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Travel + Leisure's Top 10 Tennessee Towns for Quality of Life

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 7:57 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Summarizing Travel + Leisure’s “Best Places to Live in Tennessee”

Travel + Leisure’s roundup of Tennessee’s most desirable places to settle is a blend of data‑driven rankings and lived‑in anecdotes. The editors set out to answer the question that has kept families, young professionals, and retirees juggling the state’s iconic music, mountain air, and Southern hospitality: Which Tennessee towns deliver the best overall quality of life?

The article’s methodology is explicit. The writers weighed a handful of core factors—cost of living, median household income, job growth, quality of public schools, safety, access to nature, cultural amenities, and a general “sense of community.” They also consulted local experts and residents, and pulled in a handful of metrics from the U.S. Census and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The result is a top‑ten list that balances big‑city energy with small‑town charm, and showcases the breadth of the state’s geographic and economic diversity.

Below is a concise recap of each spot, plus a brief note on where the article links for further context.

1. Nashville, TN – The Music Capital that Never Sleeps

Nashville tops the list for its booming tech and music industries, robust cultural scene, and high median household income. The article notes that while the city’s cost of living is higher than many of its counterparts—especially housing prices—there is a wealth of restaurants, night‑life, and live‑music venues to keep residents entertained. A highlight is the “Riverfront” development that combines walkable streets, public art, and waterfront parks.

The piece links to an earlier Travel + Leisure feature on the “Best Music Cities in America,” which gives more depth on how Nashville’s music economy supports small‑business growth.

Pro: Career opportunities, entertainment, and a growing tech sector.
Con: Traffic congestion, higher real‑estate costs, and a relatively hot summer climate.

2. Knoxville, TN – A University Town with Outdoor Allure

Knoxville pulls in those who love outdoor recreation and a university‑town vibe. Home to the University of Tennessee, the city offers a solid rental market and a thriving food scene that includes farm‑to‑table restaurants. Its downtown, replete with historic architecture and a lively arts district, keeps residents engaged. The writers cite Knoxville’s lower cost of living versus Nashville as a big draw, and note the nearby Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River.

The article steers readers toward the “Best Hiking Trails in Tennessee” guide, underscoring the easy access to natural beauty.

Pro: Affordable living, excellent schools, outdoor recreation.
Con: Limited high‑tech job growth, occasional flooding along the river.

3. Chattanooga, TN – The River City of Innovation

Chattanooga is lauded for its “high‑tech” identity, largely due to the city’s early adoption of fiber‑optic broadband (often touted as the first city in the U.S. to go “fiber‑to‑the‑home”). The downtown revitalization around the riverfront has birthed boutique shops, craft breweries, and a burgeoning culinary scene. The piece points out that Chattanooga’s cost of living is more moderate than Nashville’s, and the job market is expanding in health‑care, logistics, and software development.

Readers are invited to read the “Best Festivals in Tennessee” feature to see how the city’s “Festival City” nickname plays out.

Pro: Fast broadband, job growth, riverfront charm.
Con: Some residents cite a feeling of “small‑city” limitations in terms of cultural events.

4. Franklin, TN – Historic Charm Meets Affluence

Franklin is a quintessential Southern suburb, known for its preserved downtown, historic homes, and strong school system. The article points out the high median household income and the fact that many residents commute to Nashville. Franklin’s “Main Street” has a mix of boutique shops and upscale dining. The cost of living is on the higher side, but the quality of life is deemed superior by many local surveys.

The piece links to an article on “Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S.,” offering comparative insight into school quality and safety statistics.

Pro: High‑quality schools, safety, historic ambiance.
Con: Expensive housing, limited nightlife.

5. Brentwood, TN – Suburban Luxury and Green Spaces

Brentwood sits just outside Nashville’s northern boundary and is known for its upscale residential neighborhoods and well‑maintained parks. The article emphasizes the strong public school system and the city’s commitment to maintaining green space. The cost of living is high, but many professionals value the quieter lifestyle it offers.

Readers can click through to “Best Suburban Areas Near Major Cities,” which dives into the comparative metrics of suburban vs. urban living.

Pro: Peaceful, high‑end homes, top schools.
Con: Limited local employment opportunities; commuting to Nashville can be time‑consuming.

6. Johnson City, TN – A Small‑Town Feel with Economic Growth

Johnson City is highlighted for its affordability, low crime rate, and a steadily improving job market, particularly in health‑care and manufacturing. The city offers a range of outdoor activities, including the nearby Great Smoky Mountains and the Holston River. The article notes that Johnson City has a tight‑knit community vibe and a growing cultural scene, with the “Johnson City Symphony” and the “Mile High Arts Center.”

A link to the “Best Small Towns for Outdoor Recreation” feature gives readers an idea of the local hikes and bike trails.

Pro: Low cost of living, family‑friendly, outdoor access.
Con: Limited high‑tech job opportunities; fewer entertainment options.

7. Murfreesboro, TN – College Town with Southern Roots

Murfreesboro’s appeal stems largely from the presence of Middle Tennessee State University and the associated student population. The city balances college‑town energy with a family‑friendly environment, highlighted by numerous parks, the “Murfreesboro Community Center,” and an active farmer’s market. The article mentions the city’s moderate cost of living and the growing hospitality and retail sectors.

A link to “Best College Towns in the South” offers broader context on how Murfreesboro compares to other similar communities.

Pro: Vibrant youth culture, affordable housing, strong community events.
Con: Student population may cause seasonal traffic; limited large‑scale job market.

8. Hendersonville, TN – A Family‑Friendly Locale near the Capital

Hendersonville is praised for its safe neighborhoods, highly rated public schools, and a strong sense of community. The city is just 30 miles south of Nashville, offering a good compromise between suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. The article notes the rise in boutique shops and restaurants along its main thoroughfare, as well as the city’s investment in parks and greenways.

Readers are directed to “Best Places for Families in Tennessee” for deeper insight into the local education system and family services.

Pro: Low crime, excellent schools, proximity to Nashville.
Con: Housing prices are on the rise; limited nightlife.

9. Clarksville, TN – Industrial Roots and a Growing Culture Scene

Clarksville is recognized for its manufacturing base—home to companies such as Toyota—alongside a vibrant arts scene that includes the Clarksville Art Center and the “Grove Arts District.” The city offers a lower cost of living and an array of outdoor spaces, such as the “Riverbend Park” and “Clarksville Greenway.” The article points out that the city’s growth in the logistics sector is attracting younger professionals.

A link to “Best Logistics Hubs in the South” provides readers with context on Clarksville’s economic niche.

Pro: Job growth, affordable living, growing cultural scene.
Con: Industrial traffic; slower pace of nightlife.

10. Pigeon Forge, TN – The Tourist Town That Also Works

Pigeon Forge might surprise readers as it makes the top‑ten list largely because of its tourism‑driven economy and abundance of recreational activities—skiing, waterfalls, and the famous “Dollywood” theme park. The article notes that while the town’s cost of living is modest, seasonal fluctuations in tourism can affect employment stability. Still, Pigeon Forge offers a strong sense of community, beautiful mountain scenery, and plenty of family‑friendly activities.

The piece also directs readers to “Best Family Destinations in Tennessee,” which highlights Pigeon Forge’s many attractions for younger visitors.

Pro: Scenic beauty, family activities, solid tourism jobs.
Con: Seasonal economy; limited year‑round career diversity.

Takeaway

Travel + Leisure’s guide paints a picture of Tennessee as a state that can cater to a wide spectrum of preferences: from the neon‑glow of Nashville’s music scene to the serene parks of Brentwood, from the riverfront bustle of Chattanooga to the family‑focused communities of Hendersonville and Johnson City. The ranking is not merely a list—it’s a snapshot of how different Tennessee communities balance affordability, career prospects, education, safety, and cultural life.

For anyone considering a move or a long‑term stay, the article’s linked resources—on music cities, festivals, college towns, and outdoor recreation—offer a richer context that helps you decide which city’s rhythm aligns with your lifestyle. Whether you’re a young professional seeking tech jobs, a retiree looking for a peaceful enclave, or a family wanting top schools and a safe environment, Tennessee’s top towns provide a variety of options to explore.