Deciding where to spend your retirement years is a significant choice. Along with exploring locations that offer ample recreational opportunities, it’s crucial to factor in the cost of living and availability of healthcare options.
Retirees flock to Tennessee for many reasons, and it’s no secret why. Retire Tennessee reports that the state’s lack of state income tax or state property tax is a significant draw. Additionally, Tennessee boasts the eighth lowest cost of living, which is 10.3 percent below the national average. The state’s natural beauty, abundant outdoor spaces, and thriving arts and culture scene only add to its appeal for retirees.
According to Mark Ezell, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee is a top-notch retirement destination due to its low cost of living, absence of state income or pension tax, exceptional healthcare, pleasant climate, vibrant music and entertainment scene, picturesque landscapes, and overall quality of life.
Tennessee is a highly sought-after destination for retirees, with 12 certified Retire Tennessee communities to choose from. These communities provide everything retirees need to make their retirement years comfortable and enjoyable.
Tennessee boasts a mild climate with four distinct seasons, making it an ideal place to call home. The state’s travel options are also impressive, with Nashville International Airport (BNA) offering direct flights to destinations across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe (including a direct flight to London on British Airways). Additionally, airports in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis connect residents to destinations throughout the United States. And if you’re up for a road trip, Tennessee’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for your next adventure.
According to Anna Altic, a representative of RE/MAX Homes and Estates in Nashville, now could be an ideal time to purchase a home in Tennessee as home values are still on the rise. She stated that Tennessee has continued to be among the top states in the nation for home value appreciation since the pandemic.
Are you ready to discover the top retirement destinations in Tennessee? Let’s dive right in!
Nashville
This Article Includes
According to Altic, Nashville, Tennessee, is a great place for retirees who want to remain in the midst of the action. The city’s vibrant music, arts, and dining scenes, as well as its access to top-notch healthcare, are among the reasons why people choose to settle here.
Nashville offers an abundance of activities, making it an ideal destination for active retirees who have no intentions of slowing down.
Altic, who has been working with retirees for over 20 years, observes a significant shift in their needs. According to him, retirees nowadays are more active and keen on staying close to the action, which could be anything from outdoor activities to a bustling dining or nightlife scene.
While Nashville may be famous for its music scene, there’s a lot more to discover in this vibrant city. In addition to its rich musical heritage, Nashville boasts four professional sports teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Soccer Club, and the Nashville Sounds. The city’s food scene is also thriving, with a diverse range of restaurants serving everything from sushi and tacos to cheesesteaks and Afro-fusion cuisine. And when it comes to shopping, Nashville has it all, from locally made products to high-end designer brands, available at its many shopping malls and districts.
Nashville received several accolades in 2019, including being named one of the best cities in the South by Southern Living and one of the top cities in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers. Additionally, it was ranked as the top place to live in Tennessee by T+L.
Johnson City
Johnson City, a certified Retire Tennessee community, offers a plethora of exciting outdoor activities, performing arts, a bustling downtown, a top-notch healthcare system, and a low cost of living. Retirees can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle by taking advantage of the Tweetsie Trail, a 9.5-mile paved walking path, or by exploring one of the 30 parks, facilities, and community centers located within the city. The Johnson City Senior Center is the perfect place for those aged 50 and above to live an active life through active living. For retirees interested in arts and culture, the Martin Center for the Arts is a must-visit destination that hosts a variety of musical performances, comedy shows, and Broadway productions.
Retirees can find solace in knowing that top-notch healthcare facilities, like Johnson City Medical Center, affiliated with East Tennessee State University, and Mountain Home VA Medical Center are easily accessible to them.
Kingsport
Kingsport, situated in the Northeast region of Tennessee, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, is an excellent destination for retirees. The city offers a plethora of outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for adventurers. Kingsport boasts an extensive network of outdoor walking and biking paths, which can be found in various parks throughout the city. Additionally, the Kingsport Greenbelt, a stunning 10-mile paved path that stretches across the city, is a must-visit for all outdoor enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for some fun outdoor activities to do with your grandkids, Fort Patrick Henry Lake and Warriors’ Path State Park are great options to consider. Fort Patrick Henry Lake is perfect for fishing and boating, while Warriors’ Path State Park offers a Boundless Playground that caters to children of all mental and physical abilities. Your grandkids will surely have a blast exploring these parks with you.
If you’re a fan of road trips, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Kingsport is easily accessible from 70% of the U.S. population within a day’s drive.
Kingsport is unique in the fact that it doesn’t have an income tax and also doesn’t impose any county property tax.
Bristol
Located on the border of Tennessee and Virginia, lies a vibrant town known as Bristol. One of the most legendary NASCAR tracks, the Bristol Motor Speedway, is situated here. Its sister city, Bristol, Virginia, is home to the Bristol Casino, which is set to be transformed into a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino later this year.
The city’s active downtown and The Pinnacle, an open-air shopping destination, provide residents with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, the downtown area is recognized as an Accredited Main Street Community.
Sullivan County, which includes Bristol and Kingsport, provides a cost of living that is 14.6% lower than the U.S. average, making it a practical choice.
Franklin
Located just 20 miles south of Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee has plenty to offer. Its vibrant downtown, scenic beauty, and exceptional healthcare are just a few of the things that make this historic town so special.
According to This Old House and livability.com, Franklin has been recognized as one of the top 10 suburbs to retire in and one of the best cities to live in, respectively, in 2023.
The area boasts multiple parks and outdoor spaces, offering residents plenty of opportunities to stay active. For those interested in arts and culture, there are various theaters to catch a show at, including Studio Tenn, The Franklin Theater, The Mockingbird Theater, and the FirstBank Amphitheater. It’s a great way to experience the local arts scene and enjoy some entertainment.
The Downtown Franklin Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, spans across 16 blocks filled with charming shops, delightful restaurants, and exquisite galleries. The district is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich history while also providing support for small businesses and fostering a sense of community through its numerous festivals and events held throughout the year.
The city’s healthcare sector is a major industry, boasting companies such as Community Health Systems, Cigna, HCA Health Care, MedSolutions, and Williamson Medical Center.
Retirees who have a passion for traveling will find Franklin to be an ideal destination. This small town provides a peaceful lifestyle while also offering quick access to a major airport. Nashville International Airport (BNA), which boasts 585 daily flights operated by 22 different airlines, is conveniently located just over 20 miles away.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s thriving downtown, access to outdoor activities, revitalized waterfront, and stable economy have earned it the distinction of being a certified Retire Tennessee community. It’s no surprise that it has consistently made the list of “Best Places to Retire,” with Southern Living and Investopedia naming it the top spot to retire in the South in 2023.
Chattanooga, a mid-sized city in Tennessee’s southeastern region, is an ideal destination for active retirees seeking exciting things to do. The city boasts a thriving calendar of performances and concerts hosted at top-notch venues like the Chattanooga Theatre Center, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Memorial Auditorium, and Tivoli Theater. Additionally, the city offers a plethora of restaurants and bars, making it a haven for those seeking a vibrant nightlife experience.
Chattanooga’s picturesque waterfront stretching along the Tennessee River presents a 13-mile riverwalk and an ample number of parks, making it an ideal location to relish the outdoors. For the more adventurous individuals, the Tennessee River Gorge provides an extensive range of activities such as biking, kayaking, camping, boating, and hiking, all set in an outdoor utopia. An interesting point to note is that Chattanooga is home to the tallest underground cave waterfall in the United States.
Chattanooga is an ideal destination for retirees who are interested in exploring history, arts, and culture. Visitors can delve into the past by visiting the Battles for Chattanooga Museum, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, and the 6th Calvary Museum. Art enthusiasts can indulge in the Bluff View Art District and the Hunter Museum of American Art, which offer a diverse range of artistic expressions.
Knoxville
Knoxville boasts the University of Tennessee as its home, but it’s far from being just another college town. This vibrant city offers a plethora of opportunities for arts, culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, sports, and much more.
Retirees often prioritize access to top-quality healthcare, and The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville is considered one of the state’s premier hospitals. In addition, the area boasts three senior centers that provide retirees with opportunities to stay active and connect with others in the community.
The outdoors in Knoxville are a nature lover’s dream. With its lush green surroundings, there’s plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors through activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. A must-visit destination is the Ijams Nature Center, which boasts a vast 318-acre green space offering 14 miles of trails, as well as kayaking, canoeing, and a range of exciting community events.
Knoxville boasts a vibrant arts community with several galleries and museums situated along its downtown streets. The Tennessee Theater, a historic venue, hosts various concerts and performances throughout the year. In addition, First Friday Knoxville is a monthly celebration that brings together art, music, and food to create an enjoyable community event.
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