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 like Nashville and Memphis are perfect for the more cosmopolitan retiree.
We have compile the top five cities for retirees in Tennessee. Find the perfect city the perfect new home for your desired lifestyle today.
Top 5 Cities and Places to Retire in Tennessee
1. Chattanooga, Tennessee
For retirees that want to embrace outdoor living, Chattanooga is an obvious choice for a destination retirement. Situated on the banks of the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga gives you a chance to reconnect with nature during your retirement.
When you go hiking at Lookout Mountain, be sure to take a tour of the caves and see the magnificent underground Ruby Falls. The Tennessee Aquarium has adorable potbelly seahorses, while the Chattanooga Zoo has a delightful collection of animals of all kinds.
Rated the best city for retirees in Tennessee by Niche.com, Chattanooga has an affordable cost of living that gives people on a fixed income financial flexibility. With a median home value at $153,900 and median rent almost $200 less a month than the national median, retirees can live the good life without breaking the bank.
Your next adventure awaits you in Chattanooga. Find your new home and retire in style.
2. Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is a vibrant city on the banks of the Tennessee River not far from the Great Smoky Mountains. Retirees wanting to enjoy natural beauty and an urban environment will love living in this exciting college town, home to the University of Tennessee.
Ijams Nature Center, the Seven Islands State Birding Park and the Little River are some of the beautiful nature areas where active adults can reconnect with the world around them. The iconic Sunsphere has a free observation tower, and the Knoxville Museum of Art serves up a diverse art collection, as well as classes and concerts.
Retiring in Knoxville makes financial sense. The median home value at over $60,000 lower than the national median, giving retirees the chance to invest in their home at a price point that they can afford.
Stop dreaming about retirement and start planning for it when you find your new home for sale in Knoxville.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Music City is a fun place to retire, especially if you’re a music fan. Nashville has the famed Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Head downtown to Broadway for amazing bars, shopping, restaurants and live country music. The Nashville Zoo and Tennessee State Capitol are other great spaces to tour.
Retiring in one of America’s coolest cities won’t destroy your budget. The median home value and the median rent in Nashville in line with the national median numbers, so you can retire in style while still enjoying financial security.
Get ready to live the life you dreamed about at the office! Explore the new retirement communities in Nashville (or Nolensville if you prefer suburban life) and find the right home for this exciting time of your life.
4. Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Murfreesboro is one of the best Nashville suburbs for retirees. This comfortable town gives you easy access to a thriving metropolis, while still giving you a peaceful and private neighborhood to call home.
Murfreesboro has a unique historic charm, bolstered by sites like Stones River National Battlefield, Oaklands Mansion and Cannonsburgh Village. Gateway Island is a beautiful place to explore and have a picnic with your loved ones.
Murfreesboro gives retirees a comfortable lifestyle and financial security. The median rent in Murfreesboro in line with the national median rent, so you can enjoy a life you love on your budget.
Find the perfect new home in Murfreesboro, one of Nashville’s most exciting suburbs for retirees today!
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a warm and welcoming town on the mighty Mississippi River that serves up plenty of Southern charm. If you want to retire in a city with a true sense of community spirit and get to know your neighbors, Memphis is the right place for you.
Graceland is one of Memphis’ obvious attractions — a trip to Elvis’ estate is always fun. The Beale Street Historic District has great bars, galleries and live music. The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Orpheum Theater showcase the city’s musical history.
Memphis is an incredibly affordable place to call home, with a median home value that’s $90,000 lower than the national median. So if you want your savings to last longer without having to sacrifice your lifestyle, you should consider Memphis.
You can sit on your front porch with iced tea and chat with your neighbors in Memphis. Browse through the new retirement homes here and make your dream home a reality.
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing.
At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.
How to Buy a Lot to Build Your Custom Home On
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/
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.