Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Tennessee in 2027

1. Franklin

Franklin ranks first because it delivers the most complete package in Tennessee, combining elite Williamson County Schools with a walkable historic downtown and a median home price near $750,000. The population near 90,000 anchors the state's wealthiest county, where median household income exceeds $115,000. Crime is low for a town its size, and the commute to downtown Nashville runs about 30–40 minutes via I-65.

Franklin is for families who want the full package and can afford it, trading away affordability for unmatched balance. Compared to Brentwood directly below, Franklin offers a genuine downtown and slightly lower prices while still sharing the same top-rated school district. Buyers accepting a longer commute than Brentwood's 20–25 minutes gain more character and community per dollar. It is the best overall choice for those prioritizing schools, safety, and lifestyle over cost.

2. Brentwood

Brentwood ranks second because it is the closest premium suburb to Nashville at just 20–25 minutes, with a median household income near $185,000 and a population around 45,000. Homes sit on one-acre minimum lots, keeping the town green and low-density, and it shares the elite Williamson County Schools system. Crockett Park and Concord Road greenways provide miles of trails, while crime ranks among the lowest in the state. The median home price exceeds $1,100,000, reflecting its exclusivity.

Brentwood is for affluent families who want space, safety, and the shortest drive to Nashville, trading away walkability and a traditional downtown. Compared to Franklin above, Brentwood costs significantly more but offers larger lots and a faster commute. It lacks the historic Main Street charm that defines Franklin, making it a purely residential luxury pick. Buyers who value proximity and privacy over community character will prefer Brentwood.

3. Germantown

Germantown ranks third because it is the premier Memphis suburb, with a population near 41,000 and its own Germantown Municipal School District posting some of the highest test scores in West Tennessee. The median household income sits near $135,000, and crime is dramatically lower than the Memphis average. Residents enjoy the Germantown Performing Arts Center, extensive parks, and upscale Saddle Creek shopping. The commute to downtown Memphis runs about 25–30 minutes via Poplar Avenue or I-240.

Germantown is for Memphis-area families who want top schools and suburban calm without Nashville prices, trading away nightlife and youthful energy. Compared to Brentwood above, Germantown offers a median home price near $520,000, roughly half of Brentwood's, while still delivering excellent schools and safety. It lacks the historic downtown of Collierville below but provides a more established, affluent feel. This is the clear top choice in West Tennessee for families prioritizing education and security.

4. Collierville

Collierville ranks fourth because it offers a genuine historic town square lined with shops and anchored by a tree-shaded green, a rarity in Memphis suburbs. With a population near 52,000, it runs the Collierville Schools district, another West Tennessee standout, and the median household income tops $120,000. The town is regularly listed among the South's best places to live, with low crime and extensive greenway trails. The commute to downtown Memphis is about 30–35 minutes.

Collierville is for Memphis families who want small-town charm with modern retail at Carriage Crossing, trading away a shorter commute for a more walkable square. Compared to Germantown above, Collierville has a slightly lower median home price near $480,000 and a more historic feel, but it sits farther from downtown Memphis. Continued growth is straining some roads, a tradeoff for its popularity. Buyers who value character and community over proximity will find Collierville superior.

5. Nolensville

Nolensville ranks fifth because it offers the same elite Williamson County Schools as Franklin and Brentwood at home prices a notch below, with a median near $660,000. The population near 15,000 has more than doubled in a decade, driven by new construction in master-planned neighborhoods like Bent Creek. The historic Nolensville Road district keeps a small-town main-street feel with local coffee shops and the Nolensville Feed Mill.

Nolensville is for growing families who want Williamson County schools at a slight discount, trading away commute speed and large-scale retail. Compared to Brentwood above, Nolensville offers newer homes and lower prices but a longer, more congested drive. Limited dining and shopping options mean residents often travel to Franklin for amenities. This is a strong value within Williamson County for those prioritizing schools and modern housing.

6. Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain ranks sixth because it offers a cooler mountaintop climate and stunning views atop Walden's Ridge, with a population near 8,800 in Hamilton County. The Signal Mountain Middle/High School is one of the top public schools in the Chattanooga area, and the median household income runs near $130,000. Elevation brings access to hiking at Signal Point and the Cumberland Trail, while crime is very low.

Signal Mountain is for Chattanooga families who want nature, schools, and a tight-knit community, trading away shopping and dining options. Compared to Nolensville above, Signal Mountain offers a median home price near $560,000 and a shorter commute to a smaller city, but with limited commercial amenities. The winding mountain road can be tricky in winter, a practical drawback. Buyers who prioritize outdoor recreation and scenic living will prefer this mountaintop community.

7. Farragut

Farragut ranks seventh because it is the standout suburb of Knoxville, sitting along the Tennessee River and Fort Loudoun Lake in western Knox County. With a population near 24,000, it feeds into the highly rated Farragut High School and other strong Knox County schools, with a median household income near $130,000. Residents enjoy boating on the lake, Mayor Bob Leonard Park, and a growing shopping corridor along Kingston Pike.

Farragut is for Knoxville families who want top schools and lake access, trading away a historic downtown for suburban polish. Compared to Signal Mountain above, Farragut offers a similar median home price near $560,000 but with flatter terrain and more retail options. Kingston Pike traffic gets heavy at peak times, a tradeoff for its convenience. Buyers who value water recreation and proximity to the University of Tennessee will find Farragut ideal.

8. Hendersonville

Hendersonville ranks eighth overall but is the best value pick, with a median home price around $470,000 and a population near 62,000 in Sumner County. It delivers solid Sumner County Schools, a median household income near $90,000, and direct access to Old Hickory Lake recreation. Residents enjoy marinas, lakefront parks, and Drakes Creek Park, plus a growing retail base. The commute to downtown Nashville runs about 30–35 minutes via Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and I-65.

Hendersonville is for families who want lake life and Nashville access for less, trading away top-tier schools for affordability. Compared to Farragut above, Hendersonville offers a lower median home price and similar lake recreation but with schools rated a step below Williamson County's best. Lakefront homes carry a steep premium, so buyers should target inland properties for value. This is the quality-of-life-per-dollar champion in the ranking.

9. Spring Hill

Spring Hill ranks ninth because it offers affordability and newer construction, with a median home price near $480,000 and a population near 55,000 straddling the Williamson and Maury county line. The nearby General Motors Spring Hill plant provides a major local employer, and the median household income is around $100,000. School quality varies by which county side you live on, with the Williamson side rating higher.

Spring Hill is for commuters who want a newer, larger home and don't mind a longer drive, trading away commute speed for square footage. Compared to Hendersonville above, Spring Hill has a similar median home price but a longer, more congested commute and variable school ratings. Buyers on the Williamson County side get better schools but pay a premium within the town. This is a strong value play for those prioritizing housing size over convenience.

10. Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain ranks tenth because it offers historic prestige and mountaintop views, with a small population near 1,900 on the Tennessee side in Hamilton County. The median household income exceeds $150,000, and the community is exceptionally safe and tight-knit, with well-regarded Lookout Mountain Elementary. Attractions like Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway are walkable, and the commute to downtown Chattanooga takes about 15–20 minutes. The median home price is near $700,000, reflecting its exclusivity.

Lookout Mountain is for buyers who want views, history, and exclusivity, trading away housing inventory and convenience for prestige. Compared to Spring Hill above, Lookout Mountain has a much higher median home price and a far smaller population, but offers a shorter commute and iconic scenery. Limited housing inventory makes it hard to find a home, and the remote feel may not suit everyone. This is the prestige pick near Chattanooga for those who can afford it.

How we ranked these

We measured each town against six weighted criteria: affordability and home value (25%), schools (20%), safety and crime (20%), jobs and commute (15%), amenities and lifestyle (10%), and community feel (10%). Data came from U.S. Census, Zillow, Niche, GreatSchools, BestPlaces, and county/city sources. We ranked towns that balance all six, not just excel in one area.

We deliberately ignored subjective factors like nightlife, cultural scene, and short-term rental potential. We also excluded towns with insufficient public data or those too rural for the target audience of families, remote professionals, and commuters. We avoided over-weighting marketing claims and "best of" badges, focusing instead on verifiable metrics that directly impact daily life and long-term satisfaction.

Related questions

What is the best town in Tennessee for families?

Franklin is the top choice for families, offering elite Williamson County Schools, a walkable historic downtown, low crime, and a median household income above $115,000. The median home price is near $750,000, but the combination of safety, community, and job access makes it the most complete package in the state.

What is the most affordable town on the list?

Hendersonville is the best value with a median home price around $470,000, the lowest among the top picks. It offers Old Hickory Lake recreation, solid Sumner County schools, and a 30-35 minute commute to Nashville, giving families more house and lifestyle per dollar than Williamson County alternatives.

Which Tennessee town has the best schools?

Williamson County Schools, serving Franklin, Brentwood, and Nolensville, consistently rank among the best in Tennessee. Germantown and Collierville lead West Tennessee with their own high-performing districts, while Farragut and Signal Mountain top the east. School quality varies by exact zoning, so verify your specific address.

What is the best town near Memphis?

Germantown is the premier Memphis suburb, with a standalone school district, median home price of $520,000, and crime far below the city average. Collierville is a close second, offering a historic town square and similar safety. Both provide excellent schools and a 25-35 minute commute to downtown Memphis.

What is the best town near Chattanooga?

Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain are the top choices near Chattanooga. Signal Mountain offers cooler temperatures, top-rated schools, and a 20-25 minute commute, with median homes around $560,000. Lookout Mountain provides historic prestige and views but is smaller and more expensive, with median prices near $700,000.

What is the best town for commuters to Nashville?

Brentwood is the closest premium suburb at 20-25 minutes to downtown, but homes exceed $1 million. Hendersonville offers a 30-35 minute commute with a median price of $470,000. Spring Hill is more affordable but requires 40-50 minutes on congested US-31. Choose based on your budget and tolerance for traffic.

Which Tennessee town has the lowest crime rate?

Brentwood and Lookout Mountain consistently rank among Tennessee's safest, with crime rates dramatically below state averages. Germantown, Collierville, and Farragut also post very low crime figures. These towns prioritize safety through well-funded police departments and community engagement, making them ideal for families seeking peace of mind.

FAQ

What is the best town to live in Tennessee overall?

Franklin in Williamson County earns our top spot for combining elite schools, a genuine walkable downtown, low crime, and a 30-40 minute commute to Nashville, despite a median home price near $750,000.

What is the best value town in Tennessee?

Hendersonville offers the best quality of life per dollar, with Old Hickory Lake recreation, solid Sumner County schools, and a median home price around $470,000 while still being about 30-35 minutes from Nashville.

Which Tennessee towns have the best schools?

The Williamson County Schools towns — Franklin, Brentwood, and Nolensville — rate highest statewide, with Germantown and Collierville leading West Tennessee and Farragut and Signal Mountain topping the east.

What is the best place to live near Memphis?

Germantown and Collierville are the top Memphis suburbs, both with standalone high-performing school districts and far lower crime than the city, at median home prices near $480,000–$520,000.

What is the best place to live near Chattanooga?

Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain are the standouts, offering cooler mountaintop climates, top schools, and short commutes down to downtown Chattanooga.

Does Tennessee have a state income tax?

No. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which is a major draw, though buyers should still compare property tax rates that vary by county.

How important are school district lines in Tennessee?

Very important. In towns like Spring Hill, school quality varies by which side of the county line you live on. Always verify the exact zoned schools for a specific address, not just the town's overall reputation, as this directly impacts your children's education and home resale value.

What should I consider about commute times?

Map your actual drive at rush hour. I-65 and US-31 south of Nashville can add 20 minutes versus off-peak estimates. Brentwood offers the shortest commute at 20-25 minutes, while Spring Hill can take 40-50 minutes. Your daily commute significantly affects quality of life, so test it during peak times.

Are property taxes high in Tennessee?

Tennessee has no state income tax, but property tax rates vary by county. Williamson County has higher rates to fund top schools, while Sumner and Maury counties are lower. HOA fees in master-planned communities add to costs. Compare total monthly expenses, not just home price, when budgeting.

What is the best town for lake living?

Hendersonville on Old Hickory Lake and Farragut on Fort Loudoun Lake are the top lake towns. Hendersonville offers the best value with median homes around $470,000, while Farragut provides excellent schools and boating access near Knoxville. Both have marinas, parks, and a strong outdoor culture.

Sources

• https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/franklincitytennessee,brentwoodcitytennessee,germantowncitytennessee/PST045223
• https://www.zillow.com/home-values/
• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/t/tennessee/
• https://www.greatschools.org/tennessee/
• https://www.bestplaces.net/
• https://www.wcs.edu/
• https://www.gmsdschools.org/
• https://www.colliervilleschools.org/
• https://www.hcde.org/
• https://www.knoxschools.org/

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