Beautiful nature, great music, and the best food. It’s hard to get bored in Tennessee. It’s one of the best places to live in the country, thanks to its low cost of living, excellent employment opportunities, high-quality healthcare, and top-notch education. It was named the Volunteer State after the War of 1812, when the residents decided to volunteer. Its significant contributions to the American Civil War and Civil Rights Movement are reflected in many museums and historical landmarks.
Tennessee is best known for its affordability and financial stability. In 2024, it ranked as the 6th most affordable state by World Population Review, with 11% lower cost of living than the national average. The state created 33,000 new jobs, and was ranked the 15th lowest property tax rate in the US.
Looking for the areas in Tennessee with the best economic conditions or lower than average crime? In this blog, we spotlight the 10 best places to live in Tennessee for you. Explore life in Tennessee based on crime, schools, cost of living, real estate, properties, and unemployment. Let’s get started –
Living in Tennessee a Vibrant Lifestyle Worth Choosing
1. Knoxville – Choose a Laid-Back Vibe
Nestled in East Tennessee, Knoxville is over an hour’s drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s home to over 190,000 residents.
- Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains
- University of Tennessee
- Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Downtown with a broad mix of neighborhoods
Get a small-town feel paired with stable growth and contemporary amenities.
2. Medina – A Perfect Place to Call Home
If you are looking for a blend of small-town charm, modern facilities, and a close-knit community, Medina is meant for you.
- Top-rated schools such as Medina Middle School and South Gibson County High School
- 23-minute commute to the nearby cities, such as Jackson
- Affordable median home value
- Low unemployment rate
Want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle? Medina’s peaceful environment is for you.
3. Germantown – One of the Best Places to Live In
Situated slightly southeast of Memphis, this town has been ranking as one of the best places to live in Tennessee for the last two years. What makes it worth it? A good chance of landing a job rather than being part of a crime.
- Below the national average unemployment and crime rates
- High-rated schools such as Dogwood Elementary and Houston High School
- Family-friendly suburb
- Amongst the lowest crime rates in the state
From top-notch schools to a community that values health, there’s a lot to love about Germantown.
Read More: Romantic Getaways in TN
4. Franklin – Balancing Deep-Rooted Past with Contemporary Living
Nestled in Williamson County, located just south of Nashville, Franklin combines history with urban living. Accommodating more than 80,000 residents, Franklin has emerged as a hub for corporate offices, especially in healthcare and finance.
- Thoroughly maintained Main Street.
- Deep-rooted history paired with modern amenities.
- Hub for live music
- Easy access to the city, international airport, and major sports venues
It’s a perfect place for those seeking comfort and excitement.
5. Johnson City – A Comfortable Life In The Appalachian Highlands
Situated in northeast Tennessee, Johnson City is one of the tri-cities alongside Bristol and Kingsport. With a population of 70,000 within city limits, Johnson City offers a comfortable living.
- Enjoyable summers
- Crisp mountain air
- Affordable cost of living
- Significantly lower property tax burden
It’s a favorite destination for retirees and newcomers alike.
6. Clarksville – Known for its military presence and fast growth
Situated around 50 miles northwest of Nashville, Clarksville has a huge population of 170,000 within its city limits. With growth in industry, housing, and retail, it appears on the list.
- Lower than the national average cost of living.
- Top-notch schools
- Relatively low crime rates
- A strong military presence
- One-hour drive to Nashville
It’s the fifth-largest city in Tennessee with a rich history.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Nashville TN
7. Collierville – An affluent area with more room to expand
Situated in the Southeastern part of Shelby County, Collierville is best known for its greenery, parks, schools, and neighborhoods.
- Get the vibrant feel with shops, restaurants, and businesses.
- Reasonable living costs
- Low crime rate
- Consistently low unemployment rate
- Educated people.
It’s an upscale suburb where half the adult population is graduates.
8. Chattanooga – The Scenic City that Balances Urban and Outdoors
In proximity to the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is considered a scenic city. The population within city limits is around 190,000. The city combines a compact downtown, a tech sector, and proximity to rivers and mountains.
- Great Scenic Views
- Close proximity to Nashville and Knoxville
- Lots of universities and colleges.
- Decent cost of living
Looking for a small-town vibe? Chattanooga is an excellent pick.
9. Brentwood – The City of Burning Faith
This classic Nashville suburb is considered the 3rd best place to live in Tennessee.
- Below the national average unemployment rate.
- Highly performing schools
- Educated locals
- Agriculture and outdoor lifestyle
- Great Parks and Trails
Feel a strong sense of community and proximity to outdoor activities.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Gatlinburg TN
10. Mount Juliet – A Place That Offers A Range Of Activities
If you seek a peaceful suburban lifestyle with proximity to major cities, move to Mount Juliet. Being considered the city between lakes, Mount Juliet is located along Tennessee’s popular Cumberland River.
- Make a good household income annually.
- Seeking a job? Not an issue! The city has the lowest unemployment rate.
- Boasts a low crime rate.
- A range of top-ranking schools.
- Affordable living costs as compared to nearby cities like Nashville and Franklin
Take the plunge and enjoy outdoor activities and a colorful art and music scene. You can’t get bored in Mount Juliet!
Now that you have a list of the best possible cities to live in Tennessee, let’s rank each place based on several criteria.
Best Places to Live in Tennessee Based on Specific Criteria
| City | Population | Median Home Value | Median Income | Unemployment Rate | Crime Rate (per capita) |
| Knoxville | 193721 | $214,000 | $50,994 | 4.4% | 0.0403 |
| Medina | 5,268 | $261,400 | $93,964 | 3.4% | 0.0057 |
| Germantown | 40,812 | $441,200 | $144,799 | 3.1% | 0.0145 |
| Franklin | 85,575 | $646,300 | $115,000 | 2.4% | 0.0121 |
| Johnson City | 70,000 | $310,450 | $53,173 | 3.7% | 0.0101 |
| Clarksville | 171,897 | $236,100 | $66,786 | 6.0% | 0.0232 |
| Collierville | 51,212 | $458,300 | $134,319 | 3.1% | 0.0148 |
| Chattanooga | 182,832 | $259,200 | $61,028 | 4.9% | 0.0603 |
| Brentwood | 45,272 | $926,700 | $184,720 | 2.3% | 0.0101 |
| Mount Juliet | 40,828 | $423,000 | $107,847 | 3.5% | 0.0081 |
Disclaimer: The information presented in the table is for general purposes only and shows estimates from publicly available resources. All the factors may vary by source and can change over time. Crime rates are calculated on a per capita basis and don’t reflect the safety of specific neighborhoods. Please verify each detail with real estate and law enforcement sources before making any final decision.
Explore Tennessee’s Safest and Family-Friendly Cities
We’ve demystified each place in Tennessee across several criteria, including –
- Population
- Median Home Value
- Median Income
- Unemployment Rate
- Crime
Whether you are moving for your family, planning retirement, or investing for a longer stability, follow this information to find the best place in Tennessee. You deserve a place where the crime rate is lower, where your investment goes up, and where you can find good schools and parks.
Considering this, Franklin and Brentwood are ranked as safe cities in Tennessee with low crime rates and strong schools and parks.
If you want to live near Memphis, Germantown is the safest place to live, with a much lower crime rate than the average and friendly neighborhoods.
Best Places to Live in Tennessee For Every Demographic
We’ve researched the best areas to live in Tennessee based on demographics, such as single families, young professionals, and retirees.
| Demographics | Cities |
| Single Families | Brentwood |
| Young Professionals | Germantown |
| Retirees | Chattanooga |
The bottom line is that Tennessee isn’t just best known for mountains and music. It offers some of the safest, family-friendly, and most reasonable cities to live in. From the best schools in Franklin to the most affordable homes in Johnson City, you’ve realized how living in the right place can safeguard your loved ones and let you grow professionally. So, if you are planning to move to Tennessee, now is the right time.
