10 Best Cities To Retire In Tennessee In 2023 (2024)

Retirees are drawn to Tennessee for its low cost of living and tax friendliness. Even the best places to retire in Tennessee will have a high sales tax, but the low housing prices can make up for that.

But one of the best things about Tennessee retirement is its climate. You’ll get mild winters while still enjoying all four seasons. There are also plenty of lakes, mountains, and historical landmarks to keep you busy. Here are our 10 favorite retirement communities in Tennessee.

Chattanooga

CITY POPULATION: 182,799
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $30,592
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

When you ask is Tennessee a good place to retire, Chattanooga is one of the cities to think of first. Both Chattanooga and the nearby mountain community of Signal Mountain have plenty of walking trails and outdoor activities. You’ll also have access to all the amenities you’d get with big-city living, including plenty of restaurants and shops.

Franklin

CITY POPULATION: 83,097
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 12.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $48,318
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

History and suburban life make Franklin one of the best cities to retire in Tennessee. Just 20 miles south of downtown Nashville, Franklin is perhaps best known as the site of two Civil War battles: 1863’s Battle of Franklin and the Battle of Franklin in 1864. You’ll find plenty of historic attractions, mixed with more dining and shopping options than you’ll find anywhere in Tennessee.

Pigeon Forge

CITY POPULATION: 6,266
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $20,478
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

It would be impossible to talk about the best retirement communities in Tennessee without mentioning the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge is a neighboring tourist area with easy access to the mountains and ski slopes of Gatlinburg. You’ll get beautiful views, as well as all the shopping and dining options that draw tourists to the town.

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Nashville

CITY POPULATION: 670,820
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11.7%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $35,243
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

Costs in Nashville have been rising, but it’s still affordable compared to other big cities. If you like downtown living, Nashville could be one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. You’ll get plenty of shopping and restaurants around downtown, with your pick of live music venues in the famed Broadway area.

Crossville

COUNTY POPULATION: 11,779
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 18% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $22,592
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

Golfers looking for the best small cities to retire should definitely take a peek at Crossville. The town is home to multiple golf courses, including Stonehenge, the top-rated golf course in the state. The high 65-plus population and low cost of living make it a great choice for any retiree.

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10 Best Cities To Retire In Tennessee In 2023 (7)

Knoxville

CITY POPULATION: 187,603
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 18% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $26,340
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

Another city that’s an example of why is Tennessee a good state to retire in is Knoxville. You’ll have a short, one-hour drive to the Smokies combined with access to many of the amenities you’d get in a big city. The Tennessee River is a large part of Knoxville living, giving you waterfront dining and plenty of recreational activities.

Germantown

CITY POPULATION: 39,225
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21.5%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 9% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $60,956
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

This upscale community on the outskirts of Memphis has a good reason to be on the list of where to retire in Tennessee. The town is known for its 1868 railroad depot and easy access to famous downtown Memphis hotspots like Beale Street. But the city itself has a suburban feel and a high 65-plus population, making it great for retirees.

Winchester

CITY POPULATION: 8,982
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 20.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $33,349
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

If you’re looking for one of the best small towns in Tennessee to retire, Winchester should be on your list. Tims Ford Lake makes it perfect for fishing and boating enthusiasts. You’ll also be just a short drive from Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville, Alabama.

Kingsport

CITY POPULATION: 54,127
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23.3%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $30,740
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

If you’re looking at which city has the best weather in Tennessee, Kingsport would be close to the top of the list. You’ll get slightly colder winters in Kingsport, but the summers are milder than other areas of the state. The cost of living and high 65-plus population make it an all-around great place for retiring.

Collierville

CITY POPULATION: 51,040
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.7%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $49,951
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly

When you’re looking at any list of the best places to retire in Tennessee 2021 or 2022, another top West Tennessee city is Collierville. Just a 20-minute drive from Memphis, Collierville has all the amenities of suburban living, along with a charming downtown area and plenty of shopping and dining.

Bottom Line

Looking at the best places to live in Tennessee 2022 lists are similar. Some of the cities on this list are growing, but they all retain their tax friendliness and Southern charm. But your individual needs are different than anyone else’s. Retirable can help connect you with a plan that will ensure you’re prepared to fully enjoy retired life.

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