Best Cities for Retirees in Tennessee
Tennessee ranks #28 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 60.3. Brentwood is its best city for retirees at 68.7.
- Tennessee, all states
- #28 of 50
- Population
- 45,556
Tennessee for Retirees: The Full Picture
Tennessee sits at #28 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers healthcare that, while accessible, isn't among the nation's strongest alongside below-average living costs (cost-of-living index: 91.9). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Tennessee's health score of 29/100 is a concern — at 73.8 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.
A typical home value of $334,108 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. Safety is worth researching at the local level — the statewide safety score of 52/100 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.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Brentwood | A+ | 68.7 | 68.0 | 72 | 99 | 28 | 45,556 |
| 2Collierville | A+ | 67.0 | 67.6 | 67 | 95 | 61 | 51,515 |
| 3Franklin | A+ | 66.7 | 69.5 | 68 | 84 | 47 | 87,133 |
| 4Spring Hill | A | 60.4 | 63.4 | 61 | 81 | 57 | 55,765 |
| 5Bartlett | B+ | 60.0 | 59.1 | 52 | 75 | 69 | 56,876 |
| 6Hendersonville | B+ | 59.7 | 61.5 | 50 | 71 | 62 | 63,091 |
| 7Lebanon | B+ | 54.6 | 60.3 | 49 | 48 | 68 | 44,788 |
| 8Johnson City | C+ | 54.6 | 55.6 | 41 | 28 | 81 | 72,222 |
| 9Murfreesboro | B | 54.1 | 57.1 | 46 | 59 | 65 | 161,445 |
| 10Kingsport | C | 52.9 | 51.3 | 33 | 25 | 85 | 56,262 |
| 11Gallatin | B+ | 52.3 | 58.9 | 36 | 50 | 67 | 48,532 |
| 12Smyrna | B | 52.1 | 58.3 | 40 | 53 | 67 | 56,692 |
| 13Columbia | C+ | 51.3 | 54.1 | 40 | 42 | 72 | 45,441 |
| 14Clarksville | C+ | 50.7 | 53.4 | 40 | 48 | 76 | 176,456 |
| 15Cleveland | C | 50.3 | 51.6 | 34 | 35 | 81 | 48,829 |
| 16Knoxville | C | 49.5 | 51.8 | 40 | 26 | 78 | 195,185 |
| 17Nashville | C | 48.3 | 50.4 | 53 | 48 | 63 | 690,130 |
| 18Chattanooga | C | 48.1 | 50.9 | 42 | 33 | 76 | 185,783 |
| 19Jackson | D | 40.9 | 44.4 | 22 | 22 | 83 | 68,435 |
| 20Memphis | F | 37.3 | 37.4 | 24 | 20 | 81 | 618,980 |
City retirees 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. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Tennessee for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a good state for retirees?
Tennessee ranks #28 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 60.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (78/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (13/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Tennessee?
Brentwood ranks #1 in Tennessee for retirees with a score of 68.7/100, followed by Collierville and Franklin.
What factors are most important for retirees in Tennessee?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.