People continue to flock to Tennessee in higher than average numbers. In fact, in 2019 the Volunteer State ranked 9th in population gains compared with the rest of the country. New residents aren’t solely interested in Southern hospitality, either.
Affordable housing options, lower taxes and general cost of living are only a few of the major characteristics that attract people to Tennessee. So where are the best places to live in Tennessee? Although the state is full of cozy towns to call home, ten cities especially stand out.
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Franklin
- Johnson City
- Kingsport
- Knoxville
- Memphis
- Murfreesboro
- Nashville
- Smyrna
Chattanooga
- Population: 177,512
- Average age: 42.8
- Median household income: $45,527
- Average commute time: 23.2 minutes
- Walk score: 41
- Studio average rent: $932
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,122
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,350
Roughly equidistant to two major cities (Atlanta and Nashville), Chattanooga boasts its very own metropolitan scene bookended by beautiful countryside. Known as “Scenic City,” Chattanooga is home to many outdoor gems, including Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River and Nickajack Lake. Hiking, biking, rock-climbing, boating and rafting are all extremely popular local pastimes.
Not surprisingly, ‘Nooga is especially popular among the outdoorsy crowd, although downtown’s food/drinks/nightlife scene is also exceptional. Then there’s the enviable farmers market scene to consider! The Chattanooga Market at the First Horizon Pavilion runs April through November. If the southside is easier to access, hit up the Main Street Farmers Market for everything your organically-inclined heart desires.
Clarksville
- Population: 148,385
- Average age: 35.5
- Median household income: $53,604
- Average commute time: 29.2 minutes
- Walk score: 20
- Studio average rent: $656
- One-bedroom average rent: $906
- Two-bedroom average rent: $980
Totally in Tennessee, Clarksville is nonetheless so far north that it literally borders the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Coming in at just under 150,000 in population, the average age of Clarksville residents is 35, making it the youngest on our list of the best cities to live in Tennessee. With such a youthful population it only makes sense that Clarksville’s downtown offers hip and happening restaurants and entertainment on a level that rivals much larger cities.
Located where the Cumberland and Red Rivers meet, Clarksville is one of the state’s oldest cities. Area history is best seen during a stroll along its beloved Cumberland RiverWalk. Another favorite spot is Dunbar Cave State Park, 144 acres of untouched green space that features prehistoric Native American drawings.
Franklin
- Population: 70,119
- Average age: 41.7
- Franklin average income: $114,956
- Average commute time: 28.9 minutes
- Walk score: 25
- Studio average rent: $1,454
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,698
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,213
Southern gentility abounds in this high-end suburb of Nashville, which as a result features some of the pricier rents on our list. If you can afford it, however, Franklin is likely worth the price of admission. It’s a short jaunt down the highway into Music City but has all of the comforts a person could want in Franklin proper.
The ultra-walkable downtown area has more boutique than even the most devoted shopper will know what to do with. It’s also liberally peppered with eateries, in both the southern cuisine and other styles. Merridee’s Breadbasket is a must-visit, if for no other reason than the dizzying array of pies.
Franklin’s schools rate higher than any other on our list, but the income is, too (average is $115,000 per year). Still, the general atmosphere, opportunity and location lands it on this list of the best places to live in Tennessee.
Johnson City
- Population: 63,251
- Average age: 42.6
- Median household income: $41,682
- Average commute time: 22.2 minutes
- Walk score: 30
- Studio average rent: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: $730
- Two-bedroom average rent: $832
Located just a short drive from Kentucky and North Carolina, Johnson City is in the upper northeast corner of Tennessee in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Notably, it’s part of the tri-cities area, rounded out by Bristol and Kingsport.
Johnson City is home to East Tennessee State University, a public school particularly renowned for its medical, pharmacy and nursing programs.
Not surprisingly, Johnson City is a hotbed for outdoor activities. Those who want to rev things up, however, should join in with the area’s booming motorcycle community to enjoy the Southern Dozen, a tour of the South’s most picturesque and exciting curves, which begins and ends in Johnson City. Or, hit nearby Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park for 40 acres of wooded terrain, if that’s more your style.
Kingsport
- Population: 52,977
- Average age: 46.4
- Median household income: $42,856
- Average commute time: 22.9 minutes
- Walk score: 33
- Studio average rent: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: $893
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,194
Not that far north of Johnson City is Kingsport, which butts up against the Kentucky border.
People with furry friends appreciate the city’s status as a pet-friendly destination, with an off-leash dog park, 11 pet-friendly hotels and 21 pet-friendly restaurants on its list!
At just under 53,000 residents, Kingsport is one of the smaller cities on our list of the best places to live in Tennessee, but it’s also one of the most affordable, in terms of rent prices.
One effective way to get to know the area is to follow the Kingsport Selfie Trail, which stops by notable local spots such as the Kingsport Carousel, Allandale Mansion and Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. Then there’s the Kingsport Greenbelt Trailhead, for those who enjoy a light eight-mile or so bike/walk/run.
Knoxville
- Population: 184,511
- Average age: 40.2
- Median household income: $40,341
- Average commute time: 24.1 minutes
- Walk score: 30
- Studio average rent: $679
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,094
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,218
Stock up on orange clothing before moving to Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee. If the Vols and their various sports aren’t your jam, be prepared for some good-natured smack talk because UT is darn near a religion in this part of the state. No matter what your university affiliation, though, it’s easy enough to learn why it’s one of the best cities in Tennessee.
Food and drink are also big-time in Knoxville. Expect to see plenty of food trucks in Knoxville, especially at designated parks like Central Filling Station and The Cave Food Truck Park. Craft brew enthusiasts should definitely make a point to check off every box on their Ale Trail passport.
Once that’s squared away, change directions and visit any of the more culturally highbrow options in Knoxville, such as the Museum of Art and the East Tennessee History Center. You should have plenty of money for it since Knoxville has some of the lowest rent prices on our list!
Memphis
- Population: 653,884
- Average age: 39.5
- Median household income: $41,228
- Average commute time: 26.3 minutes
- Walk score: 41
- Studio average rent: $993
- One-bedroom average rent: $988
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,171
The lone western Tennessee location on our list of the best cities in Tennessee, this “home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll” is nonetheless one of the best-known cities in the state. Home to Graceland and too many barbecue joints to count, Memphis has even more to offer its more than 650,000 residents.
Area newbies can get an extra-good feeling for the city at the annual Memphis in May festival, a month-long event that promotes civic pride, heritage and just overall warm fuzzies. Historically speaking, there’s something for everyone. The National Civil Rights Museum is a must-see site in Memphis, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum further cements the city’s status as a major music hub.
Cap it off with a trip to Beale Street to take in some top-notch live tunes.
Murfreesboro
- Population: 123,285
- Average age: 37.6
- Median household income: $62,003
- Average commute time: 32.3 minutes
- Walk score: 22
- Studio average rent: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,087
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,333
Located smack in middle Tennessee, about a 30-minute drive from Nashville, Murfreesboro is an up-and-coming city in its own right. In fact, it’s one of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the country! This is thanks in large part to the growth of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), which is giving those pesky Vols a run for their money.
Equipped even with its own municipal airport, Murfreesboro is an excellent option for people who want access to Nashville in all its glory, but who prefer a quieter day-to-day life.
Downtown Murfreesboro has all the family-friendly events one would expect, from Trick-or-Treating on the Square to an annual Christmas Tree Lighting. For an educational twist, show the kiddos Cannonsburgh Village, which was Murfreesboro’s original name, a reconstructed version of a typical old-time Southern village. Kids and adults will marvel at how times have changed once they see a log home, one-room schoolhouse and working blacksmith’s shop.
Nashville
- Population: 670,820
- Average age: N/A
- Median household income: $59,828
- Average commute time: 25.0
- Walk score: 41
- Studio average rent: $1,650
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,678
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,209
Nashville is arguably the Crown Jewel of Tennessee with all its thriving industries, entertainment and opportunity. So it’s not all that surprising that it’s one of the best places to live in Tennessee. Unfortunately, it’s also known for its rent prices, with the average studio rental ringing in at $1,650 per month! Still, this high price tag gets you front row center to one of the most happening cities in the South.
Nashville has just about everything a person could ask for, from multiple world-class universities and healthcare systems to an off-the-chain nightlife scene. Although the downtown area is walkable, the traffic around the city is infamous.
Every single neighborhood has its own distinct feel, so spend time in Germantown, The Gulch and Music Row, among others to figure out which feels like home to you.
Smyrna
- Population: 45,871
- Average age: 39
- Median household income: $62,635
- Average commute time: 36.1 minutes
- Walk score: 25
- Studio average rent: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,321
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,538
At just under 50,000 residents, the middle Tennessee town of Smyrna is the smallest on our list, population-wise. Despite that, the growing area has big potential, and is even known as an excellent place to retire!
A hop, skip and a short car ride to both Nashville and Murfreesboro, Smyrna regularly attracts big businesses with Nissan North America headquartered there.
The 42-mile long Percy Priest Lake is a major draw for residents and visitors to Smyrna, thanks to its pristine waters, campgrounds and access to nature in general.
Families in particular love to cool off during the steamy Tennessee summers at SplashTown, a public pool and splash pad run by Smyrna authorities. The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center is another jewel because it offers safe and educational ways for kids to get out in nature.
Find your own best place to live in Tennessee
Clearly, Tennessee has a lot to offer. When you’re ready to get cracking on a new home, visit our Tennessee rental page to find the space that perfectly suits you.
