Dayton, Tennessee, at sunset.

9 Best Places To Call Home In Tennessee In 2025

Tennessee is one of the best states to live in, boasting an enticing combination of low living costs, supreme natural beauty, rich musical heritage, and a lively cultural scene. Anyone seeking to enhance their quality of life should consider shifting to the Volunteer State and enjoying its many perks. Fortunately, the region's quality stretches beyond the major urban hubs to the quaint countryside communities. This leaves you with a long list of options to select from somewhere that addresses all your preferences.

Whether seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, a family‑friendly suburb, or a college town buzzing with outdoor and arts activities, you will find your ideal home. Each of these best places to call home in Tennessee in 2025 guarantees Southern hospitality, outdoor adventures, and financial freedom, culminating in an improved zest for life.

Adamsville

Buford Pusser home in Adamsville, Tennessee.
Buford Pusser's home in Adamsville, Tennessee. Image credit Americasroof - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The "Biggest Little Town in Tennessee" is big on employment opportunities, quality education, and a sense of community, proving to be a worthy contender for the best places to call home in Tennessee in 2025. Residents of all ages gather at the Marty-Adamsville Community Center for social programs, recreational activities, and fun events that strengthen the bond between neighbors. There are plenty of open spaces for your outdoor recreation, including Coon Creek Science Center and Shiloh Golf Course.

The Buford Pusser Home & Museum is an iconic cultural and historical landmark in Adamsville. It exhibits original furnishings and memorabilia from the home of a TV icon. Residents enjoy tasty meals with rich Southern influences at the Saw Meal Restaurant. For those looking to buy, Adamsville's median home price of $252,000 is less than the Tennessee average of about $340,000.

Whiteville

Allen-White School, 100 Allen Extension St. Whiteville.
Allen-White School, Whiteville, Tennessee. Image credit Raventsaid, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whiteville is a small town steeped in agricultural heritage and enjoys a growing economy, ideal for young professionals looking for employment opportunities an hour from Memphis. Townsfolk maintain a high sense of camaraderie and constantly congregate at the Backermann's Country Market to buy groceries, baked goods, and enjoy a dish. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in various recreational activities at Whiteville City Park, a nice and quiet spot to walk and picnic.

Whiteville has a series of neighborhood restaurants that serve as quaint hangouts, including Country Cafe. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers higher education opportunities for high school leavers. Meanwhile, the median home price here is $230,000, well below the Tennessee average.

Church Hill

View of Church Hill, Tennessee, United States.
View of Church Hill, Tennessee. Image credit Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikipedia

Church Hill welcomes potential movers to its down-to-earth atmosphere and rural scenery, with promises of unlimited recreational activities. Townsfolk stay active and engaged with walks at Laurel Run Park, a relaxed riverside sanctuary with over 30 miles of trails. It harbors a waterfall, picnic spaces, and several sports fields. Furthermore, golf enthusiasts can take on the challenge on a 9-hole course at Bays Mountain Golf Club. Meanwhile, the young and old often congregate at the Church Hill Swimming Pool for aquatic fun.

Two people riding horseback on the Phipps Bend Trail near the town of Church Hill, Tennessee.
Two people riding horseback on the Phipps Bend Trail near the town of Church Hill, Tennessee. Image credit Dee Browning via Shutterstock

Pensioners in Church Hill benefit from vital programs at the Mt. Carmel Senior Citizens Center, including free meals and health services. With a median home price of $319,500, home ownership is within reach.

Oliver Springs

View of Oliver Springs, Tennessee, from State Route 62.
Downtown Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Image credit Brian Stansberry, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Oliver Springs is a quiet suburban community and a former coal mining town, situated less than an hour from Knoxville. It has beautiful natural scenery, with plenty of green spaces for the outdoors inclined. Citizens commune with nature at Windrock Park Campground, which has picnic areas, hiking paths, and biking routes. The Windrock Park General Store is where adventurers get their outdoor gear, specializing in camping supplies, hiking items, and similar goods.

Meanwhile, the Tri-County Roll Arena welcomes the whole family for wholesome entertainment, featuring roller skating and arcade games. Thanks to Dr. Fred Stone Sr. Hospital, Oliver Springs promises reliable medical services for the ailing. Those planning to buy a home can expect to spend around $259,900 on a property.

Erwin

The Centenary United Methodist Church in Erwin, Tennessee.
The Centenary United Methodist Church in Erwin, Tennessee. Image credit Nolichuckyjake via Shutterstock

Erwin is an inviting village along the Nolichucky River, remembered for hosting the state's only public elephant execution. It is a great fit for people who love adventure, offering 10 miles of rugged mountain biking trails at the Unaka Bike Park. The Rock Creek Recreation Area is the local for all things outdoor adventure. It accommodates a range of recreational enthusiasts, including campers, swimmers, hikers, and more.

Historic turn-of-the-century home in Erwin, Tennessee.
Historic turn-of-the-century home in Erwin, Tennessee. Image credit Nolichuckyjake via Shutterstock

Downtown Erwin hosts a series of quaint local businesses where residents love to converge. At Stegall's Pottery, you can admire intimate clay works and buy some for your home decor. Meanwhile, Union Street Taproom provides a chill hangout after a long day. Lastly, Erwin's median housing price is $268,500.

Camden

Businesses lined along a street in Downtown Camden, Tennessee.
Businesses along the street in downtown Camden, Tennessee. Image credit Thomas R Machnitzki (thomas@machnitzki.com) - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Under 100 miles from Nashville is Camden, one of the cheapest places to call home in Tennessee in 2025, evidenced by a median home price of around $225,000. It has a vibrant downtown with a lovely mix of local attractions. Daylight Gallery connects the community with the arts by exhibiting intimate creations by local artisans. Meanwhile, the Tennessee River Freshwater Farm and Pearl Museum invites residents to check out beautiful river pearls, offering remarkable guest tours.

Those who want to head outside can do so at the Birdsong Drive-In Theater, which provides a unique movie-watching experience, designed for the whole family. Camden is also home to the West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital, which provides quality medical services in a well-equipped, 25-bed institution.

Waynesboro

Buildings along the courthouse square in Waynesboro, Tennessee.
Buildings along the courthouse square in Waynesboro, Tennessee. Image credit Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Waynesboro is a close-knit community in Wayne County, known for its rich musical heritage and abundant outdoor spaces. At the Wayne County Tennessee Museum, new residents can acclimate themselves with the community's colorful heritage, with exhibits highlighting industry, music, and the military. Recreational opportunities await at Crazy Horse Recreational Park, a hub for aquatic fun lovers coming to canoe, kayak, and boat. Elsewhere, the Waynesboro City Park and Pool is an excellent alternative for families in Waynesboro.

The town offers a fair share of vital social amenities that potential movers will appreciate, from the Wayne Medical Center to the Waynesboro Senior Center. Despite all its impressive offerings, Waynesboro is pretty pocket-friendly, with a median home price of $261,800.

Collinwood

Sign in downtown Collinwood, Tennessee.
Sign in Collinwood, Tennessee. Image credit EWY Media via Shutterstock

Collinwood stands out for its genuine Southern hospitality, allowing new residents to settle down quickly and comfortably. It has the Wayne County Welcome Center to grant the perfect reception, with resourceful information about the area. Ralph Hughes City Park ensures residents have room to engage in recreational activities. Residents can stay active with activities like picnicking, walking, jogging, and more. Collinwood is also known for its welcoming diners, and when in the mood to eat out, Sissy's Diner has a hometown atmosphere and serves hearty meals.

The town caters to the needs of its older population through invaluable programs by the Senior Citizens of Collinwood. Lastly, the median home price in Collinwood is approximately $257,500, which is below the national and state averages.

Dayton

The Bryan College campus in Dayton, Tennessee.
The Bryan College campus in Dayton, Tennessee. Image credit Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dayton offers a mixture of rich outdoor scenery and fascinating historical heritage. Its untamed wilderness encourages residents to lead an active lifestyle, providing miles of isolated hiking trails through the Pocket Wilderness. This delightful sanctuary has a gorgeous waterfall as its focal point. Also, you can settle for the more navigable Swinging Bridge Park for your moments in the open spaces. The space harbors a pedestrian-only trail with picnic areas and a nice suspension bridge.

Rhea County Courthouse, site of the Scopes trial; Dayton, Tennessee.
Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton, Tennessee. Image credit Dan Goro via Shutterstock

History lovers can tour the Rhea County Courthouse to explore Dayton's curious past. This rustic building showcases a library of archives and artifacts documenting major happenings over the past years. Dayton also has the Rhea Medical Center to handle any medical emergencies, and its median home price is $343,500.

Friendliest Little Towns In TennesseeIf you crave a dusty courthouse square, a folk festival no one's heard of, or just the comfort of a place where local lore is handed down in a slow drawl, Tennessee's friendliest little towns deliver that come-on-in vibe you can’t fake.

Whether you are a college graduate searching for your first job, a family looking for a fresh start, or a pensioner searching for the perfect retirement destination, these places to call home in Tennessee in 2025 offer something for everyone. From vibrant city suburbs with strong job markets to more tranquil, affordable towns in the state's rural corners, each delivers balanced living, low taxes, scenic beauty, and friendly communities to ensure a high-quality living in the United States.

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Aunindita Bhatia August 4 2025 in Places

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