Selecting an appropriate city to start a family involves meticulously evaluating multiple aspects like security, schooling options, employment prospects, and general living standards. Tennessee, celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural vistas, and friendly neighborhoods, presents numerous urban areas that excel as prime locations for households. Therefore, what are the top spots within Tennessee suited for raising a family?
Tennessee provides various cities and towns perfect for families seeking to establish their roots. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville or the picturesque landscapes of Chattanooga, every municipality boasts its distinctive appeal and benefits.
Top 10 Cities to Live In for Tennessee
The compilation of top cities to reside in Tennessee draws upon information sourced from Niche and New Home Source. This evaluation takes into account numerous aspects such as standard of living, levels of criminal activity, availability of medical care, and general communal welfare. Therefore, what are considered the finest municipalities within Tennessee?
|
City |
Quality of Life (Index Score out of 10) |
|
Chattanooga |
7.5/10 |
|
Knoxville |
7.3/10 |
|
Memphis |
7.1/10 |
|
Nashville |
6.7/10 |
|
Franklin |
6.6/10 |
|
Jackson |
6.4/10 |
|
Hendersonville |
6.3/10 |
|
Collierville |
6.2/10 |
|
Clarksville |
6.1/10 |
|
Union City |
6.0/10 |
1. Chattanooga
-
Area code:
423 -
Demonym:
Chattanoogan -
Elevation:
676 ft (206 m) -
Incorporated:
1839
Chattanooga has been acknowledged as the top location within Tennessee, placing 27th nationally in the United States. This recognition underscores its remarkable metamorphosis from being known as “America’s most polluted city” to becoming an energetic center with a rejuvenated downtown area.
The city benefits from a strong sense of community, scenic natural surroundings, and the cost of living below the national average. Factors such as quality of life, value, desirability, and job market were key in achieving this ranking.
2. Knoxville
-
Area code:
865 -
Demonym:
Knoxvillian -
Founded:
1791 -
Incorporated:
1815
Knoxville stands out as one of the top locations within Tennessee for living. It earns praise for being budget-friendly, offering housing at prices lower than the nationwide average, which provides excellent value to its inhabitants.
Knoxville boasts a lively community featuring a wide array of cultural and recreational options, along with easy access to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Moreover, its strategic location near key roadways and its young demographic, shaped largely by the presence of the University of Tennessee, add to its attractiveness for potential residents.
3. Memphis
-
Demonym:
Memphian -
Elevation:
337 ft (103 m) -
Founded:
May 22, 1819 -
Incorporated:
December 19, 1826 -
Named for:
Memphis, Egypt
Among the top locations in Tennessee for residents, Memphis stands out mainly because of its affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community. Even though it scores somewhat lower in overall quality of life compared to some other urban centers, Memphis provides an economical place to live, boasting housing expenses considerably below the nationwide average.
The cost of living in Memphis is roughly 13% below the national average. As an illustration, food expenses tend to be cheaper here, with groceries costing around 8% less compared to the nationwide standard. Additionally, the city has maintained a cozy, tight-knit atmosphere that attracts those looking for a more communal environment within their family setting.
4. Nashville
-
Area code:
615 -
Demonym:
Nashvillian -
Elevation:
554 ft (169 m) -
Founded:
1779 -
Named for:
Francis Nash
Among the most favored cities in Tennessee, Nashville takes a prominent position. It stands as the 50th most notable out of the leading 150 large American urban areas. The city known as Music City excelled in categories such as its dynamic culinary and musical landscape along with an expanding employment sector.
Similar to other urban areas, Nashville experienced a decline in rankings due to its unaffordability, scoring only 6.7 out of 10. According to research from 2024, an individual would require an annual income of $99,757 to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Nashville.
In order to manage the price of an average home in Nashville, households require a yearly pre-tax income exceeding $100,000. Nonetheless, Nashville presents a comparatively reasonable cost of living when contrasted with other expanding urban centers.
5. Franklin
-
ZIP Code(s):
37064, 37065, 37067, 37068, 37069 -
Area code:
615 -
Elevation:
643 ft
Franklin stands out as the most pleasant place to reside in Tennessee because of its distinctive mix of quaint town appeal and contemporary facilities. Situated 20 miles away from Nashville, this locale provides a deep historical setting coupled with a thriving economy fueled by prominent companies such as Nissan and Mars Petcare.
This city features top-notch educational institutions, minimal criminal activity, and an abundance of leisure activities, rendering it perfect for family life and the most secure place to reside within Tennessee. The charming historic district of Franklin, adorned with Victorian structures, serves as the backdrop for multiple cultural celebrations and community gatherings.
6. Jackson
-
Area code:
731 -
Elevation:
410 ft -
Founded:
1821 -
Named for:
Andrew Jackson
Jackson, Tennessee, stands out as one of the premier locations within the state thanks to its deep-rooted heritage, budget-friendly lifestyle, and lively social scene. The city boasts an array of cultural sites such as museums and parks, significantly enriching the everyday experience for locals.
Jackson boasts a varied employment sector including roles in healthcare, manufacturing, and education, which contributes significantly to its economic stability. The area’s neighborhoods are known for their welcoming environments and tight-knit communities, complemented by the picturesque natural surroundings that offer numerous options for outdoor recreation.
7. Hendersonville
-
Elevation:
640 m -
Area code:
828 -
Incorporated:
1847
Hendersonville takes pride in its tight-knit community, top-notch educational institutions, and plentiful leisure options. Nicknamed “The City by the Lake,” it provides various outdoor pursuits such as angling and watercraft navigation on Old Hickory Lake.
This city boasts highly ranked educational institutions such as Merrol Hyde Magnet School and maintains an impressively low jobless rate of 4.5%. It is anticipated that employment will grow by approximately 14% leading up to 2025. Furthermore, thanks to its closeness to Nashville, locals can enjoy the conveniences typically associated with urban areas without losing their suburban lifestyle.
8. Collierville
-
Population:
51,594 (2022) -
Area code:
901 -
Elevation:
381 ft
While Collierville might not hold the title of being the richest municipality in Tennessee, it certainly ranks as one of the state’s most desirable places to live. Its appeal stems from factors such as an outstanding standard of living, secure neighborhoods, top-tier educational institutions, and numerous conveniences available for residents.
This town frequently stands out due to its welcoming atmosphere for families and emphasis on communal life, which makes it attractive to people across different age groups. Additionally, the cost of living in Collierville is notably lower than in bigger cities, featuring homes priced at an average of about $468,200, thus remaining quite reasonable.
The combination of low costs and various facilities makes this town a appealing choice for both families and individuals aiming to achieve a good equilibrium between expenses and living standards.
9. Clarksville
-
Area code:
931 -
Elevation:
476 ft -
Founded:
1784
Money Magazine has labeled Clarksville as a “New Boomtown,” emphasizing its swift increase in population and employment prospects. The city is witnessing substantial investment from leading corporations.
It’s expected that the employment sector will expand by 9% within the coming four years, which is double the nationwide growth rate. Additionally, Fort Campbell, among the biggest military installations in the United States, significantly supports the regional economy through extensive career openings and by drawing in many military personnel and their families.
In Clarksville, housing costs remain comparatively reasonable when measured against nationwide figures. The typical home price stands at around $325,000.
10. Union City
-
Area code:
731 -
Established:
1854 -
Named for:
Local railroad junction
Union City, Tennessee, ranks among the top spots to reside within the state, largely due to its comparatively affordable cost of living.
The median home value is $135,400, significantly lower than the national median of $281,900. Also, Union City is a good place for families, with above-average public schools and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Union City provides a tranquil and calm way of life with a more relaxed tempo compared to larger urban areas. It exudes a subdued suburban atmosphere.
Wrapping up
The premier locations within Tennessee for families looking to settle down encompass Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Franklin, Jackson, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Collierville, Clarksville, and Union City. These locales excel due to their welcoming atmospheres, featuring highly rated educational institutions alongside minimal criminal activity.
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