The Best Small Towns To Retire In Tennessee

Located in Southeastern United States, Tennessee is a scenic state full of life. The possibilities are endless, from delicious whiskey to the stunning Great Smoky Mountains. Beckoning tourists from all over, Tennessee also has a low cost of living, an excellent healthcare system, and fantastic tax benefits. To this end, many people find it an ideal location to settle down after retirement. The state has lovely small towns that offer superb amenities, perfect for a peaceful retirement.

Pigeon Forge

Nestled along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge is a scenic town and a natural retreat for retirees. Home to a population of 6,350, the town is always bustling with tourists offering friendly faces and new conversations. Retirees from all over come to enjoy the peaceful vibe and lively atmosphere. A popular spot among seniors is Old Mill Square, a historic district lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. From country food at the Old Mill restaurant to shopping at Old Mill General Store, you'll find everything you need here. Additionally, the Dollywood amusement park is a fun destination where visitors can relive their youth on roller coasters and rides. Open year-round, it’s a great place that the whole family can enjoy. Just outside of town, there are plenty of outdoor activities to stay active and healthy. Hiking is especially popular, with trails like Wear Farm City Park, where seniors can keep a steady pace and enjoy the fresh air.

Pigeon Forge offers a vibrant retirement lifestyle with numerous activities for enjoyment. The town features reliable infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, pump stations, and water tanks, ensuring retirees can relax without concerns over essential services. Additionally, a bus transit system facilitates easy travel around the area. Overall, Pigeon Forge combines natural beauty and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for seniors.

Bolivar

While it may not have the scenic beauty of Pigeon Forge, Bolivar is an ideal place to purchase your dream retirement home. With an affordable median housing value of $97,400, which is half the national average, you won't have to spend a fortune to settle down here. Once you've moved in, there's a variety of activities popular with seniors. Spend your day exploring the town's historic sites, including the Bolivar Court Square Historic District and the North Main Street Historic District. With over 100 historic buildings, such as the Western State Psychiatric Hospital, you can explore the town's fascinating history. Even a brief walk through town showcases rustic buildings with Greek and Italian architectural influences.

With its charming atmosphere, retirees often spend their evenings in the town square. This area features various shops, eateries, and markets, making it convenient to run errands. For instance, the Farmer's Market operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products suited for home cooking. After a day of exploring, return to your ideal home in Bolivar for a peaceful night. The town's soothing environment and family-friendly community foster a sense of safety and security, perfect for retirees. Additionally, multiple hospitals are nearby, ensuring access to medical assistance whenever needed.

Crossville

Known as the "Golf Capital of Tennessee," retirees from across the country are drawn to the amazing golfing opportunities in Crossville. As the county seat of Cumberland County, the town boasts nine top golf courses offering holes suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain is one of the most popular, with 18 holes of year-round golf. Well-maintained bunkers, fairways, and greens make it a fantastic place to enjoy your retirement. Surrounding the golf course is the stunning Cumberland Mountain State Park, filled with natural beauty. Stay active during retirement by hiking, fishing, or swimming in the park's scenic surroundings. When you return to town, visit one of the local wineries or bars, which come alive with seniors by nightfall. Stonehaus Winery is a popular choice where you can enjoy homemade wines, desserts, and other treats.

Activities and attractions are plentiful. Crossville combines small-town charm with endless fun. Reflecting its strong golf scene, 20% of the town's 12,000 residents are over 65. So, whatever your interests, you're likely to find friends to join you. Plus, the cost of living is about 18% below the national average, leaving you plenty of money for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Winchester

A short drive away from the towns of Chattanooga and Hunstville, Winchester offers the best of both worlds. Home to less than 10,000 people, this tranquil town is a reprieve from urban hustle and bustle. The town's vibrant culture draws in retirees, and nearly 20% of the town is over 65 years old. To this end, Oldham Theatre and Hundreds Oaks Castle are places you're sure to love. Opened in the 1950s, Oldham Theatre showcases vintage decor and entertaining movies that you can watch with your loved ones. On the other hand, Hundreds Oaks Castle is an iconic landmark and one of the few remaining castles in town. Returning to the past, the downtown area is perfect for people of all ages. Senior citizens can find a range of lovely stores, such as Wishing Well Antiques & Gifts, which is perfect for some home decor.

Apart from the town itself, one can also head out to enjoy the picturesque outdoors at Tim Ford State Park. With 3,500 acres of natural land, you can head down with the rest of the local retirees and spend the day fishing for delicious bass. Thanks to the array of sights and establishments, you'll always be within walking distance of a store, restaurant, medical center, or police station. This makes settling down a lot more comfortable as you won't need to travel long distances on a daily. Even if you need something from the city, Chattanooga is only an hour away! To top it off, air travel is convenient thanks to the Winchester Municipal Airport, so you'll never feel restricted in town.

Germantown

If Winchester's environment feels a bit too quiet, Germantown offers a lively alternative for retirees. With a safe and healthy population of over 41,000 residents, there's always someone to enjoy walking the streets, dining out, or shopping in the vibrant downtown. Thanks to tax-friendly policies, retirees can explore many activities suited to their lifestyle. For instance, they can savor gourmet meals at Southern Social, known for excellent service and delectable desserts. The area also features Fort Germantown, a Civil War redoubt with replica cannons, educational displays, and a tranquil outdoor space. Gardening is another popular pastime, especially at Oaklawn Garden, a 6-acre green space filled with botanical gardens where visitors can tend plants, meet fellow gardeners, and learn how to start their own garden. Overall, Germantown offers plenty of options for retirement activities.

Parallel to its amazing opportunities, Germantown is one of the most expensive options on this list. Housing rates average about 75% higher than the state average, which might be a bit tedious. That said, despite the cost, Germantown is a great place to call home. Residents describe the town as clean and safe, which is something you'll be looking for in your retirement years. Additionally, more than 21% of the residents are above 65, so everyone appreciates a laid-back and comfortable lifestyle. The best part is that Memphis is right next door, so you can always head over to the major city if needed.

Dayton

For those of you looking to save money, drive from Germantown to the affordable town of Dayton. The county seat of Rhea County, this town of 7,000 provides all the amenities you'll need without the high prices. For example, an average house in Dayton costs $106,000, which is 45% below the state average. So, from buying a lovely house to having a beer at Monkey Town Brewing Co., you won't have to spend a lot. The small town also features a variety of fun spots that seniors can enjoy with the entire family. Crystal Lanes Bowling is a great example where kids can have a party, roll a strike, and enjoy snacks. Or, enjoy some fresh air at Ponds and Plants, where you can relax and admire the beautiful garden and the people in it.

Whether it is bowling or dinner, Dayton offers a sense of security throughout its streets. With one of the lowest crime rates in the state, everyone you meet will be trustworthy and friendly. So, despite a slightly lower percentage (16%) of senior citizens, calling your family to town will always be a blast. An abundance of great hotels, such as the Holiday Inn Express and Best Western, are the perfect places your family can stay while they visit. 

Humboldt

Just as affordable as Dayton but with many more retirees, Humboldt offers a perfect reprieve full of like-minded locals. Out of the town's 7,800 residents, more than 2,000 are above the age of 65. The whole town, from neighborhoods to downtown, feels calm and peaceful, like a retirement retreat. Thanks to this, an abundance of enjoyable establishments are riddled throughout. Take in the local sights at Herbie Town or the Strawberry Festival Exhibit, which both showcase unique stories and history. Stay healthy by going on a nature outing to Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge or Pickwick Landing State Park. Or, enjoy some lovely wine to end your evenings at the Crown Winery. The possibilities are endless when you're surrounded by friends. The numbers also support a healthy retirement in Humboldt, with dozens of medical centers within a few miles of the city. Top it off with an average crime rate and a great tax policy, and you can enjoy luxurious years in this small town.

With everything from essential amenities to lively entertainment, these towns are perfect for retirees. Taking advantage of the state's lenient tax system, one can enjoy their dream home alongside the activities these towns offer. Moreover, with major cities located nearby, you'll never be far from society.