If you are thinking of moving to Tennessee, there are no shortages of great places to consider. The cost of living here is about 20 percent below the average for the country, and that is largely due to affordable housing. While the three big cities of Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville may immediately come to mind, there are lots of other options as well. Here are some of the top-rated locations in the state.
Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain may be a good spot to consider if you are looking for a smaller place—the population is a bit more than 7,700. Its crime and unemployment rates are very low, and its high school graduation rates high, with 96 percent of students getting their diploma. If you are thinking about renting, the rates can be a bit high, but it just speaks to the desirability of the area.
Johnson City
If you are thinking about the northeastern area of Tennessee, Johnson City may be just the ticket. It was ranked by Kiplinger’s as one of the 10 cheapest cities to live in the US. It is particularly known for affordable housing, transportation and healthcare.
Brentwood
If you have some cash to burn, the affluent Nashville suburb of Brentwood may be a good pick. Besides all the goodies that come with living in a wealthy suburb of a cosmopolitan city, it is also one of the safest places to reside. You can count among your neighbors celebrities such as Kesha, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.
Bartlett
Located close to Memphis, Bartlett is not quite as ritzy as somewhere like Brentwood, but considered a lovely area nonetheless. It is considered the cultural center of the state, and is also well known for its massive recreation and fitness center. It is considered one of the most affordable places to live in the state.
Germantown
Located east of Memphis, Germantown has the distinction of the highest high school graduation rates in the state. The city is most famous for its annual horse shows and competitions.
Farragut
This Knoxville suburb is located right near the Great Smoky Mountains, and if you love the outdoors, you can easily access hiking and biking trails; there are plenty of lakes for water sports. The area is also well known for its great shopping. While it is not the cheapest place to live, it is more affordable than areas such as Germantown and Brentwood. And considering the bang you get for your buck, it is pretty reasonable.
Lakeland
This Memphis suburb has low unemployment, and a crime rate that is 68 percent below the state average. The cost of living is relatively low, and is a perfect spot for someone who wants a bit more nature in their surroundings. It is known for its beauty, and much of its outdoor spaces have been preserved, to be enjoyed by residents.
Collierville
While the lovely town of Collierville is considered a suburb of Memphis, it gives off a feel of its own separate community ‘well-stocked’ with plenty of retail options, making trips into the city less of a necessity. One shopping area of note is the 800,000 square foot The Avenue at Carriage Crossing.