Looking for the best places to live in Tennessee? You’ve come to the right place! Tennessee is a state that offers a low cost of living, friendly people, and an abundance of activities for all ages. From the vibrant city of Nashville to the charming town of Franklin, there’s something for everyone in Tennessee.
In this post, I’ll take a closer look at the 7 best places to live in Tennessee, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll cover each location’s pros and cons, including their economy, housing market, schools, and more. Plus, I’ll include plenty of photos and videos to help you visualize what it would be like to live there. So, let’s dive in and discover your dream home in Tennessee!
7 of the Best Places to Live in Tennessee
Nashville
Known as the Music City, Nashville is a popular destination for country music fans. The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium. But Nashville offers much more than just music. It has a thriving economy, great schools, and a low cost of living. Housing is affordable, with a median home price of $303,000.
Pros:
- Music culture and entertainment options
- Strong job market
- Good schools
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Traffic congestion
- Crowded neighborhoods
Knoxville
Knoxville is a beautiful city located in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s home to the University of Tennessee, which gives the city a youthful energy. Knoxville also has a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Housing is affordable, with a median home price of $202,000.
Pros:
- Beautiful natural scenery
- Good schools
- Affordable housing
- Vibrant downtown area
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Limited public transportation options
Memphis
Located in the southwestern part of Tennessee, Memphis is known for its music, food, and history. It’s home to Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Memphis has a low cost of living and affordable housing, with a median home price of $146,000.
Pros:
- Rich music and cultural history
- Low cost of living
- Affordable housing
Cons:
- High crime rate in some areas
- Hot summers
Chattanooga
Located in southeastern Tennessee, Chattanooga is a picturesque city nestled between the mountains and the Tennessee River. It’s known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. Chattanooga has a strong economy, good schools, and affordable housing, with a median home price of $218,000.
Pros:
- Beautiful natural scenery
- Abundance of outdoor activities
- Strong economy
- Good schools
Cons:
- Humid summers
- Limited public transportation options
Clarksville
Located near the Kentucky border, Clarksville is a small city with a low cost of living and affordable housing, with a median home price of $203,000. It’s home to Austin Peay State University, which gives the city a youthful energy. Clarksville has a strong job market and good schools.
Pros:
- Low cost of living
- Affordable housing
- Good schools
- Strong job market
Cons:
- Limited entertainment options
Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro is a city in Rutherford County, Tennessee, and is the sixth largest city in the state. It is located about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, making it a great option for those who want to be close to the capital but not directly in the hustle and bustle of the city. Murfreesboro has a population of around 146,000 people, and it is known for its excellent schools, affordable housing, and low crime rate.
Pros:
- Good schools: Murfreesboro has one of the best school systems in the state, with several highly-rated schools at all levels.
- Affordable housing: The cost of living in Murfreesboro is lower than the national average, with affordable housing options available.
- Growing economy: Murfreesboro has a strong and growing economy, with opportunities in healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Cons:
- Traffic: As with many growing cities, traffic can be an issue in Murfreesboro, especially during peak hours.
- Limited public transportation: While there are some public transportation options available, they are somewhat limited compared to larger cities like Nashville.
- Limited nightlife: Murfreesboro’s nightlife scene is not as lively as some of the larger cities in Tennessee.
Franklin
Franklin is a city in Williamson County, Tennessee, and is located about 20 miles south of Nashville. It is known for its charming downtown area, historic homes, and excellent schools. Franklin has a population of around 80,000 people, and it is a great option for those who want to live in a smaller city with a strong sense of community.
Pros:
- Charming downtown: Franklin’s downtown area is full of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
- Good schools: Franklin has some of the best schools in the state, with high graduation rates and excellent college readiness scores.
- Sense of community: Franklin has a strong sense of community, with frequent events and festivals that bring residents together.
Cons:
- Cost of living: Franklin’s cost of living is higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor.
- Traffic: While not as bad as some of the larger cities in Tennessee, traffic can still be an issue in Franklin, especially during rush hour.
- Limited nightlife: Franklin’s nightlife scene is not as lively as some of the larger cities in Tennessee.
Final Words on the 7 Best Places to Live in Tennessee
Tennessee is a great place to live, with a variety of cities and towns that offer something for everyone. Whether you want to live in a large city like Nashville or a smaller town like Franklin, there are plenty of options available. Each of the cities on this list has its pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Overall, Tennessee offers a low cost of living, friendly people, and plenty of activities, making it a desirable place to live for many people. We hope this list has been helpful in your search for the best places to live in Tennessee. If you have any additional suggestions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
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