8 senior-friendly cities in Tennessee

Famous for its scenic and diverse landscapes, Tennessee is surrounded by North Carolina to the east, Kentucky to the north and to the south by Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. From the outdoors of Smoky Mountains National Park to the legendary music destination and delicious Southern cuisine, many things make the Volunteer State an adorable place to stay.

Tennessee is not among the most popular retirement states in the US, with a major drawback being its high violent crime rate, the fourth highest in the country. However, there are plenty of safe cities where retirees don’t have to worry about safety issues. Moreover, this state has many advantages, including affordable housing, a tax-friendly environment, natural beauty, and several fun things to explore, making it a perfect option for seniors. Discover 8 senior-friendly cities in Tennessee.

Loudon

A beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Loudon is senior-friendly and has easy access to big-city amenities, thanks to its proximity to Knoxville. But the average cost of buying a home here is $624,900. One of the best things to do here is explore the Loudon Municipal Park Nature Trail, a 2.2-mile loop trail that is very easy and an ideal option for outdoor retirees. A wine tasting at Tennessee Valley Winery, with some of the tastiest wines at reasonable prices, is also a good idea to spend nice moments with friends.

Maryville

Located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville has always been considered one of the best places to live in Tennessee. With a typical home costing an average of $420,600, retirees can find a fair deal in the city. Additionally, facilities like Clover Hill Senior Living make life in retirement easier for those who need additional support.

The city also offers several opportunities for fun adventures. Wine lovers can make the most of their time at Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards, where they can try tasty wines, stroll the vineyard, and take in the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove Museum is a small museum located in a historic house dating back to the 18th century, where retirees can learn the history of those who once lived in Cades Cove through artifacts. If retirees are feeling stiff, they can head to Bicentennial Greenbelt Park to relax their muscles and take a little walk with their furry friend.

Erwin

Erwin has a population of approximately 6,000 and is a perfect place for retirees interested in a vibrant culture and incredible access to multiple outdoor adventures. It has one of the lowest crime rates, an affordable cost of living, and a large senior community, making up 22.21% of the entire population. Owning a home is also around $295,000, the required amount.

Seniors interested in kayaking, tubing and fishing can spend some time on the Nolichucky River, which runs through town. Another fun thing to do in Erwin is visit the Erwin National Fish Hatchery, where seniors can enjoy feeding fish, picnicking, walking the nature trail, or seeing the incredible wildlife in the area.

Brentwood

Brentwood is located just south of bustling Nashville, giving you easy access to the city’s amenities. It is one of the top senior-friendly cities in Tennessee due to its wealth of healthcare options, including medical facilities like Harpeth Medical Center. However, it is important to note that real estate prices are sky high, with an astonishing $1.6 million needed to purchase a home.

Meanwhile, the city has Deerwood Arboretum, a 60-acre urban park with beautiful features including migratory birds, native plants, ponds and a small amphitheater. Retirees can go cycling, walking, birdwatching and spotting other wildlife in the park. The Roy E. Barberi Theater is a local hotspot where people gather to enjoy events such as band performances and theater productions.

Church Hill

About 90 miles from Knoxville is Church Hill, where retirees can experience a relaxed atmosphere and small-town atmosphere. The city offers an affordable housing market, with a typical home valued at $299,500, which is well below the U.S. average. The presence of the Church Hill Senior Citizen Center, with perks like a gym, games and living areas, is another big draw for retirees as they get to spend their years in the company of their fellow human beings.

Seniors can also take advantage of the outdoors and tranquility that comes with Laurel Run Park, along Holston River. You can take nature walks to a waterfall in the park or have a lovely picnic. Swimming in the Church Hill pool is another activity to consider. Don’t miss golfing with friends at Bays Mountain Golf Club, a nine-hole course with impressive views.

Mount Julia

With $600,000 as the average cost for a place to live, Mount Juliet is pretty decent considering it’s a suburb of Nashville. When it comes to health benefits, retirees can find places like Providence Medical Pavilion and TriStar Mt. Juliet ER ready to provide the best medical care.

Popular with families, Charlie Daniels Park invites seniors to enjoy a nice walk or jog there. When you’re in the mood for cinema, Regal Providence offers access to the latest showtimes. The seasonal Mt. Juliet Farmer’s Market is the place to stay up to date on the latest happenings in the area while doing your grocery shopping.

Kingston Springs

Kingston Springs is another senior-friendly destination with some of the most breathtaking scenery, with Harpeth River State Park as the crown jewel. Home to nearly 3,000 residents, it requires $537,900 to be a homeowner. There is also a strong sense of community in Kingston Springs, and the locals are very welcoming and friendly.

Retirees can stay active by hiking, fishing and kayaking at Harpeth River State Park, which is a perfect option for less experienced paddlers as the river is a Class 1. Golf enthusiasts can play golf at the Golf Club of Tennessee, considered one of the best. of the best golf courses in the U.S. Seniors can also spend time at LL Burns Park, where they can play soccer and golf. It also has a community building, which retirees can rent if they want to celebrate an event.

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain is known for its dramatic panoramas, waterfalls, great hiking trails and incredible streams. With so much to explore, retiring here would be a dream come true for golden agers looking for a scenic, senior-friendly place to spend their sunset years. The dream of owning a home will stretch the budget by $790,000, but there are locations like Signal Mountain Senior Living and Ascension Living Alexian Village Tennessee that make life easier.

One of the most beautiful things to do in Signal Mountain is go to Signal Point atop Signal Mountain for breathtaking views of the Tennessee River. Retirees can also use it to access the Cumberland Trail, one of the best hikes in the US. A fun stop on the way to Signal Mountain, Fairmount Orchard serves some of the tastiest apple cider in town and is a community grocery store.

Tennessee may not be the first retirement destination you think of, but it offers several small town options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in a mountain adventure, historic charm, or proximity to big-city amenities, there are several places to choose from. From the beautiful cultural diversity of Maryville to the dramatic panoramas of Signal Mountain, all of Tennessee’s senior-friendly cities guarantee a great lifestyle for retirees.