Tennessee does not tax the money you earn at your job. Not one cent of your paycheck goes to a state income tax. I still find that a little wild every time I see it written down.
The last piece of the old tax on investment income disappeared in 2021, too. That puts more money in your pocket every month. Pair that with mountains, rivers, and small-town squares, and you can see why moving trucks keep heading this way.
I got curious about where all those newcomers should actually land. So I focused on towns that offer a mix of schools, history, outdoor attractions, and everyday conveniences. Some picks are close to big cities, while others sit near waterfalls or mountain ridges.
I love that the list mixes busy suburbs with sleepy storybook streets. So which one sounds like your next front porch?
1. Franklin
Few suburbs can claim a Main Street that looks like a postcard and a Civil War battlefield just down the road. Franklin pulls off both, and it does it with style.
The town sits about 20 miles south of Nashville in Williamson County. That means you can work near the city and still come home to brick sidewalks and old storefronts.
History here is not tucked away in a dusty corner. The Battle of Franklin happened on November 30, 1864, and you can still visit sites tied to that day.
The Carter House and Carnton both tell the story of the battle. They make history feel real, which is a nice change from flipping through a textbook.
Downtown is the main event for weekend plans. The Franklin Theatre on Main Street hosts movies and live shows, and its glowing marquee is hard to miss.
You’ll also find local shops and restaurants lining the historic blocks. It’s the kind of place where a quick errand can turn into a slow afternoon stroll.
Families often look at Franklin because of its schools. Williamson County is widely known in Tennessee for strong public education, which is a big draw for parents.
The Harpeth River winds through the area, too. Paddling and riverside parks give you an easy escape without driving far.
Festivals keep the calendar busy throughout the year. Downtown events bring crowds out for music, crafts, and plenty of people-watching.
Now, the honest part. Homes in Franklin often cost more than in many other Tennessee towns, so budget carefully before you fall in love with a listing.
Still, many buyers decide the mix of history, schools, and big-city access is worth it. If you want a polished suburb with real roots, start your search here.
2. Collierville
Where else can you shop next to a parked train car in the middle of town? In Collierville, the historic Town Square comes with an old depot and caboose as part of the scenery.
This suburb sits east of Memphis in Shelby County. It gives you quick access to a big city while keeping a calm, small-town pace.
The square is the heart of daily life. Shops, restaurants, and a leafy park circle the center, making it a natural meeting spot.
Holiday seasons bring the square to life with lights and gatherings. It’s easy to picture your family making it a yearly tradition.
Schools are a big reason people move here. Collierville runs its own school district, Collierville Schools, which formed in 2014.
Having a local district means families feel closer to decisions about their kids’ education. That kind of community focus matters when you’re choosing a home.
Parks and green spaces are spread across town, too. Walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds give kids plenty of room to burn off energy.
Neighborhoods range from newer subdivisions to older streets near the square. You can pick the style that fits your family and your budget.
Memphis brings big-city perks within driving distance. Think concerts, pro basketball, museums, and a major airport for travel.
Yet you don’t have to deal with downtown traffic every single day. Coming home to quieter streets feels like a small reward after a long workday.
West Tennessee doesn’t always get the spotlight in moving guides. Collierville is a strong reason to change that.
If a charming square and easy city access sound good, put this town near the top of your list. Just be ready to pose for photos by that caboose.
3. Maryville
Mountain views on your morning commute? That’s a regular perk in Maryville, which sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The town serves as the county seat of Blount County. It feels like a real hometown, not a place built just for tourists.
Outdoor fans will love the location. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is close enough for a quick weekend hike or a scenic drive.
The Foothills Parkway offers sweeping views of the ridges. It’s a great road for showing off your new home to visiting friends.
Closer to downtown, the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway gives you miles of paved paths. Walkers, runners, and bikers share the trail along creeks and parks.
Education runs deep here. Maryville College was founded in 1819, making it one of the older colleges in the South.
The campus adds a lively feel with events and a scenic setting. Its woods and trails are another bonus for nature lovers.
Families also look closely at Maryville City Schools. The district has a strong local reputation, which helps explain why many parents choose this town.
Travel is easier than you might guess. McGhee Tyson Airport sits right next door in neighboring Alcoa, so flights are a short drive away.
Knoxville is also close for bigger shopping, sports, and city fun. You get the mountains and the city without picking just one.
Life here moves at a friendly, steady pace. That balance is a big part of the appeal for people leaving crowded metro areas.
If you dream of hiking boots by the door and good schools nearby, Maryville makes a lot of sense. The Smokies make a pretty great backyard.
4. Nolensville
Blink while driving down Nolensville Pike and you might miss the old town center. That would be a shame, because Nolensville packs a lot of charm into a small space.
The town takes its name from William Nolen, an early settler. It was first incorporated in 1838 and reincorporated in 1996, giving it a long history and a relatively young modern municipal government.
Growth has been fast in recent years. New neighborhoods keep popping up as more families discover this corner of Williamson County.
Even with all that building, the historic core still feels small and friendly. Older buildings along the pike give the town a sense of history.
Location is a huge selling point. Nashville sits to the north, and Franklin and Brentwood are nearby for shopping and dining.
That means you can enjoy quiet evenings without giving up city options. It’s a nice trade for people who want space but not isolation.
Families like that Nolensville is part of Williamson County Schools. The district’s strong reputation is a big reason homes here get attention.
Every spring, the Buttercup Festival brings neighbors together. It’s a fun, hometown celebration with food, crafts, and plenty of community spirit.
Parks and open land help keep the area feeling roomy. Rolling hills around town make even a grocery run look pretty.
If you like being early to a good thing, Nolensville may suit you. Watching a small town grow can be exciting, especially when you help shape it.
Keep in mind that new growth can mean more traffic on main roads. Checking your commute at busy hours is a smart move before you buy.
Still, few places mix fresh homes with old-time character this well. For many Tennessee movers, that combo is hard to beat.
5. Farragut
A town named after a famous admiral really should have a lake, and Farragut delivers. Fort Loudoun Lake sits right along its edge.
The name honors Admiral David Farragut, who was born nearby in 1801. He became the first admiral of the U.S. Navy, which is quite a claim to fame.
Farragut became an incorporated town in 1980. It sits just west of Knoxville, giving you easy access to the city.
The lake is a big part of local life. Boating, fishing, and paddling give weekends a relaxed, outdoorsy feel.
On land, the town has a reputation for clean, well-planned neighborhoods. Sidewalks and greenways make it easy to get around on foot or by bike.
History fans should check out the Farragut Museum. It shares stories about the admiral and the area’s past.
Shopping is close, too. The Turkey Creek area nearby offers stores and restaurants, so errands don’t eat up your whole day.
Knoxville adds even more options. The University of Tennessee brings football Saturdays, concerts, and a lively college energy.
The Smoky Mountains are within reach for day trips. You can spend the morning on the water and the afternoon on a mountain trail.
Families often look at Farragut for its schools and safe-feeling streets. That reputation helps explain why the town keeps landing on moving lists.
Homes here can be pricier than in some nearby areas. Still, the quality of life is a big reason buyers are willing to pay more.
If you want a lake town with city perks next door, Farragut is worth a close look. The admiral would probably approve.
6. Signal Mountain
Living on top of a mountain sounds like something out of a storybook. On Signal Mountain, it’s just Tuesday.
The town sits on Walden’s Ridge, high above Chattanooga. Its name comes from Civil War days, when soldiers used the heights to send signals.
Signal Point is the star attraction. This overlook is part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and offers huge views of the Tennessee River gorge.
It’s also where the Cumberland Trail begins. Hikers can start a long adventure right in town, which is pretty amazing.
Neighborhoods have a quiet, small-town feel. Tall trees, winding roads, and rock bluffs make the setting feel far from busy streets.
Don’t let the peaceful vibe fool you about access. Chattanooga is just down the mountain for jobs, shopping, and entertainment.
That city has become known for outdoor fun and a growing downtown. You get to enjoy it, then head back up for cooler, calmer evenings.
Outdoor lovers have plenty to explore. Bluff overlooks, wooded trails, and nearby climbing areas make weekends easy to fill.
The drive up and down is part of daily life here. Winding mountain roads take some getting used to, especially if you’re new to them.
Families like the tight-knit community and local schools. The town has been around since 1919, so it has deep roots.
It’s a smaller place, so don’t expect big-box stores on every corner. Most major shopping happens in Chattanooga.
For many people, that trade-off is the whole point. If quiet mornings and jaw-dropping views sound perfect, Signal Mountain might be calling your name.
7. Jonesborough
Tennessee was not even a state yet when this town got its charter. Jonesborough was founded in 1779, and it proudly holds the title of the state’s oldest town.
That history shows up the moment you see downtown. Old brick buildings and narrow streets make it feel like a living museum.
The Chester Inn is one of the standout landmarks. It dates back to the late 1700s and now serves as a museum.
Jonesborough is also famous for stories. It’s home to the International Storytelling Center, which celebrates the art of telling a good tale.
The National Storytelling Festival started here in 1973. Each fall, people travel from far away to hear tellers share funny, spooky, and moving stories.
How many towns can say that? Living here means you get a front-row seat to a truly one-of-a-kind event.
The pace of life is slow in the best way. The town sits in a rural part of Washington County, surrounded by farmland and hills.
Johnson City is close by for bigger shopping and jobs. East Tennessee State University there adds more culture and healthcare options.
The mountains of East Tennessee are within easy reach, too. Hiking, scenic drives, and lakes are all part of the regional package.
Homes here often cost less than in fast-growing Middle Tennessee suburbs. That can make your budget stretch a lot further.
It’s a great fit if you love history and don’t need nightlife next door. Quiet evenings and front-porch living come naturally here.
If you want a place with old stories and new chapters waiting, Jonesborough fits. Who knows, you might become a storyteller yourself.
8. Cookeville
Waterfalls within a short drive and a college town feel at home? Cookeville offers both, and it doesn’t ask for big-city prices.
The city serves as the hub of the Upper Cumberland region. It’s also the county seat of Putnam County.
Tennessee Tech University gives Cookeville its youthful energy. Games, events, and campus life add plenty of fun to the calendar.
Downtown has a traditional town square with local shops and restaurants. It’s a nice spot for a slow Saturday morning.
Train fans should visit the Cookeville Depot Museum. The depot was built in 1909 and now shares the town’s railroad history.
Nature is the real showstopper here. Burgess Falls State Park is nearby, with waterfalls that tumble down rocky cliffs.
Cummins Falls State Park is another favorite in the area. Its waterfall and swimming spot draw visitors on hot summer days.
Center Hill Lake is also within driving distance. Boating, fishing, and lake days make summer feel like a long vacation.
Location helps, too. Cookeville sits along Interstate 40, roughly between Nashville and Knoxville. That makes road trips to either city pretty simple.
You can enjoy small-town life without feeling cut off.
Healthcare and shopping options are strong for a town this size. As a regional hub, it serves people from many nearby communities.
Cost of living is often lower than in the Nashville suburbs. For many movers, that alone is a huge reason to look here.
If you want waterfalls, a college crowd, and room in your budget, Cookeville checks the boxes. Pack a swimsuit and a pair of hiking shoes.
9. Columbia
Most towns throw a parade for holidays. Columbia throws one for mules, and people have celebrated Mule Day here since the 1840s.
The event earned the town its nickname, the Mule Capital of the World. It’s a quirky, fun tradition that shows off the town’s personality.
Columbia is the county seat of Maury County. Its classic courthouse square sits at the center of a lively downtown.
Local shops and restaurants fill the historic buildings around the square. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon wandering.
History runs deep here. The President James K. Polk Home is the only surviving home of the 11th president, aside from the White House.
You can tour the house and learn about his life. It’s a neat piece of American history right in your new hometown.
The Duck River flows through the area, too. It’s known for its rich wildlife and offers paddling and fishing opportunities.
Older neighborhoods give the town plenty of character. Historic homes and tree-lined streets make for pretty walks.
Jobs and growth are nearby as well. The General Motors plant in Spring Hill is a short drive away.
Nashville is also within reach for city outings. You get Middle Tennessee access without paying the steepest suburban prices.
Columbia is growing, but it still keeps its small-town heart. That balance makes it appealing to families and retirees alike.
If you like quirky traditions and real history, this town is a fun pick. Just be ready to cheer for the mules each spring.
10. Mt. Juliet
Two lakes, one town, and a train ride to Nashville. Mt. Juliet makes a strong case for itself before you even look at houses.
The city sits between Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake. That means boating, fishing, and lake days are never far away.
Long Hunter State Park lies along Percy Priest Lake nearby. Its trails and shoreline make it a great escape for hiking and picnics.
Commuting can be easier than you’d expect. The WeGo Star commuter train stops in Mt. Juliet, offering service to downtown Nashville.
Interstate 40 runs nearby, too. Nashville International Airport is a short drive away, which is handy for travel.
Shopping is easy at Providence Marketplace. This large center has stores, restaurants, and a movie theater all in one area.
Families like the parks spread around town. Charlie Daniels Park honors the famous fiddler, who lived in the area.
The city is part of Wilson County, which has seen a lot of growth. New neighborhoods give buyers plenty of choices.
Mt. Juliet offers a mix of growing neighborhoods, convenient shopping, and access to Nashville. Its mix of convenience and comfort makes it an appealing option for people considering a move.
Growth does bring busier roads at rush hour. Testing your commute before you buy is always a smart idea.
Still, the lake life and quick city access are tough to beat. Weekends here can feel like a mini vacation.
If you want water views and an easy path to Nashville, this town delivers. Grab a fishing pole and get ready to call Tennessee home.
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