15+ Best Places to Live in Tennessee (By Region)
PLANNING A MOVE? LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN TENNESSEE
I moved to Tennessee fresh out of college and never looked back. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve lived in big cities, small towns, and charming suburbs. I’ve come to know firsthand what makes some of the best places to live in Tennessee truly stand out.
Whether you’re drawn to the mountain views in East Tennessee, the music and energy of Middle Tennessee, or the slower pace of the western side of the state, there’s a little something here for everyone. But with so many great options, how do you decide where to live?
In this post, I’m breaking down some of the best places to live in Tennessee, based on local charm, lifestyle perks, affordability, safety, and more. You’ll find:
- Top towns and cities to live in Tennessee
- What makes each place special (and who it’s best suited for)
- Tips for choosing the right Tennessee town
If you’re thinking about making a move—or just curious about life in the Volunteer State—this guide will help you start narrowing things down.
Best Places to Live in East Tennessee
East Tennessee is known for its mountain views, outdoor adventure, and slower-paced living. If you love being close to hiking trails, small towns with personality, and friendly communities, this part of the state is full of hidden gems and growing cities alike. Here are a few of the best places to consider.
Johnson City
Johnson City has been making headlines lately as one of the most popular places to move in the entire state. And for good reason! Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it offers a mix of affordability, outdoor access, and a laid-back vibe.
It’s home to East Tennessee State University, so there’s a steady energy from the college crowd, but it still feels like a small town at heart. The downtown area has seen a lot of growth in recent years, with new restaurants, breweries, and community events popping up all the time.
TRAVELISTA TIP: If love Asheville, NC, like I do, I think you will find Johnson City is a great Tennessee version of the mountain town!
Knoxville
Knoxville gives you the best of both worlds: the amenities of a larger city and easy access to nature. It’s home to the University of Tennessee, which keeps the city vibrant and full of life, especially during football season.
If you’re into live music, festivals, or local food, you’ll find plenty to explore here. Plus, it’s just a short drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is a solid pick for families, young professionals, and anyone who wants a city feel without the overwhelming pace.
TRAVELISTA TIP: If you want to familiarize yourself with Knoxville, I highly suggest doing this Downtown Knoxville Hidden Tour that includes ice cream, coffee, and some hidden gems!
Signal Mountain
If you’re looking for a peaceful community with top-rated schools and stunning views, Signal Mountain might be your spot. Located just outside of Chattanooga, this suburb sits atop the mountain and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
It has a strong sense of community, low crime, and great public schools, making it especially popular with families. There are local shops, parks, and hiking trails, and downtown Chattanooga is only a short drive away.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga has seen a major revival over the past couple of decades. With its riverfront views, creative scene, and walkable downtown, it’s quickly become one of the most livable cities in the state.
The city blends outdoor adventure (think: rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking) with a growing tech and startup scene. It’s ideal for folks who want to live somewhere with personality and access to both nature and innovation.
TRAVELISTA TIP: Chattanooga is my absolute favorite Tennessee city! You must do this 1 Hour City Tour and make sure you stop in at Lupi’s for pizza afterwards!
Oak Ridge
Just west of Knoxville, Oak Ridge is often overlooked. It’s a quiet, affordable town with a unique history and a strong sense of pride. Known as the “Secret City” for its role in the Manhattan Project, it now boasts great schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong science and engineering job market.
This is a solid option for families, retirees, or anyone who wants a calm, suburban feel without straying too far from Knoxville.
Erwin
For those who want a true small-town experience, Erwin is a peaceful mountain town with beautiful surroundings and a close-knit feel. It’s right along the Appalachian Trail and near the Nolichucky River, making it ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unplug a bit.
You won’t find a big nightlife scene or lots of chain stores here. But you will find friendly neighbors, stunning views, and a simpler way of life.
Best Places to Live in Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is the heart of the state and one of the fastest-growing regions in the South. With its mix of major cities, charming suburbs, rolling farmland, and easy access to top entertainment, this area offers something for nearly every lifestyle. Here are some of the best places to live in Middle Tennessee.
Nashville
No surprise here—Nashville continues to be one of the most popular places to live in Tennessee. With its booming job market, legendary music scene, and nonstop events, there’s always something happening in Music City.
It’s especially appealing to young professionals and creatives, but families and retirees are moving here too. The cost of living has gone up in recent years, but the energy, culture, and opportunity still make it worth considering, especially if you love city life with Southern flair.
TRAVELISTA TIP: The Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour is a perfect introduction to the city without being overwhelming! If you are curious about Nashville this is a must!
Franklin
Located just south of Nashville, Franklin is one of the most charming towns in Tennessee. It’s known for its beautiful historic downtown, high-end shopping, top-rated schools, and family-friendly vibe.
Franklin consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the entire country. While it comes with a higher price tag, the community feel and quality of life are hard to beat. If you want a polished, picturesque town with a strong sense of pride, Franklin might be your place.
TRAVELISTA TIP: Franklin has its own Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour of their cozy downtown area.
Brentwood
Just next door to Franklin, Brentwood is another upscale Middle Tennessee suburb that’s popular with families and professionals. It’s a little quieter and more residential than Franklin but still packed with amenities and close to everything Nashville has to offer.
Brentwood is known for its large homes, top-tier schools, and beautiful parks and greenways. It’s one of the most desirable zip codes in the state for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle with city convenience.
Murfreesboro
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Murfreesboro is often a favorite for people who want to be close to Nashville without paying Nashville prices. It has a mix of newer neighborhoods, historic charm, and a solid school system.
Since I’ve called Murfreesboro home for over a decade, I can say it really strikes a balance. It’s big enough to have everything you need—restaurants, shopping, entertainment—but small enough to still feel like a true community. It’s also a great commuter town if you work in Nashville but want a slower pace.
TRAVELISTA TIP: I have lived in Murfreesboro myself for a decade after spending my first 10 years as a Tennessean in Nashville. I absolutely love the community feel of this small city while being close to the big amenities in Nashville!
Mt. Juliet
Just east of Nashville, Mount Juliet is a rising star. With newer developments, highly rated schools, and easy access to both downtown Nashville and the airport, it’s become a go-to suburb for families and professionals alike.
You’ll find a mix of established neighborhoods and new builds, plus plenty of parks, green spaces, and family-friendly activities. It’s also one of the safest cities in the region, making it especially appealing for those relocating with kids.
Camden
If you’re looking for something slower and more affordable, Camden is a hidden gem in western Middle Tennessee. It’s close to Kentucky Lake and offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation.
While it doesn’t have the same buzz as the Nashville suburbs, Camden is great for retirees, remote workers, or anyone who wants space to breathe and a lower cost of living. It’s proof that some of the best places to live in Tennessee are off the beaten path.
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Best Places to Live in West Tennessee
West Tennessee has its own kind of charm. It’s where you’ll find blues music, rich farmland, and slower-paced towns that feel like stepping back in time—in the best way. While this region doesn’t grow quite as fast as Middle Tennessee, there are still some wonderful communities here that offer a great quality of life. Here are some of the best places to live in West Tennessee.
Collierville
Collierville is one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Memphis area. With its award-winning public schools, historic town square, and beautiful neighborhoods, it offers a peaceful, upscale lifestyle just a short drive from the city.
Families love Collierville for its strong sense of community and safety. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Tennessee for those who want good schools, clean parks, and a quiet place to raise kids.
Germantown
Germantown is another Memphis suburb known for its excellent schools, well-maintained neighborhoods, and strong public services. It has more of a traditional suburban feel with tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and plenty of community events throughout the year.
This is a great choice for families or retirees who want a polished and peaceful environment close to Memphis without being in the middle of the hustle.
Memphis
Memphis is a big city with deep soul. It’s home to iconic music history, world-famous barbecue, and some of the most affordable housing prices of any major city in the state. It has its challenges like any city, but there are plenty of neighborhoods that offer safety, charm, and strong community ties.
Midtown and East Memphis are especially popular with young professionals and families, thanks to their walkability, character homes, and cultural amenities. If you want diversity, history, and a strong arts scene, Memphis might surprise you.
TRAVELISTA TIP: Visiting Memphis? Try this Memphis City Tour. You can even add on a riverboat cruise and Sun Studio tour!
Waynesboro
Tucked away near the Natchez Trace Parkway, Waynesboro is a quiet, rural town that offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature. It’s ideal for those who are truly looking to slow down and enjoy a simpler way of life.
You won’t find big-city amenities here, but you will find friendly neighbors, wide-open spaces, and a strong connection to the land. It’s especially popular with retirees or anyone working remotely who wants to trade traffic for trees.
Map of the Best Places to Live in Tennessee
If you’re a visual planner like me, having a map helps everything click into place. Below, I’ve created a custom map highlighting all the cities and towns mentioned in this post so you can get a feel for where each place is located across East, Middle, and West Tennessee.
Whether you’re leaning toward mountain views, big city energy, or small-town charm, this map makes it easy to see how each region stacks up—and it might just help you discover a new favorite you hadn’t considered yet!
What Makes a Place One of the Best to Live
Everyone’s version of “the perfect place” looks a little different. When you’re thinking about a big move, there are a few key things most people consider. These are the factors I kept in mind while putting together this list of the best places to live in Tennessee, and they might help you narrow down what matters most to you.
Cost of Living
Let’s be honest, affordability plays a huge role in deciding where to live. Tennessee is known for having no state income tax, which is already a big win. But beyond that, home prices, property taxes, groceries, and utility costs can vary a lot from town to town.
Some smaller cities and rural towns offer a much lower cost of living than the bigger metros, which can make a huge difference in your day-to-day lifestyle.
Job Opportunities and Economy
Whether you’re early in your career, running your own business, or looking to make a career change, it helps to live somewhere with a strong local economy. Nashville is a hotspot for healthcare, tech, and music, while cities like Chattanooga and Knoxville have growing startup and manufacturing scenes.
Even smaller towns like Oak Ridge and Johnson City have steady job markets, especially in healthcare, education, and public service.
Safety and Crime Rates
Feeling safe in your neighborhood is non-negotiable for most people. While every city has its good and bad areas, towns like Signal Mountain, Collierville, and Brentwood consistently rank high for safety. If this is a top priority for you, it’s worth taking a look at local crime maps and neighborhood-specific data when you’re narrowing down options.
School Quality and Family Friendliness
For families with kids—or anyone planning for the future—school districts matter. Middle Tennessee suburbs like Franklin, Brentwood, and Mount Juliet are known for having top-rated public schools. Smaller towns like Collierville and Signal Mountain also get high marks in this area, and many communities in East Tennessee offer strong school support with a more relaxed pace of life.
TRAVELISTA TIP: If a good school district is top on your list of priorities make sure you check out zoning maps before making a big move! A lot of times students are only allowed to attend the school they are zoned for and school zone waivers can be hard to come by.
Outdoor Access and Lifestyle Perks
Tennessee is an outdoor lover’s dream, especially in the eastern part of the state. Whether you want to live near hiking trails, rivers, lakes, or just enjoy being surrounded by nature, places like Chattanooga, Erwin, and Knoxville offer easy access to all kinds of outdoor fun. Even suburbs like Murfreesboro and Camden have greenways, parks, and quick escapes to nature just minutes from home.
Local Charm and Community Feel
This one might be a little harder to measure, but it matters just as much. Some places just feel like home the moment you arrive. Walkable downtowns, community festivals, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace all contribute to that feeling.
Towns like Franklin, Johnson City, and Waynesboro may look very different on paper, but they all share that welcoming, down-to-earth Southern charm that’s hard to beat.
How to Choose the Right Place for You
Reading about different towns is a great first step, but choosing where to live is personal. The best place to live in Tennessee will depend on your stage of life, your goals, and the kind of environment you thrive in. Here are a few tips I always recommend when helping people narrow it down.
Visit Before You Decide
If you can, take a trip before making the move. It’s one thing to read about a place or see pictures online, but it’s a whole different experience to walk the downtown streets, pop into a local coffee shop, or chat with people at the farmer’s market.
Even just spending a weekend in a potential town can give you a feel for the pace, the friendliness, and whether or not it “fits.”
TRAVELISTA TIP: I always say don’t just visit like a tourist. Try to experience it like a local would. You will get the most realistic idea of the location that way!
Consider Your Lifestyle and Needs
Do you want to be in the middle of the action, or would you rather wake up to quiet mornings in the mountains? Are you commuting to a job every day, or working from home? Do you have kids or plan to soon?
Your lifestyle will help guide you toward the best location. Someone who thrives in nightlife and cultural events might love Nashville, while someone who wants weekend hikes and a cozy front porch would feel more at home in Erwin or Signal Mountain.
Balance Budget and Priorities
It’s easy to fall in love with a town like Franklin or Brentwood, but if the home prices are outside your comfort zone, it might not be the right fit for now. The good news is, Tennessee has plenty of towns that offer great schools, safety, and charm without the premium price tag.
Make a list of your top three non-negotiables, and then compare them to your ideal budget range. That’ll help you filter out the noise and focus on towns that check the most important boxes.
TRAVELISTA TIP: Often times you can find more affordable housing in the tiny towns surrounding some of the cities you are interested in. Really want to live in Franklin? Consider places in Spring Hill which are more affordable but still within reach of Franklin’s city limits.
Look at Long-Term Growth Potential
Think beyond the now. Is the town growing steadily? Are there new businesses, schools, or parks being built? A town with long-term investment and community development is usually a good sign.
Places like Murfreesboro, Johnson City, and Mount Juliet have all grown significantly in the past decade. That kind of growth often leads to more job opportunities, stronger home values, and a better overall experience down the road.
FAQ’s About Living in Tennessee
If you’re seriously considering a move to Tennessee, you probably have a few big questions on your mind. Here are some of the most common ones I hear and what you need to know before packing those boxes.
Is Tennessee a Good Place to Move?
Absolutely. Tennessee continues to attract new residents from all over the country thanks to its no state income tax, relatively low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and welcoming communities. Whether you’re after city energy or peaceful countryside, the state offers a wide range of lifestyles.
It’s especially appealing for remote workers, retirees, and families who want more space and a slower pace without giving up modern amenities.
Where is the Safest Place to Live in Tennessee?
Safety can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, but some of the consistently safest cities and towns include Signal Mountain, Brentwood, Collierville, and Germantown. These areas rank high in safety, have strong community ties, and are known for low crime rates and good schools.
TRAVELISTA TIP: If safety is a top priority, I recommend researching local crime maps and visiting neighborhoods at different times of day to get a better feel.
Which Part of Tennessee Has the Best Weather?
It depends on what kind of weather you prefer. Middle Tennessee tends to offer the most balanced seasons—hot summers, mild winters, and fewer severe storms than the far west.
East Tennessee sees cooler winters (especially in the mountains), while West Tennessee tends to be hotter and more humid in summer. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between sunny days and seasonal variety, Middle Tennessee might be your best bet.
Where’s the Cheapest Place to Live in Tennessee?
Some of the most affordable towns in Tennessee include Camden, Waynesboro, and parts of Erwin. These towns tend to have lower housing prices, property taxes, and everyday expenses—making them a great fit for retirees, remote workers, or anyone looking to stretch their budget further.
Even some suburbs like Murfreesboro and Oak Ridge offer affordable options compared to major metro areas, especially when balanced with quality of life.
Planning Your Trip to Visit Tennessee
If you’re still trying to figure out where in Tennessee feels like home, the best thing you can do is plan a visit. Even a quick weekend getaway can give you a much better sense of the area than any photo or article ever could.
Spend time walking the neighborhoods, chatting with locals, and checking out the little things—like how far the grocery store is, how the traffic feels, or what the local parks are like. These are the details that help you picture real life in a new place, not just a highlight reel.
Need help putting together a visit? I offer custom itinerary planning for anyone looking to explore Tennessee towns and cities with ease. Whether you want to tour several regions in one trip or just get a feel for a specific area, I can help you build a personalized plan that makes the most of your time.
Click the button to learn more about my Tennessee itinerary planning services and start mapping out your perfect visit.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Live in Tennessee
Tennessee has been home to me for over 20 years, and I truly believe it’s one of the most underrated states to live in. From the scenic mountain towns in the east to the music-filled streets of Nashville and the small-town charm sprinkled throughout the state, there’s something here for just about every lifestyle.
Of course, no place is perfect. What feels like “home” to one person might not be the right fit for another. That’s why visiting first, getting a feel for the community, and really thinking about what matters most to you is so important.
I hope this guide helped you get a better sense of the best places to live in Tennessee and gave you some ideas for where to start your search. And if you ever want help planning a visit or just need someone who’s been there to bounce ideas off of—I’ve got you covered.
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