, and live performances.
Beautiful, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, some historic, some new.
Small-town feel with a friendly atmosphere.
Franklin feels polished but never pretentious. You can be as social or as relaxed as you want, and that balance is hard to beat.
2. Nashville
Best for: Cultural offerings, healthcare access, and staying active
If you’re not ready to slow down just yet (or you’re coming from a larger city), Music City might be more your pace. It features:
World-class hospitals and specialists.
Proximity to a major international airport.
Endless entertainment, dining, and a great music scene.
Walkable neighborhoods and luxury condo living.
A strong sense of energy and growth.
It’s ideal for retirees who want to stay connected, engaged, and right in the middle of it all.
3. Knoxville
Best for: Affordability with city access, cultural attractions
As a smaller city, Knoxville offers a more laid-back version of urban living:
Lower home prices compared to Nashville.
Access to the University of Tennessee (sports, arts, education, entertainment, and more).
Proximity to the Smoky Mountains.
A growing food and arts scene.
It’s a great option if you want value and variety. College towns are sneakily great options for retirees!
4. Chattanooga
Best for: Scenic beauty, recreational activities, and outdoor living
Chattanooga has quietly become one of the most desirable cities in the state. It’s not too far from major cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Birmingham (you can get to all in about 2 hours or less), and features mountain views and lots of natural beauty. In Chattanooga, you get:
Riverfront views and mountain backdrops.
Walkable downtown with modern amenities.
Strong community feel.
Outdoor activities year-round.
If your ideal retirement includes hiking, biking, an active lifestyle, or simply soaking in the view, this one deserves a serious look.
5. Hendersonville
Best for: Lake living and suburban ease
Located along Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville offers:
Waterfront homes and peaceful neighborhoods.
A slower pace without feeling disconnected.
Short drive to Nashville (about 20-30 minutes).
Welcoming community and amenities.
It’s the kind of place where weekends feel like a mini vacation.
6. Tellico Village (Loudon)
Best for: Active adult communities
If you’re specifically looking for a retirement community, here’s what you’ll get at Tellico Village:
Golf courses, lakefront housing, and organized activities
Scenic views of Tellico Lake
A built-in social network
Low-maintenance lifestyle options
This is retirement designed with intention. Plus, you can be in major cities like Knoxville (45 minutes), Chattanooga (1.5 hours), Nashville (2.5 hours), Atlanta (3.5 hours), and Cincinnati or Charlotte (both 4.5 hours).
How to Choose the Right Part of Tennessee For You
Because there are so many options when it comes to where you should live if you’re retiring to Tennessee, there’s a lot to take into account to be sure that you’re making the right choice for you. Here’s some of what you’ll want to think about:
Your Lifestyle Priorities
Do you want walkability or privacy?
Urban amenities or quiet surroundings?
A social calendar or more space to unwind?
Proximity to Family
Being close to loved ones can shape your experience more than any amenity. If you have family that lives in Tennessee or nearby states, you might want to choose your location based on how long it’ll take to get to them. If you don’t have family in Tennessee, maybe you’ll want to be closer to an airport to make it easier to travel for visits.
Healthcare Access
Look at:
Hospital rankings
Specialist availability
Distance to care facilities
Home Style Preferences
Low-maintenance living, fixer upper, custom home, historic home, or new build
Single-level layouts for long-term comfort
Indoor/outdoor spaces for entertaining (the mild climate means you can use your outdoor space most of the year!)
Budget
When it comes to cost of living, Tennessee offers a wide range, but prices can vary significantly between markets like Nashville and smaller towns. If you need, work with a professional who can help you determine what you can afford and prioritize which parts of your life you want to spend a little more or save a little more.
What to Expect When Relocating to Tennessee
Getting ready to make a move? It’s a big step and a big commitment! Here’s how to approach it so you feel confident with your retirement plans:
1. Visit Before You Commit
Spend time in your top locations. Since you’ll be living there and not just vacationing, try to stay for more than a weekend so you get to experience what everyday life might look like.
2. Rent Before You Buy (If Needed)
If you’re not 100% sure what neighborhood you want to live in (or even which city is for sure for you), you might want to consider renting a place for a little while so you can get a feel for the area, but not feel stuck somewhere you might not love.
3. Work with Local Experts
From real estate to builders, having a team that understands the nuances of each area makes a difference.
4. Think Long-Term
Consider how your needs might evolve, particularly as you continue to age:
Accessibility
Maintenance
Community support
If you’re hoping to age in place, you’ll want to make sure your home will support that.
5. Plan Your Move Strategically
Once you’ve determined where you’d like to be, you’ll need to work through how you’re going to make that transition happen. Moving takes a lot of planning and work, so you’ll want to be strategic about it.
Organize logistics in phases: You don’t have to do everything all at once.
Give yourself time to settle in: Moving to a totally new place can be a real adjustment.
Finding the best places to live in Tennessee for retirees isn’t about picking the “top” city on a list. It’s about choosing the place that aligns with your lifestyle, your pace, and what you want this next chapter to look like.
Retirement isn’t about stepping back, it’s more about finally having the freedom to live exactly how you want. And if that includes a home designed around your everyday routines, your favorite people, and the way you gather, relax, and entertain, we can help.
FAQs
-
Yes. Tennessee has no state income tax, which means retirement income, Social Security, and pensions are not taxed at the state level. Tennessee also doesn't levy estate or inheritance taxes, which can be another important consideration for retirees.
-
Many suburbs like Franklin, Brentwood, and Hendersonville are known for their safety and strong community feel.
-
Absolutely. Nashville, in particular, is a major healthcare hub, with nationally recognized hospitals and specialists.
-
Cities like Knoxville and smaller surrounding towns tend to offer a more affordable cost of living while still providing great amenities.
-
Yes, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. Building allows you to design a home around how you actually live (and support your changing needs as you age), from layout to finishes to outdoor spaces.
Thinking about making a move to Franklin? Here’s everything you need to know before you do!
