Retiring in Tennessee means choosing to invest in an exciting lifestyle and your next adventure. This amazing state has stunning scenery for the active adult who wants to reconnect with nature, while urban hubs are perfect for the more cosmopolitan retiree.
To that end, NewHomeSource has compiled the top 10 cities for retirees in Tennessee. Find the perfect city and the perfect new home for your desired lifestyle today.
Top 10 Cities and Places to Retire in Tennessee
1. Bolivar
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.70%
Median Home Value: $63,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 55.3
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 55.4
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 39
Bolivar is an affordable town outside of Memphis, perfect for retirees who want to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. When you feel outdoorsy head over to Whiteville Lake for hiking and boating. Ellen’s Arcade and Pool and West Tennessee Skydiving offer up exciting times. Tasty restaurants like Simon’s and Bigwave’s Bar and Grill round out what Bolivar has to offer.
2. Halls
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 27.70%
Median Home Value: $70,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 25.9
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 33.1
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Hall, Tennessee is a delightful rural town outside of Memphis that gives retirees a fantastic place to live. When you retire to Halls, you can enjoy easy access to the bright lights of Memphis without the constant noise. Life in Halls means getting to take a deep breath, slow down, and smell the roses when during your retirement, surrounded by a loving community.
3. Bloomingdale
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.9%
Median Home Value: $114,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 28.4
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 52.3
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 367
If you want to have the best retirement, you need to make your home in Bloomingdale, TN. This amazing community has something for everyone, surrounded by Tennessee’s sublime natural scenery. The local Bloomingdale farmers market and local wineries let you enjoy a bucolic lifestyle combined with unparalleled luxury.
4. Humboldt
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 27.80%
Median Home Value: $116,293.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 10.44
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 26.1
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 77
Life in Humboldt gives you a wonderful combination of bucolic luxury with a great town culture. Sip of Suds and Crown Winery give you great places to support local businesses, find your new favorite beverage, and enjoy good times with good people. Wall Street Grill and Sam’s Bar-B-Q are delicious local restaurants.
5. Erwin
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.2%
Median Home Value: $125,900.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 24.2
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 21.7
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 67
Erwin is a beautiful riverside town in Tennessee that gives active adults an exciting place to call home. River rafting, boating, and hiking can fill your days as you explore the amazing natural scenery that surrounds Erwin. After an adventurous day, head over to the Union Street Taphouse to find your new favorite brew.
6. Newport
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.9%
Median Home Value: $129,558.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 11.28
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 62.32
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 63
Newport is a delightful suburb of Knoxville that gives retirees an amazing and affordable place to call home. Beautiful scenery surrounds you when you make your home in Newport, but you still have easy access to a major metropolitan area, perfect for anyone who wants to seize the day during their retired years.
7. Ripley
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15%
Median Home Value: $145,526
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 17.47
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 31.21
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Ripley combines all the features that people love about rural Tennessee. Beautiful scenery provides ample opportunities for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. Historic sights and homes, like the Davy Crockett Museum and Ripley’s Old McDonald’s Farm let you explore your hometown’s past. You’ll love retired life in Ripley.
8. Dayton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%
Median Home Value: $145,716
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.4
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 14.57
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 58
Dayton, TN serves up an uneatable quality of life for retirees. Its beautiful natural setting on the Cherokee River gives active adults plenty of chances to hike, boat, and fish. The Tennessee Strawberry Festival is a fun community wide event that gives you a fun way to engage with your neighbors and your town’s history.
9. Lafayette
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.7%
Median Home Value: $146,818.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 2.67
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 18.18
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 26
Lafayette, TN is a lovely suburb of Nashville that lets you enjoy the best that the big city has to offer, without the big city price tag and constant noise. If you like the idea of retiring in Nashville, but aren’t in the mood for constant traffic, then Lafayette is the perfect place for your new home!
10. Milan
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.6%
Median Home Value: $147,832.00
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 6.24
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 20.56
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 77
Retirees will love life in Milan, the one in Tennessee not Italy. This delightful and affordable rural community sits comfortably between Nashville and Memphis, giving residents easy access to both big cities, while still providing them with a peaceful bucolic atmosphere to call home.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Tennessee Resources
Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.
Margaret Biamonte
I have been told Tennessee has beautiful weather. I have lung issues and must take climate seriously in my decision. Problem is, don’t know Where to look. Would love to be waterfront because my husband Loves Fishing. Looking for simple 3 bdrm , 2 bath, large kitchen & Family Room
Jamie Garcia
Hi Margaret,
You can find new homes in any Tennessee city on newhomesource.com! Simply enter the city you’d like to live in to view available homes.
Brenda Krantz
Land between the Lakes is a beautiful area and quite inexpensive. My daughter lives in Paris ten. Area. Very reasonable for retirees and beautiful. It comes in second under the Great Lakes as largest water system. But it is much warmer. We are moving there. Many retirees. Paris Landing area is fantastic. Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr. are among the. Residents. The Bushes duck hunt there at a place called The Big Sandy.
Al Raico
I’m looking for a place to move to and these are my requirements.
I don’t like Cold
I don’t like Hot
I don’t like large City
I don’t want to live in a crime infested place.
I would love to have a view and sound of water.
I’m retired with some health issues so I need to be somewhere I can get easy access to great medical.
I want a home with 3 bedrooms or so. And I like the modern conveniences like a smart home.
We can start with this 😂
Jamie Garcia
Hi Al,
Try checking out our piece on the safest cities in Tennessee, and narrow down your search from there! https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/safest-cities-tennessee/
Donna L Jones
I’m ready to move to a warmer climate. I’ve been to Tenn. many times. I want a rural area close to a medical center. I’m looking for an average home priced affordably. Have friends in Brownsville and Covington and would like something in that area. Any suggestions?
Jamie Garcia
Hi Donna,
You can check our our listings and builders in the Brownsville and Covington areas at newhomesource.com!
Amelita Valentin
I want a 3/2 cabin or log home near Chattanooga with waterfalls a creek or a lake on acreage under 200k
Is this attainable or am I dreaming
Jamie Garcia
Hi Amelita,
You can see all of our available homes and builders in the Chattanooga area here: https://www.newhomesource.com/builders/tn/chattanooga-area. If you don’t see a home listing that fits your criteria, you can contact a builder directly to discuss a custom build option.