Where Young Families Are Putting Down Roots In Tennessee
Choosing where to raise a family is one of the biggest decisions a household can make. More and more, that decision is leading young families to Tennessee. The state pairs a low cost of living and no state income tax with the kind of space and community that parents want for their kids. Some families are after top-rated schools and new suburban builds, while others want lake towns or walkable historic squares. These eight communities show where that search is paying off. Each one offers its own version of room to grow.
Spring Hill
Spring Hill is first on the list for a reason. Located in both Williamson and Maury County, central Tennessee, this community represents one of the most pertinent examples of the peripheral expansion phenomenon many people are witnessing within the surrounding districts of Tennessee's capital, Nashville. What was originally a small rural farming community famous for livestock breeding and its rolling pastures up until the late 20th century is currently transitioning into an expansive residential and commercial powerhouse. Although previous demographic changes were mostly driven by industrialization, modern booms have been associated with the off-pour of Nashville independents with a desire to start and grow their families in a less urban environment.
One of the most prominent advantages of moving to Spring Hill is the vast suburban inventory of newer single-family home builds and master-planned developments, offering comparatively large and more recently constructed properties for a more affordable price point. Additionally, the school system within Williamson County where half of Spring Hill is established harbors one of the state's highest-performing academic systems, and Maury County is not too far behind.
This suburb is a center for young families, balancing a commuter-focused development with less expensive and up-to-date builds. Many new inhabitants find work in a major nearby metropolis such as Nashville or Franklin, but regardless the region's transformation is leading to a rise in economic opportunity and familial safety.
Clarksville
Up next on the list of family-friendly settlements stands Clarksville, situated by the famous military post of Fort Campbell, home to the well known 101st Airborne Division. This community is yet another affordable standout within the state, unique in its military ties and its growing base of local attractions. Yet another young-feeling city, its residents often relocated through the aforementioned Fort Campbell seeking budget-friendly homeownership and other perks associated with a more urban-leaning lifestyle.
The area is served by one of the largest school districts in Tennessee, with a graduation rate above 90% as per recent metrics, offering an abundance of extracurricular programs to meet the needs of the expanding population of students. Major industries within the region are also set up within the city's infrastructure and offer employment within the realms of healthcare, manufacturing, military, and so much more.
This municipality has strong ties to the military, so anyone familiar with that background would certainly find comfort here. Beyond that, the constant movement of military households lends itself to a more youthful feel, with new people constantly in rotation, some of whom will make the wise decision to make this great township a permanent home.
Thompson's Station
Enclosed in the scenic hills of Williamson County just 25 miles south of Nashville lies Thompson's Station, a sophisticated and exclusive city that flawlessly encapsulates the highly coveted upscale country lifestyle that any refined families would be attracted to. It evolved over time from a quiet railroad stop into a beautifully designed, historically rooted modern neighborhood that residents describe as a family-focused paradise, where about 75% of households are married couples and roughly 40% include children under 18. The dream of young children playing in the street and selling lemonade on the sidewalks is alive and well in this coveted suburban enclave.
As previously mentioned regarding Spring Hill, Thompson's Station is also served by the renowned Williamson County school system. In fact, the locale's infrastructure was intentionally planned so that the local schools are directly incorporated into the neighborhood, allowing the youth to safely walk or bike to and from school on a regular basis. The housing market consists of modern farmhouse architecture blended with traditional southern comfort and luxury development. Due to the vast amounts of parks and nature reserves, locals tend to be the outdoor types. You can expect day-to-day life to revolve around community activities, country music, and tastings at distilleries. If everything else hasn't already shown you, consider that you might run into global pop icon Miley Cyrus on a grocery run, since her family has long had roots in this part of Williamson County. All-in-all, this is the place for anyone ready to live their luxury-country dreams.
Collierville
This region seems to have emerged straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, and you can be the main subject. Situated 30 minutes southeast of Memphis, this lovingly preserved suburb has been shaped to keep its historic base while building a thriving town. According to housing market trends in the area, popular new builds are constantly being renewed and residents are amongst the highest-earning in the state, making this area a powerhouse for any affluent kinfolk. Current home values sit at around $500k, making it about 52% more expensive to buy a home in this municipality than the average home within the state.
Collierville has its fair share of historical weight, having been named after the early-19th-century entrepreneur and land developer Jesse R. Collier. Its famous Collierville Town Square was once voted "Best Main Street in America" by Parade Magazine. The entirety of the downtown area within it has been dedicated as a historic sector and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Collierville holds so much more than boutiques and local farmers markets. It has an immersive, rich culture and the history to validate it. Any traditional-esque, high income household would find this place makes for a very comfortable home.
Gallatin
If your family is filled with outdoor enthusiasts seeking a city that offers you high-class amenities while still maintaining a lower cost of living, look no further than Gallatin. It sits right in the middle both on our list and in terms of affordability compared to the other cities, but what attracts most are the waterways. Old Hickory Lake is the base for most of the town's activities, with many referring to it as the town's communal backyard. Boating is heavily a part of Gallatin's culture, and a packed lake is almost guaranteed for any sunny weekend.
Outside of just water-related activities, the abundance of nature in this area truly lends itself to residents who prefer a more unconfined lifestyle. Beyond that, this municipality serves as a provincial healthcare hub, harboring innovative clinical campuses that specialize in advanced cardiac care, oncology treatment, and robotic-assisted surgery.
Whether you opt for personal hikes, community kayaking, or group eco-tours, there are so many fascinating ways to live life alfresco in Gallatin.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga tends to be one of the more well-known destinations within Tennessee, formally known as a manufacturing nexus turned into the crown jewel of the state's active eco-revitalization initiatives. Today, it manages to balance an expanding tech economy with access to some of the most scenic views one could imagine. Median household income sits comfortably in the middle-class range, making it a solid choice for families who want community amenities without big-city costs. Similarly to the aforementioned Gallatin, Chattanooga is known as the outdoor sports mecca, especially for those interested in rock climbing and subterranean cave exploration.
The township's unique name stems from its origin as Cherokee territory, but beyond its history with Native Americans this city has several claims to fame, including its massive part within the golden age of American railroad travel as well as being one of the first cities in the country to roll out community-wide gigabit fiber internet, earning it the nickname Gig City. There are so many pockets of knowledge and timeless history that fill the streets of this beautifully preserved settlement.
Although the settlement does well with maintaining its historic core, its magnetizing effect on digital nomads and tech startups makes this community a great center for any family looking for its next big break.
Cleveland
Standing out immediately as one of the most financially approachable municipalities within Tennessee is Cleveland, a blue-collar safe haven and industrial juggernaut sitting amidst the low-lying valleys of southeast Tennessee. For this reason amongst others the area tends to attract younger families, with the median age within the city sitting at just 36 years old. Between ¼ and ⅓ of the population is employed under blue-collar positions, with the remaining population heavily established within the administrative, retail, service, and hospitality economy. There are distribution centers and plants within the locale for over a dozen Fortune 500 companies, including Mars Chocolate and Duracell, providing consistent employment opportunities and economic stability to the residents.
To add to the distinctiveness of this region, they have recently been focused on something referred to as "inclusive play", recently opening Jim Sharp Park, an inclusive and ADA-accessible playground that features built in trampolines, fishing ponds, and disability-friendly equipment so that children of all physicalities and mental conditions can play side by side. What might seem like a small fun fact points to the town's major commitment to inclusivity and community activism, with residents citing the support they receive from neighbors and strangers alike while living here.
Cleveland is the home you choose if you want as much "bang for your buck" as possible, and in that regard it truly does not disappoint. Any young family hoping to establish themselves in a safe and inclusive community will find this to be a welcoming place.
Cookeville
Last but not least we have another affordable contender located between Nashville and Knoxville, we have the distinctive and spirited district of Cookeville. Home to some of the most scenic state parks in Tennessee, this settlement established itself during the railroad boom of the late 19th century and has quickly become the mecca of the Upper Cumberland. The area is already known for its natural beauty and exceptional recreational activities, but Cookeville combines budget-friendly sustainability with premium-quality public engagement to create a special feeling of community integration and support that few other locales can compare to.
This territory is also known for its academic culture, serving as the base for multiple colleges including Tennessee Tech, allowing for many jobs within academia to continuously streamline directly into the Cookeville community. The atmosphere is defined by the amalgamation of dense forests, steep valleys, and rolling hills, giving it a distinctive feel without being too isolating given the mid-sized population. It tends to attract self-reliant families who want space to roam without giving up access to better job opportunities. Somehow, residents manage to enjoy the pace of a small-town and the cultural perks of a big city all in one.
Final Thoughts
The observed wave of families relocating to different suburbs in Tennessee did not come out of nowhere. Rather, it was the result of many overlapping factors, including job opportunities and a desire for a more intentional way of living. Combine that with zero state income tax, a cost-of-living index that is almost 10% below the national average, and the space to enjoy your loved ones in a more open landscape, moving to Tennessee can feel like a no-brainer.
Regardless of what you decide, hopefully this article informs you on which community may align more fully with the needs and wishes of the most important people in your life.
