Thinking about moving to Tennessee? The Volunteer State has something for everyone, but when you look at a map of Tennessee, the variety of great options can be overwhelming. From Nashville’s thriving music scene to the historic streets of Franklin, the scenic beauty of Chattanooga, and the rich cultural heritage of Memphis, the best cities in Tennessee offer diverse lifestyles, strong job markets, and appealing real estate options. Explore seven of the best places to live in Tennessee, each with unique opportunities and amenities, to help you find the perfect place to call home. Ready to discover which city is right for you?

7 Best Places to Live in Tennessee

• Nashville: Known as "Music City," Nashville offers a vibrant cultural scene, a strong job market across various industries, and diverse neighborhoods.
• Brentwood: An affluent suburb of Nashville characterized by its upscale residential areas, sought-after schools, and parks.
• Franklin: Historic city boasting a charming downtown with preserved Victorian architecture, a strong sense of community, and a blend of modern amenities.
• Memphis: Situated along the Mississippi River, Memphis is renowned for its deep musical heritage and role as a major transportation and commerce hub in the region.
• Chattanooga: Nestled between the Appalachians and the Tennessee River, offering a mix of urban and outdoor living, a revitalized downtown, and a growing tech industry.
• Knoxville: Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville combines a college-town atmosphere with a growing arts scene, diverse dining options, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Johnson City: Part of the Tri-Cities region and known for its affordability, strong educational institutions, and access to outdoor activities.

Nashville

No exploration of Tennessee's best cities is complete without mentioning Music City, the home of country music: Nashville. From the Country Music Hall of Fame to the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, Nashville's top attractions and neighborhoods make for a city that pulses with a rhythm all its own. Here, vibrant neighborhoods like Downtown Nashville and The Gulch offer urban living, while areas like Belle Meade and East Nashville are known for their historic homes and artistic atmospheres.

Nashville's job market is flourishing, with opportunities in music, automotive, healthcare, and the service and hospitality industries tied to its musical heritage.

The Pulse of Nashville Real Estate

If you're considering living in Tennessee, Nashville's real estate market is a melody worth tuning into. Frequently ranked as one of the strongest in the nation, this market is bolstered by steady population growth. A single-family home in Nashville ranges from just south of $400,000 to upwards of $10 million. Some of Nashville's top neighborhoods include Wedgewood-Houston, Green Hills, Belle Meade, and the Forest Hills community.

Cultural Beats: Entertainment & Education

Nashville isn't just a music city; it's also an active city with abundant educational options at all levels. Schools in Nashville include public, private, and higher educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. The city boasts a rich cultural landscape, from film festivals to Oktoberfest. Sports enthusiasts can root for the city's popular professional teams: the NFL's Tennessee Titans and the NHL's Nashville Predators.

Work and Play in Music City

Living in Nashville isn't just about the vibrant downtown area or the live music. It's about finding the perfect balance of work and play. Nashville's job market is projected to continue expanding, indicating a strong and stable economy. Major employers include HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Nissan, among others.

Franklin

Let's shift gears and explore the quiet appeal of Franklin, Tennessee, one of Nashville's best suburbs. This charming town is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly neighborhoods, and educational commitment.

Franklin has experienced a significant population increase. The real estate market in Franklin is diverse, offering everything from spacious bungalows and newly constructed townhomes to sprawling ranches.

Franklin Real Estate

Franklin's real estate sweet spot lies in its diversity and charm. Homes for sale in Franklin include townhomes and detached homes, condos, and sprawling estates. While condos list from the mid-$300s, the average sold price here is more than $850,000. The most expansive luxury homes in Franklin are typically priced from $1 million to more than $15 million.

Many of Franklin's historic homes can be found in the Leipers Fork area. These homes are known for their quaint and charming character, often featuring classic charm and antique fixtures.

Franklin's Commitment to Education

Education is a cornerstone of the Franklin community. The city is part of the Williamson County School District, which educates approximately 42,000 students at a given time. The district has 52 schools and is often viewed as a leader in academic achievement. 

Chattanooga

Heading 130 miles southeast of Downtown Nashville, we arrive in Chattanooga, the scenic city on the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Chattanooga's picturesque landscape offers an abundance of wildlife along the Tennessee River, Nickajack Lake, and Chickamauga Lake.

Chattanooga's Housing Highlights

Chattanooga's housing market reflects the city's natural beauty and vibrant downtown area. Although the average home value has increased to around $300,000, it's still one of the cheapest cities in Tennessee. Homes are typically priced from the mid-$100s to around $2 million, and the median listing price translates to abundant, affordable options.

Living the Good Life by the Water

Life by the water in Chattanooga is as good as it gets. The city's riverfront revitalization has reenergized the area and reestablished a strong connection to its historical roots along the Tennessee River.

The Walnut Street Bridge, once slated for demolition, now serves as a bustling pedestrian pathway, infusing vibrancy into the heart of the city's community life. Be sure to check out Chattanooga's great parks and open spaces, including the Enterprise South Nature Park.

Knoxville

Our journey now takes us to Knoxville, a city that perfectly blends Southern charm with modern vibes. As a college town, Knoxville pulsates with the collegiate energy of the University of Tennessee, particularly evident on game days at the immense Neyland Stadium and through the vibrant business community catering to students. It's also one of the best places to retire in Tennessee.

Knoxville's Affordable Housing Landscape

Knoxville's affordable housing landscape is one of its many appeals. Here are some key statistics about Knoxville's housing market:

• Single-family homes in Knoxville typically range from $300,000 to upwards of $5 million.
• Knoxville's housing market is somewhat competitive
• Homes in Knoxville are typically single-family detached homes

Knoxville's Downtown and Outdoor Adventures

Knoxville's downtown area and outdoor attractions provide residents with diverse leisure options and scenic green spaces. One such attraction is the World's Fair Park, once the stage for the 1982 World's Fair. This prominent downtown park features interactive fountains, pathways, and the Sunsphere.

The Tennessee River, which eventually joins the Mississippi River, flows through Knoxville, serving as a hub for water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The Tennessee Valley Authority maintains the river, providing several parks and docks along its course for recreational access.

Murfreesboro

Now we find ourselves in Murfreesboro, a city that offers the perfect balance of big-city amenities and a small-town feel. Murfreesboro offers the convenience of being close to Nashville and its various opportunities without being caught up in the city's hustle and bustle.

Residents of Murfreesboro enjoy access to big-city amenities such as the airport, large event venues, and comprehensive healthcare facilities. The commute for residents who work in Nashville's downtown neighborhoods is less than 40 miles.

Murfreesboro Real Estate

Murfreesboro's real estate scene is growing at a steady pace. Homes in Murfreesboro range from around $250,000 for a townhome to the $600s for typical detached homes. Murfreesboro's luxury homes are typically priced from the $700s to more than $2.5 million. Murfreesboro's housing market has been increasingly competitive. 

Education and Recreation in Murfreesboro

Wrap up your Middle Tennessee exploration in Murfreesboro, a city that balances quality education and recreation. The bounty of things to do in Murfreesboro stems from its great recreational facilities, including:

• Patterson Park Community Center
• Wilderness Station
• McFadden Community Center
• Adams Tennis Complex
• Richard Siegel Soccer Complex

The Patterson Park Community Center and the McFadden Community Center are central to community engagement, offering a variety of programs, a theater, rental spaces, and hosting events.

Johnson City

Johnson City is a town of around 70,000 in Washington County—one of Tennessee's best counties—in the northeast corner of the state. Residents enjoy access to diverse outdoor activities such as hiking trails, waterfalls, and water sports like fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Johnson City Real Estate

Johnson City provides affordable housing and prioritizes a cost-effective real estate market. Homes range from around $300,000 to upwards of $2 million. The Johnson City Housing Authority operates neighborhoods that offer affordable renting options, catering to residents' financial flexibility.

Embracing Nature and Higher Education

Johnson City's proximity to outdoor attractions and commitment to higher education make it an attractive destination for nature lovers and students alike. Johnson City is a hub of academic activity, with many nearby colleges and universities, including East Tennessee State University. The city is near numerous outdoor areas, including Buffalo Mountain Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, and Boone Lake.

Memphis

Our journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to Memphis, a city steeped in history and music. Located on the Mississippi River in the southwest corner of Tennessee, Memphis is just over 200 miles southwest of Davidson County and Nashville.

Memphis's rich music history includes the creation of rock ‘n' roll in the 1950s at Sun Studio, where the blending of African American blues and gospel music with American country music took place. Stax Record Company in Memphis played a crucial role in popularizing soul music in the 1960s and 1970s with artists like Otis Redding and The Staple Singers.

The Memphis Housing Market

Memphis's housing market is as diverse as its music scene, including options to help homebuyers minimize their living costs in Tennessee. Homes range from around $150,000 to just north of $2 million. Memphis offers a variety of popular neighborhoods, including:

• Chickasaw Gardens
• Belle Meade
• Kirby Woods
• The Cloisters

These neighborhoods highlight the city's diversity in housing options.

Memphis: A Hub for Healthcare and Blues

Memphis's rich musical heritage and thriving healthcare industry contribute to its appeal as a destination for both culture and career opportunities for young professionals. The similarities in major industries and attractions can make for a difficult decision if you're deciding between Nashville and Memphis.

Tennessee's Top Cities Await

There you have it: a journey across the Tennessee map, with each stop offering unique charm, vibrant communities, and thriving industries. Whether you're drawn to the music-filled streets of Nashville, the scenic landscapes of Chattanooga, or the educational opportunities in Johnson City, Tennessee offers a city that's just right for everyone.