With its beautiful mountains and natural scenery, Tennessee is the perfect retirement state. Great food, tourist sites, Civil War history, music, art events, entertainment and culture will ensure that you chose the right spot. The top 10 retirement cities range from busy Nashville to mid-sized Chattanooga and small-town Murfreesboro.
Consider retiring in a small community, where life is simple and relaxing. Generally, a smaller city means a lower cost of living and lower crime rates. Dickson, Nolensville and other small towns are near Nashville. Also, Johnson City and other small Eastern Tennessee communities are great for people who want to be in close proximity to a major city such as Knoxville without the metropolitan hustle and bustle. Just because you live in a small town does not mean you will be bored.
Each city has its own appeal. For example, Murfreesboro, 35 miles outside Nashville, hosts the Main Street Jazzfest, a replicated historical town called the Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village and the Stones River National Battlefield. Clarksville, near Kentucky, offers the Port Royal State Park, City Arboretum and historical L&N Train Station, while Cleveland is smaller and famously scenic with dreamy Appalachian Mountain views.
Moderately populated cities are a notch up from the small-town feel, without being too densely populated. Chattanooga, approximately two hours from Atlanta, rests near the southeastern state border. Home to large corporation offices such as BlueCross BlueShield, T-Mobile, Krystal and AT&T, the stronger job market benefits the town locally with bringing in arts, such as the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Festival of Writers and Chattanooga Theatre Center.
The third-largest Tennessee city, Knoxville, is perfectly situated for a day trip to North Carolina, Kentucky or, a few miles down the road, the Great Smoky Mountains. Known for its underground rock music scene, it hosts several festivals, including the Dogville Arts Festival; Kuumba Festival, celebrating African-American history; and the Rossini Festival, celebrating Italian music and culture.
Tennessee is known best for its two largest cities, Nashville and Memphis. Nashville, the state capitol, is home to country music and a slew of colleges and universities, and site of many parks and gardens. An Athenian Parthenon replica, Opryland music and excellent sports teams such as the Tennessee Titans draw tourists and residents alike.
Memphis, known best for Elvis and home-style barbecue, is another great retirement city. Seated on the Mississippi River, Memphis is deeply grounded in entertainment. Carnival Memphis, the Cooper-Young Festival and other blues, rock and country music events are held throughout the year. Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Pink Palace Science Museum, Cotton Museum and lots of other stops will keep you busy and treat you to great food.
