8 Senior-Friendly Towns in Tennessee
Tennessee, famous for its scenic and diverse landscapes, is surrounded by North Carolina to the east, Kentucky to the north, and the south by Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. From the great outdoors of Smoky Mountains National Park to the legendary music destination to the delicious Southern cuisine, a lot of things make the Volunteer State an adorable place to reside.
Tennessee is not among the most popular retirement states in the US, with a major drawback being the high violent crime rate, which is the fourth-highest in the nation. However, there are plenty of safe towns where retirees will have no worries or security concerns. Moreover, this state has a lot of perks, including affordable housing, a tax-friendly environment, scenic beauty, and multiple fun things to explore, which make it a perfect option for seniors. Discover 8 senior-friendly towns in Tennessee.
Loudon
Loudon, a beautiful town near the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, 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 3.5-km loop trail that is very easy and an ideal option for outdoorsy retirees. Wine tasting at Tennessee Valley Winery, featuring some of the tastiest wines at reasonable prices, is also a good idea to spend enjoyable moments with friends.
Maryville
Maryville, located right in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, has always been considered one of the best places to live in Tennessee. With a typical home costing $420,600 on average, retirees can find a fair deal in the town. Furthermore, facilities like Clover Hill Senior Living make after-retirement life easier for those in need of extra support.
The town also offers multiple 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 through the vineyard, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove Museum is a small museum set in a historic house dating back to the 1700s where retirees can learn the history of those who once lived in Cades Cove through artifacts. When feeling stiff, retirees can head to Bicentennial Greenbelt Park to relax their muscles and take a little stroll with their furry friend.
Erwin
Home to about 6,000 people, Erwin is a perfect place for retirees who are 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, which makes up 22.21% of the entire population. Owning a property is also in the range of just about $295,000 as the amount required.
Seniors interested in kayaking, tubing, and fishing can spend some time at the Nolichucky River, which runs through the town. Another fun thing to do in Erwin is visit Erwin National Fish Hatchery, where seniors can enjoy feeding fish, picnicking, hiking the nature trail, or seeing the area鈥檚 incredible wildlife.
Brentwood
Brentwood is nestled just south of bustling Nashville, allowing ready access to the city鈥檚 amenities. It is among the top senior-friendly towns in Tennessee, owing to its wealth of healthcare options, including medical facilities like Harpeth Medical Center. However, it is important to note that property prices are sky-high with an astounding $1.6M necessary to purchase a house.
Meanwhile, the town has Deerwood Arboretum, a 60-acre city park with beautiful features, including migratory birds, native plants, ponds, and a small amphitheater. Retirees can go biking, hiking, birdwatching, and spotting other wildlife in the park. The Roy E. Barberi Theatre is a local hotspot with people gathering to enjoy events like band performances and theatre productions.
Church Hill
About 90 miles from Knoxville sits Church Hill, offering retirees a relaxed atmosphere and small-town vibe. The town offers an affordable housing market with a typical home being valued at $299,500, which is well below the U.S. average. The presence of Church Hill Senior Citizen Center, featuring perks like exercise room, games, and living spaces, is another big draw for retirees as they can spend their years in the company of their fellows.
Seniors can also take advantage of the great outdoors and the serenity that comes with Laurel Run Park, along Holston River. You can hike the nature hikes to a waterfall in the park or enjoy picnicking. Swimming in the Church Hill Swimming Pool is another activity to consider. Do not miss playing golf with friends at the Bays Mountain Golf Club, a nine-hole golf course with impressive views.
Mount Juliet
Listing $600,000 as the median expense for a residential space, Mount Juliet is fairly decent considering it is a Nashville suburb. 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.
Charlie Daniels Park, popular with families, invites seniors to enjoy a nice walk or jog there. Whenever in the mood for cinema, Regal Providence provides access to latest showtimes. The seasonal Mt. Juliet Farmer's Market is the place to keep up with the latest happenings in the area while getting the home shopping done.
Kingston Springs
Kingston Springs is another senior-friendly destination with some of the most breathtaking landscapes, with Harpeth River State Park being its crown jewel. Home to nearly 3,000 residents, requires $537,900 for you 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 keep 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. Golfing enthusiasts can play golf at the Golf Club of Tennessee, considered one of the top golf courses in the U.S. Seniors can also spend time at the L.L. 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, cascading waterfalls, amazing 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 possessing a home will stretch the budget by $790,000, but there are venues like Signal Mountain Senior Living and Ascension Living Alexian Village Tennessee making life easier.
One of the most scenic things to do in Signal Mountain is heading 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 U.S. Fairmount Orchard, a cute stop on the way to Signal Mountain, serves some of the tastiest apple cider in the town and is a community grocery store.
Tennessee might not be the first retirement destination to come to mind, but it offers diverse options of small towns to choose from. Whether interested in a mountain adventure, a historic charm, or proximity to big city amenities, there are multiple places you can opt for. From Maryville鈥檚 wonderful cultural diversity to Signal Mountain鈥檚 dramatic panoramas, any of the senior-friendly towns in Tennessee guarantee an amazing lifestyle for retirees.
