Tennessee is known for its southern hospitality and country music, but what else does this state have to offer? A popular vacation destination, more people are looking to extend their stay in Tennessee and move there permanently. With its large cities, small towns, country music scene, whiskey distilleries, shopping and most-visited national park in the United States, Tennessee is a great place for singles, couples and families to settle down.

The Volunteer State is attracting potential millennial and Gen Z homebuyers and renters because of its low cost of living coupled with affordable housing, a stable job market, healthcare services, family-friendly areas, outdoor activities and bars and top universities.

The average home price in Tennesee is $309,913, making the housing market competitive but more affordable than most states. Because Tennesee is a nice vacation destination, they have activities and places that cater to all ages. From outdoor recreational activities in the Great Smokey Mountains to the Country Music Hall of Fame to concerts to Dollywood and Moonshine tastings, there is something for everything in this great state.

Having a large population of over 7 million (7,126,489 to be exact with 16% of Black residents), large cities and small towns take over Tennessee. This state is nothing short of beautiful mountain views, family-fun activities, hiking, barbecue and southern hospitality. Here are the best places to live in Tennessee.

Nashville

• Population: 683,622
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $443,000
• Walkability: High

A top tourist destination and the capital of country music, Nashville is one of the best places to live in Tennesee and a great spot to bring your family. With a population of over 600,000 residents, Nashville is the largest city in Tennessee. The average home price of a house in Nashville is around $443,000, making the housing market fairly neutral. Homes in the Nashville area tend to be reasonably priced and sell pretty quickly.

For Black Families: Nashville is a great place in Tennessee to raise Black families. The city is diverse with over 27 percent of Black residents making up the population. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities in Nashville like the children’s theatre, the Nashville Zoo, the Adventure Science Center and more.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals considering moving to Nashville, concerts, bars and restaurants are plentiful in the city. The average rent in Nashville is around $1,572 making it an affordable city for young professionals to live in. Nashville is also a great city for those pursuing careers in music and entertainment, health care, marketing, corporate operations, manufacturing and supply chain management.

Memphis

• Population: 621,056
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $169,000
• Walkability: Moderate to high

The birthplace of blues and rock n roll, Memphis is another Tennessee music city. Memphis is another one of the best places to live in Tennessee because of the job market, education system, basketball and cost of living. With a large number of activities, Memphis is a great area for families, couples and singles. Catch a game with the Memphis Grizzlies or celebrate tunes at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Another perk, it’s got some of the best barbeque in the country.

For Black Families: With one of the largest Black populations in Tennessee, over 65 percent of residents in Memphis are Black. According to a recent census report, Memphis is now the largest majority-black city in the U.S., replacing Detroit. With it being such a large and diverse city, there are plenty of family-fun activities

For Young Professionals: For young people considering moving to Tennessee, Memphis is a great place for young professionals. In this city, there’s something for everyone including sports fans, nightlifers, explorers, artists and historians.

Knoxville

• Population: 195,889
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $339,962
• Walkability: Moderate

Close to the Great Smokey Mountains and the third largest city in Tennessee, Knoxville is one of the best places to raise families. Home to the largest university in the state, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, this town is also home to over 27,000 college students. This town is perfect for college football fans and those who prefer the outdoors and hiking, shopping, art and history.

For Black Families: Knoxville is a family-friendly city. Take the kids to a football game at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, see some animals at the Knoxville Zoo or take them shopping at Lululemon, Anthropologie and the many other clothing stores Knoxville has to offer. Knoxville is also a very diverse city, with Black residents making up around 16 percent of the population.

For Young Professionals: Knoxville is a very vibrant city for young professionals. Considering almost 30,000 college students live in the area, there are so many nightlife options. From concerts to live music venues to bars and clubs, there are so many entertainment options for young professionals. This area is especially great for those wanting to work in higher education, healthcare and retail. The average rent in Knoxville is around $1,679, which is slightly high but still affordable depending on the industry you work in.

Chattanooga

• Population: 184,046
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $288,493
• Walkability: Moderate to high

If you’re a fan of arts, culture and nature and want to live in a place with a small-town vibe, Chattanooga is one of the best places to live in Tennessee. Sitting alongside the Tennessee River and close to Georgia’s border by the Appalachian mountains, people are drawn to Chattanooga because of the low cost of living, slow life and scenic beauty.

For Black Families: Chattanooga is a great place for raising families, as it’s a quiet and affordable place to live. The average home price is around $288,493, making the housing market somewhat competitive. Around 30 percent of Black residents are in Chattanooga, so it’s a fairly diverse area for Black families.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals looking to live in a quiet area, Chattanooga is a great place to live. Perfect for the young person who loves to hike or spend their weekends at the museum, the city is small but has a lot to offer. The average rent is also lower than other cities in Tennessee, with pricing around $1,396. Some of the major industries in Chattanooga are the automotive industry, manufacturing, food and beverage production, healthcare, insurance and tourism.

Brownsville

• Population: 9,542
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $153,000
• Walkability: Low

Just an hour outside of Memphis lies a city called Brownsville. This small town is very diverse and great for those who love hiking, music, mountain biking and barbeque. Some of the city’s most popular attractions and things to do include the Tina Turner Museum and Helen’s BBQ, along with multiple museums. The cost of living in Brownsville is lower than average, with the average home price being around $153,000.

For Black Families: Black residents make up the majority of Brownsville, over 68 percent of the population. This diverse small town is perfect for those who want to raise a family in a small and private area. There are family-friendly activities including museums, hiking and eating at local restaurants.

For Young Professionals: Living in a quiet and small town may have certain limits, but for the young professional who wants to live in an affordable Tennessee city, Brownsville is a great place to start. The average rent price in Brownsville is $1,204. If you work in Memphis and don’t mind the commute, this is also a great place for those who don’t want to live in a major city.