Best Cities for Retirees in Tennessee

At #37 out of 50, Tennessee isn't a traditional retirement hotspot — but that doesn't tell the whole story. The state has genuine strengths in affordability, and retirees with specific priorities (low cost of living) may find it suits them better than the aggregate ranking suggests.

For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Tennessee's health score of 14/100 is a concern — at 75.3 years, life expectancy trails the national average, and access to quality care can be uneven. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 6.38% of income. The absence of state income tax is a meaningful benefit for retirees living on fixed incomes. Property taxes run 0.58% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.

At $380,000, median home prices are above the national average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level — the statewide safety score of 28/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.