Many people think of retiring to places with sandy beaches and lazy afternoons. But those beach towns also tend to come with traffic headaches, spring breakers, and sky-high prices - oh my! For those reasons, many soon-to-be retirees are deciding to ditch the beach in favor of a place with a little Sweet Tea and Southern hospitality: Tennessee.
If you're searching for the best places to retire, you'll definitely want to read on for seven reasons to consider retiring to (East) Tennessee.
The Volunteer State has one of the most affordable retirement markets in the country. In fact, according to US News & World Report, the Knoxville area is among the top ten most affordable cities to retire in the country. And if you decide to move out of the big city into the surrounding areas, such as Loudon or Lenoir City, you'll find easy access to creature comforts without sacrificing small-town feel.
Tennessee offers much more affordable housing than many popular retirement destinations. The average home price in Tennessee is often much lower than the national average, with lower costs per square foot and more property available for those who want it. And with the median home value rising, you can be sure that Tennessee real estate is an excellent investment.
Besides Tennessee's low cost of living resting below the national average, it's also known for tax friendliness, ranking in Kiplinger's top ten most tax-friendly states. There is no state income tax, low property taxes, and no estate or inheritance tax in Tennessee, allowing you to keep more of your retirement income with less financial stress during your retirement years.
Affordability is great but you don't want to live somewhere just because it's known for the lower cost of living and tax friendliness. You want to love where you live! Tennessee sees four unique seasons with an overall mild climate. Distinct seasons without extreme temperatures mean you're surrounded by natural beauty and can enjoy outdoor recreational activities all year long.
There are many lakes throughout Tennessee and many rivers, including the Tennessee River, The Cumberland River, and The Mississippi River. These freshwater bodies mean there's no shortage of waterside fun!
Lakefront dining options, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, or just cruising around on a pontoon boat around the lake on a hot summer day or during a crisp fall sunset will have you agreeing that lake life is the best life.
Does your perfect retirement dream home sound more like a sleek lakeside townhome? Or would you prefer to sip coffee in your sunroom gazing at the Smoky or Appalachian Mountains? Maybe you'd love life in a classic bungalow on a golf course with access to resort-style amenities.
No matter your unique style and taste, there are many communities throughout the state with the perfect setting for your retirement.
And, if you want the family nearby, communities like Tennessee National in Loudon, Tennessee, offer various housing options for people of all ages, with many retirees, professionals, and young families.
You've heard about the music scene in Downtown Nashville, but you don't have to go all the way to Middle Tennessee just to experience live music. Some lifestyle retirement communities provide a rich cultural scene for residents, members, and guests. Events and activities can vary anywhere from intimate evening acoustic performances to large outdoor lakeside concerts, festivals, etc.
Besides music and outdoor recreation, Tennessee offers many other experiences, such as tours exploring historical landmarks or American Civil War History. There is also no shortage of boutique wineries, distilleries, or diverse shopping opportunities.
But don't worry, even if you prefer to live in a rural town, you're never too far from a vibrant downtown area, an international airport, or a top-notch healthcare facility.
City life can be stressful for retirees if area crime is an issue. Much of Tennessee offers lower crime rates than the national average. In fact, three East Tennessee cities made the list for the safest in the state. Signal Mountain, Chattanooga, and Loudon, Tennessee are known for low crime and safety.
For even more peace of mind, consider choosing a gated community with 24-hour staff to welcome you and guests while ensuring security.
A discussion about moving to Tennessee wouldn't be complete without discussing the Great Smoky Mountains. The most visited national park in the country is in East Tennessee, with miles of hiking and walking trails, beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and adventures for the whole family.
Want the grandkids to visit more often? Take them to Gatlinburg or nearby Pigeon Forge to visit attractions like Dollywood, WonderWorks Pigeon Forge, Ripley's Believe It or Not, and Anakeesta, to name a few.
Choosing where to retire is a big decision. If you think you'd like to experience some of that southern charm the Volunteer State is known for, we invite you to check out Tennessee National, just a short drive from East Tennessee's largest city, Knoxville.
Tennessee National is a stunning 1,440-acre gated lake and golf community with rural peacefulness and all the amenities - including golf, a marina, pickleball, a high-end virtual golf experience, onsite and waterfront dining, and so much more. Retire at Tennessee National and experience lake living at its finest.
But don't just take our word for it. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself.
