Town office building and sign in Erwin, TN. Editorial credit: J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock.com

10 Safest Towns In Tennessee For Senior Living

Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, Tennessee has increased in popularity as a retirement destination because of its low cost of living and tax-friendly environment. But when it comes to senior living, safety takes priority. Beyond the economic benefits, Tennessee offers stunning settings, a mild climate, a rich culture, and plenty of outdoor activities. From the vibrant yet secure neighborhoods of Germantown to the peaceful charm of Tullahoma, these 10 charming towns in Tennessee cater to a variety of lifestyles, especially when it comes to low crime rates.

Maryville

A building in the Maryville College campus in Maryville, Tennessee.
A building in the Maryville College campus in Maryville, Tennessee. Editorial credit: Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com

Maryville is a small town close to the Great Smoky Mountains that has a population of 29,325. It offers a safe and beautiful environment for retirees looking for a tranquil lifestyle with easy access to medical care, the outdoors, and cultural events. Retirees find it appealing due to its low property taxes, first-rate healthcare facilities, and affordable cost of living. Compared to the average for Tennessee, its crime rate is 64% lower, which encourages retirees to live there. Maryville features pleasant winters and warm summers, which make it a great place for year-round outdoor activities in contrast to the cold northern states.

Sign for the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson located on the Tail of the Dragon trail in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryville, Tennessee.
Sign for the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson located on the Tail of the Dragon trail in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryville, Tennessee. Editorial credit: ehrlif / Shutterstock.com

Erwin

The Centenary United Methodist Church in Erwin, Tennessee.
The Centenary United Methodist Church in Erwin, Tennessee. Editorial credit: Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock.com

With just 6,000 residents, Erwin is the ideal destination for retirees seeking a thriving culture and a wide range of outdoor activities. It has a sizable senior community, a reasonably priced cost of living, and one of the lowest rates of crime, 73.9% lower than the national average. Seniors can enjoy fishing and kayaking on the Nolichucky River, which runs through the town. They can experience a variety of outdoor activities, like picnicking, hiking the nature trail, and visiting the Erwin National Fish Hatchery to see the incredible local wildlife.

The town office of Erwin, Tennessee.
The town office of Erwin, Tennessee.

Paris

Welcome sign along US 79.
Welcome sign along US 79. By Flickr user ktylerconk (Kathleen Conklin), CC BY 2.0, Wikipedia.

With a population of 10,341, a low cost of living, and a friendly community, Paris is perfect for retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle. It combines natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and accessible amenities. Paris's crime rate is 37% lower than the Tennessee average, which makes it even more appealing. The town also boasts senior-friendly services and diverse community events that foster social interaction. Seniors can enjoy outdoor activities at local parks like the Eiffel Tower Park, which has walking trails and picnic areas. Paris also boasts robust healthcare services through the Henry County Medical Center, a comprehensive healthcare facility offering a range of medical services.

Signal Mountain

Mushroom Rock on Signal Mountain, Tennessee.
Mushroom Rock on Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

Famous for its stunning views, waterfalls, incredible hiking routes, and remarkable streams, Signal Mountain is the perfect place for golden agers searching for a gorgeous location to spend their time. With a population of 8,800, it has an excellent livability Score of 75/100 and a very low crime rate, 86% lower than the Tennessee average. Seniors can appreciate scenic trails such as the Rainbow Lake Trail, Cumberland Trail, and Signal Point Trailhead, offering gorgeous views of the Tennessee River and surrounding valleys. Residents of Signal Mountain have access to several reputable healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas, such as Erlanger Primary Care, CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson, and more.

Sunset on Signal Mountain, Tennessee.
Sunset on Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

Crossville

Buildings along South Main Street (U.S. Route 127) in Crossville, Tennessee.
Buildings along South Main Street (U.S. Route 127) in Crossville, Tennessee. By Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Situated in Cumberland County, Crossville is a small city with 11,700 residents. It has important golf courses and is referred to as Tennessee's Golf Capital. Because of its closeness to a state park, it is the ideal place for seniors who enjoy the outdoors. Its below-average crime rate, housing, healthcare facilities, and cost of living all attract retirees. In addition to golf, Crossville has more than 80 miles of hiking trails that let locals enjoy Cumberland County's natural splendor. It also boasts reputable healthcare services through Cumberland Medical Center, recognized for quality care and patient satisfaction.

Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Tennessee.
Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Tennessee.

Church Hill

View of Church Hill, Tennessee, United States.
View of Church Hill, Tennessee, United States. By Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikipedia.

With a crime rate 72.1% lower than the national average, Church Hill is the safest town for seniors. With proximity to natural attractions like the Appalachian Mountains and located along the Holston River, the town offers a peaceful atmosphere for retirees seeking calm and tranquility. With a small population of 6,664, Church Hill has an excellent livability score and boasts various local events, activities, and gatherings tailored for the senior community. While Church Hill itself does not host major hospitals, several reputable medical centers are located within a short drive, such as Holston Valley Medical Center, ensuring that residents get the facilities they need without having to drive too far.

Kingston Springs

CaptiFestival in Kingston Springs, Tennessee.
CaptiFestival in Kingston Springs, Tennessee, via Town of Kingston Springs: Community - Photo Galleryon

Kingston Springs is located in Cheatham County, just 20 miles from downtown Nashville. Thanks to its small population of 2,811 and closeness to Nashville, its citizens benefit from both the big city and a small town. Seniors are attracted to this charming town, which has a reasonable cost of living, excellent healthcare costs, and a crime rate equivalent to 6.5, significantly lower than the national average of 22.7. While Kingston Springs itself does not have any hospitals within its immediate vicinity, residents have access to several medical facilities in the surrounding areas, such as TriStar Ashland City Medical Center.

Germantown

The historic downtown of Germantown, Tennessee.
The historic downtown of Germantown, Tennessee. Image credit: Thomas R Machnitzki, via Wikimedia Commons.

Germantown is a top option for seniors looking for a safe and relaxing place to live. With its low crime rate of 51% lower than the Tennessee average, beautiful parks, and strong healthcare facilities, it delivers an excellent quality of life. There are various senior-friendly activities, including community events at the Pickering Center, programs at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, and fitness classes at the Germantown Athletic Club. ​Germantown, Tennessee, offers residents access to several reputable healthcare facilities, such as Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Hospital, which are dedicated to delivering quality healthcare services to the Germantown community, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive medical care.​

Mount Juliet

Sign on Mt. Juliet Road (Highway 171) welcoming commuters to Mt. Juliet.
Sign on Mt. Juliet Road (Highway 171) welcoming commuters to Mt. Juliet. By MtJulietEditor96 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikipedia.

Mount Juliet, TN, offers a strong sense of community for seniors, with a mix of suburban comfort and convenient access to Nashville. Its low crime rates, 75% lower than the Tennessee average, make it an ideal place for retirees seeking a safe, active, and fulfilling lifestyle. The town features beautiful parks like Charlie Daniels Park, which has walking trails and picnic areas perfect for outdoor activities. The regional senior movement center provides social gatherings, fitness classes, and lifelong learning programs to keep citizens engaged. Shopping and dining options are abundant, with Providence Marketplace offering a mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment.

Tullahoma

Jackson Street in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Jackson Street in Tullahoma, Tennessee. By Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Tullahoma, Tennessee, boasts a mild climate, affordable housing, and a senior-friendly atmosphere. Tullahoma's crime rate is 17% lower than the Tennessee average, which makes it a safe place for retirees. Elders can enjoy outdoor activities at Tims Ford State Park, explore the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, or participate in programs at the D.W. Wilson Community Center. The city also includes an excellent healthcare system, such as Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital, NHC HealthCare Tullahoma, ensuring that retirees have access to a broad spectrum of medical services, from emergency and specialized care to rehabilitation and urgent treatments.

View from Caboose Park in downtown Tullahoma, Tennessee.
View from Caboose Park in downtown Tullahoma, Tennessee. By Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Whether retirees seek an affordable town to enjoy their golden years or a picturesque setting to wake up to each morning, safety remains a top priority. Tennessee offers the perfect blend of both, providing seniors with beautiful landscapes, welcoming communities, and a high quality of life. With excellent healthcare facilities, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community, Tennessee continues to be a top choice for retirees looking for comfort, security, and a fulfilling retirement.

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