9 Friendly Towns To Retire In Tennessee
Tennessee offers a combination of favorable tax policies, mild climatic conditions, beautiful natural settings, and trademark Southern charm, resulting in a conducive atmosphere for anyone seeking a permanent retirement home. It also boasts a collection of small, welcoming towns where life slows down just enough to let you savor every moment of the twilight years. Communities like Erwin, Spring City, and Portland boast all the hallmarks of a perfect retirement town, providing connection, belonging, and a genuine sense of home.
Erwin
Erwin is situated approximately 20 minutes south of Johnson City, making for a short commute for those who want to visit the city. Nevertheless, it offers a small-town atmosphere, complete with abundant green spaces for recreation. Over 10 miles of pathways crisscross the Unaka Bike Park for those with an adventurous spirit, and Erwin also has a walkable downtown filled with family-owned ventures. Stegall's Pottery is a fine example, presenting an inviting venue for locals to find one-of-a-kind pieces to take home.
Additionally, Valley Beautiful Antique Mall sells a diverse collection of glassware, jewelry, pottery, and other collectibles for treasure hunters. The Clinchfield Senior Center serves as a haven for retirees in the town, offering various resources to support social well-being and promote healthy living. With a median home value of $220,000, well below Tennessee's state average of $327,000, Erwin offers affordability in addition to a wealth of services and amenities.
Waynesboro
Waynesboro's average home value of $164,000 makes it one of the most wallet-friendly towns to retire in Tennessee. Apart from affordability, residents enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Waynesboro Municipal Golf Course is the ideal oasis for amateurs and seasoned golfers alike, with 9 well-manicured holes and discounts for seniors.
Furthermore, the Waynesboro City Park & Pool encourages fun in the water with a waterslide and a swimming pool for a family-friendly getaway. Besides the outdoors, retirees can learn about Waynesboro's history at the Wayne County Tennessee Museum, where a vast collection of memorabilia is on display, from Native American days to the settler era and the present day.
Woodbury
Woodbury lies in the Nashville metropolitan region and boasts a vibrant downtown district where pensioners can take advantage of a broad range of attractions. This includes the Arts Center of Cannon County, where the community gathers to admire exhibits, attend concerts, and watch live theater, fostering connections with the arts. Elsewhere, the Old Feed Store Antique Mall offers a wide selection of unique items for antique collectors in the area.
Downtown is also home to a couple of diners where townsfolk love to enjoy a sweet meal, such as Mexican cuisine at Chilangos Mexican Restaurant. Thanks to Ascension Saint Thomas Stones River, comprehensive health services are available in Woodbury 24/7, and the average home value is just around $300,000, which makes it an affordable alternative to urban living.
Wartburg
Wartburg is a small town in central Tennessee, situated amidst lush greenery and rugged landscapes. It is an excellent retirement destination for active seniors and is home to Frozen Head State Park. This vast reserve spans 24,000 acres and offers the ultimate spot for outdoor immersion, featuring biking, paddling, camping, hiking, and picnicking opportunities. Those who prefer to stick closer to home can head to Solomon Park, where playgrounds and walking trails provide gentle recreational activities.
The modest downtown area is a haven for casual social interactions, with evening spots like MoCo Brewing Project presenting a welcoming environment for friends and family to gather and enjoy a beer or coffee. Wartburg also has several nursing homes in the area for support, including Life Care Center of Morgan County, and for those looking to buy, the town's home average value is a reasonable $209,000.
South Pittsburg
This laid-back town in Marion County, just 30 miles west of Chattanooga, is renowned for its strong sense of community. South Pittsburg hosts the National Cornbread Festival, an annual tradition that has been bringing families back to the community for over 25 years. The event features cookoffs, live music, arts and crafts, and family games in a neighborly atmosphere. The town also hosts the Princess Theatre, which develops local art talent through theatrical productions in a historic community venue.
Amateur golfers and outdoor lovers can head to Sweetens Cove Golf Club, whose 9-hole course has daily rates and golf carts available. Meanwhile, older adults in South Pittsburg stay engaged through various programs at the Senior Citizens Activity Center, and the region's average home value is a budget-friendly $175,000.
Oliver Springs
Oliver Springs is a historic coal mining community located near Knoxville, renowned for its mountainous surroundings and several historic buildings in its downtown core. Established in the 1820s, it has a rich history that incoming retirees can explore through antique photographs, furniture, and artifacts at the Oliver Springs Historical Society.
Several parks in Oliver Springs serve as playgrounds for senior citizens who fancy outdoor activity, such as Windrock Park, with its walking trails, biking routes, and campground. Meanwhile, the Petros Senior Center ensures seniors benefit from services, resources, and activities designed to improve their quality of life, and the average home value in Oliver Springs is a relatively affordable $236,000.
Portland
Portland boasts a thriving agriculture industry, which supports a range of fruits and other local produce. Sumner Crest Winery is home to a tasting room that invites residents to sample delicious wines, as well as seasonal snacks and charcuterie. On Thursdays, the Portland TN Farmers Market brings together area vendors with their harvest, such as watermelons, vegetables, flowers, peaches, maple syrup, honey, and other products in a festive gathering.
The town also hosts an annual strawberry festival, which welcomes a crowd of locals and visitors alike for parades, games, vendors, and, of course, plenty of sweet treats. The vibrant art scene in Portland often draws residents to the Temple Theatre, which features live stage performances, concerts, and movie screenings. For those looking to purchase a place of their own for retirement, Portland's average home value is $327,000, which is consistent with the state average.
Collinwood
This southern Tennessee town manages to keep its residents united through a handful of social events and festivals. Every August, Old Timers' Day provides a welcoming atmosphere for kids and adults alike to gather and share in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, games, and live music. Meanwhile, the Wayne County Welcome Center is a great starting point for newcomers trying to acclimatize to the area, where they can find useful information about navigating the town.
Retirees can pop into The Dragonfly anytime they need to relax in a cool atmosphere. This down-home establishment features a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, crafts, and antiques, while serving gourmet coffee and baked goods. Collinwood residents can access dependable medical services at Fast Pace Health Urgent Care Clinic, and the average home value in the town is $144,000, which is attractive for those on a fixed income or limited budget.
Spring City
This idyllic village in Rhea County boasts a charming blend of indoor and outdoor activities, providing retirees with the best of both worlds in a serene small-town setting. Residents have a great chance to connect with the arts at the Tennessee Valley Theatre, serving as the regional hub for musicals, plays, workshops, and special events. Spring City is also situated on the shores of Watts Bar Lake, whose 700-mile shoreline offers a variety of water-based recreational activities, including paddling, swimming, and fishing.
Families love Spring City Nature Park for its playgrounds, picnic tables, walking trails, and dog park. Elsewhere, pensioners in the area can find a sense of belonging at the Senior Lighthouse Center, which offers social, educational, and fitness programs for residents aged 55 and above. Spring City's average home value is also a plus, sitting below the state average at just $264,000.
Tennessee Is Waiting To Welcome You Home
Retirement can be a daunting and challenging journey, but in these friendly Tennessee towns, you are assured of a perfect start to your gratifying golden years. Each combines affordability, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality, giving you confidence to embark on this new chapter. Whether you seek vibrant social opportunities, peaceful outdoor living, or convenient amenities, these destinations offer something special. So, plan wisely, choose thoughtfully, and look forward to a fulfilling, comfortable, and joyful retirement in small-town Tennessee.
