Tennessee is a fantastic holiday destination with lovely tiny towns, world-class music and dining scenes, the most-visited national park, and top-notch whiskey distilleries. Tennessee is now among the top ten fastest-growing states in the nation. With a reduced cost of living, inexpensive housing, outstanding healthcare services, colleges, and family-friendly communities, an increasing number of individuals are considering the Volunteer State as a potential home base. Tennessee’s economy was the second fastest-growing in the US last year, with plenty of job opportunities. Here are ten of Tennessee’s greatest locations to live, according to knowledgeable real estate brokers.
Nashville
Nashville is not just a popular vacation destination, but also a terrific alternative for individuals wishing to migrate. The city offers amazing entertainment, world-class restaurants, reasonable real estate, and job prospects. Nashville’s real estate market is resilient to economic downturns and has a typical property value of $420,000, making it an ideal investment destination.
According to Jenny Telwar of Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty, homes in Nashville/Middle Tennessee vary in price from $300,000 to $8 million, providing possibilities for all budgets. According to Happy Fulk, an agent with Parks Realty/Luxury Portfolio International, the most desirable neighborhood in the city is Wedgewood-Houston (or WeHo), situated south of downtown. Fulk also suggests Green Hills, Belle Meade, Oak Hill, and Forest Hills.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga, located along the Tennessee River with the Appalachian Mountains in the backdrop, is a picturesque city. The mid-sized city has roughly 183,000 people and offers all of the metropolitan conveniences you might desire while maintaining the atmosphere of a laid-back little town. The Creative Discovery Museum and the Tennessee Aquarium are great family attractions, and there is also a Minor League Baseball club and lots of water sports to enjoy.
Lizzer Graham, a real estate agent with Fletcher Bright Realty/Luxury Portfolio International, recommends Chattanooga for anyone seeking history, culture, natural beauty, adventure, and family-friendly activities. “The neighborhoods here in Chattanooga are as diverse and wonderful as the city itself.”
Downtown Chattanooga is ideal for people who want to be close to the city’s various restaurants and stores; the area’s condos provide stunning river views. North Shore is another busy area filled with cafés and unique businesses, as well as one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Hixson is also an excellent choice for families, with several parks and open areas perfect for bicycling, hiking, and canoeing.
Knoxville
Tennessee’s third-largest city, located roughly 30 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounded by conveniently accessible lakes, attracts nature enthusiasts. Knoxville, Tennessee, is home to the University of Tennessee and 25,000 college students. Add an increasing number of young professionals, and you have a bustling city with year-round sports and cultural activities.
Claudia Stallings, chief operating officer at Wallace Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, explained that the area offers a variety of housing options, including downtown condos, modest homes, properties with large yards, and sprawling lakefront homes. Property taxes are also relatively low. The typical property value is roughly $325,000.
Diana Traylor, principal broker with Crye-Leike Realtors, recommends exploring communities including West Knoxville, Powell, Halls, Hardin Valley, and Karns.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville, located along the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake, keeps its 63,000 citizens busy with a variety of water activities. Add to it the town’s 11 parks, biking paths, tennis courts, and tee-ball fields, and you can see why residents spend so much time outside.
According to Jayne Coleman, a realtor with Parks Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, Hendersonville is home to many well-known individuals, but it is not necessary to be famous to live there.She also said that homes priced between $358,000 and $500,000 are in fewer supply than they were a year ago, but they do tend to remain on the market longer, allowing prospective buyers more time to make a decision.
Murfreesboro
Ronda Hawkins, a broker with Parks Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International and Murfreesboro local, describes her community as “the secret of Tennessee.” Murfreesboro’s closeness to Nashville (approximately 30 miles distant) provides several big-city amenities, such as an international airport, huge event venues, and healthcare facilities. However, home prices in this area are far cheaper.
“The great news for homebuyers is that we do have inventory,” Hawkins said. “The west side offers a lot of new construction, allowing purchasers to choose finishes and fittings. There are terrific entry-level pricing points, so you can acquire a new house for $350,000 to $450,000, which is amazing when compared to other locations in Middle Tennessee.”
Shelton Square, Breckenridge, and Riverview are among Murfreesboro’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Franklin
Franklin is Tennessee’s sixth fastest growing city, with about 40% more population than a decade earlier.
“The Franklin area is the epitome of town and country,” said Charlie Neese of Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty. “It has a beautifully restored and vibrant downtown area which has kept the historic charm alive and well.”
Franklin also includes several parks, as well as the lovely Harpeth River, where inhabitants enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The town’s lovely environment and closeness to Nashville (approximately 20 miles) make it popular among celebrities such as Carrie Underwood. However, you do not have to be wealthy to purchase a home here.
“Condos and townhomes in Franklin start in the $300,000s,” Neese told me. Westhaven and Ladd Park are popular communities.
Memphis
Memphis has many work opportunities, particularly in the healthcare area, as well as good schools, athletic facilities, and teams. The cost of living here is lower than both the national and state averages. With hundreds of miles of hiking and bike trails and a historic music culture, it’s difficult to think of a reason not to relocate here.
According to Mickey McLellan, a broker at Crye-Leike Realtors/Luxury Portfolio International, Memphis provides significant value when it comes to house ownership. The city’s typical house value is around $148,000, the lowest of any city on our list; if you’re in the market, consider the communities of Chickasaw Gardens, Belle Meade, Kirby Woods, The Cloisters, and Normandy Park.
Collierville
Collierville, another attractive tiny town with big-city conveniences, has a population of around 52,000 and is just 30 minutes from Memphis. Abundant natural resources lured Native Americans and European immigrants to the region, so there is a lot of history to discover here. Nowadays, families are drawn to Collierville because of its educational system, laid-back lifestyle, and feeling of community. A steady real estate market might also assist.
“Collierville is a diverse town, with a neighborhood for everyone. According to Kay Paul of Crye-Leike Realtors/Luxury Portfolio International, the average sales price is $528,464, while new construction starts at more than $600,000.
Johnson City
Johnson City, situated in northeast Tennessee’s Appalachian Mountains foothills, is known for its stunning mountain vistas. Numerous lakes and rivers are also phrazle nearby. If you’re searching for a lengthy weekend getaway, Nashville, Atlanta, Asheville, and Charlotte are all less than 300 miles away.
“The desirability of our beautiful town has driven demand through the roof,” said Greg Cox, owner and broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Greg Cox Real Estate. “Quality listings do hit the market every day, and the competitive frenzy has slowed down to help make the process less stressful.”
Despite an almost 9% gain from last year, the median property value remains below $250,000.
Clarksville
This community on the Kentucky border has seen exceptional development in the last decade, despite being just a 40-minute drive from Nashville. Clarksville, home to Dunbar Cave State Park, a 144-acre protected area with hiking trails, rich wildlife, ancient cave art, and the twisting Cumberland River, is an exquisite getaway where nature reigns supreme.The city is now revitalizing its downtown region with mixed-use shops and luxury housing.
“Homebuyers will find properties in almost any price range and still have access to great schools, a growing healthcare community, and an easy drive to Nashville,” said Eddie Ferrell of Crye-Leike Realtors/Luxury Portfolio International.
Choosing a Clarksville broker that understands the city’s communities and lifestyles is critical to locating your ideal house. Sango, Cunningham, Woodlawn, and downtown are some of the most desirable neighborhoods. The typical house value in town is $289,835.