10 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Tennessee

Settling down in Tennessee after an illustrious career is an opportunity to spend your golden years amidst welcoming communities with trademark Southern hospitality. From scenic mountain hamlets and historic river towns to booming cities, Tennessee offers varied options to relax and recharge. While famous destinations like Memphis and Gatlinburg may seem obvious, this guide focuses on lesser-known towns ideal for new retirees seeking affordable living, outdoor recreation, and vibrant cultural options.

Factors like amenities, safety, climate, and community spirit also go a long way in determining the perfect retirement base. The Volunteer State's knack for warm welcomes and quality of life at an easy pace make it highly suitable for leisurely retired living. Exploring these towns to retire in Tennessee lets future residents sample local flavors as they determine the ideal spot to blossom.

Adamsville

Adamsville's nickname, "Biggest Little Town in America," captures the larger-than-life personality of this charming community in McNairy and Hardin Counties. The town is often associated with the TV series "Walking Tall" star Sheriff Buford Pusser, whose legacy is impressively preserved at the Buford Pusser Home and Museum. Retirees can take advantage of remarkable outdoor experiences at Shiloh Golf Course, which blends terrific nature views and challenging play to entertain golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Meanwhile, those who prioritize personal fitness can access the latest gym and exercise equipment at Maximum Health and Fitness. This is also an excellent place to meet peers and establish lasting connections. Adamsville's low median home price of $289,500 means pensioners can invest in a new home without necessarily wiping out their retirement savings.

Waynesboro

Cultural diversity and plenty of recreational activities draw retirees to this modest town of Wayne County. Waynesboro is especially renowned for its musical heritage; it hosts the Wayne County Tennessee Museum, which pays tribute to local artists by highlighting their achievements and displaying related memorabilia. There are numerous activities to keep retirees on their toes, including unadulterated aquatic fun and socializing with other community members at Waynesboro City Park and Pool.

The same applies to exciting river adventures on the calm waters of the Buffalo River, courtesy of Crazy Horse Recreational Park. Multiple fitness centers, including Workout Anytime Waynesboro, ensure seniors can access the latest gym equipment to achieve a healthy body. The median home average, at $229,000, is lower than Tennessee's, meaning many retirees can afford it.

Erwin

Erwin is historically remembered as the site of the state's sole public elephant execution. However, this is only a dark spot in its colorful past; this Unicoi County town promises seniors good vibes in a rich natural setting. With the Nolichucky River passing through the city, the USA Raft Adventure Resort presents a 10-acre adventure oasis where locals enjoy exciting rafting experiences. Retirees can spend quality time outdoors with visiting family at the Veterans Memorial Park, which harbors a peaceful picnic pavilion and a tranquil atmosphere.

Alternatively, they can tour the Erwin National Fish Hatchery Visitor Center and marvel at how the remarkable facility produces 18 million trout eggs yearly. Retirees can access modern medical care locally thanks to the Unicoi County Hospital. Furthermore, the town's average home cost is $325,000, below the United States average.

Mountain City

Perched at a 2,400-foot altitude, this tiny village delights with awesome vistas of its natural surroundings. Mountain City is an excellent location for outdoorsy retirees who plan to remain active in their sunset years. The town harbors endless rugged hiking and biking trails across the sprawling Doe Mountain Recreation Area. However, those who prefer to take it easy will appreciate the serene atmosphere of Ralph Stout Park, which consists of amenities like walking paths, a playground, and various sporting fields.

For the indoor inclined, watching exhibitions at the Johnson County Center for the Arts is a prime opportunity to engage with the local creative community. The Johnson County Senior Citizens Center guarantees retirees health and mental support in their vulnerable years. Mountain City's median home price is $334,500, conveniently cheaper than most Tennessee towns.

Church Hill

Unmatched outdoor scenery with natural treasures promises incoming retirees rest and restoration as they turn a new chapter in their lives. Fun outdoor reactions beckon at the 440-acre Laurel Run Park, which houses more than 30 miles of trails, picnic spaces, and sports fields, with the highlight being an awe-inspiring waterfall. Pensioners can also spend relaxed moments outdoors, perfecting their swing at Bays Mountain Golf Club. This 9-hole course provides the ideal challenge for all skill levels.

The Church Hill Swimming Pool invites residents for family-friendly activities, including swimming, snacking, and socializing. Pensioners benefit from various programs at the Church Hill Senior Citizen Center designed to enhance their well-being. Lastly, a median housing rate of $319,500 allows them to invest in a retirement home without exhausting their pension.

Norris

Senior citizens who appreciate pleasant natural surroundings will have no qualms about settling in one of the most chilled-out towns to retire in Tennessee. This beautiful river community is famous for hosting Norris Dam, home to a mix of water-based activities. Residents flock to the Norris Dam Marina for its fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and swimming adventures. Meanwhile, the W G Lenoir Museum exhibits a fabulous collection of historical artifacts offering a window into early American life.

Although relatively compact, downtown Norris hosts several pubs, bars, and restaurants, culminating in a lively social hub. New residents can connect with locals over tasty craft beers at Clinch River Brewing or delicious Mexican eats at the nearby La Sierra Mexican Restaurant. Lastly, investing in a home will cost new retirees around $330,000, the average housing cost.

Dayton

Rich historical heritage meets unmatched natural scenery in this charming Rhea County community. Dayton is famous for the landmark Scopes Monkey Trial, which you can learn more about at the Rhea County Court House Historic Landmark, home to photos, archives, and other exhibits related to the trial. Pleasant hiking opportunities await at Pocket Wilderness, offering seniors an excellent way to keep fit and healthy. Alternatively, they can relax on the serene grounds of Swinging Bridge Park, which has a superb picnic shelter.

Dayton is about 40 minutes from Chattanooga, which allows its residents to easily access additional recreational facilities and better medical care in the big city. A reasonable median housing price of $330,000 also takes it easy on retirement savings.

Camden

Retirees choosing to establish a base in Camden enjoy the best of both worlds, with a serene rural atmosphere and access to urban comforts in nearby Nashville, about an hour and a half away. Camden houses a couple of historical markers worth checking out, including Patsy Cline Plane Crash Memorial. The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum has educational exhibits that introduce guests to the only gemstone of animal origin. Those who enjoy movies can catch the latest releases at Birdsong Drive-In Theater.

During health emergencies, seniors can turn to West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital for quality and reliable medical attention. Finally, the average cost of homes in the town is about $229,900, substantially below the United States average.

Oliver Springs

With a median housing price of $254,700, Oliver Springs allows retirees to live cheaply without compromising their quality of life. Besides safety, the town provides plenty of outdoor opportunities to keep them engaged, such as biking and hiking the rugged trails of Windrock Park Campground. They can also engage in old-school fun with family and friends at the Tri County Roller Arena.

Meanwhile, souvenir hunters can comb through the offerings at Tooth Fairie Treasurz for unique finds without spending a fortune. Oliver Springs has a delectable dining scene, with several family-friendly restaurants as the go-to spots for eating out. The Garage Bar & Grill is a local favorite, serving a selection of delicious American fare.

Waverly

Waverly has a suburban-rural mix that lures pensioners with beautiful outdoor scenery and essential urban amenities. Its top attractions include the Waverly Train Disaster Memorial, which preserves the memories of the 1978 train derailment disaster using newspaper accounts, photographs, and video. The Walls Art Park combines the beauty of Waverly's outdoors with the talent of local artists to provide residents with a surreal experience. Meanwhile, antique collectors can find interesting items at Vintage Treasures.

Waverly shows its dedication to the senior population through the Waverly Senior Citizens Center, which offers diverse support programs for the old and vulnerable. The median home price also favors them, as it is below the Tennessee average at $337,000.

The Takeaway

By settling into one of these receptive towns to retire in Tennessee, new residents can look forward to making lifelong connections and becoming an integral part of the close-knit communities. Fun cultural traditions, exciting outdoor recreation, and volunteering opportunities will easily support an active lifestyle to ensure diversity in their sunset years. Most importantly, the renowned Southern hospitality will make any newcomer feel immediately at home as they look to start a new chapter after calling time on their career.