If you dream of one day retiring somewhere that offers a low cost of living, a higher quality of life, plenty of amenities, and lots of entertainment, Tennessee might be the place for you!
The Volunteer State offers retirees the best of all possible worlds. Retirees can expect affordable housing, high-quality medical care, pleasant winter temperatures, vibrant towns, stunning landscapes, and much more. Further, Tennessee is a zero income tax state and does not tax Social Security.
Today, I will show you the best places to retire in Tennessee. I’ll show you what each location offers and why you should consider them your retirement destination.
10 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee
1. Franklin
Franklin is a popular retirement destination for many reasons. The township has a rich history, making it an exciting place to explore. Secondly, Franklin downtown has a vibrant arts and culture scene, so there’s always something going on.
Finally, in typical Tennessee fashion, Franklin is surrounded by nature. It is perfect for active adults who want to spend their days hiking, playing golf, and enjoying picnics in one of the many parks.
Franklin also offers a wide range of living arrangements, including independent, assisted, and low-income affordable housing. You’ll also have access to high-quality medical care and are always close to essential amenities.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
2. Winchester
Retirees make up almost a quarter of the population in this small town, and it’s not hard to see why. This community has many attractive features, including a lively downtown, lush parks, and pristine lakes.
Some of the main attractions in Winchester include the Old Jail Museum, Oldham Theater, and the Arnold Air Force Base. Outdoor enthusiasts can also boat along Tims Ford Lake or even turn their hand to horse riding.
Winchester has a higher tax burden, but the town makes up for the extra costs with several popular retirement communities, multiple doctor’s offices, and local recreational centers.
3. Kingston Springs
Located in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, Kingston Springs is surrounded by natural beauty, making it the perfect place for retirees who love the great outdoors. It’s close to the Harpeth River, and several state parks are in the area.
As for the town, you can expect a small community feel, local shops, charming cafes, and all your essential amenities. To make things even better, the city is only 20 miles southwest of Downtown Nashville.
Kingston Springs has low crime rates, affordable housing, and many retirement options. It’s also worth noting that many properties in this area offer small pieces of land, which will come in handy if you seek more privacy.
4. Tellico Village
Tellico Village is a planned retirement community so that you can expect great things as one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. . As expected, Tellico has a large senior population, which is excellent for retirees who want to be part of a community.
Aside from a large senior population, Tellico Village has lots of amenities, a low crime rate, and below-average healthcare costs. However, the cost of living is higher, especially the cost of housing.
Housing options include rentals, property development opportunities, and lakeside homes. Surrounded by nature, you’ll spend most of your time walking, boating, and playing sports.
The village even has its own dog park!
5. Bolivar
If finding somewhere affordable to live is vital to your retirement plans, consider Bolivar your Tennessee retirement destination. Just a short drive from Memphis, Bolivar has much to offer, including affordable housing and low taxes.
When you’re feeling outdoorsy, head to Whiteville Lake for boating and hiking. When you want to shop, make a short journey into Memphis for entertainment.
Other good things to know are that Bolivar has a low crime rate and 39 hospitals within a 25-mile radius.
In terms of living arrangements, Bolivar is home to assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, independent communities, and condos.
6. Murfreesboro
Famous for its American Civil War History, affordable median home prices and reasonable tax rates make Murfreesboro an excellent place for retirees to settle down. Residents can enjoy playing golf at Old Fort Golf Club or wander around one of the picturesque parks.
The Middle Tennessee State University campus helps keep the city feeling young, and there are plenty of entertainment options, shows, cafes, and restaurants in the heart of town.
The cost of living meets the national average, and there are enough recreational venues and cultural outlets to keep you happy. As expected, there are multiple retirement communities to choose from!
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
7. Germantown
Median home values and cost of living in Germantown can be on the high side, but crime rates and the cost of healthcare are lower than the national average, which could be crucial to some retirees.
Germantown is a relatively small town, but it has a lot to offer. For example, the city is home to more than 30 parks, special facilities, medical centers, sports complexes, and more than 800 acres of green space.
Among these are biking/walking trails, athletic fields and courts, recreational centers, and leisure facilities. In fact, the Parks and Recreation Department aims to place recreational and leisure opportunities within a half mile of every home.
8. Memphis
If you love big city life, Memphis is the best retirement destination in Tennessee. Here, you will find countless things to do, endless living options, every amenity imaginable, and a lively music scene.
Crime rates are higher than the national average. But the cost of healthcare, cost of living, and median home values are all relatively low.
Some of the best attractions in Memphis include Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Beale Street, Graceland, and Memphis Zoo.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
9. Loudon
Check out Loudon instead if you’d prefer to retire to a small, quiet town. The community in Loudon dates back to the 1700s when settlers first started to call the banks of the Tennessee River home.
If you love all things nature and wildlife, you’ll want to call it home too!
Loudon offers retirees easy access to healthcare, recreational centers, and various living options. These include independent living, community living, and assisted living.
When you’re not grabbing a bite to eat in a local cafe, you’ll find yourself hiking through Hall Bend Small Wild Area and Trail or the Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge.
10. Chattanooga
Finally, we have Chattanooga, a retirement destination that has it all and one of our best places to retire in Tennessee. Surrounded by the Tennessee River and the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is especially appealing for retirees who love the great outdoors.
You can spend your retirement hiking, boating, and enjoying nature. Despite how highly sought-after Chattanooga is, the area is surprisingly budget friendly.
The cost of living, healthcare, and taxes are lower than in other parts of Tennessee. If you’re looking for a stunning place to live with access to modern amenities, consider Chattanooga.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Retiring in Tennessee is Strong Option
There you have it, everything you need to know about the best places to retire in Tennessee. In this post, I’ve shown you exactly what Tennessee offers and explained why you might want to retire there. The state has lower cost of living and taxes, making your dollars go further for a comfortable retirement.
All you must do now is decide whether the Volunteer State is the best place for you!
Related Articles on Dividend Power
Here are my recommendations:
Affiliates
- Simply Investing Report & Analysis Platform or the Course can teach you how to invest in stocks. Try it free for 14 days.
- Free Dividend Kings Spreadsheet from Sure Dividend, complete with Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations, dividend histories, and much more. It is an excellent resource for DIY dividend growth investors and retirees.
- Stock Rover is the leading investment research platform with all the fundamental metrics, screens, and analysis tools you need. Try it free for 14 days.
- Portfolio Insight is the newest and most complete portfolio management tool with built-in stock screeners. Try it free for 14 days.
Receive a free e-book, “Become a Better Investor: 5 Fundamental Metrics to Know!” Join thousands of other readers !
*This post contains affiliate links meaning that I earn a commission for any purchases that you make at the Affiliates website through these links. This will not incur additional costs for you. Please read my disclosure for more information.
Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!