Discover the 5 Most Educated Places in Tennessee

When you imagine educated places in Tennessee, you might pick some with acclaimed universities, like Nashville (Vanderbilt and Belmont) or Knoxville (University of Tennessee). On the other hand, “educated” might conjure images of Oak Ridge, the engineers and scientists of The Manhattan Project. However, you’d be surprised because the towns with the most people who have earned a bachelor’s degree are all small, most around only a few hundred. What are they? Let’s discover the five most educated places in Tennessee.

5. Oak Hill

South of Nashville in Davidson County, Oak Hill is an upscale and unique suburb. Filled with what were once 1800s plantations and private farms, the area has changed immeasurably in the past 200 years.

61.9% of its residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, more than double the rate of the state as a whole. The median household income is $174,643, again more than double Tennessee’s, and the average home price of $801,900 (more than double the Nashville Metro area) certainly reflects the affluence of the area. The poverty level is also low here — less than 1% — in this most educated place.

Judge John Overton formulated a horse breeding farm here in the 1790s, and the area, like many Nashville neighborhoods, increased incredibly, especially after World War II, with a population as of 2021 at 4,814. The Tennessee Governor’s Mansion lies in Oak Hill. Additionally, the neighborhood lies next to Radnor Lake State Park, a 1,300-acre park surrounding an 85-acre lake.

Experience a unique eating experience at Caney Fork Restaurant, featuring catfish sliders and bison burgers.

4. Prospect

In Giles County 20 miles south of county seat Pulaski, Prospect is a small unincorporated community of only 1.4 square miles and 90 residents. 63.3% of its residents have earned a bachelor’s degree, more than double the rate of Tennessee.

The community’s median household income is $52,708, and its poverty rate is 8.9%, about two-thirds lower than Giles County. Its 76% female population averages 52.5 years old.

Elk River Adventures offers nearby kayaking and rafting rentals, and you can eat a steamed sandwich or homemade soup at The Yellow Deli in nearby Pulaski.

3. Belle Meade

Only 4.2 miles east of #5 most educated in Tennessee, 3.1-square mile Belle Meade is also known for its wealth. In Davidson County, Belle Meade’s population is 3,016, and 63.4% of these residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree.

The median household income here is $250,001, and its average home price of $1,662,100 reflects this upper-crust earning potential. Only 1% of the independent city lives below the poverty line, and its residence balance to about half male and female residents, with an average age of 45.7.

Belle Meade’s history is rich, especially the Civil War era. 30-acre Belle Meade Plantation, founded by John Harding, showcases artifacts and demonstrations from this tumultuous era. Residents of note in this well-educated community include former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, country singers Vince Gill and Amy Grant, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham.

Satisfy your hunger at Roze Pony, where diners enjoy smoked trout toast and shaved prime rib sandwiches.

2. Statesville

At only .9 square miles, Statesville’s population is 284. Its median age is a young 37.4, and 63.4% of these residents have earned a bachelor’s degree. The city is an astonishing 93% male, with a median household income of $80,914 (1.4 times the amount in Tennessee). Its median home price is $225,800.

Established in 1812, the town was originally called Smith’s Fork. In 1818 when the community requisitioned a post office, its name was changed to Statesville, honoring the North Carolina town of the same name because many of its residents hailed from the sister town.

Only a little over six miles south of Watertown, Tennessee, Statesville also boasts a 100% high school graduation rate. Eat at nearby Depot Junction Cafe or Dining Car Restaurant if you visit this educated town.

1. Ridgeside

Tiny Ridgeside in Hamilton County holds a population of 965 in its tiny 0.2 square miles. A whopping 90.2% of its residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with its median age a relatively young 39. Its $155,000 median household income is more than twice the Chattanooga Metro area, and its median house price is $398,000. Only 2.5% of its residents live below the poverty line.

The town’s founder is John T. Shepherd, who owned a dairy farm here in the early 20th century. The area was later incorporated into Ridgeside in 1931, in some measure to avoid annexation into Chattanooga.

Because it is surrounded by Chattanooga, Ridgeside offers a plethora of recreation, shopping, and dining choices. Favorite attractions include The Chattanooga Aquarium and Lookout Mountain. For good eats, try Southside Pizza or Alleia (Italian), both personal favorites!

Summary of the 5 Most Educated Places in Tennessee