10 of the Best Small Towns in Tennessee: Where to Find Southern Charm in the Volunteer State

You’ve heard all about Nashville and how it's the best place to live in Tennessee. But what if the glitter and glam of Music City isn’t your thing, but you're still intrigued by life in the South — particularly in the best small towns in Tennessee? You're in good company.

Big Cities vs. Small Towns in Tennessee

There are obvious perks to living in one of Tennessee’s big cities, such as Nashville or Memphis — easy access to entertainment, top-rated restaurants, more job opportunities, and so on. But there are also downsides. The cost of living (housing in particular) is significantly higher in urban areas, there’s more traffic to contend with, more noise, more crime, and less peaceful nature. 

On the flip side, we have small Tennessee towns. The crime rates tend to be lower and housing is often more affordable — actually, everything is often more affordable. All that, plus Southern hospitality is rampant, and scenic views and wooded wonderlands are part of daily life. 

In 2024, the state’s population grew by almost 80,000 people — with about 20,000 of that total coming from outside of the U.S. After the pandemic’s Great Migration, word spread that some of the best small towns to live in Tennessee were also the best places to raise a family and retire. People from all over the U.S. — and the world — packed their bags and now call the Volunteer State home.

Planning a move to Tennessee? Start by getting a free moving quote from PODS.

The Best Small Towns in Tennessee — FAQs

Now, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the best small towns in Tennessee. 

Q: What is the best town in Tennessee to live in?
A: As usual, it depends on your priorities. Retirees who want to slow down in one of the best small towns in Tennessee might prefer Lynchburg. On the other hand, if you have young children, Hohenwald could be the sweet spot. Regardless of your list of must-haves, you’re sure to find your own sweet spot in one of the best small towns to live in Tennessee. 

Q: What is the cheapest city to live in TN?
A: On our list, Paris fits the bill. The average monthly rent is $550, and the average home value is $202,000.

Q: What is the prettiest small town in Tennessee?
A: Trick question! There are too many to choose just one! However, a dependable answer is the iconic mountain town of Gatlinburg. You can also make a case for Jonesborough, too, as the most beautiful town in Tennessee. And Franklin. (See? Trick question.)

Q: What is the cheapest and safest place to live in Tennessee?
A: Try Lynchburg. NeighborhoodScout says it's safer than 49 percent of U.S.cities, making it one of the safest small towns in Tennessee. And the typical home value is about $354,200, so you’re checking both boxes. 

Q: What are the downsides of moving to Tennessee?
A: Again, your preferences matter. For example, if public school education concerns you, note that Tennessee is ranked No. 31 in the country, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Summers in the Southeast also get hot and humid, with the heat index moving into triple-digit territory some days — this might be a challenge for some.

Q: Where is a nice place to retire in Tennessee?
A: If you’re looking for one of the best small towns in Tennessee to live during your Golden Years, Dayton is an excellent fit. The area has easy access to world-class fishing and is also home to a small college that offers cultural learning opportunities. 

Q: Who’s moving to Tennessee?
A: The top three sources of Tennessee newbies are California (No. 1 for several years running), Illinois, and Florida. So, don't be surprised if you settle in a small town or small city in Tennessee and your new neighbor doesn’t speak with a sweet, Southern accent — there’s a good chance they’re from the Golden State.

Q: Why are people moving to small towns in Tennessee?
A: Southern hospitality and small-town charm are important, of course — but affordability is the name of the game for new residents. Tennesseeans don’t pay state income tax on salaries or wages. And at about 10 percent lower than the national average index, the cost of living is hard to beat.

Best Small Towns in Tennessee

Small towns and Tennessee go hand in hand, so we’ve compiled some of the best small towns in Tennessee to raise a family or retire.

Gatlinburg is not only a thriving tourist destination, it’s one of the best small towns in Tennessee for families and retirees to live.

1. Gatlinburg, TN

• Typical home value: $414,500
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Great for: Retirees, tourism industry professionals

You probably can’t tell from Gatlinburg’s robust tourism campaigns, but Gatlinburg only has about 4,000 residents. This small town in Tennessee takes on the characteristics of a bustling big city, thanks to ample tourism dollars that flow in each year. As a full-time resident, you’ll learn to make peace with millions of visitors who want to soak up Appalachian culture —  especially during the summer and fall. But when tourist season slows, you’ll have plenty of free sidewalk space to explore and sample local homemade candies like taffy and fudge. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the biggest draw to the area, but Gatlinburg has so much more to offer, like high adventure rides, a mountain tram, snow sports, calendars packed with unique festivals, and, of course, the beloved Dollywood entertainment park nestled in nearby Pigeon Forge.

2. Cookeville, TN

• Typical home value: $315,300
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $725
• Great for: Young professionals, families 

Cookeville is an outdoor lover’s wonderland. There are rivers to follow, waterfalls to explore, and plentiful wooded trails to hike. But Cookeville's charm also includes a quaint downtown area lined with locally owned shops and restaurants, including fan-favorite The Market on the Square, packed with homeware and gifts. Fitness buffs, take note: Cookeville is home to the World’s Fittest Man, four-time CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning. An entire fitness and wellness industry has blossomed from his influence. 

Cookeville is a popular Nashville suburb, and the capital city is about an hour away. The convenient Middle Tennessee location is ideal for a quick trip into the city for a concert, a girls' night out, or a guided tour through historic Nashville. 

Did Nashville Catch Your Eye? It's a gorgeous city, so it’s hard to ignore. Even though Nashville isn’t a small town, it has small-town vibes, thanks to the welcoming people, relatively affordable housing prices, and efforts to stay true to the city’s Southern charm. The PODS Blog has more information about moving to Nashville, including 12 Things to Know About Living in Nashville, TN.

3. Jonesborough, TN

• Typical home value: $331,900
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
• Great for: Retirees, young professionals, and families

Jonesborough has a lot going on, considering the small population size. You might think it's due to the advantageous location, sitting in the middle of three larger cities: Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, but Jonesborough holds its own, touting two distinct titles: The Oldest Town in Tennessee and the Storytelling Capital of the World, complete with a storytelling center and festival to boost the prestige. 

Residents know Jonesborough is one of the best small towns in Tennessee — and for good reason. They love the area’s robust live music schedule and enjoy supporting local artisans highlighted in stores and during events up and down Main Street. During the holiday season, delightful doesn’t begin to describe the Hallmark movie-esque Christmas in Olde Jonesborough, a month-long event with festive activities. If you’re not quite set on which home style meets your must-have list, know that Jonesborough has properties that range from traditional brick ranches to new construction modern farmhouses.

Paris is home to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, plus a 66-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.
(Source: Downtown Paris Association via Facebook)

4. Paris, TN 

• Typical home value: $202,000
• Average rent (all sizes): $750
• Great for: Families with young children

If you’re ready for a small-town Tennessee lifestyle, you should know two things about Paris. First, Paris proudly shows off its 66-foot Eiffel Tower replica. It's a fun tourist attraction that draws travelers to the second of Paris' celebrated accomplishments: It's home to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry — which is not just about fish. Parisians and guests enjoy a street fair, live music, amusement rides, a rodeo, and a demolition derby. Now you know why April and springtime in Paris are so famous!  

Parents with young children love the accessibility to local parks and outdoor activities, including a swimming pool and splash park in Eiffel Tower Park. A trip to Sweet Jordan's for delicious baked goods is always a treat: The staff is specially-abled, and there’s an inside play park to beat the heat and rain. Kids can romp through a make-believe fire station and grocery store to burn off energy.  

5. Dayton, TN

• Typical home value: $253,300
• Average rent (all sizes): $1,000
• Great for: Retirees, college students

The Tennessee River and Chikamaugua Lake play a big role in Dayton’s everyday life. Activities on the water are plentiful, the scenery is gorgeous, and Dayton’s claim to fame is Bass Town USA. You can bet there are plenty of fishing tournaments to look forward to, especially on the lake. Dayton is also home to Bryan College, so you’ll find college students dining and shopping with locals and participating in community activities.

Interesting fact: Dayton was a historical hotspot in 1925 when the so-called Scopes Monkey Trial occurred. The State of Tennessee vs. Scopes focused on whether or not evolution could be taught in state-funded schools. Visitors can learn about the case at the Rhea County Heritage and Scopes Trial Museum. 

If you’re unsure if you want a suburban or rural neighborhood, Dayton has a mix of both. You can compare properties when house hunting in the area. 

6. Hohenwald, TN

• Typical home value: $234,000
• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Great for: Families, retirees  

Hohenwald has the distinct honor of calling itself home to The Elephant Sanctuary, one of the country’s largest natural habitat refuges for African and Asian elephants. The cause is worthwhile — and not surprisingly, elephant culture shows up throughout the town. Whether it's artwork or knick-knacks, there’s no denying the town loves its pachyderms. 

Elephants are awesome, but history enthusiasts are drawn to Meriwether Lewis’s influence in the area, as well. Lewis was exploring the Natchez Trace (now a 444-mile scenic drive through three states) when he died in 1809 under mysterious circumstances. His namesake, the Lewis County Museum of Natural History, educates tourists and locals about his prolific work in the area.

All the best small towns in Tennessee have a festival that locals can't wait for (and tourists plan months ahead to attend), and Hohenwald is no exception. The annual Oktober Heritage Festival celebrates Hohenwald’s German and Swiss settlers in a big way. There’s live music, food, homemade crafts, and sweet treats. And although the city has fewer than 4,000 residents, you’ll have opportunities to learn about Hohenwald’s unique mix of suburban and rural options. In fact, it’s one of the best small towns in Tennessee to retire, thanks to its affordability and exciting activities.

Whiskey fans know they can find the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Distillery in Lynchburg.
(Source: Lynchburg, TN via Facebook)

7. Lynchburg, TN

• Typical home value: $354,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,075
• Great for: Young professionals, families 

South-central Tennessee is home to the world-famous Lynchburg, nestled in Moore County. Famous for what, you ask? Well, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, of course! Each year, more than 300,000 visitors come to sip and see what the distillery is all about. Most don’t know the whiskey is one of a kind because it's produced directly from an iron-free cave water spring nearby. 

Beyond the Jack Daniel’s industry, Lynchburg is quiet and quaint, perfect for house hunters hoping to escape big-city bustle. You’ll find every housing style in Lynchburg, from cozy country cabins to million-dollar-plus estates and everything in between. 

Sunday drives showcase scenery of rolling hills and picturesque farms, while a stroll through historic downtown (on the National Register of Historic Places) offers antique shopping and down-home cuisine. 

8. Jackson, TN

• Typical home value: $228,400
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,075
• Great for: Young professionals, families

Jackson is one of Tennessee’s larger small towns, with a population of just over 68,000. Situated about halfway between Nashville and Memphis, the hub has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment choices — along with the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum, housed in the prestigious Carnegie Center. Jackson is the birthplace of rockabilly music — and of Carl Perkins, known as the King of Rockabilly. Country music fans might also say that June and Johnny Cash solidified the city’s country music cred with their song “Jackson,” but there’s some debate about that fun fact. 

Jackson also has plenty of adventure opportunities at its numerous parks, trails, and sports centers. As for housing, many homes sit on large acreage, but you can also find smaller homes in historic districts. And a bonus? Niche gives Jackson an A rating for diversity.

Just 30 minutes from Nashville, the small-town streets of Franklin see their fair share of country music stars.

9. Franklin, TN

• Typical home value: $918,100
• Average monthly rent: $2,050
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, music stars 
  

It’s not unusual, walking around the streets of lovely Franklin, to spot a country music superstar headed to dinner or ducking into a local boutique. More than a handful of local luminaries have put down roots in the Franklin-area countryside just south of Nashville, known as one of the best rural places to live in Tennessee. The landscape is beautiful, and it’s just close enough to Music City for easy access, but far enough to still have a “normal” life — if you call hundred-acre estates normal. 

Downtown, historic cottages and gorgeously restored Victorian mansions are the norm. But housing that’s a bit more down-to-earth is also available in Franklin, in places like Fieldstone Farms, a master-planned community of about 2,200 farms and all the resort-style amenities, and Forrest Crossing, a family-friendly neighborhood with homes built between the 1980s and 2000s. 

With Nashville just a half-hour away, music is naturally a big part of Franklin’s culture. Every September, The Pilgrimage Festival gives summer’s nearby Bonnaroo a run for its money with two days of big names (this year: John Mayer and Grace Potter, among others), and the historic Franklin Theatre, Puckett’s, and the Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor are hot spots for year-round tunes. Dining in Franklin is just as stellar, with destinations including Grays on Main, housed in a former pharmacy, and the Franklin outpost of Biscuit Love, which is just as delish as it sounds.   

10. Columbia, TN

• Typical home value: $374,900
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Great for: Families, medical professionals 

In Columbia, elegant, historic homes and mule (yes, the animal) culture collide to form a peculiar twist on small-town Southern charm. This quaint destination has more Antebellum homes than any other county in Tennessee, so if history is your calling, start checking Columbia’s listings. And if you’ve ever wondered if there was a Mule Capital of the World, wonder no more. Columbia proudly owns the title and celebrates during its annual Mule Day Festival in the spring. 

Columbia is a growing small town, thanks to an economic boom and proximity to Maury Regional Health Center. It’s also one of the best small towns in Tennessee to retire, with a variety of home styles and price points, including apartments and new construction. But don’t worry: Columbia’s slow pace remains, thanks to the calming landscape and preservation of Columbia Town Square.

With PODS, your move to one of the best small towns in Tennessee includes one month’s storage.

Make the Move With PODS

Now that you have the deets needed to find your slice of small-town heaven, make your move to Tennessee a flexible one with PODS portable moving containers. You can schedule a container delivered right to your driveway. Then pack and load at your own pace — and if you need a hand with the heavy lifting, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to help out. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and taken to your new Tennessee home. One of the best parts? One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move, so you can unload on your own schedule without feeling rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Dawn M. Smith writes about most home topics, including relocation, real estate, and home improvement. As a military spouse, she knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. From scouting the best neighborhoods and packing last-minute to choosing the perfect paint color, she gets it all done (usually in a hurry) with her family and Golden Retriever in tow. Dawn shares her lessons learned with the PODS Blog and other outlets like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and MilitaryByOwner.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Zillow; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.