Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Tennessee
Tennessee ranks #44 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 28.8. Franklin is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 67.3.
- Tennessee, all states
- #44 of 50
- Population
- 87,133
What Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know About Tennessee
Tennessee ranks #44 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 13/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 7.2% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Tennessee's environment score of 36/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 40) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 91.9) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (52/100) is worth researching at the local level, and the overall health infrastructure (29/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Franklin | A+ | 67.3 | 69.5 | 62 | 91 | 87,133 |
| 2Brentwood | A+ | 65.6 | 68.0 | 62 | 98 | 45,556 |
| 3Johnson City | C+ | 65.5 | 55.6 | 96 | 65 | 72,222 |
| 4Lebanon | B+ | 62.5 | 60.3 | 57 | 85 | 44,788 |
| 5Collierville | A+ | 62.2 | 67.6 | 41 | 88 | 51,515 |
| 6Hendersonville | B+ | 60.3 | 61.5 | 48 | 94 | 63,091 |
| 7Spring Hill | A | 60.0 | 63.4 | 65 | — | 55,765 |
| 8Gallatin | B+ | 59.0 | 58.9 | 48 | 92 | 48,532 |
| 9Columbia | C+ | 58.6 | 54.1 | 65 | 73 | 45,441 |
| 10Smyrna | B | 58.4 | 58.3 | 60 | 72 | 56,692 |
| 11Murfreesboro | B | 57.8 | 57.1 | 60 | 70 | 161,445 |
| 12Clarksville | C+ | 57.7 | 53.4 | 62 | 74 | 176,456 |
| 13Kingsport | C | 57.4 | 51.3 | 75 | 55 | 56,262 |
| 14Bartlett | B+ | 56.8 | 59.1 | 41 | 82 | 56,876 |
| 15Cleveland | C | 56.3 | 51.6 | 68 | 59 | 48,829 |
| 16Knoxville | C | 55.2 | 51.8 | 64 | 46 | 195,185 |
| 17Chattanooga | C | 50.8 | 50.9 | 52 | 40 | 185,783 |
| 18Nashville | C | 46.7 | 50.4 | 48 | 18 | 690,130 |
| 19Jackson | D | 46.3 | 44.4 | 50 | 42 | 68,435 |
| 20Memphis | F | 37.3 | 37.4 | 41 | 7 | 618,980 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Tennessee for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Tennessee ranks #44 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 28.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (78/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (13/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee?
Franklin ranks #1 in Tennessee for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 67.3/100, followed by Brentwood and Johnson City.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.