10 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee

Looking for the best places to retire in Tennessee? Great, you’ve come to the right page!

First things first, however. Tennessee is a state in the southeast area of the United States, home to over 6.6 million people, making it the 17th most populous in the entire country. When it comes to the land it occupies, the 42,143 square miles earn it only the 36th place.

The home state of Elvis is quite diverse from a geographical point of view, with the highest point being Clingmans Dome, the highest point of the Appalachian Trail. Other than this, there are plenty of rivers to enjoy if you want, as well as plenty of greenery to hike through. There are also thousands of caves to explore if you feel like you’re up to the task.

Most of the Tennessee enjoys a humid subtropical climate, although the higher altitudes have a different climate, with cooler temperatures and higher precipitations. Overall, summers in Tennessee are hot and humid, while the winters are mild.

If you’re curious, you could also read up on the 10 cheapest countries to live like a king.

For today’s list we took a look at the state’s counties, taking into consideration those that have over 25,000 residents. We checked out the median home prices, the cost of living index, average commute time, the crime rate and the number of physicians per 100,000 residents for each and every one of them, handed out points accordingly and summed it all up. We also rewarded extra points to those counties that have more doctors than the state’s average, which is 252.

For comparison’s sake, houses in Tennessee go for $119,200 on average, while the cost of living index is 86.5. The violent crime rate was calculated at 52. Data comes from Sperling’s Best Places which centralizes information from a number of governmental sources.

Without further ado, here are the 10 best places to retire in Tennessee.

10. Sullivan

Score: 14

Median home price: $112,400

Cost of living index: 78.2

Average commute time: 21.16

Crime rate: 33

Doctors per 100K: 393

Situated in the northeast corner of Tennessee, Sullivan County is home to over 156,000 people. The territory measures some 430 square miles, out of which just under 4 percent it water, meaning you have more than enough options to pick from to enjoy some time out in nature.

In Sullivan County, the median home price is just above $112,000, which means you can probably afford moving here without too many problems, especially if you decide to sell your current property before making the jump. The cost of living index is a great 78.2, meaning you’ll be paying more than 20 points below what the average American does. The crime rate is also quite great, with 33 representing a level that shouldn’t concern you too much. Your medical needs should also be pretty much covered since there are 393 physicians for every 100,000 residents here.

9. Shelby

Score: 14

Median home price: $91,400

Cost of living index: 78.2

Average commute time: 22.37

Crime rate: 77

Doctors per 100K: 339

In the southwest corner of Tennessee sits Shelby County, a place that has over 927,000 residents, the state’s largest county. It isn’t just the most populated county, but it’s also the largest, with its territory measuring 785 square miles.

The median home price in Shelby County is over $91,000, a level that is more than ok for most pockets. The cost of living index is a fabulous 78.2, while the number of physicians assigned for every 100,000 residents is 339. On the other hand, the crime rate is rather high, so you should keep that in mind upon moving.

8. Knox

Score: 14

Median home price: $135,400

Cost of living index: 85.6

Average commute time: 21.17

Crime rate: 39

Doctors per 100K: 407

Knox County has over 432,000 residents, according to the 2010 census. The East Tennessee county has a territory that spreads over 526 square miles, out of which 3.4 percent it water, meaning you have a lot of options to choose from when picking where you’ll go fishing and swimming next. The county is in the middle of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians, so there’s plenty of shape to the territory.

Houses are sold for $135,400 in average in Knox County, but you should probably find cheaper places too if your pockets don’t go that deep or you’re just unwilling to pay this price for a new home. Living in Knox County is also rather cheap, at least when compared to the average costs across the United States; the cost of living index was calculated at 85.6. Your medical needs should be covered upon moving here as the county has 407 physicians for every 100,000 residents.

7. Weakley

Score: 15

Median home price: $72,900

Cost of living index: 77.8

Average commute time: 21.66

Crime rate: 43

Doctors per 100K: 89

In the northern area of the state sits Weakley County, with a population of over 35,000 people. Although it has some rivers crossing the county, the 582 square miles territory only has a water percentage of 0.2. There are, however, plenty of green areas to relax in, including the Big Cypress Tree State Park, which you would surely enjoy.

Buying a new house in Weakley shouldn’t cost you too much since the average home price in the area is just below $73,000. The cost of living index is great, sitting at 77.8, with 100 being the national average. The crime rate in the area is 43, with 1 being the safest. On the other hand, however, there are only 89 doctors per 100,000 residents, so you might have to travel a bit to get the care you need if it’s not covered by the local hospitals.

6. Campbell

Score: 15

Median home price: $73,500

Cost of living index: 77.7

Average commute time: 25.96

Crime rate: 46

Doctors per 100K: 96

With just over 40,000 residents, Campbell County is one of the least populated counties in the whole of Tennessee. If you enjoy time out in nature, then you’re lucky since there’s plenty of that here, including Norris Lake, which is the main body of water in the region.

In Campbell County, the median home price is $73,500, which means there are plenty of properties you can buy to suit your needs, be it at this price or a bit higher up. The cost of living index is 77.7, so you should be able to save up a little no matter where you come from. There are 96 physicians for every 100,000 citizens in this Tennessee county.

5. McMinn

Score: 20

Median home price: $111,400

Cost of living index: 85.2

Average commute time: 21.62

Crime rate: 56

Doctors per 100K: 96

McMinn County has over 52,000 people living here. Out of the 432 square miles of territory, there are plenty of areas where nature prevails, including the part of the Cherokee National Forest, which lies in this county partially.

In McMinn, the median home price is over $111,000, but you can probably find cheaper houses to buy if you desire it, just like you’re certainly going to be able to find more expensive homes if you feel like it. The cost of living index is a bit higher than in the counties we’ve seen before, but not excessively so, sitting at 85.2.

4. Washington

Score: 21

Median home price: $134,200

Cost of living index: 88.2

Average commute time: 20.25

Crime rate: 38

Doctors per 100K: 709

According to the latest data, Washington County has nearly 123,000 residents, which is quite a lot compared to other nearby counties. The territory it occupies only measures 330 square miles, out of which about 1 percent is water. Other than this, however, you’ll be able to enjoy some great mountainous views from your back yard, so that wins every battle.

The average house price in Washington County, Tennessee, is $134,200, while the cost of living index is 88.2, still leaving plenty of room to save up all that money that you won’t be spending now. The medical care in Washington County is great and there are 709 physicians for every 100,000 citizens, a number that should give you some peace of mind should any health issues occur.

3. Madison

Score: 21

Median home price: $89,100

Cost of living index: 82.2

Average commute time: 19.12

Crime rate: 52

Doctors per 100K: 421

Madison County has over 98,000 residents in its 559 square miles territory. While water may not be a big part of the natural beauties of this county, there are plenty of other beautiful areas, including the Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park which you can visit.

Houses sold in Madison County go for $89,000 in average, which makes them more than accessible. The cost of living index is still well below the national average, sitting at 82.2. There are also 421 doctors for every 100,000 people living here, just so you can get an idea about the healthcare offered here.

2. Williamson

Score: 23

Median home price: $333,400

Cost of living index: 126.9

Average commute time: 26.86

Crime rate: 23

Doctors per 100K: 530

Very near the center of the state, you’ll find Williamson County, home to over 205,000 people. The 584 square mile territory is home to the Natchez Trace Parkway if you want to enjoy some time out in nature. You may also want to visit the Haley Jaqueth Wildlife Management Area if you have the time.

Out of the entire list of counties, Williamson has the highest median home price, with $333,400 being the average paid for real estate. Of course, you’re going to be able to find plenty of opportunities to buy a house for a lower price. In the end, it just depends on what you’re looking for and how deep your pockets go. The cost of living index is also rather high – 126.9, so you should keep that in mind.

On the other hand, however, the crime rate is rather low – 23. There are also 530 physicians for every 100,000 residents, making it one of the counties with the most doctors in the state.

1. Dyer

Score: 29

Median home price: $69,100

Cost of living index: 75.7

Average commute time: 18.06

Crime rate: 60

Doctors per 100K: 133

At the top of our list is a county that only has 38,000 residents. Situated on the western border of the state, the 527 square miles territory borders the Mississippi River. There are plenty of state protected areas full of wildlife if you want to take a hike out and breathe some fresh air.

Dyer County boasts with a median home price that barely passes the $69,000 mark. The cost of living index is low as well, with 75.7 indicating just how big the gap is between paying for your monthly necessities here and the rest of the United States.

There is also little to complain about when it comes to traffic since the average commute time is just over 18 minutes. On the other hand, the crime rate is a bit high – 60, while the number of doctors ready to take care of your medical needs is 133 for every 100,000 residents.

In short, Dyer County made it to the top of our list of the 10 best places to retire in Tennessee.