6 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Tennessee

Here Are 6 Lesser Known Spots Perfect for Retiring in Tennessee!

There are a bunch of great reasons to move to Tennessee for retirement, and these are the spots that aren’t quite as popular as Nashville! While there are a few ‘cons’ that can be said about retiring in Tennessee, this list will tell you everything you need to know!

A lack of comprehensive statewide public transportation means living anywhere outside of the biggest cities necessitates being able to drive. However, the state has tons to offer in terms of entertainment, and with affordable housing near enough to access it! Additionally, taking a look at US Census data we can figure out the percentages of people over the age of 65, showing popularity with seniors! 

Considering the different preferences retirees may have, this list isn’t ranked in any particular order. While some of the larger cities may not strike you as ‘hidden treasures’, they serve as perfect destinations for those who retire in Tennessee! Most of these places aren’t unheard of, but they don’t have Florida’s reputation among the retirement ready!

All of the items on this list have been included according to a set of criteria. These include the entertainment/amenities, cost of living, cost of healthcare, and cost of housing of each entry. Also factored in is the crime rate, and of course the population over 65 for each! Remember that these are listed in no particular order, as personal preference will determine what fits each retiree the best!

Tellico Village

For those looking for a pre-planned retirement community, Tellico Village is ideal! Without enforcing a minimum age like other retirement communities, Tellico Village is only three quarters (75%) seniors. With a much smaller population compared to the larger cities on this list (at under 10,000), Tellico Village is perfect for retirees looking to move into a quieter, country-style life! Though the cost of living is higher than the national average, the significantly lower crime rate goes a long way of making it worth it! Additionally, a nearby golf course and the Little Tennessee River are the perfect places for seniors to indulge in their preferred pastimes! 

Kingsport

The other medium to large sized cities ideal for retirees on this list don’t have more than 10% of inhabitants over 65 years old, but Kingsport is different! Seniors make up a quarter (25%) of the city, making Kingsport perfect for those looking to live alongside fellow seniors! With a beautiful art scene and parks development, Kingsport residents can enjoy living alongside their similarly aged neighbors! Although its a medium sized city, the surrounding nature will leave you feeling ‘tucked away’ in Kingsport. With its cost of living, healthcare, and housing being lower than the national average, its significantly higher crime rate is Kingsport’s only downside.

Memphis

One of the biggest cities in Tennessee, Memphis is the perfect new location for retirees who love live music and city-living! Blues, soul, and of course rock n’ roll music all share deep roots within the city. The historical music scene is sure to entertain senior musicians and music enthusiasts alike, with museums and clubs jamming year-round! With only 4% of the population over 65, Memphis is also ideal for seniors who enjoy a multi-generational experience! The healthcare, housing, and living costs are all lower than the national average, taking it easy on retirement funds! Of our criteria, crime rate is the one area in which Memphis is significantly higher than other options on this list. Considering its the largest city on this list by some margin, the correlation is more easily understandable. With over half a million people calling Memphis home, this exciting city is waiting for you to join them!

Germantown

If Memphis seems almost perfect but perhaps a bit too big, the nearby city of Germantown is for you! Only a 30 minute drive from downtown Memphis, Germantown offers retirees a slightly calmer lifestyle. The great amenities and music heritage of the bigger city remain in arm’s reach, but the small distance sees a large drop in the crime rate! The increased safety is great reassurance for retirees, yet comes along with a slightly higher cost of living and housing. With only a slightly higher population of seniors than Memphis proper, the suburb of Germantown remains a good choice for seniors looking for multi-generational living! ‘The Village’ in Germantown also offers a planned retirement community for those in need of assisted living!

Knoxville

Crossing the state to its northeast corner, the city of Knoxville is our next choice for a city-living retiree’s heaven! With nearly 10% of the population being over 65, multi-generational living is still possible in Knoxville. But the infrastructure for a senior-centric lifestyle is all there as well! With numerous retirement communities throughout town, the city senior centers organizes hikes, field trips, and more! Featuring a low cost of housing, living and healthcare, Knoxville is a perfectly affordable mid-sized city to call home! Like most mid-sized and larger cities, Knoxville does have a higher than average crime rate.

Chattanooga

At a similar size to Knoxville, Chattanooga boasts beautiful nature scenes of the Appalachian mountains. Perfect for seniors with a love of wildlife, fishing, hiking, and enjoying nature, Knoxville has no end of activities for retirees! Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District is perfect for artists and art enthusiasts! The beautiful riverside of the Tennessee river is yet another natural amenity for those who choose to call Chattanooga home! With lower than average costs of living, healthcare, and housing, Chattanooga is an amazingly affordable place to settle down! Joining the nearly 200,000 inhabitants nestled between the river and the mountains, nature-lovers are sure to love retiring here!