Best Places to Live in Tennessee

Brentwood is an elite suburb of 45,500 where the median household income tops $184,700. It attracts executives and country music stars who appreciate strict zoning that keeps property values high. It’s one of Tennessee’s safest cities, backed by top-tier Williamson County schools and very low crime. Luxury shopping at CoolSprings Galleria and high-end dining are the norm. Despite its exclusive reputation, the city is LGBTQ+ inclusive, supported by private clubs and various community events.

Franklin mixes Civil War history with upscale modern living for its 45,500 residents. Main Street is famous for boutique shopping and award-winning dining. It’s a hub for professionals, with major corporate offices and an easy 30-minute commute to Nashville. Neighborhoods like Fieldstone Farms and Cool Springs are top picks. The city boasts some of the state's highest-ranked public schools, satellite programs for MTSU, and inclusive LGBTQ+ initiatives, making it a premier spot for families who want it all.

Nashville is the state's capital and largest city with 704,500 residents. It’s the economic heart of Tennessee, fueled by healthcare, tech, and music. Vanderbilt and HCA Healthcare are major employers, while Broadway’s honky-tonks bring in constant tourism. Housing ranges from Gulch lofts to Green Hills estates, all connected by an expanding transit system. With top colleges, a massive culinary scene, and a very diverse LGBTQ+ community, it remains the primary destination for anyone looking for career growth.

Knoxville has about 198,700 residents and is shaped by the University of Tennessee. UT anchors the economy alongside Covenant Health and Oak Ridge tech firms, with average salaries around $50,900. Market Square and Gay Street are the spots for festivals and Pride events. Neighborhoods like Sequoyah Hills and Old North offer home prices that fit middle-income earners perfectly. Schools like West and Farragut High provide top-tier education, while Pellissippi State handles workforce training for an inclusive, growing community.

Maryville sits right at the foothills of the Smokies, giving its 32,300 residents a front-row seat to Cades Cove and park trails without the Gatlinburg crowds. The economy is rock-solid, backed by Alcoa and a healthy $79K median income. You’ll love the student energy from Maryville College and the charming boutiques and cafés downtown. It’s an inclusive, family-friendly town where you can still find affordable housing and high-quality schools. It’s the perfect home base for anyone who wants a real community right next to a national park.

Chattanooga is a tech-driven city of 191,400 famous for EPB’s citywide gig-speed fiber internet. Remote workers and startups flock here, supported by a $61K median income and employers like Volkswagen and Erlanger Health. Young pros love the Southside and North Shore. Outdoor life is huge, with world-class climbing at Lookout Mountain and the Riverwalk connecting local parks. Between the craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and active LGBTQ+ organizations, the city feels modern and incredibly inclusive.

Johnson City houses 73,600 people in the Tri-Cities region, blending mountain views with urban growth. East Tennessee State University drives the healthcare and education sectors, with medical centers employing thousands. You’ve got a walkable downtown full of breweries and shops, plus instant access to the Appalachian Trail and Watauga Lake. It’s a four-season hub that supports inclusive living, drawing students, young pros, and families who want a healthy, active lifestyle with solid job prospects.

In Brownsville, life slows down just enough. This quiet town of 9,300 is a haven for retirees and first-time buyers looking for low taxes and a friendly vibe. You’ll find locals grabbing a bite at downtown diners or visiting the Tina Turner Museum. It’s a safe, tight-knit community where parents are deeply involved in the schools. Plus, if you need the perks of a bigger city, Jackson is only 30 minutes away for shopping and major hospitals. It’s small-town living done right.

Union City sits in northwest Tennessee near the Kentucky border with 10,800 residents. It’s a top choice for retirees and first-time buyers because housing is among the state's most affordable. The job market centers on manufacturing and agriculture, while Weakley County Schools and nearby UT Martin serve the students. Downtown is busy with shops and the impressive Discovery Park of America. It’s a quiet, family-friendly town where the median age is 40, offering a low-cost lifestyle without the big-city noise.

Memphis is home to 610,900 neighbors who give the city its soul. It’s a career powerhouse anchored by FedEx, St. Jude, and Baptist Health, with average salaries around $51K. You get serious bang for your buck here, as home prices stay low for a major city. Families love East Memphis, while Midtown and Cooper-Young draw a creative, LGBTQ+ crowd. Life revolves around the Mississippi River trails, pro basketball, and Beale Street. With talent from the University of Memphis and Rhodes College, the energy is electric, especially when Memphis Pride fills Downtown every June.