Thinking of making the move out of state but don’t know where? Then pick up your best cowboy boots and head on down to Tennessee, where some of the South’s greatest adventures are born.
There are many advantages to living in the Volunteer State, like employment opportunities and 0% income tax. Other perks include getting to explore the area’s diverse landscapes such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and Ozone Falls. Music enthusiasts will also have plenty to chatter about when residing near Nashville, a major home for upcoming and seasoned artists.
Whether you’re just starting out on your own or looking to settle down in a great place with your family, U.S. News & World Report just shared its list of the Best Places to Live in Tennessee in 2026. Here’s what to know.
Hendersonville ― dubbed the “City by the Lake” due to its location near Old Hickory Lake ― may only have around 64,382 residents, but it’s still known as the largest city in Sumner County. The city is also 20 miles northeast of Nashville, although there are many attractions that make it worthy of its own visit, per Southern Living.
“Attractions include the Historic Rock Castle, Hendersonville Memory Gardens, charming local boutiques, a homegrown brewery, tasty restaurants, and more. Don’t miss the chance to stay in Spring Haven Mansion, a favorite of Taylor Swift’s.” said the southern lifestyle publication.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Hendersonville has a median household income of $99,088 (national average $79,466) and median home value of $449,802 (national average $370,489), offering a “higher value of living compared to similarly sized cities.” The job market in Hendersonville is also strong, with a 3.9% unemployment rate in 2023 compared to the national average of 4.5% during the same year.
There’s a little something for everyone in Franklin, a top Tennessee vacation destination that welcomes visitors with warm southern hospitality and small town charm.
Along downtown Main Street, visitors spend hours getting lost in the shops, where they can find clothing, jewelry, plants, antiques, and home decor, among other things (like yummy food and snacks). Cool Ridge, Franklin’s commercial hub for large retailers, has even more to browse through with more than 150 stores.
Franklin is also a place where history and the great outdoors collide. If you’re a history buff, it’ll be worth your time learning about the area’s historically significant homes and landmarks, as seen through the Carter House, Fort Granger, and the Battle of Franklin Civil War Museum, per Visit Franklin.
If Franklin is a city you have your heart set on moving to, know that the population is around 92,789 with a median household income of $129,727 (national average $79,466), per U.S. News & World Report. Renters can expect to pay a median rent of $1,775., and unemployment is low in Franklin at 3.4% (national average 4.5%). Homes in the area are on the higher end of the scale, with a median value of $732,034 (national average $370,489).
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.