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When searching for the ideal place to live as a young single person, several factors come into play beyond just dating opportunities. Our comprehensive analysis examines six critical criteria that impact quality of life for singles in Tennessee communities: Overall Young Singles Score, Hip & Trendy rating, Vibrancy Score, Car Friendly rating, Cycling-Friendly rating, and Transit-Friendly rating. The Overall Young Singles Score incorporates multiple elements including dating pool size, social opportunities, nightlife options, community engagement possibilities, and affordability metrics.
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 most challenging towns for young singles looking to establish roots and build relationships. Our methodology provides a holistic view of what makes a community hospitable—or not—for those navigating single life.
Here’s the list.
25. Oakland
- Overall Young Singles Score: 38.75
- Hip & Trendy: 35.40
- Vibrancy Score: 37.65
- Car Friendly: 72.15
- Cycling-Friendly: 21.30
- Transit-Friendly: 14.25
Oakland presents challenges for young singles with its below-average vibrancy and limited hip establishments. While highly car-dependent with a strong 72.15 Car Friendly score, the town offers minimal public transportation options and lacks dedicated cycling infrastructure. The median home price of $285,450 is relatively affordable compared to other Tennessee communities, but the limited social scene makes it difficult for singles to connect.
24. Arlington
- Overall Young Singles Score: 38.20
- Hip & Trendy: 33.65
- Vibrancy Score: 36.40
- Car Friendly: 75.80
- Cycling-Friendly: 22.50
- Transit-Friendly: 11.75
Arlington ranks as the 24th worst town for young singles with its lower-than-average vibrancy and limited trendy establishments. The town is extremely car-dependent, scoring high on car-friendliness but offering minimal transit options. Cycling infrastructure remains underdeveloped, making car-free living impractical. With a median home price of $312,780, Arlington represents a challenging environment for singles seeking an active social life and community engagement.
23. Lakeland
- Overall Young Singles Score: 37.80
- Hip & Trendy: 32.50
- Vibrancy Score: 35.75
- Car Friendly: 78.30
- Cycling-Friendly: 25.40
- Transit-Friendly: 10.25
Lakeland’s low Overall Young Singles Score of 37.80 reflects its suburban character and limited social opportunities for unattached residents. The town scores poorly on hip establishments and community vibrancy metrics, though it does offer good driving conditions with its 78.30 Car Friendly score. With a median home price of $328,500, Lakeland presents affordability challenges alongside limited meeting places for singles to socialize.
22. Thompson’s Station
- Overall Young Singles Score: 37.45
- Hip & Trendy: 35.20
- Vibrancy Score: 33.60
- Car Friendly: 74.90
- Cycling-Friendly: 28.15
- Transit-Friendly: 8.75
Thompson’s Station shows limitations for young singles with its 37.45 Overall Score. The town offers some trendy establishments but lacks overall vibrancy in its social scene. Transportation depends heavily on personal vehicles, with negligible public transit options scoring just 8.75. The median home price of $435,200 creates additional barriers for young singles looking to establish themselves in this community.
21. Nolensville
- Overall Young Singles Score: 37.10
- Hip & Trendy: 38.45
- Vibrancy Score: 36.20
- Car Friendly: 73.50
- Cycling-Friendly: 31.25
- Transit-Friendly: 9.30
Nolensville ranks 21st worst for young singles despite its slowly improving hip scene. The town’s Overall Young Singles Score of 37.10 reflects limited social venues and community gathering spaces. While it offers slightly better cycling options than other low-ranking towns, public transit remains virtually nonexistent. The median home price of $532,100 is among the highest on our list, creating significant barriers for young singles seeking affordable housing options.
20. Spring Hill
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- Overall Young Singles Score: 36.85
- Hip & Trendy: 37.20
- Vibrancy Score: 38.50
- Car Friendly: 69.75
- Cycling-Friendly: 28.90
- Transit-Friendly: 12.40
Spring Hill presents a challenging environment for young singles with its low Overall Score of 36.85. While the town has seen moderate growth in trendy establishments, the overall social scene remains limited. Transportation options are predominantly car-focused, with minimal public transit infrastructure. The median home price of $387,600 combined with the limited social opportunities makes Spring Hill a difficult place for singles to thrive.
19. Smyrna
- Overall Young Singles Score: 36.20
- Hip & Trendy: 35.65
- Vibrancy Score: 37.90
- Car Friendly: 75.10
- Cycling-Friendly: 24.35
- Transit-Friendly: 18.20
Smyrna ranks 19th worst for young singles with its below-average scores across most metrics. While the town offers slightly better public transit than other low-ranking communities, it still heavily favors car transportation. With a median home price of $298,400, Smyrna is more affordable than some neighboring areas but lacks the social infrastructure and vibrant scene that would attract and retain young singles.
18. La Vergne
- Overall Young Singles Score: 35.85
- Hip & Trendy: 32.75
- Vibrancy Score: 34.20
- Car Friendly: 73.60
- Cycling-Friendly: 22.15
- Transit-Friendly: 17.50
La Vergne presents significant challenges for young singles with its low Overall Score of 35.85. The town’s limited hip and trendy establishments contribute to a below-average vibrancy score. While car-friendly, the infrastructure for alternative transportation remains underdeveloped. The median home price of $275,900 offers some affordability, but cannot compensate for the limited social and cultural opportunities.
17. White House
- Overall Young Singles Score: 35.40
- Hip & Trendy: 31.20
- Vibrancy Score: 33.80
- Car Friendly: 76.50
- Cycling-Friendly: 20.90
- Transit-Friendly: 10.75
White House ranks poorly for young singles with its 35.40 Overall Score reflecting limited social venues and community engagement opportunities. The town scores particularly low on hip establishments and community vibrancy. Transportation options are heavily car-dependent with minimal cycling infrastructure and nearly nonexistent public transit. The median home price of $302,500 presents a moderate barrier to entry in a town with few amenities for singles.
16. Mount Juliet
- Overall Young Singles Score: 34.95
- Hip & Trendy: 39.10
- Vibrancy Score: 40.25
- Car Friendly: 72.80
- Cycling-Friendly: 25.60
- Transit-Friendly: 21.35
Mount Juliet ranks 16th worst despite having slightly better scores for hip establishments than other towns on this list. Its Overall Young Singles Score of 34.95 indicates significant room for improvement in creating an inviting environment for singles. While the town offers more transit options than many others ranked here, it remains predominantly car-dependent. The median home price of $416,900 creates additional barriers for young singles looking to establish themselves in this community.
15. Portland
- Overall Young Singles Score: 34.50
- Hip & Trendy: 30.75
- Vibrancy Score: 32.40
- Car Friendly: 71.20
- Cycling-Friendly: 26.35
- Transit-Friendly: 12.80
Portland offers limited opportunities for young singles with its low Overall Score of 34.50. The town scores particularly poorly on hip establishments and community vibrancy, reflecting a lack of social venues and activities for singles. Transportation options remain heavily car-dependent with limited alternatives. The median home price of $248,300 is among the more affordable on our list, but the social limitations present significant challenges for singles seeking community.
14. Millington
- Overall Young Singles Score: 33.90
- Hip & Trendy: 29.65
- Vibrancy Score: 31.70
- Car Friendly: 68.40
- Cycling-Friendly: 24.80
- Transit-Friendly: 16.25
Millington’s Overall Young Singles Score of 33.90 places it firmly among Tennessee’s least accommodating towns for singles. The town offers minimal hip establishments and scores poorly on community vibrancy metrics. Transportation options are limited across all categories, with car dependency being the norm despite the relatively low Car Friendly score. With a median home price of $174,900, Millington offers housing affordability but lacks the social infrastructure that would attract young singles.
13. Munford
- Overall Young Singles Score: 33.25
- Hip & Trendy: 28.50
- Vibrancy Score: 30.15
- Car Friendly: 70.30
- Cycling-Friendly: 21.45
- Transit-Friendly: 8.90
Munford presents significant challenges for young singles with its low scores across most metrics. The town’s Overall Young Singles Score of 33.25 reflects limited social venues and community engagement opportunities. Transportation heavily favors personal vehicles, with cycling infrastructure remaining underdeveloped and public transit nearly nonexistent. The median home price of $205,600 offers some affordability but cannot offset the limited social scene and amenities.
12. Atoka
- Overall Young Singles Score: 32.80
- Hip & Trendy: 27.90
- Vibrancy Score: 29.45
- Car Friendly: 74.25
- Cycling-Friendly: 23.10
- Transit-Friendly: 7.65
Atoka ranks poorly for young singles with its 32.80 Overall Score. The town offers minimal hip establishments and scores particularly low on community vibrancy. Transportation options heavily favor personal vehicles, with the town earning a strong Car Friendly score but providing almost no public transit infrastructure. The median home price of $229,800 is relatively affordable, but the town’s limited social opportunities make it challenging for singles seeking an active community.
11. Soddy-Daisy
- Overall Young Singles Score: 32.15
- Hip & Trendy: 29.30
- Vibrancy Score: 31.50
- Car Friendly: 67.90
- Cycling-Friendly: 25.75
- Transit-Friendly: 14.60
Soddy-Daisy offers limited opportunities for young singles with its low Overall Score of 32.15. The town scores poorly on hip establishments and community vibrancy, indicating few social venues and limited nightlife. Transportation options remain predominantly car-focused despite the relatively low Car Friendly score. With a median home price of $225,700, Soddy-Daisy presents moderate affordability but lacks the social infrastructure that would make it appealing to young singles.
10. Fairview
- Overall Young Singles Score: 31.70
- Hip & Trendy: 30.85
- Vibrancy Score: 32.25
- Car Friendly: 71.65
- Cycling-Friendly: 28.40
- Transit-Friendly: 9.50
Fairview breaks into the top 10 worst towns for young singles with its 31.70 Overall Score. The town offers limited trendy establishments and scores below average on community vibrancy. Transportation heavily favors car ownership, with minimal public transit options and moderate cycling infrastructure. The median home price of $354,200 creates additional barriers for young singles looking to establish themselves in this community, which already offers limited social opportunities.
9. Oakland City
- Overall Young Singles Score: 31.20
- Hip & Trendy: 26.75
- Vibrancy Score: 28.90
- Car Friendly: 69.40
- Cycling-Friendly: 22.65
- Transit-Friendly: 11.30
Oakland City ranks as the 9th worst town for young singles in Tennessee with its low 31.20 Overall Score. The town offers very few hip or trendy establishments and scores particularly poorly on community vibrancy metrics. Transportation options are limited across all categories, with personal vehicles being the primary mode despite the moderate Car Friendly score. The median home price of $187,500 offers affordability but cannot compensate for the limited social scene and community engagement opportunities.
8. Red Bank
- Overall Young Singles Score: 30.85
- Hip & Trendy: 32.10
- Vibrancy Score: 33.75
- Car Friendly: 65.20
- Cycling-Friendly: 27.30
- Transit-Friendly: 19.45
Red Bank presents significant challenges for young singles despite being near Chattanooga. Its 30.85 Overall Score reflects limited social venues and dating opportunities. While the town scores slightly better on transit options than other low-ranking communities, it still heavily favors car transportation. The median home price of $242,800 is moderate, but the town’s limited hip establishments and social scene make it difficult for singles to connect and build community.
7. Signal Mountain
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- Overall Young Singles Score: 30.40
- Hip & Trendy: 28.30
- Vibrancy Score: 29.65
- Car Friendly: 64.75
- Cycling-Friendly: 26.95
- Transit-Friendly: 13.85
Signal Mountain ranks as the 7th worst town for young singles in Tennessee despite its scenic views. The town’s 30.40 Overall Score indicates limited social opportunities and nightlife. Transportation options are limited across all categories, with personal vehicles being necessary despite challenges reflected in the lower Car Friendly score. The median home price of $418,600 creates significant barriers for young singles, compounding the challenges presented by limited social venues.
6. Waynesboro
- Overall Young Singles Score: 29.95
- Hip & Trendy: 25.50
- Vibrancy Score: 27.80
- Car Friendly: 68.95
- Cycling-Friendly: 20.25
- Transit-Friendly: 6.40
Waynesboro enters the top 6 worst towns for young singles with its remarkably low 29.95 Overall Score. The town offers very few hip or trendy establishments and scores particularly poorly on community vibrancy. Transportation options heavily favor personal vehicles, with cycling infrastructure remaining underdeveloped and public transit virtually nonexistent. The median home price of $143,200 offers significant affordability but cannot offset the extremely limited social opportunities for singles.
5. Pikeville
- Overall Young Singles Score: 29.40
- Hip & Trendy: 24.35
- Vibrancy Score: 26.70
- Car Friendly: 66.50
- Cycling-Friendly: 21.80
- Transit-Friendly: 5.95
Pikeville ranks as the 5th worst town for young singles in Tennessee with its very low 29.40 Overall Score. The town offers minimal social venues and scores particularly poorly on hip establishments and community vibrancy metrics. Transportation options are limited across all categories, with car ownership being essential despite the moderate Car Friendly score. The median home price of $128,700 represents the most affordable option on our list but comes with significant social limitations for young singles.
4. Woodbury
- Overall Young Singles Score: 28.75
- Hip & Trendy: 23.60
- Vibrancy Score: 25.35
- Car Friendly: 65.80
- Cycling-Friendly: 19.70
- Transit-Friendly: 4.85
Woodbury ranks as the 4th worst town for young singles in Tennessee with its extremely low 28.75 Overall Score. The town offers very few places for singles to meet and socialize, with particularly poor scores for hip establishments and community vibrancy. Transportation options are limited, with car dependency being the norm despite challenges reflected in the moderate Car Friendly score. The median home price of $159,400 offers affordability but comes with significant social and lifestyle limitations for young singles.
3. Carthage
- Overall Young Singles Score: 27.90
- Hip & Trendy: 22.45
- Vibrancy Score: 24.10
- Car Friendly: 64.35
- Cycling-Friendly: 18.95
- Transit-Friendly: 3.75
Carthage ranks as the 3rd worst town for young singles in Tennessee with its extremely low 27.90 Overall Score. The town offers minimal social venues and nightlife options, scoring particularly poorly on hip establishments and community vibrancy metrics. Transportation options are limited across all categories, with car dependency being essential despite the below-average Car Friendly score. The median home price of $163,800 is affordable but cannot compensate for the severely limited social opportunities for singles in this community.
2. Hohenwald
- Overall Young Singles Score: 26.85
- Hip & Trendy: 21.30
- Vibrancy Score: 23.45
- Car Friendly: 63.20
- Cycling-Friendly: 17.50
- Transit-Friendly: 2.90
Hohenwald ranks as the 2nd worst town for young singles in Tennessee with its remarkably low 26.85 Overall Score. The town offers extremely limited social venues and dating opportunities, with particularly poor scores for hip establishments and community vibrancy. Transportation options are significantly limited, with virtually no public transit and minimal cycling infrastructure. The median home price of $145,700 offers affordability but is coupled with severe social and lifestyle limitations for young singles looking to build community.
1. Gainesboro
- Overall Young Singles Score: 25.40
- Hip & Trendy: 20.15
- Vibrancy Score: 22.30
- Car Friendly: 62.75
- Cycling-Friendly: 16.85
- Transit-Friendly: 1.95
Gainesboro ranks as the absolute worst town for young singles in Tennessee with its dismal 25.40 Overall Score. The town offers almost no hip or trendy establishments and scores the lowest on community vibrancy among all evaluated communities. Transportation options are extremely limited, with virtually nonexistent public transit and poor cycling infrastructure. Even car ownership presents challenges with a below-average Car Friendly score. The median home price of $132,500 is highly affordable but comes paired with the most severe social and lifestyle limitations for young singles in the state.
Definition of Terms:
- Overall Young Singles Score: A comprehensive metric incorporating dating pool size, social opportunities, nightlife options, community engagement possibilities, and affordability. This holistic score reflects how conducive a town is to single life across multiple dimensions.
- Hip & Trendy: Measures the concentration and quality of contemporary establishments including craft coffee shops, breweries, modern restaurants, art galleries, and cultural venues that appeal to younger demographics and facilitate social connections.
- Vibrancy Score: Assesses the energy and dynamism of a community through metrics like event frequency, downtown activity, community engagement opportunities, and general social atmosphere. Higher scores indicate more lively communities with abundant social interaction possibilities.
- Car Friendly: Evaluates road quality, traffic conditions, parking availability, and overall driving experience. This metric is included because most Tennessee communities require personal vehicles for basic transportation, making driving conditions a critical quality-of-life factor.
- Cycling-Friendly: Measures the quality and extent of cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes, trails, and overall safety for cyclists. This metric reflects alternative transportation options that promote healthier lifestyles and environmental consciousness.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses public transportation availability, reliability, coverage, and frequency. Strong public transit systems expand mobility options, reduce transportation costs, and increase accessibility to social venues—all critical factors for young singles without personal vehicles.
Sources for Median Home Price Data:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
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