15 Best Places To Retire In Tennessee | 2022

Deciding to retire in Tennessee must have been one of the toughest decisions you might have to take. If you are a music lover, even as a senior, Tennessee would be great for you.

It is an ideal state for music lovers. They have a range of music, from rock to folk to bluegrass. If you are a fan of live music and festivals dedicated to some of the best music of all time from a variety of genres, you’ll be sure to fall in love with everything Tennessee has to offer.

There are also music festivals which you would enjoy. However, it also has some disadvantages as well.

Have you been considering retiring in Tennessee? Have you been wondering why and maybe why not? Are you worried about the cost of retiring to Tennessee?

In this article, all of these have been answered. In addition, you would also find the 15 best places to retire in Tennessee. Keep reading. 

Why should you retire in Tennessee?

There are several reasons a lot of people look forward to retiring in Tennessee. Some of these reasons are- 

In Tennessee, there is a low cost of living. Not only is Tennessee’s cost of living lower than the national average, but it’s the sixth cheapest state to live in.

While some cities in Tennessee are cheaper than others, especially compared to some of the state’s major cities, Tennessee is still an inexpensive state to live in. 

Another reason while Tennessee has one of the best places to retire in addition to its low cost of living is that retirees get really low costs when it comes to housing, utilities, and even groceries.

Tennessee is also home to plenty of historic museums dedicated to the music that’s been made there. There’s so much to check out, from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to the Rock and Soul Museum in Memphis. 

In Tennessee, you can also enjoy an afternoon walking through the Johnny Cash museum and taking in the beautiful sights at Loretta Lynn’s ranch whenever you please. 

Another pro of retiring in Tennessee is that it’s a great place to settle down if you’re looking to avoid the cold. Winters are mild in this area, while the summers can get pretty warm.

Depending on the part of the state you’re located in, the summers can feel warmer than in other parts of the state. You would also be able to experience all four seasons, no matter where you are in Tennessee.

If you’re looking for an overall warm and comfortable place to live, with a moderate kind of climate throughout each season, Tennessee may be just the place for you. 

When you retire in Tennessee, if you are interested in sports, you could go water-skiing. You could also relax comfortably on the beach when you are done. 

You would also find that many of the gorgeous walking and hiking options offer a view of some of Tennessee’s many gorgeous waterfalls. One of Tennessee’s most popular waterfalls is located at Fall Creek State Park in Spencer, Tennessee. 

Tennessee also has beautiful landscapes for you to enjoy every year. No matter the season, Tennessee offers its residents beautiful scenery and landscapes that you will enjoy throughout the year. 

Tennessee is also home to thousands of gorgeous, underground caves that you can visit. While the public can’t access all of them, there are plenty of available walking tours that allow visitors to soak up the unique beauty they have to offer. 

Finally, Tennessee has a wide range of assorted foods for you to select from. There is a lot of delicious food that you won’t find anywhere else unless you are in the south, and some of these foods happen to be iconic staples of Tennessee culture.

No matter where you go to eat in the state, you will be sure to find things such as catfish, fried pickles, and sweet tea on the menu. 

However, there are also a few deficits in retiring in Tennessee. Some of these cons are-

In Tennessee, there are lots of tornados. This state does average around 30 tornadoes per year, so this is something to be mindful of before moving there.

While tornadoes can occur at any time and are often not something people have a large amount of time to prepare for, most tornadoes do occur in the springtime. 

There are high crime rates in major cities. Another factor to be mindful of is the high crime rates that exist within most of Tennessee’s major cities. Tennessee is ranked as the third most dangerous state to live in, with its violent crimes ranging higher than the national average.

In Tennessee, there tends to be chronic traffic congestion. If your car is your number one means of transportation, you should be aware beforehand that traffic in Tennessee can be pretty congested. Nashville is ranked 24th as having the most congested roads in America. 

There are hot and intense summers. July and August can be the worst months, as the temperatures can sometimes reach well over 90°F (32°C), and the weather can feel more hot and sticky, as opposed to warm and comforting.

It is important to ensure that you stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke if you’re out and about on a day like this. 

What is the cost of retiring in Tennessee?

Even though Tennessee has a low cost of living, retiring in Tennessee still requires money, especially if you do not plan on getting another job.

To live comfortably through 12 years of retirement in Tennessee, you should plan to save at least $660,870. Depending on how you spend, this amount could be more than enough when added to your retirement benefits. 

15 Best Places to retire in Tennessee

#1. Johnson City

Johnson City has both a country setting and a city scene to choose from. It is part of the Retire Tennessee program and is located in the northeast part of the state in the Appalachian Mountains.

With access to the surrounding rivers and lakes, it is near myriad outdoor activities. Johnson City offers easy commutes to nearby locations, affordability, and many gorgeous natural settings. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. 

#2. Franklin

Franklin is one of the most beautiful places to live and retire. It has been in the top ten list for several years, moving up to the number three position from eighth last year.

It is located just 17 miles south of Nashville, the music scene is alive and well in Franklin. Street music, live music in many restaurants and other venues are available.

It has a small-town feel to it, and of course, it is one of the best places for you to consider retiring in Tennessee. 

#3. Union City

Located in Obion County, Union City is part of the Retire Tennessee program. In Union City, you can explore several things like the Discovery Park, White Squirrel Winery, amongst others.

Union City has a small-town atmosphere that enables you to socialize and also be left alone when you want to. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee

#4. Crossville

Retirees who are golf lovers will relish the opportunity to live in Crossville. No matter which part of town you live in, you will be close to one of its nine pristine golf courses.

Crossville is located between Knoxville and Nashville; Crossville is considered the golf capital of Tennessee due to the number of golf courses in the town. It’s a golfers’ paradise, but it has so much more.

Crossville also offers mountainous wildlife reserves, lakes, streams, and the Cumberland Mountain State Park. It has been ranked quite high as one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. 

#5. Germantown

Germantown is on the outskirts of Memphis in Shelby County. By retiring her, you can bet to have loads of activities and top-notch healthcare in Memphis.

Residents of Germantown enjoy small-town life with big-city amenities such as high-end shopping and fine dining options. Health, wellness, and fitness facilities are abundant.

There are magnificent parks and gorgeous parks in Germantown. If you are looking out for a quiet place to retire with loads of activities when you want, you should consider Germantown. 

#6. Collierville

Collierville is on the outskirts of Memphis. It has a historic downtown district similar to Franklin but on a smaller scale.

Along with the small-town atmosphere, Collierville has award-winning parks and recreation facilities and all the amenities and services of an urban area blended with Southern charm and character. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee

#7. Townsend

If looking for more of a small-town retirement spot, consider Townsend in East Tennessee. Sitting between Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, retirees in Townsend enjoy a small-town atmosphere with the mountains as a backdrop.

If you are a whiskey lover, you could grow to love Townsend. It hosts an excellent whiskey festival each fall. 

#8. Paris

This Tennessee town is named after the city in France, and as a fun play on the town name, it has a mini-lighted Eiffel Tower replica.

It has a super cute town square, unique shops, lots of intriguing history, a scrumptious food scene, and it hosts the World’s Biggest Fish Fry every April. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. 

#9. Martin

Martin is a small town with a low cost of living. It has a small-town feel and it carters so well for both retirees and college students.

Residents enjoy a small regional hospital within the town, and they are about an hour from a larger hospital in Jackson. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. 

#10. Savannah

Savannah sits beside the Tennessee River. If you desire to retire on the water with the sound of the river echoing in the background, this might be the perfect location.

By retiring in Savannah, you would have the opportunity to enjoy boating, hiking, fishing, and history-inspired adventures. You will find cute boutiques, museums, and of course, plenty of river fun. The town is known for its natural beauty and aesthetics. 

#11. Maury County

Maury county is popular for its dining, unique shopping, live music, and friendly neighbors. In addition, as a retiree, you would enjoy the low cost of living, rolling hills, and Southern hospitality and charm in Maury County.

Maury County is in the Retire Tennessee program. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee.

#12. Henderson County

Henderson County boasts spectacular scenery, a reasonable cost of living, and numerous recreational opportunities. There are about 7 lakes in Henderson County with beautiful aesthetics for you to feed your eyes on. It is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. 

#13. Nolensville

Nolensville is one of the best places to live in Tennessee, no doubt, but its small size makes it ideal for those looking for a town with a close-knit community.

Little wonder it remains a hot preference for families with children. It is one of the places with the highest percentage of growing families, matter of fact. If you are retiring with your children, you should consider Nolensville. 

#14. Murfreesboro

If your idea of a nice place to live is an upcoming town with a booming economy, your heart would love it in Murfreesboro, a town in Rutherford County where 118,000 people call home.

It has been recognized as a standout city in The Volunteer State, with lots of promise to offer. The mid-size city is rich with history and historical sites, including the famous Civil War battlefield, the Stones River National Battlefield.

If you are interested in historical occurrences around Tennessee, you should consider retiring in Murfreesboro

#15. Oak Ridge

Located on the east side of Tennessee in Anderson County, about 25 miles outside of Knoxville, Oak Ridge traces its roots back to the 1940s when it was built as part of the Manhattan Project funded by the federal government.

Oak Ridge has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. And with home prices averaging $149,800 it is not hard to see why many people are flocking to Tennessee to put down roots for good.

Conclusion

No matter where you intend to retire in Tennessee, there will be pros and cons to the situation, but it is important to educate yourself on these factors and weigh your options.

For one, Tennessee is a low-cost state with zero state income tax, affordable housing while also being ranked as one of the cheapest states in the nation.

When you move to Tennessee, you’ll have beautiful landscapes to look at every day, along with warm weather and an environment rich in culture. Retiring in Tennessee could be one of the best decisions ever. 

Frequently asked questions

Tennessee is tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income is not taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are not taxed. Wages are taxed at normal rates, and your marginal state tax rate is 5.90%.

According to their data, Tennessee is the 23rd worst place to retire. The state received a score of 80, getting positive reviews for being tax-friendly for retirees and a low cost of living.

However, the state received low marks for its high assault rate per capita and a less than ideal climate for retirees.

No. Not only is Tennessee’s cost of living lower than the national average, but it’s the sixth cheapest state to live in.

Tennessee state law provides for property tax relief for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses.

65 and older. Under the program, qualifying homeowners age 65 and older can

Low property taxes, no state income tax, low cost of living, Tennessee mountains and lakes, mild climate, amongst others.

References

Editor’s Recommendations

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like