As one of the most popular states in the southern United States, and one of the fastest growing states in the entire country, it’s no surprise that Tennessee offers a wide range of amazing retirement options for seniors looking for a new place to call home for their retirement years. From the vibrant city of Nashville to the picturesque mountain town of Gatlinburg, there are many great cities in Tennessee that are perfect for retirees. In this article, we will discuss some of the best cities in Tennessee to retire to and what makes them so appealing to seniors.

Why Tennessee is a Great Place to Retire

Before diving into the best cities in Tennessee to retire to, it's important to understand why Tennessee is such a great place for retirees. In the blog post "Is Tennessee a Good Place for My Senior Parents to Retire," Sunbound Homes highlights several reasons why the state is an attractive option for seniors. One of the main reasons is the low cost of living. According to the post, Tennessee is one of the most affordable states in the country, with a cost of living that is 8% lower than the national average. This means that retirees can stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Another reason why Tennessee is a great place to retire is the mild climate. The state experiences all four seasons, but the winters are mild and the summers are not as hot as some other southern states. This makes it easier for seniors to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about extreme weather conditions.

Finally, Tennessee is known for its friendly people and strong sense of community. Retirees who move to Tennessee often find it easy to make new friends and feel like they are part of a welcoming community.

Best Retirement Cities in Tennessee

Now that we've explored some of the reasons why Tennessee is a great place to retire, let's take a closer look at some of the best cities in the state for retirees.

Nashville

Known as the "Music City," Nashville is known for its rich music history and vibrant music scene, with many live music venues and festivals throughout the year. Retirees who enjoy the arts can explore many cultural attractions, including the Frist Art Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville is also home to many parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Percy Warner Park and Radnor Lake State Park. Additionally, the city has a thriving food scene with many local restaurants and eateries, and it is home to many shopping destinations, including the Opry Mills Mall. Retirees in Nashville can also take advantage of the city's many senior services and programs, including healthcare and transportation services. Overall, Nashville offers retirees a mix of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and natural beauty, making it a great place to retire for those who want a lively and dynamic lifestyle.

Along with being one of the most fun and culturally-enriching cities in the country, another benefit that makes Nashville a great place for retirement is its easy access to some of the world’s best medical facilities. While it may not be the most exciting retirement topic to think about, it’s important to make sure you have access to high quality doctors and medical facilities as you age. Thankfully Nashville has plenty of these, highlighted by the world famous Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

Chattanooga

Located in southeastern Tennessee, Chattanooga is a small city that is big on charm. Retirees who enjoy the outdoors can explore nearby parks and trails, including the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and the Cumberland Trail. Chattanooga is also home to many cultural attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art. Additionally, the city has a vibrant downtown area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, such as the Tivoli Theatre and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Retirees in Chattanooga can also take advantage of the city's many senior services and programs, including transportation and healthcare services. Overall, Chattanooga offers retirees a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and urban amenities, making it a great place to retire for those who want a diverse and dynamic lifestyle.

Knoxville

As the third-largest city in Tennessee, Knoxville offers retirees a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is home to the University of Tennessee, which provides many opportunities for lifelong learning and cultural events. Retirees who enjoy the outdoors can explore nearby parks and trails, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Urban Wilderness. Knoxville is also known for its vibrant downtown area, which is home to many restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, including the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Bijou Theatre. Additionally, Knoxville is located within driving distance of many other popular Tennessee destinations, including Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Chattanooga, making it a great base for retirees who want to explore the region. Overall, Knoxville offers retirees a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and urban amenities, making it a great place to retire for those who want a well-rounded lifestyle.

Franklin

Franklin is known for its historic downtown area, which is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and music venues. Retirees can take a stroll down Main Street and enjoy the charming architecture and beautiful scenery. Franklin is also home to many parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Harlinsdale Farm and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Retirees who enjoy the arts can explore the Franklin Theatre or attend performances at the Studio Tenn Theatre Company. Additionally, Franklin is located just a short drive from Nashville, which makes it easy for retirees to enjoy the amenities of a larger city while still living in a peaceful and welcoming community. Overall, Franklin offers retirees a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city excitement.

Cookeville

Cookeville is a great place to retire for those who want a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle. The city offers a low cost of living, which means that retirees can stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy a higher quality of life. Cookeville is also home to many parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Burgess Falls State Park and Cane Creek Park. Retirees who enjoy arts and culture can explore the Cookeville Depot Museum or catch a show at the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Cookeville is located just a short drive from Nashville and Knoxville, which makes it easy for retirees to enjoy the amenities of larger cities without sacrificing the peacefulness of small-town living.

Johnson City

Another great Tennessee college town on the list is Johnson City, Tennessee. Johnson City is home to East Tennessee State University, which provides many opportunities for lifelong learning and cultural events. Retirees who enjoy the outdoors can explore nearby parks and trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Cherokee National Forest. Johnson City is also known for its vibrant downtown area, which is home to many restaurants, shops, and galleries. The city is also home to the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, which provides many opportunities for retirees who enjoy classical music. Overall, Johnson City offers retirees a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a great place to retire for those who want a well-rounded lifestyle.

To learn more about how Sunbound can help make paying for senior living and senior care more affordable for you or your senior loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and senior care, and we’re on a mission to make senior living and senior care more affordable for everyone.