These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Tennessee For 2019


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

Chris Kolmar, About HomeSnacks
February 23, 2019 - 97,584 views
Join HomeSnacks ▼
Editor’s Note: We updated this article for 2019. This is our fifth time ranking the best places to live in Tennessee.

Swipe left for slideshow. Article continues below.

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.

Well, it looks like you should check out Germantown if you’re thinking of moving to Tennessee — it’s the best the Volunteer State has to offer according to the data.

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:

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Tennessee

Image Version Available Here

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

This left us with 91 cities, 175 towns, and 136 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 5,000 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 Cities 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.

After the dust settled, what was the best place to live in Tennessee? That would be Germantown.

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.

The 10 Best Places To Live In Tennessee For 2019

1. GermantownGermantown Location In Tennessee

Germantown, TN

Source: City Of Germantwon
Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 39,213
Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $296,300 (6th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.7% (8th best)
More on Germantown: Real Estate | Data | Photos

Germantown’s unemployment rates are some of the lowest in the state and the median income is the 5th highest, making Germantown a great place to work and settle down if you’re look for a stable job with a stable income.

Additionally, Germantown has above average education and low crime, making this place a safe place to live.

2. BrentwoodBrentwood Location In Tennessee

Brentwood, TN

Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 40,873
Rank Last Year: 3 (Up 1)
Median Home Value: $555,800 (1st best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.8% (2nd best)
More on Brentwood: Real Estate | Data | Photos

Brentwood has a really low crime rate (4th lowest) and only 2.8% of the people are unemployed. Additionally, residents here have high paying jobs ($148,340). And that goes a long way.

The population is growing at a steady clip, and the cost of living is lower than it should be. So people have an extra incentive to live in Brentwood.

3. Signal MountainSignal Mountain Location In Tennessee

Signal Mountain, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Teke | GFDL
Overall SnackAbility

10
/10

Population: 8,500
Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $325,900 (5th best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.3% (14th best)
More on Signal Mountain: Real Estate | Data | Photos

The Town of Signal Mountain might be a bit of a surprise to some in terms of how well it ranks according to science.

The crime rate in Signal Mountain isn’t amazing, but it’s far below the state average. The homes are valued at $325,900 here, and the schools get some of the most funding in Tennessee.

If Signal Mountain can get some more of their residents to work, things will look even rosier here. The unemployment rate (4.3% is the 14th highest in the state.

4. ColliervilleCollierville Location In Tennessee

Collierville, TN

Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility

9.5
/10

Population: 48,005
Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $278,600 (7th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.8% (10th best)
More on Collierville: Real Estate | Data | Photos

Things can’t get much better than in the town of Collierville. The crime is the 15th lowest in the entire state, and the residents who live in Collierville make huge salaries, and almost all of them have great jobs.

The median home costs a cool $278,600 and households make $110,591 which is good for 2nd in Tennessee.

5. Spring HillSpring Hill Location In Tennessee

Spring Hill, TN

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

6
/10

Population: 34,364
Rank Last Year: 7 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $225,800 (9th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.6% (6th best)
More on Spring Hill: Real Estate | Data | Photos

Spring Hill is by far one of the best places to live in Tennessee: the math proves it! This city has the 6th lowest unemployment rate and the 12th highest median income in all of Tennessee.

Plus, the median home values are the 9th highest in the state. And if all of that isn’t enough to convince you, then check this out: their crime rate is the 6th lowest in the state, making Spring Hill a safe and great place to live.

6. FranklinFranklin Location In Tennessee

Franklin, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Ichabod | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

9
/10

Population: 70,625
Rank Last Year: 5 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $342,900 (2nd best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.2% (13th best)
More on Franklin: Real Estate | Data | Photos

Franklin has a long and illustrious history and its ranking in the top ten of our best places to live is just another notch in its belt.\n\Franklin had the 9th highest household median income adjusted for cost of living at $88,961.

Not to mention that its residents have plenty to do on the weekends.

Review Of Franklin by Dominick Nesbitt

I live in Franklin and you make us out to look like inbred hicks who can’t read. Were nice people and Tennessee is a really pretty state so please don’t bash us

Review Where You Live
7. CollegedaleCollegedale Location In Tennessee

Collegedale, TN

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

8.5
/10

Population: 10,438
Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 3)
Median Home Value: $194,400 (13th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.8% (10th best)
More on Collegedale: Real Estate | Data | Photos

It’s obvious why Collegedale ranks 7th in the state for best places to live: they have the 10th lowest unemployment rate and the 13th highest home values.

Plus, they’re known for their quality education and relatively low crime, making Collegedale a great place to live.

8. NolensvilleNolensville Location In Tennessee

Nolensville, TN

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

9
/10

Population: 6,724
Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 2)
Median Home Value: $341,400 (3rd best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.0% (4th best)
More on Nolensville: Real Estate | Data | Photos

Nolensville is another great city in Tennessee with a low unemployment rate and where residents earn high salaries.

Said one reviewer on City-Data.com: ” We feel incredibly safe in Nolensville. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and it’s wonderful to have such good neighbors. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.”

Enough said.

9. BartlettBartlett Location In Tennessee

Bartlett, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Thomas R Machni | GFDL
Overall SnackAbility

9
/10

Population: 58,318
Rank Last Year: 8 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $171,300 (22nd best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.5% (17th best)
More on Bartlett: Real Estate | Data | Photos

You might be surprised to see the Town of Bartlett so high on the list. Unless you live in Bartlett.

The unemployment rate here is really low, and at 4.5%, Bartlett residents are some of the hardest working in the state of Tennessee. When you factor in high home prices, high incomes and low crime, Bartlett is doing quite well.

Let’s be honest — Bartlett is the kind of place you brag to your friends on Facebook about.

10. Mount JulietMount Juliet Location In Tennessee

Mount Juliet, TN

Source: Wikipedia User Cadamwil | CC BY-SA 4.0
Overall SnackAbility

9
/10

Population: 29,853
Rank Last Year: 12 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $223,800 (10th best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.9% (12th best)
More on Mount Juliet: Real Estate | Data | Photos

When you’re looking at the best places you could live in Tennessee, Mount Juliet came in 10th. Let’s see why.

It has a low unemployment rate and high incomes.

Plus, Mount Juliet has an impressive history for a place of just over 29,853 people. The median home costs a cool $223,800 and households make $77,965 which is good for 13th in Tennessee.

Wrapping Up The Best Places When It Comes To Living 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 the best place to live in Tennessee for 2019.

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. Walterhill (Pop. 355)
  5. Rockford (Pop. 788)
  6. Berry Hill (Pop. 793)
  7. Baneberry (Pop. 487)
  8. Garland (Pop. 343)
  9. Oak Grove CDP (Sumner (Pop. 215)
  10. Gibson (Pop. 316)

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

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

For more Tennessee reading, check out:

Detailed List Of The Best Places To Live In Tennessee

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

Like HomeSnacks on Facebook:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *