8 Best Tennessee Towns For Retirees
Tennessee lets a fixed income go further than most states allow. These eight towns turn that room into full days. Retirees walk to waterfalls and settle into community theaters by evening. Good hospitals stay close for the years that need them. As of July 2026, these are the eight best Tennessee towns for retirement.
Crossville
If you're searching for a nice place in Tennessee to retire, Crossville should be at the top of your list. This town has the feel of small-town living with many enjoyable things to do, such as visiting Cumberland Mountain State Park, which offers scenery perfect for camping or a stroll through nature.
There's also plenty of culture in Crossville, most notably at the Military Memorial Museum. Here, you'll find many photos and memorabilia from our country's military history. This is sure to appeal to those who served or who have an interest in history. Finally, there's the Cumberland County Playhouse. This has a wide variety of plays to enjoy, with upcoming shows listed on their website.
Jonesborough
Retirees who are looking for a historic place to live will love the look and feel of Jonesborough. This little town in eastern Tennessee is the state's oldest town and is known as the world's storytelling capital. Major festivals and views of the Appalachian valley are just some of the things that make Jonesborough so appealing.
A very popular attraction is the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, loved by residents of all ages. There are many plays here, both to delight children and adults, such as Cinderella and Annie. When the holidays grow near, A Christmas Carol comes to the stage. A trip to the Wetlands Water Park with the grandchildren is a good way to keep cool in the summer, and history buffs will definitely want to visit the Christopher Taylor House.
Pigeon Forge
If mountain views take your breath away, then you'll love retiring to Pigeon Forge. Located just miles to the south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this friendly town has a lot to keep you busy.
If you're looking for something to do with your grandchildren, the Dollywood theme park is a great place to visit. Those who love true crime will love the exhibits at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. With many hiking and walking trails at the nearby national park, you can stay active while taking in nature's splendor. When you have a thirst, it's known for a wide variety of moonshine.
Paris
When you're searching for a place to retire with some bragging rights, come to Paris, Tennessee. Not only will you be able to honestly say you live in Paris, but you will also be living beside Kentucky Lake, the largest artificial lake by surface area east of the Mississippi River.
One place that you'll want to visit is Eiffel Tower Park, where you can see the Eiffel Tower on a smaller scale. You can also visit the Paris Henry County Heritage Center, a local nonprofit history museum. Every spring, the town also holds the World's Biggest Fish Fry. If you love catfish, it's not to be missed!
Cookeville
If you're looking for a place to retire that isn't in a major city but is close to many cities, Cookeville is the place to choose. Gateway to many natural wonders, including lakes and waterfalls, Cookeville is only about an hour from Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville.
Shopping is a popular pastime at the Cookeville Antique Mall, which features several vendors selling a variety of items. Nature can be appreciated at Cane Creek Park, which features a 56-acre lake and several paved trails. There are also museums, like the Cookeville History Museum and the Cookeville Depot Museum, to visit on a rainy day or to get out of the summer heat.
Union City
Found in northwest Tennessee, this budget-friendly little town offers proximity to Kentucky's border. The average home value here is $171,078, according to Zillow estimates, which helps to make the town a very popular retirement destination.
One of the best things to visit in Union City is the Discovery Park of America, which has seemingly countless exhibits covering local history, nature, military history, art, and science. Another popular place is Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, which considers itself a refuge for migrating birds.
Kingston Springs
If you love Nashville but would rather live in a smaller town during your retirement, Kingston Springs is the place to go. Just 20 short miles from Nashville, this small community offers a wide variety of benefits that retirees will love.
Known for being one of Tennessee's friendliest towns, it offers many parks to visit. Check out the Golf Club of Tennessee for a round of golf, and Alma Yoga and Movement if you're looking for a way to help your joints. Also, since it's so close to Nashville, you can take a short drive there to visit and enjoy all the sights, sounds, and flavors that the big city has to offer.
Tullahoma
This town was featured in an article about the prettiest small towns in Tennessee, and now we think that you'll love retiring here. Filled with natural beauty, this town also has plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Whether you want to tick skydiving off your bucket list at Skydive Tennessee or simply want to sit down and enjoy a cold one at the Ole Shed Brewing Company, you can find it here. And when it's time to stroll through nature as a retiree, don't forget to visit the Short Springs Natural Area for some truly memorable views!
Retirement In Tennessee
As you can see through these 8 small towns, Tennessee is a great place to retire. If you'd rather not deal with the heat of Arizona or the crowds of Florida, give Tennessee a try. Whether you are looking for adventure or you prefer a quiet retirement, you can find the perfect retirement spot in Tennessee. With scenery, shopping, restaurants, and adventures, there's something here for every retiree.
