12 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee (Pros, cons, and more)

Tennessee is a great state to retire in, with mild weather and low living costs. It’s also home to the 12 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee, according to recent research conducted by The Tennessean.

If you’re looking for a place that has excellent healthcare, an active social life, and plenty of things to do year-round then this list will help you find your new favorite location!

Retiring in Tennessee – 12 Best Places to Retiree

Tennessee is becoming increasingly popular among retired people. It’s easy to see why it has become a top choice for retirement. Tennessee combines natural beauty, a mild climate, great attractions, and urban comforts in a rural setting.

Tennessee is a wonderful state to call home, with its low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and pleasant neighbors.

Tennessee’s capital, Chattanooga, is a popular retirement destination. It provides excellent scenery, the weather, and low cost of living options. For those wanting to settle down in Nashville, Pigeon Forge, or Paris are also appealing alternatives.

Tennessee Best Places to Retire

Here, we take a closer look at the 12 best places to retire in Tennessee, based on factors like healthcare, wealth and social life.

12 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee:

1. Nashville

Nashville, often called the “Music City,” is renowned worldwide for its lively country music culture, numerous leisure options, and cultural attractions. Nashville is attracting to retirees searching for an exciting urban environment, a lower cost of living, tax advantages, and a beautiful climate.

They can survive comfortably on a modest income in Nashville, which has a lower cost of living than the rest of the United States.

Nashville has grown in popularity among retirees. When median house prices were only $230,000 to $240,000 a few years ago, it was just a start. The median home sale price in Nashville’s Greater Nashville region now stands at $359,000 (2021), the highest price seen since 2009. In 2019, home sales and values increased by 10.6% and 9.6%, respectively.

Nashville Affordable Areas

Look at Ashland City, Bordeaux, Whites Creek, and Priest Lake for the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in Nashville; they average $94-$104 per square foot. For the most popular and pricey places, there’s Downtown, Gulch (Midtown), Hillsboro (West End), and Downtown Riverfront, all of which cost.

What about the greater Nashville region? Hendersonville, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro and more other communities are all experiencing substantial growth in housing demand. The most walkable neighborhoods for seniors are the Gulch, East End, 12 South, Germantown, and Sylvan Park. If you like living in the burbs, consider The Grove, Lenox Village, Tollgate Village and West End/Vanderbilt.

Independent Lifestyle

If you want to live alone, here are the top 55+ communities in Nashville for you: Southern Springs in Spring Hill, The Cottages of Providence in Mount Juliet, Lenox Place in Gallatin, Lake Providence, The Cloister at St. Henry in Nashville, and Colonial Village in Lebanon are three options.

• Despite its name, Nashville isn’t exclusively about music. The ‘Music City,’ as it is known, offers an abundance of activities and attractions to keep you occupied. The Grand Ole Opry or Country Music Hall of Fame is a full city block venue for Nashville’s finest music and performances. Also, there’s the historic Ryman Auditorium.
• There are a number of outstanding museums in Nashville: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Grammy Museum Gallery, the Johnny Cash Museum and Musicians Hall of Fame. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, The Hermitage Presidential Museum, The Carnton Art Complex (House & Studio

Appreciate historical landmarks with beautiful architecture – Custom House, the Tennessee State Capitol, and The Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park.

2. Chattanooga

Chattanooga (known as the “Scenic City”) was often regarded as one of the finest places in America and even in the world. It is located along the Tennessee River between the foothills of Southeast Tennessee’s mountains.

• Most retirees are taken aback to learn that such a beautiful location can be found for less than half the cost in the northeast or along the coast. The milder climate is a plus. It’s a fascinating retirement destination with about 182,800 inhabitants who are both pleasant and welcoming.
• The typical cost of living in Chattanooga is 83.8 percent of the national average, as opposed to 100 percent in the United States. Groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous costs are less expensive than the US average.
• The typical cost of a house in the city of Chattanooga is between $200,000 and $300,000. Retirees who choose to reside in a walkable metropolis with plenty of outdoors activities. They like living close to one another, such as in the Southside historic district, which is home to painters and trendy restaurants, and
• Southside’s best areas to settle are Cowart Place, Fort Negley, and Jefferson Heights; the greatest places to retire on the north side are Hill City, Riverview, and Stringer’s Ridge.

The most popular choices are Creekside at Shallowford, The Terrace at Mountain Creek, Ashwood Square Retirement Resort, and Silverdale Senior Apartments.

Chattanooga Attractions

What are the most popular places to visit in Chattanooga? With its stunning rock formations, Lookout Mountain is a major city attraction. The world’s largest freshwater aquarium, Tennessee Aquarium, is located in Chattanooga. Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground is Tennessee’s top rated cave and Chattanooga’s top RV park and campground.

The greatest Tennessee waterfalls are located in Southeastern Tennessee. Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States at 145 feet. Find beautiful parks, such as Coolidge Park and Tennessee River Park, as well as excellent museums. See why Chattanooga is our top pick for best places to retire in Tennessee.

The finest hospitals are also the most reachable for people in Chattanooga. CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkridge East Hospital, and Parkridge Medical Center are three of them.

3. Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a lovely mountain resort town in Sevier County, Tennessee. It is a major tourist attraction with 11 million annual visitors. Pigeon Forge offers a variety of activities in its natural environment as well as Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park and the Stampede theater.

Pros of Retiring in Pigeon Forge

What’s unique about Pigeon Forge? It’s a small city in a picturesque region with a low cost of living. The magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only a few miles away, as well as various outdoor activities, entertainment, and dining possibilities.

Cons of Retiring in Pigeon Forge

What makes it stand out? Consider the fact that 11 million people visit annually. And what about the criminality linked with large gatherings? It is not a walkable neighborhood, and there isn’t even a downtown area. Nonetheless, retirees who like small-town charm, numerous activities to participate in, and lots of entertaining attractions love Pigeon Forge.

It’s a popular choice with grandparents, especially those who have children. However, owing to its low population (6,000 or more in 2010), it is a relatively calm community. During the vacation season, there are occasional surges.

Property Appreciation Value in Pigeon Forge

Over the last ten years, house appreciation has remained at around 8%. The range of values for houses is $133,000 to $266,000. Waldens Creek or the Wear Valley City Center are the most expensive areas. The average market rent is $1,102/mo. 53% are single-family homes, while 28% are apartment complexes. Pigeon Forge’s living cost is 13.4% lower than the U.S. average.

The town itself boasts an active community center, an award-winning Department of Parks and Recreation for its programs and facilities. It has over 130 acres of parkland and nearly 2 miles of greenways.

The closest towns that are just really near Pigeon Forge City are the Pitman Center, the Sevierville, Gatlinburg. If you would love an independent living kind of life, check out the Norton Creek Mountain Preserve, a gated 55+ community in Gatlinburg, nearest Pigeon Forge City.

Attractions in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, which is one of the best places to live in Tennessee, features more than 40 attractions that attract tourists from all over. The world-renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which does not charge an entrance fee, is at the top of the list because it has nearly 11.3 million annual visitors.

• The most popular destinations in Cades Cove are Cades Cove, Mt. Leconte, and Clingmans Dome, which is the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet.
• The amusement park of over 50 attractions (including spectacular roller coasters), owned by legendary country music artist Dolly Parton, is Dollywood. Have a beautiful day at the Parrot Mountain & Garden. Take in the views from The Salt & Pepper Shaker, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, or pay a visit to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum or the Titanic Museum.
• For the more daring, try out Legacy Mountain Ziplines. There are also several dinner shows performed at family theaters throughout Pigeon Forge and nearby areas.

Residents of Pigeon Forge have easy access to the greatest medical providers in the region. There’s LeConte Medical Center, Tennessee Healthcare-Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Covenant Health, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, Blount Memorial Hospital, and Pigeon Forge Care & Rehabilitation Center.

4. Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is a city with an illustrious Civil War history. It was featured in Time Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in America.” It is now more recognized as the home of Middle Tennessee State University, which has been growing at a rapid rate since the 1990s.

• Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s second-largest city, has a population of 128,000 people and is located 30 miles southeast of Nashville. All areas of the city have attractive homes, although northern regions are typically more well-kept. There are several apartments for rent. The annual taxes on a $255,000 property are about $1,925.
• In Murfreesboro, there are several independent living facilities. The national average is $2,500 per month, however the cost in Murfreesboro is $2,750 on average. The finest apartments for rent in Nashville, TN are located in the Harmony at Victory Station, The Villages of Murfreesboro, Stones River Manor, and Westbrook Towers.
• Apart from independent living, there are various assisted living and memory care options available.
• With parks and greenways, it still has a quiet rural appeal. There are several excellent cafés and restaurants in the area. Music festivals, a performing arts center, and top cultural options from Middle Tennessee University are among the activities on offer.

It is now a major retail center (due to I-24) with three large malls and big stores like Talbots, Dillard’s, Target, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and two Wal-Marts.

Attractions in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is one of Tennessee’s top small towns to retire in because it has a number of parks, museums, and historical sites.

• The historic Battle of Stones River was fought on the grounds of the Stones River National Battlefield in 1863 during the American Civil War. Visit Cannonsburgh Village, a recreation of a typical Southern town from the 1830s to the 1930s, to see what Murfreesboro looked like during that period.
• The Oaklands Mansion was formerly a restored plantation house. The Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, better known as ‘Earth Experience,’ contains a 38-foot long male T. Rex dinosaur constructed of over 300 bones and housed in an ecological replica of its environment. It’s the first natural history museum in Middle Tennessee.
• Murfreesboro residents aged 60 years or older can use the St. Clair Senior Center’s services, which coordinate with several local agencies to provide assistance for persons requiring services that are targeted toward the elderly. There are sports and lessons, visits, as well as the delivery of meals to those who are unable to leave their homes.
• St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital is a healthcare facility that provides services to the citizens of Murfreesboro. Rover is the public bus service in Murfreesboro for transportation. In addition, there is a curb-to-curb mini-van service available in the city.

The Discovery Center is the most popular children’s museum and nature center in Murfreesboro. Batey Farms, a historic family farm dating from 1807, is well-known for its fresh produce. For excellent craft beers and live music, locals flock to Mayday Brewery.

5. Paris

Paris is located in Henry County, which contains a 70-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower near its southern section. It’s also known for “World’s Largest Fish Fry,” an annual event that takes place the week before Easter.

• Paris is one of Tennessee’s top retirement destinations.
• In 2010, Paris had a population of 10,059 and is home to five neighborhoods from the city’s rue de la paix. It has a considerably more ethnically diverse population than the rest of the country, with an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent (2011), versus 9.1% in the United States as a whole (2011
• Affordable housing is a benefit in Henry County, where the median house price in Paris is $93,300 and the median home value is $122,434. The city has approximately 4,100 homes and apartments; many of them are single-family houses.

The majority of the homes are valued between $25,000 and $899,900. More than half of the population owns their property. Those who rent pay an average market rent of $881 per month on average.

Paris Retirement Centers

There are also Retirement Homes, such as Chateau Maurice and the Eiffel Gardens, which provide Assisted Living and Memory Care. Morningside of Jackson (about $1,400/month), Paris Residential Care Center (about $2,000/month), RoseStone Retirement Community.

Attractions in Paris

What are some of Paris’ top attractions? The Eiffel Tower Park is the most popular spot in Paris, where you may see the world’s largest iron lattice structure. There’s also the Paris Lansing State Park, which has Kentucky Lake, ideal for all water sports.

• The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center is a museum and cultural center that serves the community. For wine tastings and accommodation near the beautiful Westfalia Farm, visit Paris Winery.
• The World’s Largest Fish Fry, also known as the Last Friday Fish Fry, is a dining festival held every April during the final week of the month. There’s a “Fish Tent,” where 12,500 pounds of catfish (as of the previous account) are served for “all you can eat” with all the trimmings

The residents of Henry County have access to the region’s major medical center, the Henry County Medical Center. It is recognized for cancer research and treatment, among other things. The Nashville International Airport and Memphis International Airport are both within a two-hour drive of the city.

6. Franklin

Is Franklin a nice place to live? There are several benefits to residing in Franklin. A metropolis 21 miles south of Nashville, it is one of Tennessee’s biggest cities. The city of Irondale, which it is located in, has the fastest growing employment market in the area at 29 percent.

• It’s been dubbed “God’s Country” for its beauty and aesthetic appeal. The culture is strong, and it’s home to old money, celebrities, and musicians. The people are very kind and warm. And there are a variety of additional reasons why it’s nice.
• When comparing the cost of living in Franklin, it appears to be rather pricey. While utilities and health are less expensive than typical, housing is twice as expensive as the national average. Franklin is the state’s ninth-largest city with a population of 83,097 and 18 distinct neighborhoods.
• The median home price in Tennessee is $450,557; the average market rent is $2,069 per month, which makes it one of the most expensive cities in the state. The per capita income was $46,470 in 2018, and a family of four makes an annual income of $185,880.
• The city of Franklin has 28,409 residences and apartments, with 38% being new since 2000. Bingham/Parry, Forest Home, Champions Cir/Champion Cir, City Center/O’More College of Design, and West Harpeth/Douglas are Franklin’s wealthiest areas.

Residents over the age of 55 make up 24% of the population. Franklin’s average monthly cost for independent living is $3,098, which is above the national median of $2,500. The Manor at Steeplechase, Somerby Franklin, The Hearth at Franklin, and Brookdale Franklin are some of the finest high-end retirement homes available.

Attractions in Franklin

One of the reasons Franklin is one of Tennessee’s finest retirement locations is due to the enjoyable activities available in the city. Franklin’s illustrious history is reflected in preserved residences, Civil War monuments and museums.

There are a number of theaters that feature dramatic, musical, and comedic productions. Artists can be found all across the world, from Paris to New York City. You’ll be busy, informed, and amused visiting galleries, art crawls, pop-up markets, one-of-a-kind merchants, and other artsy activities. 

The beautiful murals, colorfully painted storefronts, and restored Victorian homes give a feeling of “downtown.” One can’t ignore the historic buildings or art galleries while strolling through them. There are plenty of dining options to explore if you want to take full advantage of Franklin.

7. Germantown

According to a data website, Germantown is Tennessee’s finest city to live in based on income, crime rates, and other criteria.

Germantown real estate prices typically range from $331,700 to over $1 million, with the median household income needing to be at least $118,163 per year. Germantown is one of Tennessee’s richest communities.

• Why do so many retirees choose to retire in Germantown? The quality of retirement housing is excellent. Germantown’s unemployment and crime rates are well below the national norm. Germantown offers a tranquil environment, excellent safety ratings, and rapid emergency response times.
• Germantown is home to a number of popular outdoor activities. There are 700 acres of public parks, as well as a diverse selection of restaurants. Shopping in Germantown is among the best in the mid-South, with excellent merchants. Germantown has a flourishing arts and culture scene.
• The most common name for residents of Germantown is, predictably, German. While their origins are unknown, the first Germans began settling in Germantown around 1730. The area is known for its unique blend of Victorian architecture and mid-century modern homes. Many older houses have been restored to their original appearance throughout the city’s more than 140

The Village at Germantown is Memphis’ finest over-55 community, located in Germantown. It offers five years of expertise providing various types of independent living choices, including modern apartments and spacious villas, as well as physical therapy, on-site healthcare, memory care programs, and assisted living.

Germantown Attractions

Germantown, Tennessee is one of the top destinations in the state for retirement. It has a variety of activities and sights for such a tiny town. Fort Germantown Park, located near downtown Memphis, is a park with reproductions of howitzer cannons used by Union Army troops as fortifications to defend Memphis.

• Shelby Farm Park, one of the largest in the country, has 40 miles of pathways for walking and cycling. The Shelby Farms Greenline is a renowned paved route that connects Memphis to Cordova. Fishing is popular here because 20 bodies of water are available in the park, including Tenessee’s longest freshwater lake (approximately three miles long).
• The Germantown Performing Arts Center is a theater that hosts musical performances, dance shows, and art exhibits. Oaklawn Garden is a botanical garden, park, and museum with historical relics from the area’s culture and railway and local transportation on display.
• Visit the Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Wolf River Nature Area, and Germantown Commissary, which are all well-known Memphis barbecue restaurants that specialize in hickory-smoked foods and hot tamales.

The Germantown Charity Horse Show, one of the world’s largest all-breed horse shows, is a must-mention. The show, now in its 23rd year and held every June, features stunning horses, riding techniques, and competitions. The shoe was created for Kindred Place in Memphis, Tennessee, to support local education initiatives to combat domestic violence and child abuse and neglect.

8. Brentwood

Brentwood is a city in Williamson County, Tennessee, and is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. Despite being close to “Music City,” as well as some corporate CEOs, Brentwood residents and the city itself are typically conservative.

The population was 37,060 in 2010 and is projected to reach 42,783 by 2019. In addition to all of this, the little town is one of the safest places to live in Tennessee. The likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime in Tennessee is 1 in 168 according to statistics. In Brentwood, there are only 1 in 1,126 individuals. According to the crime index, which considers 62 percent of cities in the United States, Brentwood is safer than most.

Brentwood Cost of Living

The cost of living in Brentwood, Tennessee is greater than the US average (161 vs. 100). Health and utilities are lower than the national average, but food and transportation costs are higher. Housing and median home expenses are three times greater than the national average. Only 2.8 percent of the population lives in poverty.

• The typical house price is $727,178. There are 13,554 houses and apartments in Brentwood, 92 percent of which are single-family dwellings and 90 percent own their homes. At $ 2,922 per month, the mean market rent in this neighborhood is also greater than in most cities.
• The 55+ demographic accounts for around one-fourth of the population. Even though Franklin’s living expenses are higher, the average cost of independent living in Brentwood is $3,378 per month, which is more expensive than Franklin.
• The Heritage at Brentwood, Traditions of Mill Creek, Southerland Place, and Harmony at Brentwood are among the many available independent living choices in South Carolina. There are a number of assisted living facilities in and around Brentwood.

In healthcare, Brentwood residents have easy access to Nashville’s medical facilities and centers, which are only 10 miles away. The city does, however, have a few institutions within its boundaries: The Smart Hospital, Specialty Care, and Lifepoint Hospitals.

Brentwood Attractions

What are the best activities in Brentwood? There are several excellent parks, such as Old MacDonald’s Farm & Fun Park with many animals and games for children; Weald Country Park, which offers visitors the opportunity to feed deer and ducks and geese in the pond; Thorndon Country Park, with its forest paths and a wildlife preserve; and For crazy golf and skateboarding, choose King George’s Playing Fields. Deerwood Arboretum includes 60 species of trees, the majority of which are indigenous to Tennessee.

The Dryer Observatory engages guests with the wonders of astronomy and space exploration. The Brentwood Library has an outstanding collection of books, as well as a children’s library that has received an award. Brandler Galleries Brentwood is the best gallery to visit if you want to learn more about prints.

9. Maryville

According to a prominent data ranking site, Maryville is one of the Best Places to Live in Tennessee for 2020. Furthermore, it has been designated as one of the best places to retire in the US by Forbes in 2018. Maryville’s picturesque lakes and mountains, as well as its low cost of living relative to the rest of the United States, are among the reasons given.

Maryville has a sufficient number of physicians per capita, excellent air quality, a flourishing local economy, and a low crime rate. The city’s administration, however, was attempting to sell Maryville to singles and young families rather than retirees. That has changed since then.

Maryville Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Maryville is 88.8, compared to the national average of 100. The US median home cost is below the national average, as well as grocery, utilities, transportation, housing, and overall quality of life.

• The city, which has a population of 29,000 people, is divided into 14 distinct neighborhoods. Its real estate is among the most expensive in Tennessee. In 2018, the per capita income was $30,485, which was superior to the state’s average of $26,844. The median home value in Nashville is $222,5.
• 28.5% of the population are over 55 years old. 21 independent living communities are available in Maryville, including Parkview Senior Living, Shannondale of Maryville, Asbury Place Maryville, and Clover Hill Senior Living. The monthly cost ranges from $1,427 to $3,300 at these facilities. However, there are eight assisted living homes with monthly costs of $3,455 on average.

Several hospitals provide healthcare services for the residents of Blount County. Blount Memorial Hospital, Peninsula Hospital, and Maryville Surgical Center are three notable examples.

Attractions in Maryville

Here are some of the finest sites in Maryville. The city is the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of Tennessee’s most popular national parks. If you’re visiting the park, the Great Smokies Visitor Center in Maryville serves as a gateway.

Parks abound in Blount County, including Louisville Point, Pearson Springs, Bicentennial Greenbelt, Sandy Springs, Maryville Alcoa Greenway and Beal. Museums include the Blount County Historical Museum and Cades Cove Museum, which tells the county’s history. On the Blount is a treasure-trove of parks:

A 1794 single-room log-cabin style school building, the Sam Houston Schoolhouse is a historic site in Huntsville. Pleasant Hill Vineyards and the Blue Goose Vineyards provide wines to sample and purchase. Visit the 1920s Capitol Theater or browse at your favorite The Antique Malls for some retail therapy.

10. Sparta

The city of Sparta, Tennessee, is located on the left bank of Calfkiller River in a lovely valley roughly five miles from the Cumberland Mountains. The city and White County have become one of the United States’ leading advocates for preserving “bluegrass roots” music.

The distinctive voices, guitars, and banjos from all across the region are unmistakable signs of bluegrass music. Sparta has a population of 4,949 people and is made up of five distinct neighborhoods.

Cost of Living in Sparta

The median home value in Sparta is $102,618. The average market rent is $974 per month. There are 1,765 houses and apartments in the city. The top five home types, as determined by the number of inhabitants, are single-family houses (79 percent), condominiums (20%), townhouses (2.1 percent), and mobile homes/trailers/pavilions (0.5%). Owners makeup 56% of the residents.

The median household income in Sparta, Georgia is $45,903. The mean age in this city is approximately 50 years old. There are a variety of housing options for people over 55 in Sparta, Georgia.

Another at Mose Drive, the Life Care Center of Sparta can care for up to 100 elders at a time, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment. The Bridge Assisted Living at Life Care Center of Sparta is a pet-friendly retirement home on Mose Drive that can look after 60 or fewer people.

Attractions in Sparta

What are the greatest things to do in Sparta, as far as attractions are concerned? The city of musical excellence has a vibrant arts sector well-known for its musical history.

Amenities include the symphony and a renowned playhouse. Sparta has more waterfalls than any other county in the state and more state parks in a two-hour drive than can be visited in a month, making it one of North Carolina’s most beautiful areas.

11. Memphis

Who doesn’t know Memphis? With a population of 651,073 people, it’s Tennessee’s second-largest city, after Nashville. A multicultural blend of musical traditions exists in Memphis: the blues, country, rock and roll, soul, and hip-hop. Furthermore, its barbeque is renowned across the world. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is held in Memphis each year, with 100,000 people attending.

Is it true, as is often said, that Memphis is a great city to retire in? Is this correct? For one thing, Memphis has a low cost of living where goods and services are less expensive than the rest of Tennessee and the United States.

Memphis Cost of Living

Healthcare expenses, on the other hand, are somewhat closer to the national average. Because Memphis is conveniently positioned in the middle of the country, it has evolved into a trade and commercial center, making transportation from town extremely easy.

Memphis is Tennessee’s most populous city, with a population of 731,834 as of 2017. The metropolis is the state’s biggest community and includes 181 distinct neighborhoods. Memphis is also attractive to retirees, although only 24% of the population is 55 or older.

The typical home value in Memphis is $107,229. There are many homes and apartments in Memphis – 250,812 of them, with about 45 percent owned and 54 percent rented. The typical market rent is $1,187 per month. Memphis differs from the other cities on this list in that it is mostly African-American at 64% of the population.

Respected Neighborhood in Memphis

Memphis is a great city for living independently. Some retirement homes also provide assisted living and nursing care. The Town Village Audubon Park, The Glenmary at Evergreen, Heritage at Irene Woods, The Parkview, and Lutheran Village are some of the finest 55+ communities in Tennessee.

Memphis Tourist Attractions

There are more than 60 attractions in Memphis, many of which are unique and interesting. Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, receives 650,000 visitors a year, making it the most-visited privately owned house in the United States.

• The National Civil Rights Museum, which includes a number of museums and architecturally significant structures, documents the history of the United States’ civil rights movement from the 17th century to the present.
• Other popular attractions in Memphis include Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Children’s Museum of Memphis, and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
• The Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing nearly 500 distinct species. Shelby Farms Park, Tom Lee Park, and Overton Park are among the most popular parks in Memphis.

For a more peaceful and emotional ambience, visit the following gardens: Cooper-Young Gardens, Memphis Botanic Garden, and Overton Park.

Memphis District’s Entertainment

The Beale Street Entertainment District is a historic avenue in Memphis’ downtown district, established in 1901. It’s less than 2 miles long and full of clubs, restaurants, and stores that combine the delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, and gospel.

• The United States Congress designated it as the “Home of the Blues.” Southland Casino Racing, a top greyhound racing track in the country, is another Memphis attraction. In 2019 alone, there were 6,656 greyhound races in Memphis. And not to mention the finest part of Memphis – Barbeque!
• Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous, Central BBQ, Cozy Corner, The BBQ Shop are the finest joints around and Corky’s BBQ, Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant. There are hundreds more in town.

Memphis’ appeal, while rural rather than urban and big city rather than a charm of a small-town , is exactly the atmosphere that attracts a lot of retirees to the city as one of the greatest locations to retire within Tennessee.

12. Kingsport

Both Sullivan and Hawkins counties are served by two county seats, both of which are named Johnson City. Although the largest city in both Sullivan and Hawkins counties, it is neither their county seat.

It is the destination of Tennessee’s most visited state park, Warriors Path State Park, which receives 2 to 2.4 million visitors each year. The city is close to five national parks, 15 state parks, and six TVA lakes.

Living in Kingsport, Tennessee, is proving to be one of the finest places to live in the state. Unlike other areas in Tennessee, most people who live here own their houses.

Kingsport Cost of Living

The cost of living in Kingsport is relatively low when compared to the national average, which means that many people are considering it one of the finest cities to retire in Tennessee.

The median home value in Kingsport is $158,628. The average market rent is $857 per month. There are 23,520 houses and apartments in the city. Single-family homes make up 54 percent of the city’s housing stock; 60% of residents live in their own house or apartment.

Kingsport Retirement Communities

The proportion of people in Kingsport who are aged 55 and over is rather high, at 36%. Many retirement communities catering to this demographic exist in the city. Assisted living and/or nursing care are available at the majority of the top senior living communities.

Kingsport has a variety of reputable healthcare institutions. The Holston Valley Medical Center, which specializes in vascular and orthopedic surgery; Indian Path Community Hospital, which focuses on patient safety; Rehabilitation Hospital of Kingsport, which specializes in stroke rehabilitation; and The Heart Center are three notable hospitals.

Attractions in Kingsport

There are plenty of things to do in Kingsport. The city has a long and illustrious history, as well as many sites and museums that commemorate the area’s history.

• The following attractions are located around the Philadelphia area, including the Netherland Inn Museum, Exchange Place, Allandale Mansion, Christopher Taylor House and Living History Farm Museum.
• The city of Kingsport, Tennessee is situated in Overton and Limestone Counties. The Warriors’ Path State Park, Kingsport Greenbelt, and Borden Park are three parks located within the city limits. Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium and the recently constructed Kingsport Aquatic Center provide family fun.
• Stroll the historic downtown of Kingsport, Tennessee, and discover the Antique District, where there is the greatest concentration of antique shops and fine art galleries in the Southeast.

There are a variety of retail and specialty stores that provide clothing, furnishings, flowers, and jewelry. Visit Fort Henry Mall to try a wide range of dining choices.

Overview of Tennessee

Tennessee is a landlocked state in the United States South. Nashville, the state capital and country music capital, hosts the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and a renowned stretch of honky-tonks and dance halls.

• In the far southwest, Memphis is best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley and Sun Studio, as well as Beale Street’s blues clubs.
• Tennessee became a state on June 1, 1796, as the 16th state and the first to result from federal territory. During the War of 1812, Tennessee was known as “The Volunteer State” after 3,500 men responded enthusiastically to a call from the General Assembly for volunteers for the war effort.
• Tennessee is the 11th most visited state in the United States, with a total of 126 million visitors in 2019. In Tennessee, there are 45 state parks, which cover roughly 530 kilometers. Many TVA reservoirs have also resulted in water-based tourist attractions.
• Tennessee is a state with a diverse population and culture. It combines Appalachian and Southern tastes, which come from its English, Scotch-Irish, and African origins, and has evolved over time as the state expanded.
• The Grand Divisions of Tennessee also represent distinct cultural areas; East Tennessee is typically associated with Southern Appalachia while Middle and West Tennessee are linked with northern and central Appalachia.

Tennessee is a state with varied topography and landforms, including many cultural features typical of Appalachia, the Upland South, and the Deep South.

Summary

The finest places to settle in Tennessee are selected for a variety of reasons. To begin, the weather is a crucial consideration, and compared to other southern states, Tennessee has mild temperatures.

Tennessee is endowed with natural beauty in its magnificent mountains, rushing water, and verdant hills and plains. Many people in Tennessee’s cities and suburbs live comfortable retirements. 

The following were some of the criteria that retirees looked for in a retirement residence: cost, school rating, and availability. In addition to that, safety, the facilities provided, and pleasant neighbors were all important factors.

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