The best places to retire in Tennessee may come to a surprise to you. In fact, many people don’t consider the Volunteer state as an attractive destination for retirees. However, with an affordable cost of living, there are numerous cities statewide that can provide everything you need in retirement.

How to Find the Best Places to Retire in Tennessee

Before you begin your search, it’s helpful to go over your finances and make a list of your interests. This list should include your family obligations, hobbies and anything else that will directly affect your daily life. Once this is done, you will have a road map to finding the best retirement city for you.

Do you want to stay close to your family? Are you tired of the big-city lifestyle and want to get away to the countryside? Maybe you are looking for a retirement village? These are the types of questions that will have a huge impact on your decision. However, there are also other elements to consider.

For example, these factors include:

• The cost of living and tax friendliness
• Entertainment and recreational value
• Crime rates within the community
• Access to medical care
• Weather in the area
• The overall culture that fits your specific interests.

The list above is a foundation to build on in retirement. Each factor is essential to your life as a retiree.

Below is a breakdown of the 10 best places to retire in Tennessee in 2022. These includes popular cities, as well as some smaller towns that are sure to surprise you. Specifically, Tennessee ranks high in overall affordability and weather in comparison with the rest of the United States. Tennessee doesn’t tax retirement plan income or Social Security tax benefits. Its drawbacks rest in crime rates, culture and wellness, according to Bankrate.

10 – Sweetwater, Tennessee

Sweetwater, in Monroe County, falls in at 10th overall and is full of adventure. There are plenty of activities for you and your grandkids.

You can enjoy a relaxing day with a glass of wine at the Tsali Notch Vineyard. There is also the Lost Sea Adventure theme park, which features a network of caves that you can explore via boat trips on an underground lake. Additionally, Sweetwater is located in the foothills of the great Smoky Mountains. So there’s plenty of great hiking available as well.

9 – Sparta, Tennessee

Sparta is a small, rural town that is full of natural beauty. It’s surrounded by several waterfalls and beautiful landscapes that attract visitors each year.

This includes the 1,157-acre Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness that has a 110-foot high cliff with an underground stream and cave. The area has several notable caves and areas for you to explore. As a result, Sparta is perfect for anyone who enjoys hiking and biking.

8 – Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Murfreesboro is one of the best places to retire in Tennessee due to its history, affordability and location. It’s just 34 miles southeast of downtown Nashville.

Since 1980, the city has been home to the St. Clair Senior Center. St. Clair helps seniors live an active and independent lifestyle through regular events and activities. It has its own newsletter and a full calendar of events that include cooking, fitness, arts and crafts, dancing and more.

7 – Paris, Tennessee

Paris, France, has its influence all over the world and that includes Tennessee. In fact, the city of Paris in Henry County has its own 70-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower. The small town is less than 30 miles away from the Kentucky border and has a population just over 10,000.

Paris, Tennessee is known for its support of the arts. The town regularly hosts musical events and also the self-proclaimed “World’s Biggest Fish Fry.”

6 – Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is known for being the home of the University of Tennessee. But it’s also a great retirement destination. Its residents consider the area to be the heart of Appalachian culture, as well as the home of the Volunteers.

The university plays a major role in providing the area with fine arts, sports and other major events. The city’s motto on its official travel website notes that it’s “A nature loving-adventure-seeking-artsy kinda town.”

5 – Nashville, Tennessee

The state capital comes in at fifth overall. Nashville has it all, but many retirees are deterred by the big-city lifestyle. Otherwise, Nashville would rank much higher on this list.

It’s home to the famous Grand Ole Opry, three major sports franchises and one of the most entertaining downtown scenes in the country. Furthermore, there are 99 parks in the city on 10,200 acres of land for you to explore. With regular events, great food and tons of entertainment, you can’t go wrong with Nashville.

4 – Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is the fourth largest city in the state, but it’s often overshadowed by Knoxville. When it comes to the best places to retire in Tennessee, however, it’s a step ahead of its eastern counterpart.

Chattanooga is full of history, entertainment, recreation and a diverse culinary scene. The Chattanooga Zoo is one of its major attractions, with over 860 animals and more than 150,000 visitors each year.