Best Cities for Young Professionals in Tennessee
Tennessee ranks #16 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 60.0. Franklin is its best city for young professionals at 65.5.
- Tennessee, all states
- #16 of 50
- Population
- 87,133
Tennessee for Young Professionals: The Full Picture
Tennessee ranks #16 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 46/100, with 3.5% unemployment and a median household income of $71,997. Modest population growth of 0.88% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. Tennessee's cost-of-living index of 91.9 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Tennessee's livability score of 47/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 43/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Franklin | A+ | 65.5 | 69.5 | 79 | 60 | 50 | 87,133 |
| 2Collierville | A+ | 63.4 | 67.6 | 86 | 41 | 35 | 51,515 |
| 3Spring Hill | A | 62.8 | 63.4 | 76 | 74 | 35 | 55,765 |
| 4Lebanon | B+ | 62.5 | 60.3 | 57 | 94 | 40 | 44,788 |
| 5Brentwood | A+ | 61.6 | 68.0 | 92 | 43 | 31 | 45,556 |
| 6Smyrna | B | 60.4 | 58.3 | 63 | 88 | 31 | 56,692 |
| 7Gallatin | B+ | 59.8 | 58.9 | 59 | 81 | 35 | 48,532 |
| 8Hendersonville | B+ | 57.7 | 61.5 | 69 | 48 | 34 | 63,091 |
| 9Murfreesboro | B | 55.1 | 57.1 | 61 | 53 | 38 | 161,445 |
| 10Bartlett | B+ | 54.8 | 59.1 | 67 | 33 | 33 | 56,876 |
| 11Johnson City | C+ | 54.5 | 55.6 | 49 | 62 | 37 | 72,222 |
| 12Columbia | C+ | 54.5 | 54.1 | 47 | 72 | 36 | 45,441 |
| 13Knoxville | C | 54.1 | 51.8 | 48 | 59 | 55 | 195,185 |
| 14Nashville | C | 53.9 | 50.4 | 60 | 58 | 50 | 690,130 |
| 15Chattanooga | C | 52.5 | 50.9 | 51 | 54 | 48 | 185,783 |
| 16Clarksville | C+ | 52.4 | 53.4 | 51 | 58 | 30 | 176,456 |
| 17Cleveland | C | 51.6 | 51.6 | 45 | 57 | 38 | 48,829 |
| 18Kingsport | C | 50.6 | 51.3 | 44 | 48 | 45 | 56,262 |
| 19Jackson | D | 46.3 | 44.4 | 42 | 45 | 35 | 68,435 |
| 20Memphis | F | 41.6 | 37.4 | 37 | 31 | 57 | 618,980 |
City young professionals 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 Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Tennessee for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a good state for young professionals?
Tennessee ranks #16 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 60.0/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (78/100) and its weakest is Health (29/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Tennessee?
Franklin ranks #1 in Tennessee for young professionals with a score of 65.5/100, followed by Collierville and Spring Hill.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Tennessee?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.