6 Top-Ranked Towns in Tennessee for Retirees

From East to West, there is no doubt that almost every spot in Tennessee will strike the first-time onlooker as a scenery jackpot. However, known as the Volunteer State, Tennessee is not just incredibly beautiful but also quite affordable for retirees. This is because it does not tax wages — including all forms of retirement income — making this friendly Southern state among the most budget-friendly. If you're sold on the idea, discover below six top-ranked towns in Tennessee for retirees.

Signal Mountain

Named for the landmark from where Native Americans would send smoke signals across the Tennessee River Valley, Signal Mountain is among the state’s top-ranked towns for retirement. It boasts numerous shopping options — such as the awesome Signal Mountain Village — and lovely outdoor spots, including the scenic Rainbow Lake Trail. Therefore, retiring here will come with fun and fantastic adventure options. With all these desirable amenities, Signal Mountain is less than a 15-minute drive to Chattanooga, enabling retirees to access numerous cultural attractions on a whim, including top-notch medical facilities. Moreover, Signal Mountain’s median age is 43.9, indicating a social scene where a senior can easily fit in and find age-appropriate connections. If you're wondering about the cost of retiring here, the latest data from Redfin shows that homes in Signal Mountain have a median price of $577,000.

Germantown

Once settled by German immigrants, Germantown today is a quintessential American town, albeit with some subtle touches of European influence. Residents often look forward to a myriad of town events, including the Germantown Charity Horse Show, one of the state’s oldest continuously running sporting events. Expect a sparse, suburban feel in an environment where a whopping 88% are homeowners. Being a suburb of Memphis, which is just 21 miles away, Germantown residents have easy access to a world of amenities and cultural attractions. According to data from niche.com, one in three Germantown residents is an empty nester, meaning seniors can easily connect with peers in the same age bracket. Additionally, a significant proportion of residents (33%) hold a master’s degree or higher, so expect random conversations to be witty and enriching. Though affluent, the community here is known to be friendly and helpful.

Farragut

A myriad of shopping and entertainment options awaits seniors here, in an environment that offers a rural feel, a slow pace, and plenty of quietude. If you want to sit for an occasional brunch and thereafter pick up some groceries, Turkey Creek, East Tennessee’s largest shopping experience, will be at your doorstep. Farragut is a suburb of Knoxville, which is just 17 miles away. It, therefore, offers access to some of the best hospitals in the state, including the award-winning University of Tennessee Medical Center. According to niche.com, 36% of Farragut residents are seniors aged 55 and above, implying that empty nesters will easily find similarly aged folks to plot adventures with — or reminisce about the good old days. The proximity to the majestic Smoky Mountains and access to several glimmering lakes are other features that make Farragut an excellent retirement choice. That said, you may have to part with $662,000, which is Farragut’s latest median home price.

Waverly

Striking a perfect balance between suburban and rural, Waverly offers an environment that many retirees would find appealing. The city is filled with serene parks, welcoming restaurants, and numerous outdoor spaces. The town hosts several medical facilities, including Three Rivers Hospital, which an impressive 70% of patients would recommend. Erin, located about 20 miles away, is home to more hospitals, such as Trinity Hospital, Patients' Choice Medical Center of Erin, and Houston County Community Hospital. Additionally, Waverly has a median age of 45, suggesting a robust retiree social support network. Furthermore, homes in Waverly are quite affordable, with a median price of $244,000, according to the most recent data from Redfin.

Atoka

Though not advisable, leaving your house door unlocked in Atoka might not cause as much concern due to the low risk of burglary. According to Safewise, Atoka ranks as the fifth safest city in Tennessee for 2023. Retirees might also appreciate that home prices are reasonable, with a median price of $359,000, based on the latest data from Redfin. While the town may not feature an extensive array of medical facilities, Memphis, the largest city in the Deep South, is just about 26 miles away via US-51. Quick access to Methodist University Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden, among other highly-ranked medical facilities, is available. Although the town has a median age of 36, interacting with younger people can offer seniors a sense of purpose. For those looking to stay young at heart, Atoka might be the perfect choice.

Loudon

The Tic Toc Ice Cream Parlour might lure you to Loudon, especially if you are an avid ice cream lover. This Tennessee gem, with a settlement history dating back to the 1700s, ranks among the top towns in Tennessee for retirement. Situated along the Tennessee River, Loudon is conveniently close to Knoxville, offering the tranquility of country living with easy access to urban amenities. Numerous hospitals within 30 miles, including Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, recognized for the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award, are readily available. Loudon is diverse, with a significant Hispanic population of about 24%, providing retirees with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and customs. The town's median age is 42, and according to niche.com, seniors aged 55 and above make up an impressive 38% of the population. Additionally, the cost of living in Loudon is significantly lower than the national average, with homes having a median price of just $233,000.

The Takeaway

Tennessee is known for being friendly, stunningly beautiful, and filled with outdoor adventure options, making it one of the best states for retirement, especially due to its tax-friendliness. Tennessee, along with eight other states, does not tax personal income, which includes all forms of retirement income. However, retirees must consider several other crucial factors, such as access to medical facilities, safety, and the social environment. When all these factors are taken into account, towns like Signal Mountain, Germantown, Farragut, Waverly, Atoka, and Loudon emerge as the top-ranked towns in Tennessee for retirement.