Retiring in Tennessee means choosing to invest in an exciting lifestyle and your next adventure. This amazing state has stunning scenery for the active adult who wants to reconnect with nature, while urban hubs are perfect for the more cosmopolitan retiree.
To that end, NewHomeSource has compiled the top 10 cities for retirees in Tennessee. Find the perfect city and the perfect new home for your desired lifestyle today.
Top 5 Cities and Places to Retire in Tennessee
1. Brownsville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.9%
Median Home Value: $88,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 151
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 329
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Retiring in Brownsville means small-town living. Retirees can spend their days relaxing at the nearby Hatchie River or learning about the history and culture of Brownsville at the many museums. Additionally, Brownsville has a beautiful and historic downtown where retirees can enjoy local restaurants, shopping and even listen to some live music at the Amp.
2. Paris
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22%
Median Home Value: $94,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 31
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 272
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 4
As you can see, Paris, Tennessee, has its own Eiffel Tower landmark. This attraction can be found in where else? Eiffel Tower Park. Grab some lunch and enjoy a picnic here with friends and family. After, head to the local winery for a perfect afternoon. Retirees can also spend their time at Kentucky Lake, playing golf or learning about the fascinating history of Paris.
3. Lewisburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.5%
Median Home Value: $96,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 80
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 209
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7
Lewisburg is known for having Tennessee’s famous Goats, Music and More Festival, which occurs every October and is something locals look forward to all year. If that isn’t interesting enough, Lewisburg also has a drive-in movie theater, which is very popular in this small-town. Retirees, if goats and drive-in movie theaters excite you, then you have to check out Lewisburg.
4. Union City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.3%
Median Home Value: $96,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 83
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 522
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Union City has a very happening downtown area. Retirees can find themselves eating at delicious restaurants, enjoying unique shopping and visiting some of the city’s historic landmarks. However, if you are looking to escape the city life and enjoy some nature, then simply head to the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge and State Park. Union City really does have the best of both worlds.
5. McMinnville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17%
Median Home Value: $98,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 130
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 480
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
McMinnville is known for its incredible natural surroundings. Retirees can go kayaking in Rock Island State Park, explore Cumberland Caverns or enjoy hiking on Cardwell Mountain. Additionally, visiting Fall Creek Falls State Park is a must for retirees who are looking for a place to relax. It is located about an hour east of McMinnville and has activities including golfing, boating, fishing and hiking. McMinnville is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
6. Lawrenceburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.6%
Median Home Value: $101,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 50
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 428
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Lawrenceburg is home to one of Tennessee’s best state parks, David Crockett State Park. Go camping or rent a cabin and then enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, swimming … the list goes on and on. If you are looking for a city to retire in that has a lot of outdoor activities, then you must come to Lawrenceburg.
7. Dyersburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.8%
Median Home Value: $105,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 180
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 905
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Retirees who enjoy learning about history should give some consideration to Dyersburg. The historic courthouse square provides a great starting place to learn about this city’s history, with some 45 historic buildings to discover. Additionally, retirees can also walk or bike along a portion of the Mississippi River Trail or visit the Main Street Farmers Market, which happens every Tuesday and Saturday.
8. Morristown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.4%
Median Home Value: $115,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 255
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,426
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Morristown has a little bit of everything. Retirees can spend their days exploring the cultural center, hiking at Panther Creek State Park, visiting local museums or shopping at College Square Mall. It doesn’t matter what your interests are in Morristown, there is truly something for everyone.
9. Elizabethton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.2%
Median Home Value: $124,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 81
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 639
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
Cherokee National Forest is located near Elizabethton and is one of the best spots in the area for outdoor recreation. In Elizabethton itself, there are plenty of parks and hiking spots, museums, antique shops and the historic covered bridge across Doe River.
10. Shelbyville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.9%
Median Home Value: $124,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 183
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 667
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Shelbyville is known for being extremely family-friendly. Grab a coffee and some breakfast at one of the many cafes in town or visit some boutiques and museums in the downtown area. Although Shelbyville is a small town, it is located only an hour and a half away from Nashville, the state capital. This means you would have easy access to urban amenities, which is a major benefit of living in Shelbyville.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.
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Margaret Biamonte
I have been told Tennessee has beautiful weather. I have lung issues and must take climate seriously in my decision. Problem is, don’t know Where to look. Would love to be waterfront because my husband Loves Fishing. Looking for simple 3 bdrm , 2 bath, large kitchen & Family Room
Jamie Garcia
Hi Margaret,
You can find new homes in any Tennessee city on newhomesource.com! Simply enter the city you’d like to live in to view available homes.
Brenda Krantz
Land between the Lakes is a beautiful area and quite inexpensive. My daughter lives in Paris ten. Area. Very reasonable for retirees and beautiful. It comes in second under the Great Lakes as largest water system. But it is much warmer. We are moving there. Many retirees. Paris Landing area is fantastic. Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr. are among the. Residents. The Bushes duck hunt there at a place called The Big Sandy.
Al Raico
I’m looking for a place to move to and these are my requirements.
I don’t like Cold
I don’t like Hot
I don’t like large City
I don’t want to live in a crime infested place.
I would love to have a view and sound of water.
I’m retired with some health issues so I need to be somewhere I can get easy access to great medical.
I want a home with 3 bedrooms or so. And I like the modern conveniences like a smart home.
We can start with this 😂
Jamie Garcia
Hi Al,
Try checking out our piece on the safest cities in Tennessee, and narrow down your search from there! https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/safest-cities-tennessee/
Donna L Jones
I’m ready to move to a warmer climate. I’ve been to Tenn. many times. I want a rural area close to a medical center. I’m looking for an average home priced affordably. Have friends in Brownsville and Covington and would like something in that area. Any suggestions?
Jamie Garcia
Hi Donna,
You can check our our listings and builders in the Brownsville and Covington areas at newhomesource.com!
Amelita Valentin
I want a 3/2 cabin or log home near Chattanooga with waterfalls a creek or a lake on acreage under 200k
Is this attainable or am I dreaming
Jamie Garcia
Hi Amelita,
You can see all of our available homes and builders in the Chattanooga area here: https://www.newhomesource.com/builders/tn/chattanooga-area. If you don’t see a home listing that fits your criteria, you can contact a builder directly to discuss a custom build option.