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- Brentwood. Imagine a place where Southern charm meets modern amenities. Brentwood is that dream come true. With top-notch public schools and a well-maintained cityscape, it’s no wonder this suburb is often touted as one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
- Chattanooga. Picture this: a city framed by the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River. Welcome to Chattanooga, a destination that’s as scenic as it is vibrant.
- Clarksville. Step into a world where the Cumberland River winds its way through rolling hills and vibrant neighborhoods. Clarksville offers this and more, making it one of the best places in Tennessee to live.
- Collierville. Ever dreamt of a place where community spirit thrives and the quality of life is second to none? Look no further than Collierville, a suburb that’s often considered the best place to live in Tennessee.
Interested in the best places to live in Tennessee? We've got you covered with the best cities by category backed by statistics and opinions.
- Chattanooga
- Columbia
- Franklin
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Knoxville
- Lynchburg
- Maryville
- Memphis
- Murfreesboro
Why is Chattanooga a great city to live in Tennessee?
Known as the “Scenic City” because of the surrounding mountains and valleys, Chattanooga could just as easily be called the river city due to its location on the Tennessee River and surrounding Chattanooga lakes. The famed Tennessee Aquarium is along the riverfront, and the downtown area attracts families to places such as the Creative Discovery Museum and High Point Climbing and Fitness, not to mention all kinds of great restaurants and shops. Chattanooga’s cost of living is lower than other...
Why Columbia is a best city in Tennessee.
Columbia is located along the scenic Duck River, affording an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities like kayaking and mountain biking. This city of 43,000 is an affordable place to call home, where neighbors are friendly, and the living is easy. Columbia State Community College, Tennessee’s first community college, draws students from across the region. The city continues to attract new residents, helping to fuel job growth. Locals and visitors alike enjoy Columbia’s vibrant arts an...
What makes Franklin a best place to live in Tennessee?
Franklin is a city on the move but with a strong sense of history. Located about 20 miles south of Nashville, Franklin has reinvented itself in recent years. Today this quaint community has a thriving downtown area that houses an array of upscale restaurants and shops. As one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest counties in the state, it’s no surprise that Franklin has a higher-than-average median household income. Education gets high marks in the city, and across Williamson Coun...
Why Jackson is a top city to live in Tennessee.
Located midway between Nashville and Memphis, Jackson is a midsized city that offers the best of both worlds — a bustling urban area with small-town charm. Affordability is one of Jackson’s major calling cards, with a lower cost of living than the national average. Ford Motor Co.’s massive BlueOval Cityproject in nearby Stanton will create thousands of new jobs in West Tennessee, which is one reason new home construction is on the rise here. In addition, the city is known as a regional hub fo...
Why Johnson City is a top city to live in Tennessee.
Situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Tennessee, Johnson City is a college town, home to East Tennessee State Universitywith an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. The school is also one of the largest employers in the city, along with Ballard Health and Johnson City Medical Center. Johnson City offers affordable housing and is a great place to raise a family or retire. The Tri-Cities Airport is only 15 minutes away, making traveling to and from a breeze. Read more abou...
Why Knoxville is a great city to live in Tennessee.
A college town if there ever was one, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee — otherwise known as Rocky Top — with more than 35,000 students that bring a youthful vibe to the city. Knoxville, one of Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024, has a robust economy and an entrepreneurial spirit, evident in the wealth of creative businesses and innovators who reside here. Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a lifestyle that combines outdo...
Lynchburg is a best city in Tennessee.
Lynchburg’s population is small (about 6,500), but its name is known worldwide. That’s because this quaint town, approximately 75 miles south of Nashville, is the home of the Jack Daniel Distillery, making some of the best Tennessee whiskey around (and is unexpectedly located in a dry county!). Lynchburg is known as one of the safest small towns in the state and is a very affordable place to live. Read more about living in Lynchburg, TN.
What is Maryville is a best place to live in Tennessee?
Small-town Maryville offers a lot of perks for residents. It has a reasonable cost of living, a low crime rate and outstanding educational opportunities, not to mention its scenic location in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Maryville College was founded in 1819 and ranks as one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. At just over 30,000 people, Maryville provides an easy way of life and offers access to big-city amenities in nearby Knoxville — just 17 miles away — meaning that Blount C...
Why Memphis is a great place to live in Tennessee.
Memphis is situated along the Mississippi River, a constant for this ever-changing Tennessee city. The cost of living is relatively lowfor a city this size — nearly 630,000 people. The Civil Rights movement was front and center in the late 1960s, and you can trace that history at the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll are always on tap along Beale Street — three blocks of clubs, restaurants and...
Why Murfreesboro is among the best cities to live in Tennessee.
Murfreesboro, located just 45 minutes south of Nashville, is a great place for both families and young professionals. The city of 150,000 has a vibrant downtown area with all kinds of restaurants, breweries and shops. In addition, this Middle Tennessee city is known for its Civil War history, with Stones River National Battlefield and Cemetery located here. Sports and outdoor activities take center stage, with soccer and golf, greenways and parks drawing young and old alike outdoors. Besides...
Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings. Explore the best places to live in Tennessee based on crime, public schools, cost of living, real estate, and local amenities.
- Nashville. The capital of country music has long been a popular vacation spot, but Nashville is also an excellent option for those looking to relocate, especially if great entertainment, world-class restaurants, affordable real estate, and excellent employment opportunities are at the top of your wishlist.
- Chattanooga. Set along the Tennessee River and with the Appalachian Mountains in the background, Chattanooga is pleasingly scenic. The mid-size city is home to about 183,000 residents, and it has all the urban amenities you could want while still managing to feel like a laid-back small town.
- Knoxville. Located about 30 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounded by easily accessible lakes, Tennessee's third-largest city is a magnet for nature lovers.
- Hendersonville. Nestled along the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville keeps its 63,000 residents active with an abundance of water sports.
Feb 5, 2024 · Best for peaceful living: Wears Valley. Best for rural retreats: Walland. Best for nature lovers: Cosby. Best for community feel: Pittman Center. Best for city amenities: Maryville. Best for heritage and nature: Tellico Plains. Discover all the best places to live in the Tennessee Mountains that you need to know about. 1. Hartford.
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Aug 23, 2024 · The top three cities to live in Tennessee are Johnson City, Kingsport and Cleveland. Bottom cities include well-known Memphis, Bartlett and Collierville, which ranked low due to high...