Tennessee boasts an attractive job market, engaging entertainment options, and affordable housing solutions, making its allure irresistible. From cozy mountain towns to dynamic “it” cities, Tennessee blends Southern charm with modern living for an irresistibly compelling experience.
Chattanooga is a scenic delight, situated along the Tennessee River and surrounded by picturesque mountains. This mid-size city exudes warmth with a friendly, small-town feel – ideal for families.
1. Chattanooga
Tennessee offers something for every kind of individual, from rock music enthusiasts to hikers. Boasting rich musical heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and southern hospitality – no wonder Tennessee ranks among one of the best states to live in. Furthermore, it may become your perfect new place with many diverse cities and towns to call home.
Chattanooga, Tennessee’s charming city in the center, boasts plenty to do and see. Aptly named “The Scenic City,” Chattanooga provides outdoor enthusiasts with ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hang gliding, bass fishing, and hang gliding – not forgetting its bustling economy and great schools – making this East Tennessee hub and excellent choice for families.
Tennessee is well known for its mild winters and summers, yet weather patterns can quickly vary depending on where you reside. Tornadoes are common in Tennessee’s southeast region, so it is wise to prepare accordingly.
Knoxville is a vibrant city in the eastern portion of Tennessee popular with young professionals due to its robust job market and proximity to higher education with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Knoxville also makes for an ideal family town due to its affordable homes, bustling downtown district, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Knoxville offers low living costs and boasts a selection of local restaurants and shops, making it one of Tennessee’s top places to live. Residents can participate in various activities and events like Hot Springs Jazz Festival. Alongside its strong job market, this city also features beautiful parks along its riverfront, making Knoxville an aesthetically pleasing locale.
Smyrna is an attractive family-oriented town boasting an excellent job market and picturesque riverfront, not to mention unique restaurants and bars. Smyrna also features an exceptional school system, making it one of the premier locations to live in Tennessee.
2. Knoxville
Tennessee offers something to please every lifestyle imaginable. From large urban centers to tiny mountain towns, the Volunteer State boasts a rich variety of Southern charm to suit anyone. Tennessee is famed for its breathtaking natural environment – lakes, rivers, mountains, and rolling hills all come together here – while its relatively mild climate makes it ideal for year-round living.
Knoxville is the largest city in East Tennessee and was its original state capital. Home of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers an active arts scene and vibrant culture for college students and alumni. Furthermore, it’s one of the best cities for entrepreneurs, boasting a favorable job market with lower healthcare costs than the average. Finally, Knoxville ranks highly for families, offering affordable housing options and excellent education systems.
Residents enjoy stunning natural views thanks to their proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. There are numerous parks and greenways within city limits for hiking or cycling and an active culinary scene featuring restaurants serving delicious regional fare. It also serves as a popular tourist attraction, providing plenty of activities and sights for visitors to take part in.
City residents enjoy a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Though temperatures in summer may become uncomfortable for people sensitive to heat, numerous indoor activities and attractions keep residents entertained during these more desirable times. Furthermore, this city is well known for its vibrant music scene, boasting multiple venues.
Brentwood is an affluent suburb of Nashville in Middle Tennessee with excellent schools and low crime rates, boasting plenty of shopping and dining opportunities and just minutes from many of Nashville’s attractions. Brentwood makes for a beautiful family community and was named one of America’s safest cities by Forbes magazine in 2018.
Memphis, the heart of Tennessee, is a dynamic city with distinctive cultural attractions and an exceptional economy featuring a solid workforce and a growing technology sector. Also, Memphis is a popular tourist destination with a long musical heritage.
3. Franklin
Franklin offers the perfect mix of suburban charm and proximity to Nashville for residents looking for an ideal living experience. Residents enjoy Franklin’s picturesque historic downtown square as well as its numerous fun activities for residents to do, plus its low unemployment rate – two significant draws for young professionals and families moving there.
Homebuyers in Franklin can find many housing options downtown and in neighborhoods like Sullivan Farms and Barry Farms, where homes include traditional craftsman, ranch styles, and excellent schools close to public transit routes.
Franklin is located south of Nashville and provides residents with an easy commute into its capital city. Furthermore, Franklin boasts a vibrant business and retail sector and several big-name country music artists seeking a slower pace of life. Moreover, this town features historic points of interest and numerous restaurants and breweries, making Franklin one of Tennessee’s premier places to reside.
Franklin offers an affordable cost of living. The median household income here is $46,317, making Franklin an attractive option for those searching for a comfortable lifestyle. Commuting times average 22 minutes, lower than the national average of 26.
Franklin can be costly due to its high sales tax. State and county sales taxes total nearly 10% combined – adding up quickly. Furthermore, Franklin boasts a substantial percentage of homeowners associations, which increase property ownership costs significantly.
Columbia may be an ideal location for anyone interested in history. Its charming streets are lined with antebellum homes, and it boasts the James K. Polk Home & Museum featuring artifacts from our 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk. Columbia is also widely recognized as the “Mule Day Capital of the World,” holding an annual celebration commemorating local mule drivers every fall.
4. Nashville
Nashville is the ideal city in Tennessee if you enjoy country music, earning its nickname of “Music City.” There are numerous venues where top artists perform, events, and attractions for all family members. Nashville also provides an ideal environment to raise children while boasting an active business community that will support your career goals.
Nashville is one of Tennessee’s most desirable places to call home, drawing new residents nationwide. This trend can be attributed to Nashville’s rapid development and plentiful job opportunities; along with restaurants and music venues, there are family-friendly parks, breathtaking scenery, and many things to do here!
Memphis is another top choice for those relocating to Tennessee. Situated in West Tennessee, this city is famous for its rich jazz and blues history and for being the center of civil rights activism during this era; you’ll find museums dedicated to this history here. Memphis also offers delicious BBQs, Beale Street performances, and other entertainment options for an enjoyable visit.
If you prefer a more suburban feel, Franklin might be an excellent place for you. As a suburb of Nashville, Franklin offers excellent quality of life features close to parks and amenities while boasting an outstanding school system and offering very reasonable living costs.
Murfreesboro is another fantastic option for families in Tennessee. While larger than Chattanooga, Murfreesboro still exudes small-town charm with the state’s most extensive college and abundant employment opportunities, making this city very safe and family-friendly.
