9 Best Places To Live In Tennessee In 2025
Tennessee is among the most desirable destinations for people moving to the South. It is relatively cheap, has a friendly tax policy, and harbors friendly residents who embrace trademark Southern hospitality. Its diversity of destinations, from vibrant cities to quaint little villages, provides renters with an array of options to match their lifestyle. Whether a young professional seeking employment opportunities or a fresh retiree ready to settle into the sunset years, there is a charming community somewhere waiting to welcome you with open arms.
Relocating to the small towns offers an opportunity to enjoy a winning mix of affordable housing, a slow pace of life, and outdoor recreation activities, culminating in improved quality of life. Before contacting the moving company, here are nine of the best places to live in Tennessee in 2025.
Waynesboro
Waynesboro mixes small-town charm and a strong sense of community to present an enticing spot for young families and retirees. It houses abundant public amenities where everybody can converge for fun moments, led by Crazy Horse Recreational Park. This applies to the Waynesboro City Park and Pool, known for its exciting aquatic opportunities, featuring a kiddie pool, diving boards, and more. Those who want to spend time in the open practice their swing at the Waynesboro Municipal Golf Course.
The Wayne Medical Center ensures access to quality medical attention locally, while the Waynesboro Senior Center looks out for the welfare of older adults to improve their quality of life. Residents enjoy a safe living environment, with Waynesboro being safer than 70% of the nation. Lastly, the median home price is around $245,000.
Church Hill
This quiet town in Hawkins County is known for its easy going atmosphere and lush nature areas, which ensure boundless recreational opportunities. Churchill encourages its residents to embrace the outdoor lifestyle through morning and evening walks along the 37 miles of trails meandering through Laurel Run Park. Those who play golf assess Bays Mountain Golf Club to challenge their skills on a 9-hole course with exquisite natural surroundings. Several public amenities, including the Church Hill Swimming Pool, serve as a communal spot where everybody can gather for fun in the water.
Church Hill has a Senior Citizen Center to address the needs of its elderly population through invaluable programs and services. With Kingsport just 15 minutes away, townsfolk can readily access quality medical attention in the bigger town. Besides a low crime rate, Church Hill's median home price is $289,000, which is way cheaper than Tennessee's average of almost $400,000.
Camden
If low-cost living is what you look for in a prospective hometown, Camden is one of the best places to live in Tennessee in 2025. The median home price is only $207,000, and the crime rate is 40% below the national average. Residents stay entertained by a fair share of local attractions, such as the Birdsong Drive-In Theater. This outdoor movie place is perfect for catching friendly flicks with family, friends, or peers. Elsewhere, the Patsy Cline Plane Crash Memorial is a surreal monument commemorating the 1963 crash that claimed the life of musician Patsy Cline.
The West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital is responsible for primary care in the community. Meanwhile, residents access quality education courtesy of the Benton County School District.
Algood
This close-knit community in Putnam County allows you to settle among friendly people in a quiet and peaceful environment. Algood has plenty of outdoor spaces to cater to recreational needs in the town. This included the Algood City Park, whose easygoing atmosphere attracts picnickers and sightseers. The Algood Community is one of the many amenities contributing to a high level of camaraderie among townsfolk by providing a platform to come together for mutual courses. The same applies to the Algood Senior Citizens Center, which safeguards the welfare of pensioners in society.
Algood's median housing cost is $377,500, below the United States average of about $420,000. The Go UC buses are responsible for public transportation and provide a reliable way to commute around the town and to neighboring cities like Cookeville and McMinnville.
Dayton
Dayton is an exciting prospect for people who appreciate outdoorsy settings, with multiple opportunities to commune with nature. Citizens escape to the wide open spaces of Pocket Wilderness to hike secluded hiking trails and explore a beautiful green area with stunning waterfalls. Alternatively, they can find a similar atmosphere at Swinging Bridge Park, where the shady grounds offer idyllic picnic spaces for those escaping the downtown commotion.
The Rhea County Courthouse provides a window into the past eras with its old-world building style and a series of artifacts, archives, and memorabilia. Those feeling sick can find medical attention at Rhea Medical Center, while the Rhea County Community Center allows for frequent fun events that all community members attend. Also, the average cost of homes is $364,000.
Oliver Springs
Oliver Springs sits about forty minutes from Knoxville, which allows townsfolk to readily commute to the big city for better medical attention and other convenient amenities. Despite this, the town maintains a rich rural atmosphere with several outdoor areas where the public can gather. One of the local favorites is Windrock Park Campground, where people go to picnic, mountain bike, hike, and more. Alternatively, Arrowhead has a family-friendly atmosphere closer to the town square and offers amenities like baseball diamonds and a pavilion.
Citizens get all their supplies, from groceries to camping gear, at the Windrock Park General Store. Meanwhile, vital facilities like Dr. Fred Stone Sr. Hospital ensure people do not need to travel outside town to access quality health services. Finally, buying a home in Oliver Springs costs around $272,000.
Erwin
This adorable river town sits on the scenic banks of the Nolichucky River and houses delightful nature spaces that invite residents to revel in the great outdoors. The calm river waters support an array of aquatic adventures, and locals enjoy kayaking, boating, and rafting excursions. Townspeople always gather at the Gentry Stadium to enjoy competitive sports and games in an electric atmosphere. Downtown Erwin hosts a fair share of pubs and restaurants, perfect for hanging out after a long day.
Union Street Taproom is a local favorite and serves delicious craft beers in a welcoming location. There are enough schools in Erwin, from elementary to high school level, to ensure that children have access to quality education. Lastly, a decent home here is valued at around $370,000.
Adamsville
Adamsville has a quiet, small-town atmosphere that many newcomers will feel comfortable in. Almost everyone knows everyone, and citizens take pride in a strong sense of community. With Memphis being just two hours away, accessing big-city comforts is within striking distance for the townspeople. The presence of Shiloh Golf means that outdoor enthusiasts can admire the rolling surroundings of Adamsville as they perfect their golf swing.
Elsewhere, the Marty-Adamsville Community Center brings the young and old together for a variety of recreational programs and activities, serving as a glue between locals. Retirees also benefit from curated services at the Adamsville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center to improve their well-being. Adamsville has a highly rated public school system, which features the Adamsville Senior High School. Its median home price is a pocket-friendly $259,000.
Waverly
Waverly balances its quiet backcountry area with a vibrant downtown district, where residents can find various forms of entertainment. The Waverly Country Club presents a 9-hole course in splendid condition, inviting golfers of all skill levels to partake in their sport of choice. Meanwhile, people love to stroll down the peaceful trails of Walls Art Park to enjoy the outdoors while admiring intimate murals by local creatives.
Newcomers can learn about Waverly's rich heritage at the Humphreys County Museum & Civil War Fort. The community guarantees the elderly support in their vulnerable years thanks to programs by the Waverly Senior Citizens Center. Reliable medical care is accessible at Ascension Saint Thomas Three Rivers, and the average housing cost in Waverly is $359,000.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to settle in the forested foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains or near famous cities like Nashville and Memphis, the Volunteer State offers something for all preferences. The best places to live in Tennessee in 2025 are proof that it is one of the best destinations for movers. With an inviting mix of trademark Southern hospitality, plenty of outdoor opportunities, a low cost of living, and access to invaluable social amenities, you won't regret relocating to this lovely state.
