Top Cities in Tennessee: Ideal for Raising a Family
Selecting an appropriate city to start a family involves thoroughly evaluating multiple aspects like security, schooling options, employment prospects, and general living standards. Tennessee, celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural vistas, and friendly neighborhoods, presents numerous urban areas that excel as prime locations for households. Therefore, what are the top spots within Tennessee suited for raising a family?
Tennessee presents various cities and towns perfect for families seeking to establish their roots. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville or the picturesque landscapes of Chattanooga, every city boasts its distinctive appeal and benefits.
Top 10 Cities for Residing in Tennessee
The compilation of top cities to reside in Tennessee draws upon information sourced from Niche and New Home Source. The evaluation takes into account numerous elements such as lifestyle standards, safety statistics, medical care availability, and general communal welfare. Therefore, what are the premier municipalities within Tennessee?
| City | Quality of Life (Index Score out of 10) |
| Chattanooga | 7.5/10 |
| Knoxville | 7.3/10 |
| Memphis | 7.1/10 |
| Nashville | 6.7/10 |
| Franklin | 6.6/10 |
| Jackson | 6.4/10 |
| Hendersonville | 6.3/10 |
| Collierville | 6.2/10 |
| Clarksville | 6.1/10 |
| Union City | 6.0/10 |
1. Chattanooga
- Area code: 423
- Demonym: Chattanoogan
- Elevation: 676 ft (206 m)
- Incorporated: 1839
Chattanooga has been acknowledged as the premier location within Tennessee, securing the 27th spot nationally. This recognition highlights its remarkable evolution from being known as "the filthiest city in America" to becoming a dynamic center with an invigorated downtown area.
The city thrives due to a robust communal spirit, picturesque natural landscapes, and a cost of living that falls beneath the national average. Key elements like high quality of life, good value for money, attractiveness, and favorable employment opportunities contributed significantly to securing this ranking.
2. Knoxville
- Area code: 865
- Demonym: Knoxvillian
- Founded: 1791
- Incorporated: 1815
Knoxville stands out as one of the top locations within Tennessee for quality living. It earns acclaim for being budget-friendly, offering home prices lower than the nationwide standard, which provides excellent value to those who reside there.
Knoxville boasts a lively community featuring a wide array of cultural and recreational options, along with easy access to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Moreover, its strategic location near key roadways and a dynamic young populace shaped by the presence of the University of Tennessee add to its attractiveness for residents.
3. Memphis
- Demonym: Memphian
- Elevation: 337 ft (103 m)
- Founded: May 22, 1819
- Incorporated: December 19, 1826
- Named for: Memphis, Egypt
Memphis stands out as one of the top places to reside within Tennessee, largely because of its budget-friendly prices and strong sense of community. Even though it scores slightly lower in terms of overall quality of life compared to some other urban centers, Memphis provides an economical lifestyle option, boasting considerably lower housing expenses than the countrywide norm.
The cost of living in Memphis is roughly 13% below the national average. As an illustration, food expenses tend to be cheaper here, with groceries costing around 8% less compared to the nationwide standard. Additionally, the city has maintained a cozy, tight-knit atmosphere that attracts families looking for a sense of community reminiscent of smaller towns.
4. Nashville
- Area code: 615
- Demonym: Nashvillian
- Elevation: 554 ft (169 m)
- Founded: 1779
- Named for: Francis Nash
Among the most favored cities in Tennessee, Nashville takes a prominent position. It stands as the 50th most notable amongst the leading 150 large American urban areas. Known as Music City, it excels due to its dynamic culinary and musical environments along with an expanding employment sector.
In contrast to many other urban areas, Nashville experienced a decline in rankings due to its unaffordability issues, scoring only 6.7 out of 10. According to research from 2024, an individual would need to make $99,757 per year to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the city.
In order to purchase an average home in Nashville, households require a yearly pre-tax income exceeding $100,000. Nonetheless, the city presents a comparatively reasonable cost of living when contrasted with other expanding urban centers.
5. Franklin
- ZIP Code(s): 37064, 37065, 37067, 37068, 37069
- Area code: 615
- Elevation: 643 ft
Franklin stands out as the most desirable place to reside in Tennessee because of its distinctive combination of quaint town appeal and contemporary facilities. Situated 20 miles away from Nashville, this city provides a deep historical setting along with a thriving economy driven by prominent companies such as Nissan and Mars Petcare.
This city features top-notch educational institutions, a minimal crime rate, and an abundance of leisure activities, rendering it perfect for family life and the most secure place to reside within Tennessee. The charming historic district of Franklin, adorned with Victorian-style buildings, serves as the venue for multiple cultural gatherings and celebrations.
6. Jackson
- Area code: 731
- Elevation: 410 ft
- Founded: 1821
- Named for: Andrew Jackson
Jackson, Tennessee, ranks among the top spots to reside within the state because of its deep-rooted history, budget-friendly lifestyle, and lively community atmosphere. The city boasts an array of cultural sites such as museums and parks, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of its inhabitants.
Jackson presents a varied employment sector including roles in healthcare, manufacturing, and education, ensuring economic stability. The area boasts neighborhoods known for their welcoming ambiance and robust communal bonds. Additionally, the picturesque scenery in the vicinity offers numerous options for outdoor pursuits.
7. Hendersonville
- Elevation: 640 m
- Area code: 828
- Incorporated: 1847
Hendersonville takes pride in its tight-knit community, top-notch educational institutions, and plentiful leisure options. As "The City by the Lake," it provides various outdoor pursuits such as angling and watercraft navigation at Old Hickory Lake.
This city boasts highly ranked educational institutions such as Merrol Hyde Magnet School and maintains an impressively low jobless rate of 4.5%. By 2025, employment opportunities are expected to grow by 14%. Moreover, its closeness to Nashville grants inhabitants convenient access to metropolitan attractions while still enjoying a more residential ambiance.
8. Collierville
- Population: 51,594 (2022)
- Area code: 901
- Elevation: 381 ft
While Collierville might not be the richest municipality in Tennessee, it ranks as one of the state’s most sought-after towns. Its appeal stems from superior living standards, secure neighborhoods, top-tier educational institutions, and an array of facilities and services available to residents.
The town frequently stands out due to its welcoming atmosphere for families and emphasis on communal life, which makes it attractive to people across different age groups. Additionally, the cost of living in Collierville is notably more reasonable when contrasted with bigger cities, featuring homes priced at an average of about $468,200, which many find budget-friendly.
The combination of low costs and various facilities makes this town an appealing choice for both families and individuals aiming to achieve a good balance between expense and living standards.
9. Clarksville
- Area code: 931
- Elevation: 476 ft
- Founded: 1784
Money Magazine has labeled Clarksville as a "New Boomtown," emphasizing its swift expansion in both population and employment prospects. The municipality is witnessing substantial contributions from leading corporations.
It is forecasted that the employment sector will expand by 9% within the coming four years, which is double the nationwide growth rate. Additionally, Fort Campbell, among the biggest military installations in the United States, strengthens the regional economy through various work openings and draws in many military personnel along with their families.
In Clarksville, housing costs remain reasonably lower than the national average. The typical home price stands at around $325,000.
10. Union City
- Area code: 731
- Established: 1854
- Named for: Local railroad junction
Union City, Tennessee, ranks among the top spots to reside within the state, largely due to its comparatively affordable cost of living.
The median home value is $135,400, significantly lower than the national median of $281,900. Also, Union City is a good place for families, with above-average public schools and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Union City provides a tranquil and calm way of life with a more relaxed tempo compared to larger urban areas. It exudes a subdued suburban atmosphere.
Wrapping up
The premier locations within Tennessee for families looking to reside encompass Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Franklin, Jackson, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Collierville, Clarksville, and Union City. These locales are distinguished by their welcoming atmospheres, notable for excellent educational institutions and minimal criminal activity.
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Several urban areas grapple with elevated levels of violent crimes, often linked to factors such as economic hardship, gang involvement, and easy access to guns. Therefore, which cities stand out for their danger in Texas? Discover them here.