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Picture retiring in a state with zero income tax, where the median home price is about 20% below the national average, and which is often ranked among the states with the lowest cost of living in the United States. Plus, while °Õ±ð²Ô²Ô±ð²õ²õ±ð±ð’s climate can be a tad on the hotter side, its natural beauty is unassailable, especially as you move from west to east, and from relatively flat landscapes right on to the heart-melting grandeur of the Smokies. If you are considering retiring in the Volunteer State, the following are 8 Tennessee towns ideal for seniors.

Pigeon Forge

Retiring in Pigeon Forge involves spending one’s golden years in relative serenity amid the heart-warming sceneries of the Great Smoky Mountains( Pigeon Forge is just 5 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park). The town hosts about 6,300 residents and offers the small-town feel that often comes with intimate and authentic experiences. As many might agree, for retirement living (not vacation), a middle-of-nowhere town that is far removed from civilization may come with unnecessary challenges. Fortunately, Pigeon Forge is just off Interstate 40, a major east-west artery that passes through the state’s three largest towns. Because of this, Pigeon Forge is just about 40 minutes from Knoxville by car, and hence, provides easy access to desirable amenities, including medical services. And with 37% of the population made of seniors (those aged 55 years and above), the town’s social scene should be anything but lonely.

Winchester

Life in Winchester is homely and slow-paced — and punctuated with diversions and attractions that will see a year end in a blink. If you are retiring but with your love for movies intact, Oldham Theater is an awesome little spot that you will be returning to frequently. For those who will want to want to fill their lungs with some crisp, fresh air, experience the sweetness of early-morning dew, or get serenaded by the ever-joyful chirping of birds, Tims Ford State Park will be close at hand. While this 3,546-acre park has many things a senior will delight in, the star of the show is the beautiful lake that lends it its name — and which is often regarded as one of the most picturesque in the state. Aside from once in a while floating atop the shimmering waters of Tims Ford Lake, retirement at Winchester will involve enjoying a social landscape where up to 35% of residents will be fellow seniors.

Loudon

With a history that goes back to the late 1700s, living in Loudon will feel like stepping back in time. While it will be fun hopping from one historic site to another, one of the best ways to experience Loudon’s history, including its Cherokee roots, is by taking the Downtown Loudon History Tour. This tour will take you to several sites, many of which date back to the 18th century. For a romantic afternoon, probably with a special other, you will want to check out the nearby Tennessee Valley Winery. Tasty wines, whether Cabernets or Muscadines — and delicious mountain views are defining features of this family-owned winery. If you include the fact that Loudon is just about half an hour’s drive from Knoxville, °Õ±ð²Ô²Ô±ð²õ²õ±ð±ð’s third-largest city, and that seniors comprise about 34% of the town’s population, Loudon’s retirement appeal can not be disputed.

Germantown

Germantown is home to about 40,600 residents. Retiring here, therefore, involves being part of vibrant communities and well-kept neighborhoods. Relatively affluent, with highly-rated schools, Germantown boasts one of the most educated populations in Tenessee. This point is lent credence by the fact about 33% of the town’s population are master’s holders and above. This means the guy down the street will be relatively well-informed. And since seniors comprise 34% of the town’s population, there will be several opportunities to plot memorable adventures with like-minded individuals. For outdoor experiences, you will enjoy ambling through Oaklawn Garden and exploring its pretty grounds. Finally, Germantown Performing Arts Center is a nice place for community gatherings and local festivals, including the famous Fried Chicken Fest.

Crossville

Nestled in the peaceful and picturesque Cumberland Plateau, Crossville sits in an area long regarded as a natural wonderland. Living here will involve exploring rocky wildlife parks and enjoying several outdoor adventure opportunities. Cumberland Mountain State Park, because of the fact it hosts Byrd Lake, can make for an incredible nature-themed weekend escape. For well-choreographed plays, many of which are off the charts, Cumberland County Playhouse is often a central feature of retirement life. From shows that will make you think hard and deep to ones that will hopelessly crack your ribs, every visit to this theater is a one-of-a-kind experience. With Cookeville about half an hour's drive away — and Knoxville about an hour, it will not be a headache accessing big-city amenities. Besides, 1 in 3 Crossville residents is a senior while the town's median home values are way below the national estimate.

Fayetteville

Because of its setting and number of offerings, Fayetteville is another Tennessee charmer every senior should give some serious consideration. The activities and views along the scenic Elk River will make for a sprightly life and continuously fill the soul with gratitude. Besides, one will want to split time between enjoying teeing sessions at the Pebble Creek Golf Club — and indulging in hay rides at the Lyon Family Farms. There's quite a number of medical facilities within the town, including Fast Pace Health Urgent Care, that will meet your medical needs. If these facilities will not suffice, Huntsville, Alabama's largest city by land area, is just about 40 minutes away by car. Besides, 34% of the town's population are seniors aged 55 years and above, meaning opportunities for enriching conversations and social support are impressive. Of course, expect a small hometown atmosphere where the locals are always warm and friendly.

Lawrenceburg

Once called home by James Vaughan, Lawrenceburg is best known as the birthplace of Southern Gospel music. For perspective, James Vaughan is famed for having taught the South how to sing and has been called the "Father of Southern Gospel Music." His hometown has become a cradle of Southern Gospel music and boasts attractions such as the Vaughan Gospel Music Museum — where residents can trace the beginnings of this distinct genre. As a senior, you will enjoy plotting camping adventures at the David Crockett State Park while roasting marshmallows with friends, or better still, grandchildren — as the stars twinkle and the moon glows. Moreover, 29% of Lawrenceburg residents are seniors who certainly share similar challenges and dreams. And with the town's median home value standing at an affordable $119,800, retiring here may make one save lots of cash.

Farragut

Named for a Civil War admiral, Farragut strikes the sweet spot between small-town feel and big-city conveniences — and hence, the best of two º£½ÇÉçÇøs. Home to about 23,000 residents, this Tennessee gem is enticingly vibrant and packed to the brim with adventure opportunities. Seniors will particularly need to own a binocular and a paddle, because of the birding and floating opportunities around Fort Loudoun Lake. The town boasts several parks and green spaces, beside being just about 17 miles from Knoxville and hence, within 21 minutes of any needful amenities. As to shopping needs, you may not want to head elsewhere, including Knoxville. Farragut's Turkey Creek is a shopper's paradise, where one can enjoy an entire weekend shopping, eating, and spending quality time with friends or family. Once in a while, the 17-acre Founder's Park at Campbell Station will prove a delight, and will be a nice place for walking the pups.

The Takeaway 

Aside from its tasty scenes and easy-going residents, Tennessee is reputed to be among the most tax-friendly states in the country. The Volunteer State does not ask for a dime in income tax, a fact that ensures seniors keep the whole of their Social Security benefits. As to specific places to retire, this Southern state offers a º£½ÇÉçÇø of options, including Pigeon Forge, which is just 5 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gray, Winchester, and Signal Mountain, which provides access to the scenic Rainbow Lake Wilderness Trail.