These 10 Tennessee Towns Make Living on Social Security Possible

Retiring on Social Security can feel like a challenge, especially when housing costs keep climbing across the country. Tennessee offers a solution with its low cost of living, no state income tax, and charming small towns where your monthly check stretches much further.

From mountain views to lakefront living, these ten communities prove you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or beauty to live within your means.

1. Crossville

Often called the “Golf Capital of Tennessee,” Crossville sits atop the Cumberland Plateau and draws retirees who want affordable mountain living. Home prices here remain significantly below the national average, making it possible to own rather than rent on a fixed income. The mild four-season climate means lower utility bills compared to hotter or colder regions.

Golf enthusiasts find over ten courses within easy reach, many offering senior discounts that make the sport accessible year-round. Beyond the greens, Crossville provides essential medical facilities, grocery stores, and restaurants without the premium prices found in larger cities.

2. Morristown

Cherokee Lake sits just minutes away, offering free fishing, boating, and waterfront picnics that don’t drain your wallet. Housing costs run below state averages, and you’ll find both modest homes and rental options that fit tight budgets.

The town maintains all the essentials—medical clinics, pharmacies, grocery chains, and local diners—without the markup you’d pay in Knoxville or Nashville. Retirees enjoy a genuine small-city atmosphere where neighbors know each other and local events bring the community together.

The surrounding mountains provide beautiful scenery and cooler summer temperatures, making outdoor activities comfortable most of the year without expensive entertainment costs.

3. Greeneville

History runs deep in Greeneville, the hometown of President Andrew Johnson, and that heritage translates into character-filled older homes at prices retirees can actually afford. Mountain views frame the town from nearly every angle, providing natural beauty that costs nothing to enjoy. Real estate here typically sells for less than in nearby Johnson City or Asheville, making homeownership realistic on Social Security alone.

The quiet downtown features local shops, cafes, and a genuine sense of community that larger cities have lost. Medical facilities serve the area adequately, and the cost of groceries and everyday items remains reasonable compared to urban centers.

Retirees seeking peaceful mountain living without tourist crowds find Greeneville delivers exactly that experience.

4. McMinnville

Nurseries and farmland surround McMinnville, giving this Middle Tennessee town a distinctly rural character that appeals to retirees wanting space and tranquility. Housing remains affordable whether you’re buying or renting, with many properties offering larger lots than you’d find in suburban areas. The small-town atmosphere means lower property taxes and reduced living expenses across the board.

McMinnville sits close enough to larger cities for specialty shopping or medical appointments, yet far enough away to avoid their higher costs. The scenic countryside invites long walks, gardening, and outdoor hobbies that cost little but provide a tremendous quality of life for those living on fixed incomes.

5. Paris

Kentucky Lake dominates the landscape around Paris, offering retirees waterfront access and recreational opportunities without the premium prices of tourist destinations. Home prices and rental costs remain modest, making lakeside living surprisingly affordable for those on Social Security. Fishing from the shore costs nothing, and the natural beauty provides endless free entertainment throughout the year.

Compared to lakefront communities in other states, Paris delivers the same amenities at a fraction of the cost. Retirees discover they can enjoy boating, fishing, and waterfront sunsets while still paying their bills comfortably each month without financial stress or constant budgeting worries.

6. Union City

Northwest Tennessee doesn’t get as much attention as other regions, which works in favor of retirees seeking the lowest possible cost of living. Union City delivers exactly that, with home prices and rents that rank among the most affordable statewide. Your Social Security check covers more here than almost anywhere else in Tennessee, leaving room for savings or occasional treats.

The town provides all necessary services—healthcare, groceries, banking—without requiring long drives to larger cities. Life moves at a relaxed pace, and the community embraces newcomers warmly, especially retirees who bring stability to neighborhoods.

While Union City may not offer big-city excitement, it compensates with financial breathing room that makes retirement genuinely comfortable rather than constantly stressful about money running out.

7. Dyersburg

Properties here cost significantly less than state averages, and the rural lifestyle means fewer temptations to overspend on entertainment or dining out. Your monthly Social Security payment covers necessities, with money left over for savings or grandchildren.

The town maintains adequate medical facilities and shopping options for everyday needs without requiring trips to Memphis or Nashville. Neighbors still wave from porches, and community events bring people together without expensive tickets or admission fees.

Retirees appreciate the genuine friendliness and the ability to live comfortably without constantly checking bank balances or worrying about unexpected expenses derailing their budget plans.

8. Cookeville

Growth hasn’t priced out retirees in Cookeville yet, though this Upper Cumberland town continues expanding with new residents discovering its appeal. Housing costs remain substantially below Nashville prices despite being just an hour away, giving retirees access to big-city specialists and shopping when needed. Healthcare facilities here serve the region well, reducing concerns about medical access on a fixed income.

Outdoor recreation abounds with state parks, lakes, and hiking trails that provide free or low-cost entertainment year-round. The town balances growth with maintaining affordability, and Social Security recipients find their checks stretch further here than in Tennessee’s major metropolitan areas.

Cookeville offers a sweet spot between rural isolation and urban expense, delivering amenities and community without the financial strain.

9. Lawrenceburg

Local shops line the downtown square, and the community maintains a genuine Main Street feel that’s disappeared from many places. Retirees find home prices and rental costs that allow comfortable living on Social Security without constant financial juggling.

The town provides essential services and medical care without requiring long drives, and the cost of everyday items remains reasonable compared to nearby cities. Neighbors know each other, and the slower pace reduces stress that often accompanies retirement in busier locations.

10. Elizabethton

Mountains embrace Elizabethton from every direction, creating postcard views that retirees enjoy daily without paying tourist-town prices. Housing costs run below those in nearby Johnson City, making mountain living accessible on Social Security alone.

The town maintains a close-knit community where newcomers quickly feel welcomed and included in local activities. Essential services and medical care remain available without long drives, and everyday expenses stay manageable for those on fixed incomes.

Elizabethton demonstrates that beautiful mountain retirement doesn’t require wealth, just smart choices about where to settle and how to embrace a simpler, more affordable lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.