These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Tennessee For 2018


We analyzed over 100 places in Tennessee to determine the cream of the crop.

Chris Kolmar, About HomeSnacks
April 16, 2018 - 39,687 views
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This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Don’t freak out that we updated it on 4-16-2018 with a video and new data.

Where are the best places in the state of Tennessee?

To the untrained eye they are the places that have awesome economies. They’re the places in Volunteer State where people have the best jobs, residents are all above average, and the sun shines the most.

However, here at HomeSnacks, we don’t trust the untrained eye and instead look to data to understand the best places to call home in Tennessee.

There might be some surprises on this list, but when you look at the unbiased data, it’s hard to argue against.

After analyzing 91 places in Tennessee, we came up with this list of the best places to live:

  1. Germantown (Photos | Homes)
  2. Brentwood (Photos | Homes)
  3. Signal Mountain (Photos | Homes)
  4. Collierville (Photos | Homes)
  5. Spring Hill (Photos | Homes)
  6. Franklin (Photos | Homes)
  7. Collegedale (Photos | Homes)
  8. Nolensville (Photos | Homes)
  9. Bartlett (Photos | Homes)
  10. Mount Juliet (Photos | Homes)

Follow along as we provide more insight into how we reached our overall best places to live in Tennessee.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the best states in America or the best places to live in America.

For more Tennessee reading , check out:

The Pressing Question: Size

Before we even started to collect data, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit cities with populations over 100,000 against places with a population of 18?

We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.

So to create our ranking, we broke places to live into three tiers:

  • Cities — Populations over 5,100
  • Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,100
  • Small Towns — Populations below 1,000

This left us with 91 cities, 175 towns, and 147 small towns.

We then decided, no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best places have more of everything and therefore you need to have over 5,100 people to truly be ‘the best’.

Now we also realize that city living might not be your cup of tea, so we ran the following analysis on towns and then again for small towns.

You can see those two top tens at the bottom of the post.

How We Calculated The Best Place To Live In Tennessee

Now that we had our set of cities, it was time to rank them.

We ranked each place in Tennessee across a number of criteria from one to 91, with one being the best.

We then took the average rank across all criteria, with the city posting the lowest overall score being crowned the winner of the title “Best Place To Live In Tennessee”.

The criteria we looked at were:

  • Median Home Values
  • Median Income
  • Population Density (Higher better)
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Commute Time
  • Crime
  • Education Levels
  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Poverty rates

Sources of criteria include the New Census Data and FBI Crime Data.

If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Tennessee.

Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Germantown at the end of the cul-de-sac.

1. Germantown

Germantown, Tennessee

Source: Public domain

Population: 39,213
Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Home Values: $296,300 (6th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.7% (8th best)
More on Germantown: Real Estate | Data
When you’re looking at things from purely a scientific standpoint, Germantown is by far, the best place in the state of Tennessee.

We’re not saying that places where people are broke is a bad thing, inherently. But it’s certainly not desirable, right? Germantown is the opposite of broke. The residents here earn way above the state average in household income, and the homes are among the most expensive in the state ($296,300). Plus, the unemployment rate is as close to zero as you can get.

Germantown has it made.

2. Brentwood

Brentwood, Tennessee

Source: Public domain

Population: 40,873
Rank Last Year: 3 (Up 1)
Home Values: $555,800 (1st best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.8% (2nd best)
More on Brentwood: Real Estate | Data
The Brentwood has the 2nd lowest unemployment rate in Tennessee. The population growth here has been 8% over the last 15 years, meaning a lot of people want to live here. If they can afford it; the cost of living in Brentwood is higher than the national average and households make $148,340 per year.

We’d move to Brentwood if we could in a heart beat.

3. Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Teke | GFDL

Population: 8,500
Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 1)
Home Values: $325,900 (5th best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.3% (14th best)
More on Signal Mountain: Real Estate | Data
Well, I guess technically 4.3% of Signal Mountain residents who want to have a job can’t find one, so not everyone has a job, but it’s the 14th closest of any city in Tennessee.

You can tell they take business seriously as they have by far the coolest Chamber of Commerce website we came across in our research.

In addition to its incredibly low unemployment rate, Signal Mountain also ranked well for crime (1st) and median income ($98,665).

4. Collierville

Collierville, Tennessee

Source: Public domain

Population: 48,005
Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
Home Values: $278,600 (7th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.8% (10th best)
More on Collierville: Real Estate | Data
Collierville comes in 4th in our best places to live in Tennessee analysis.

Ranking highly for its exceptionally low unemployment rate (10th overall) and crime rate (15th overall), Collierville is the exact kind of place you’d want to live with a family.

Several large companies call the surrounding area home which should keep Collierville in our lists for years to come.

5. Spring Hill

Spring Hill, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Skye Marthaler | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 34,364
Rank Last Year: 7 (Up 2)
Home Values: $225,800 (9th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.6% (6th best)
More on Spring Hill: Real Estate | Data
Spring Hill has been called one of the best small towns in America. If you live here, you’re most likely already aware of how great it is to live there.

Just about everyone who wants a job in Spring Hill has one; the unemployment rate is hovering at about 3.6% and lowering. And the Spring Hill police department is doing a solid job, as crime is the 6th lowest in the state here.

Who wouldn’t want to live in a place like this?

6. Franklin

Franklin, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Ichabod | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 70,625
Rank Last Year: 5 (Down 1)
Home Values: $342,900 (2nd best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.2% (13th best)
More on Franklin: Real Estate | Data
We wouldn’t be surprised to see CNN call Franklin one of the best places to live in the United States. Not only do the residents all make great livings, there’s essentially no crime in the entire city. And the residents are very involved in the community.

They can’t build homes fast enough here as it seems everyone wants a piece of Franklin.

7. Collegedale

Collegedale, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Graham Patton | CC BY-SA 4.0

Population: 10,438
Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 3)
Home Values: $194,400 (13th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.8% (10th best)
More on Collegedale: Real Estate | Data
Collegedale ranks as the 7th best place in Tennessee for 2018. Let’s take a look at why.

Collegedale has a lower crime rate than the cities mentioned above. Collegedale’s cost of living is a tick higher, but families also earn much higher salaries – to the tune of $52,165 a year.

The knock? We can’t really find one 🙂

8. Nolensville

Nolensville, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Skye Marthaler | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 6,724
Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 2)
Home Values: $341,400 (3rd best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.0% (3rd best)
More on Nolensville: Real Estate | Data
When you’re looking at the best places you could live in Tennessee, Nolensville came in 8th. Let’s see why.

It has a low unemployment rate and high incomes.

Plus, Nolensville has an impressive history for a place of just over 6,724 people. The median home costs a cool $341,400 and households make $110,087 which is good for 3rd in Tennessee.

9. Bartlett

Bartlett, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Thomas R Machni | GFDL

Population: 58,318
Rank Last Year: 8 (Down 1)
Home Values: $171,300 (22nd best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.5% (17th best)
More on Bartlett: Real Estate | Data
Who doesn’t want to live inBartlett? Because, according to the data, most everyone should want to.

Crime is lower than the state average, and the unemployment rate sits at only 4.5%. The school systems are generally well funded, meaning lots of personal attention for area kids.

Expect to see more of Bartlett in the news in the coming months.

10. Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Source: Wikipedia User Cadamwil | CC BY-SA 4.0

Population: 29,853
Rank Last Year: 12 (Up 2)
Home Values: $223,800 (10th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.9% (12th best)
More on Mount Juliet: Real Estate | Data
In Mount Juliet, everyone loves to call Mount Juliet home! The median home value is the 10th highest in Tennessee.

Additionally, the unemployment rate is the 12th lowest in the state. and the crime rates are some of the lowest in Volunteer State.

Mount Juliet should consider renaming to Paradise Valley in our humble opinion.

Wrapping Up The Best Of The Best In Tennessee

If you’re looking at areas in Tennessee with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.

Germantown made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for 2018.

Best Towns To Live In Tennessee

  1. Lookout Mountain (Pop. 1,930)
  2. Belle Meade (Pop. 2,704)
  3. Oak Hill (Pop. 4,686)
  4. Sewanee (Pop. 2,503)
  5. Forest Hills (Pop. 4,999)
  6. Gray (Pop. 1,806)
  7. Medina (Pop. 4,025)
  8. Shackle Island (Pop. 3,290)
  9. Walden (Pop. 1,907)
  10. Lakesite (Pop. 1,911)

Best Small Towns To Live In Tennessee

  1. Ridgeside (Pop. 671)
  2. Rockvale (Pop. 822)
  3. Bell Buckle (Pop. 401)
  4. Bethpage (Pop. 355)
  5. Walterhill (Pop. 355)
  6. Andersonville (Pop. 349)
  7. Rockford (Pop. 788)
  8. Berry Hill (Pop. 793)
  9. Baneberry (Pop. 487)
  10. Garland (Pop. 343)

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Tennessee:

  1. Ripley (Pop. 8,249)
  2. Savannah (Pop. 7,043)
  3. La Follette (Pop. 7,131)

For more Tennessee reading , check out:

Detailed List Of The Best Places To Live In Tennessee

Rank City Previous Rank Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Germantown 1 39,213 3.7% $296,300
2 Brentwood 3 40,873 2.8% $555,800
3 Signal Mountain 2 8,500 4.3% $325,900
4 Collierville 4 48,005 3.8% $278,600
5 Spring Hill 7 34,364 3.6% $225,800
6 Franklin 5 70,625 4.2% $342,900
7 Collegedale 10 10,438 3.8% $194,400
8 Nolensville 6 6,724 3.0% $341,400
9 Bartlett 8 58,318 4.5% $171,300
10 Mount Juliet 12 29,853 3.9% $223,800
11 Hendersonville 9 55,073 4.7% $211,100
12 Maryville 11 28,151 5.7% $190,000
13 Farragut 13 21,690 4.6% $328,600
14 White House 14 10,944 5.6% $174,300
15 Atoka 22 8,917 4.3% $172,400
16 Oakland 15 7,270 5.4% $175,400
17 Kingston 17 5,841 5.5% $143,600
18 Jonesborough 16 5,234 3.7% $149,500
19 Mount Carmel 24 5,425 6.0% $130,400
20 Gallatin 21 33,426 6.2% $168,600
21 Murfreesboro 18 122,007 6.7% $186,200
22 Goodlettsville 29 16,848 9.0% $177,900
23 Smyrna 20 45,369 5.5% $155,500
24 Clarksville 31 146,281 8.8% $140,000
25 Arlington 27 11,599 1.4% $207,800
26 Church Hill 24 6,723 7.8% $123,300
27 Munford 23 6,025 8.7% $148,300
28 Greenbrier 30 6,684 10.0% $136,900
29 Fairview 26 8,271 5.8% $172,000
30 Lakeland 28 12,541 3.4% $252,000
31 Millersville 34 6,602 4.7% $152,000
32 Clinton 32 9,993 5.1% $150,000
33 East Ridge 33 21,311 3.7% $116,200
34 Red Bank 37 11,794 6.1% $126,900
35 Oak Ridge 19 29,285 9.0% $149,900
36 Kingsport 38 52,871 7.9% $134,800
37 Tullahoma 39 19,185 6.8% $114,900
38 La Vergne 36 34,451 6.8% $130,700
39 Jackson 42 67,162 8.3% $128,700
40 Martin 35 10,989 12.9% $125,700
41 Lebanon 47 29,439 8.3% $177,100
42 Soddy-Daisy 41 13,162 8.2% $119,300
43 Portland 40 12,125 5.8% $128,200
44 Chattanooga 44 175,462 8.7% $152,000
45 Elizabethton 49 14,012 7.6% $116,100
46 Knoxville 43 183,927 7.5% $120,300
47 Greeneville 48 15,035 7.7% $127,900
48 Bristol 45 26,734 8.6% $111,900
49 Manchester 65 10,387 4.5% $116,000
50 Erwin 61 5,998 18.2% $97,300
51 Loudon 58 5,701 6.3% $106,300
52 Springfield 57 16,650 9.6% $130,400
53 Dickson 64 15,098 6.7% $137,600
54 Humboldt 73 8,254 4.7% $74,800
55 Winchester 46 8,504 9.4% $118,600
56 Alcoa 60 9,058 4.5% $121,900
57 Cleveland 56 43,276 10.1% $154,900
58 Pigeon Forge 69 6,092 3.0% $168,900
59 Pulaski 66 7,728 6.7% $96,900
60 Millington 62 11,069 7.7% $110,900
61 Cookeville 50 32,256 9.6% $156,900
62 Columbia 53 36,130 9.4% $122,200
63 Mckenzie 51 5,650 10.9% $89,900
64 Dayton 68 7,308 8.6% $113,900
65 Milan 59 7,803 9.7% $101,000
66 Dunlap 63 5,065 6.4% $129,800
67 Sevierville 52 16,213 7.8% $166,300
68 Henderson 80 6,491 15.3% $112,700
69 Lexington 54 7,796 8.2% $112,200
70 Paris 71 10,168 9.4% $87,700
71 Dyersburg 55 16,867 10.9% $103,900
72 Morristown 85 29,395 9.7% $109,000
73 Athens 70 13,651 10.2% $131,700
74 Shelbyville 72 20,916 7.2% $104,200
75 Sparta 75 5,063 8.7% $90,900
76 Mcminnville 67 13,664 7.1% $92,500
77 Brownsville 79 9,938 7.8% $94,200
78 Covington 91 9,016 10.9% $98,000
79 Crossville 75 11,308 9.7% $136,900
80 Memphis 77 655,857 11.3% $93,700
81 Bolivar 78 5,154 20.3% $90,800
82 Lewisburg 81 11,376 12.4% $92,200
83 Rockwood 82 5,443 9.4% $73,200
84 Sweetwater 74 5,877 10.4% $110,200
85 Newport 88 6,856 13.6% $92,400
86 Lawrenceburg 83 10,573 12.0% $85,700
87 Fayetteville 84 7,033 11.5% $96,900
88 Harriman 89 6,223 16.7% $79,000
89 La Follette 87 7,131 11.2% $64,200
90 Savannah 86 7,043 18.4% $87,500
91 Ripley 90 8,249 14.4% $91,600

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