When considering where to spend your retirement years, several key factors can significantly impact your quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis examines five critical criteria that matter most to retirees: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly ratings. These metrics together provide a holistic view of what each community offers to those looking to enjoy their golden years in comfort and fulfillment.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Tennessee’s best towns for retirees. The Overall Retirement Score encompasses numerous factors beyond our five highlighted criteria, giving you a comprehensive evaluation of each location’s retirement potential.
Here’s the list.
24. Telford Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 89.91
- Walkability: 28.21
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.32
- Vibrant Score: 12.72
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Telford
Telford offers a very strong retirement score of 89.91, making it appealing for retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle with a high quiet index of 87.21. While the town has limited walkability at 28.21 and moderate urban sophistication at 37.32, it provides a peaceful environment with minimal vibrant activity (12.72) and no public transit options. The median home price information is not available for this location.
23. Taft Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 89.91
- Walkability: 11.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.48
- Vibrant Score: 4.94
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Taft
Taft stands out with an impressive retirement score of 89.91 and an excellent quiet index of 95.53, making it ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility. The town offers moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 46.48, though it has limited walkability (11.37) and very little vibrant activity (4.94). There is no public transit available in this community. The median home price data is currently unavailable for Taft.
22. Kingston Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.01
- Walkability: 14.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.63
- Vibrant Score: 19.62
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Kingston
Kingston provides retirees with an excellent overall retirement score of 90.01 and a good quiet index of 79.98. The town offers moderate cultural amenities (44.63) and some vibrant activity (19.62), though walkability is limited at 14.36. Kingston does not have public transportation options. Median home price information is not available for this location.
21. Springville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.17
- Walkability: 4.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 15.76
- Vibrant Score: 6.03
- Transit-Friendly: 5.78
About Springville
Springville boasts an excellent retirement score of 90.17 and an outstanding quiet index of 96.26, making it perfect for retirees seeking a peaceful setting. The town has very limited walkability (4.96) and minimal urban sophistication (15.76), with little vibrant activity (6.03). It does offer minimal transit options with a score of 5.78. The median home price information is not available for Springville.
20. Signal Mountain Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.36
- Walkability: 30.62
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 76.23
- Vibrant Score: 21.84
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain offers retirees an excellent overall score of 90.36 with good quiet levels (79.51). What makes this town stand out is its high urban sophistication score of 76.23, providing access to numerous cultural amenities. The town has moderate walkability (30.62) and vibrant activity (21.84), though it lacks public transportation options. The median home price information is not available for Signal Mountain.
19. Middleton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.87
- Walkability: 12.3
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 17.26
- Vibrant Score: 8.09
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Middleton
Middleton provides a high retirement score of 90.87 and a good quiet index of 83.18, creating a peaceful environment for retirees. The town has limited walkability (12.3) and minimal urban sophistication (17.26) with low vibrant activity (8.09). There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
18. Norris Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.12
- Walkability: 32.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 61.33
- Vibrant Score: 23.88
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Norris
Norris offers retirees an excellent retirement score of 91.12 with a good quiet index of 83.86. The town features above-average urban sophistication (61.33), providing access to various cultural amenities, and moderate walkability (32.74). There’s some vibrant activity (23.88) but no public transportation options. The median home price information is not available for Norris.
17. Beech Bluff Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.65
- Walkability: 8.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.18
- Vibrant Score: 7
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Beech Bluff
Beech Bluff provides an outstanding retirement score of 91.65 and an excellent quiet index of 96.39, making it ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility. The town offers moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 54.18, though it has very limited walkability (8.51) and minimal vibrant activity (7). There is no public transit available. The median home price data is currently unavailable for Beech Bluff.
16. Lookout Mountain Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.12
- Walkability: 68.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 99.59
- Vibrant Score: 43.85
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain stands out with an excellent retirement score of 92.12 and the highest urban sophistication score on our list at 99.59, offering abundant cultural amenities. The town also features good walkability (68.07) and moderate vibrant activity (43.85), though it has a somewhat lower quiet index (72.14) compared to other top retirement towns. There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
15. Jellico Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.29
- Walkability: 35.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 13.02
- Vibrant Score: 31.2
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Jellico
Jellico provides retirees with an excellent overall retirement score of 92.29 and a good quiet index of 80.27. The town has moderate walkability (35.64) and vibrant activity (31.2), though it offers limited cultural amenities with a low urban sophistication score (13.02). There are no public transportation options available. The median home price information is not available for Jellico.
14. Lynnville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.05
- Walkability: 18.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.07
- Vibrant Score: 8.1
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Lynnville
Lynnville boasts an outstanding retirement score of 93.05 and a good quiet index of 82.7, providing a peaceful environment for retirees. The town offers some cultural amenities with a moderate urban sophistication score (37.07), though it has limited walkability (18.34) and minimal vibrant activity (8.1). There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
13. Mount Carmel Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.14
- Walkability: 18.94
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.38
- Vibrant Score: 20.47
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel offers retirees an exceptional retirement score of 93.14 with a good quiet index of 84.86. The town features above-average urban sophistication (52.38), providing access to various cultural amenities, though it has limited walkability (18.94) and moderate vibrant activity (20.47). There are no public transportation options available. The median home price information is not available for Mount Carmel.
12. Three Way Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.16
- Walkability: 16.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 70.5
- Vibrant Score: 20.22
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Three Way
Three Way provides an excellent retirement score of 93.16 and a high quiet index of 90.9, creating a peaceful environment for retirees. The town offers impressive cultural amenities with a high urban sophistication score (70.5), though it has limited walkability (16.57) and moderate vibrant activity (20.22). There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
11. Normandy Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.41
- Walkability: 17.66
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 65.02
- Vibrant Score: 8.83
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Normandy
Normandy boasts an outstanding retirement score of 93.41 and an excellent quiet index of 96.18, making it perfect for retirees seeking a peaceful setting. The town offers good cultural amenities with a high urban sophistication score (65.02), though it has limited walkability (17.66) and minimal vibrant activity (8.83). There are no public transportation options available. The median home price information is not available for Normandy.
10. Harrogate Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.77
- Walkability: 24.98
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.68
- Vibrant Score: 25.41
- Transit-Friendly: 8.16
About Harrogate
Harrogate offers retirees an exceptional retirement score of 93.77 with a good quiet index of 70.61. The town has moderate walkability (24.98) and vibrant activity (25.41), with some transit options available (8.16). However, it offers limited cultural amenities with a lower urban sophistication score (21.68). The median home price information is not available for this location.
9. Dellrose Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.13
- Walkability: 16.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.74
- Vibrant Score: 2.79
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Dellrose
Dellrose provides an outstanding retirement score of 94.13 and an excellent quiet index of 91.91, creating an ideal peaceful environment for retirees. The town offers moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 51.74, though it has limited walkability (16.91) and very minimal vibrant activity (2.79). There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
8. Palmyra Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.59
- Walkability: 8.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.67
- Vibrant Score: 6.64
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Palmyra
Palmyra boasts an exceptional retirement score of 95.59 and an outstanding quiet index of 96.44, making it perfect for retirees seeking maximum peace and tranquility. The town offers moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 53.67, though it has very limited walkability (8.26) and minimal vibrant activity (6.64). There are no public transportation options available. The median home price information is not available for Palmyra.
7. Rossville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.34
- Walkability: 5.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 65.94
- Vibrant Score: 9.45
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Rossville
Rossville offers retirees an exceptional retirement score of 96.34 and an excellent quiet index of 94.01, creating a peaceful environment. The town features impressive cultural amenities with a high urban sophistication score (65.94), though it has very limited walkability (5.08) and minimal vibrant activity (9.45). There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
6. Eads Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.7
- Walkability: 11.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 77.58
- Vibrant Score: 6.79
- Transit-Friendly: 3.02
About Eads
Eads provides an outstanding retirement score of 96.7 and an exceptional quiet index of 96.79, making it ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility. The town offers excellent cultural amenities with a high urban sophistication score (77.58), though it has limited walkability (11.74), minimal vibrant activity (6.79), and very limited transit options (3.02). The median home price information is not available for Eads.
5. Shady Valley Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.74
- Walkability: 10.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.05
- Vibrant Score: 4.84
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Shady Valley
Shady Valley boasts an exceptional retirement score of 96.74 and an excellent quiet index of 94.2, providing a peaceful haven for retirees. The town has limited walkability (10.72), cultural amenities (28.05), and very minimal vibrant activity (4.84). There are no public transit options available. The median home price information is not available for this location.
4. Buchanan Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.01
- Walkability: 8.38
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.29
- Vibrant Score: 10.04
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Buchanan
Buchanan offers retirees an exceptional retirement score of 97.01 and an outstanding quiet index of 96.81, creating an ideal peaceful environment. The town provides moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 43.29, though it has very limited walkability (8.38) and minimal vibrant activity (10.04). There are no public transportation options available. The median home price information is not available for Buchanan.
3. Unicoi Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.29
- Walkability: 14.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 20.19
- Vibrant Score: 21.94
- Transit-Friendly: 9.3
About Unicoi
Unicoi boasts one of the highest retirement scores in Tennessee at 98.29, with an excellent quiet index of 93.92. The town has some transit options available (9.3) and moderate vibrant activity (21.94), though it has limited walkability (14.12) and cultural amenities (20.19). Despite these limitations, its nearly perfect retirement score makes it an exceptional choice for retirees. The median home price information is not available for this location.
2. Tusculum Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.4
- Walkability: 32.18
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.5
- Vibrant Score: 46.19
- Transit-Friendly: 26.9
About Tusculum
Tusculum ranks second on our list with an outstanding retirement score of 98.4. Unlike many other top retirement towns, Tusculum offers a more balanced lifestyle with good vibrant activity (46.19) and the best transit options (26.9) among our top towns. The town has moderate walkability (32.18) and cultural amenities (37.5), with a lower quiet index (57.51) compared to other top retirement destinations. This makes Tusculum ideal for active retirees who want peace without complete seclusion. The median home price information is not available for this location.
1. Sewanee Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.4
- Walkability: 20.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.27
- Vibrant Score: 18.48
- Transit-Friendly: 0
About Sewanee
Sewanee claims the top spot for retirement towns in Tennessee with an exceptional retirement score of 99.4. The town offers a good balance of peace (quiet index of 68.17) and culture (urban sophistication of 50.27), with moderate walkability (20.86) and vibrant activity (18.48). Though it lacks public transit options, its nearly perfect retirement score makes it the premier choice for retirees in Tennessee. The median home price information is not available for Sewanee.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how suitable a town is for retirees, considering factors such as safety, healthcare access, cost of living, climate, recreational opportunities, and the other metrics listed below. Higher scores indicate better retirement suitability.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can accomplish daily tasks on foot without requiring a vehicle. This is particularly important for active aging and maintaining independence in later years.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Quantifies the availability and quality of cultural attractions, dining options, entertainment venues, and educational opportunities. This metric is crucial for retirees seeking intellectual stimulation and cultural engagement.
- Vibrant Score: Assesses the energy and activity level of a community, including events, gatherings, and overall social atmosphere. This helps retirees find a community that matches their desired lifestyle pace.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the availability and accessibility of public transportation options, which can be essential for retirees who no longer drive but wish to maintain mobility and independence.
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Zillow Real Estate Market Reports https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
- National Association of Realtors Housing Statistics https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics
- U.S. Census Bureau Housing Data https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/index.html
- Redfin Data Center Tennessee Market https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/
