Americans love Tennessee! And why wouldn’t you? The World Population Review ranks Tennessee as the 6th most affordable state in 2024. The cost of living in the state is 11% lower than the national average.
Apart from affordable living, the Volunteer State offers excellent job opportunities. The state is projected to create 33,800 new jobs by 2024. Moreover, Tennessee has the 15th lowest property tax rate in the country. Let’s explore the best places to live in Tennessee.
Best Places to Live in Tennessee in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Memphis | 618,639 | $182,000 | $7,210 | 55/100 |
| 2. | Brownsville | 9,386 | $180,000 | $6,273 | 50/100 |
| 3. | Knoxville | 198,162 | $338,500 | $7,518 | 53/100 |
| 4. | Chattanooga | 187,030 | $325,000 | $7,415 | 56/100 |
| 5. | Union City | 10,954 | $170,000 | $6,384 | 39/100 |
| 6. | Johnson City | 73,337 | $310,450 | $6,841 | 55/100 |
| 7. | Nashville | 712,334 | $450,000 | $8,077 | 61/100 |
| 8. | Franklin | 88,558 | $767,302 | $8,077 | 61/100 |
| 9. | Brentwood | 45,265 | $1,400,000 | $9,259 | 75/100 |
| 10. | Maryville | 32,436 | $385,000 | $7,450 | 53/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Tennessee
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Volunteer State:
#1 Memphis
- Median Home Price: $182,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Memphis: $48,090[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Memphis, TN: 38109 | 38117 | 38107
Memphis, the ‘Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, boasts a rich musical heritage. Beale Street and Graceland are iconic landmarks. Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash all launched their careers here.
Beyond its musical fame, Memphis has a 13% lower cost of living than nationwide. The city is also home to FedEx’s global headquarters, a key logistics hub. Moreover, it played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and is home to the National Civil Rights Museum.
» Memphis Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this affordable city.
#2 Brownsville
- Median Home Price: $180,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Brownsville: $38,662[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 50/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Brownsville, TN: 38012
Brownsville is an affordable city where housing prices are 30%, and living costs 16%, lower than the national average. The economy is rooted in agriculture and manufacturing activities. The PictSweet Company and Teknor Apex are among the major employers.
Brownsville is 58.8 miles from Memphis. It blends urban convenience with a small-town charm, and is one of the best places to live in Tennessee for families. It’s also close to the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
» Brownsville Homes for Sale: View properties in one of the best places to stay in Tennessee.
#3 Knoxville
- Median Home Price: $338,500[2]
- Median Household Income in Knoxville: $48,309[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 53/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Knoxville, TN: 37932 | 37920 | 37918
Knoxville offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern living, close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has a lively downtown, with attractions like the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Tennessee Theatre.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville are 12% lower than nationwide. Moreover, it has a stable job market with a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. The University of Tennessee is a key employer, with other major firms operating in healthcare, manufacturing, and tech.
» Knoxville Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in one of the best places to stay in Tennessee.
#4 Chattanooga
- Median Home Price: $325,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Chattanooga: $57,703[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Chattanooga, TN: 37405 | 37421 | 37404
Chattanooga is the 5th most populous city in Tennessee. With a low 3.5% unemployment rate, the city is a hub for young professionals. The top employers are the CHI Memorial Hospital, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the Volkswagen plant.
One of the best cities to live in Tennessee, it is also home to key attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, and Raccoon Mountain Caverns. The iconic Walnut Street Bridge connects visitors to scenic parks and cultural sites nearby.
» Chattanooga Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the best towns to live in Tennessee.
#5 Union City
- Median Home Price: $170,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Union City: $42,620[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 39/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Union City, TN: 38261
Union City is a small town with a strong community spirit and agricultural heritage. The town is 13% more affordable than the national average. It is also home to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, ideal for higher education.
You can visit the Discovery Park of America and Reelfoot Lake, which are perfect for outdoor activities like fishing and birdwatching. Union City also hosts the Soybean Festival, celebrating its agricultural roots and a vibrant local community.
» Union City Homes for Sale: Explore best properties in the Union City neighborhood.
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#6 Johnson City
- Median Home Price: $310,450[2]
- Median Household Income in Johnson City: $53,173[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in the Johnson City, TN: 37604 | 37601 | 37615
Johnson City is a gateway to stunning landscapes in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. These include the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. The city also has a great educational setup.
It is home to the prestigious East Tennessee State University (ETSU), and the Quillen College of Medicine. Moreover, Johnson City is home to big corporations like TPI, Powell, and LabConnect. The city’s unemployment rate is 3.7%, and decreasing at a steady pace.
» Johnson City Homes for Sale: Find your dream home is one of the best places to live in Tennessee.
#7 Nashville
- Median Home Price: $450,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Nashville: $71,328[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Nashville, TN: 37209 | 37203 | 37207
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and a cultural hub known for its deep-rooted musical heritage. It has iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Healthcare costs in the city are 9% lower than the national average. Moreover, the Music City has a diverse economy, led by healthcare, education, and finance. HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University, and Nissan North America are among the top employers.
» Nashville Homes for Sale: View thousands of properties for sale in Nashville.
#8 Franklin
- Median Home Price: $767,302[2]
- Median Household Income in Franklin: $106,592[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Franklin, TN: 37064 | 37067 | 37069
Franklin offers a unique blend of history, charm, and culture. Despite living costs only 1% below the national average, it has a strong economy backed by the healthcare and financial sectors. Nissan and Mars Petcare are top employers.
Franklin also has well-preserved 19th-century architecture and Civil War sites. They include the Carter House and Carnton Plantation. Shops and events in its historic downtown cater to tourists and locals alike. The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is a well-known annual event.
» Franklin Homes for Sale: Explore properties for sale in Franklin.
#9 Brentwood
- Median Home Price: $1,400,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Brentwood: $181,576[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 75/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Brentwood, TN: 37027
An upscale suburb, Brentwood is one of the few good places to live in Tennessee around Nashville with top schools and parks. With a low 2.8% unemployment rate, it is home to major companies like Tractor Supply and LBMC.
Healthcare, technology, and corporate services are crucial to its economy. Moreover, Brentwood’s Ravenwood High School is ranked #3 in the state. It is also dotted with parks and outdoor spaces, like the Marcella Vivrette Smith Park and Brentwood Library.
» Brentwood Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in Brentwood.
#10 Maryville
- Median Home Price: $385,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Maryville: $74,610[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 53/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Maryville, TN: 37803 | 37801 | 37804
Maryville is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers access to nearby attractions, like Townsend, Cades Cove, and Gatlinburg. The city’s greenway system connects to Alcoa. It has 20 miles of trails for outdoor activities.
Living in Maryville is 8% more affordable than in the rest of the country. Moreover, landmarks like the Sam Houston Schoolhouse add to its rich history. It is also home to Maryville College, one of the South’s oldest colleges, known for its campus and academics.
» Maryville Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Brentwood.
Best Places to Live in Tennessee Based on Demographics
We have researched the best areas to live in Tennessee for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Nolensville | Brentwood | Oak Ridge |
| Young Professionals | Germantown | Murfreesboro | Spring Hill |
| Retirees | Tellico Village | Chattanooga | Kingsport |
Is Tennessee the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Tennessee is one of the best places to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent education system and vibrant city life.
Tennessee’s current population is 7 million, and it’s projected to increase by 21.8% by 2028. Moreover, the Volunteer State is ranked 5th among the most fiscally stable states in the country.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Illinois. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Tennessee
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Tennessee. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Tennessee and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Tennessee Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[5]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Tennessee for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a good place to live?
Yes, the Volunteer State is a good place to live. It is ranked 5th among the most fiscally stable states in the country. Memphis, Brownsville, and Knoxville are some of the best places in Tennessee.
Which is best city to live in Tennessee?
Memphis is the best city to live in Tennessee. It has a 13% lower cost of living than the national average. The city is also home to FedEx’s global headquarters.
What are the nicest parts of Tennessee to live in?
The best parts to live in Tennessee are the East and Middle regions. These regions include cities like Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, and more.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Tennessee?
Chattanooga is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Tennessee. It has a cost of living 10.3% below the national average.
