Tennessee is one of the main destinations that people are looking at when it comes to finding a good balance between economic prospects and overall lifestyle. Now, in 2026, one of the reasons why people continue to move into Tennessee is because it does not have a state income tax, in addition to its varied landscapes that go from hilly terrain in the middle grand division to mountainous terrain in the east.
For anyone thinking of moving to the Volunteer State, there are many options to consider. Here are some of the best places to live.
The Waterfront Attractions of Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a successful example of a city that transitioned from an industrial to a tech-savvy and outdoor-oriented city. It is known as Gig City due to its high internet speed, which is one of the quickest in the US. It is a popular choice for remote employees.
The city is also bounded by ridges that surround the Tennessee River. Communities such as Northshore offer a pedestrian-friendly environment with unique stores and eateries, while Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain have scenic vistas and cooler climates.
- Outdoor Recreation: The city is renowned at the national level for activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and hang gliding.
- The Riverwalk: The Riverwalk is a 16-mile paved trail that runs along the river and passes through the heart of downtown.
- Innovation District: An innovation district is a specific area located downtown where innovation and collaboration for startups are encouraged.
Lakeside Living at Rarity Bay
For those who value an atmosphere of peace and living in harmony with water, there’s the Bat Creek Peninsula area of Tellico Lake, where Rarity Bay resides. This gated community lies approximately 35 minutes west of Knoxville.
Rarity Bay is especially known for its use of the French Country architecture style. This helps to give it a unified and upscale look. The development targets active retirees as well as families who are looking for a vacation-style lifestyle.
- Tellico Lake: This 16,000-acre lake has clear water and steady water levels, thanks to the fact that it’s a non-navigable reservoir, meaning it does not experience the same kind of water drawdown that occurs in other parts of the country during the changing seasons.
- Equestrian Center: The community offers a complete equestrian center and 10 miles of trails for riding, an amenity that can be found only in a few lakeside communities.
- Golf and Social Clubs: The community is served by an 18-hole championship golf course, along with over 50 social clubs, including pickleball and wine tasting.
Learn more about this area by visiting tellicolakehometeam.com/communities/rarity-bay.
The Growing Hub of Knoxville
Knoxville is one of the most sought-after destinations for relocation, as predicted for 2026. The city has the right balance of being a college town, with the University of Tennessee, and a place for serious research and healthcare.
The fact that the city is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of its attractions. People can access a trailhead in the national park within 45 to 60 minutes after leaving the city center. The Urban Wilderness, an area of protected land of about 1,000 acres located south of the city center, offers more than 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking without going beyond the city limits.
Historic Preservation in Franklin
Situated just south of Nashville in Williamson County, Franklin has been recognized for having one of the most well-preserved 16-block historic districts in the country. The downtown area features buildings from the 1800s that now house upscale shops and local restaurants along Main Street.
Whereas the historic downtown area is the aesthetic hub, the region has developed into a business powerhouse. Large employers in healthcare and automotive have their headquarters in the nearby Cool Springs region, giving locals the ability to live in suburbia with an extremely commutable distance to high-paying work.
The Suburban Appeal of Nolensville and Mt. Juliet
Families often find themselves weighing and balancing between various suburbs that lie around Nashville. Two of the most popular suburbs in 2026 include Nolensville and Mt. Juliet.
Nolensville
Nolensville has experienced a lot of new development and is liked because it retains a small-town atmosphere despite the fact that it is growing rapidly. It also lies within the acclaimed Williamson County School District, which is one of the major reasons for the land in the area being in high demand.
- Nolensville: Famous for its historic buttercup festival and newer pedestrian-friendly subdivisions.
Mt. Juliet
Mt. Juliet is also known as the city between the lakes because it is positioned between two lakes: Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake. It represents a slightly lower barrier to entry into the Nashville market than Franklin, with large box retailers and proximity to the Nashville International Airport.
- Mt. Juliet: Provides a commuter rail choice called WeGo Star, connecting this suburb to downtown Nashville.
The Quiet Retreat of Maryville
Maryville is situated within the county of Blount and provides a more traditional and peaceful lifestyle, which is far from the Nashville suburbs’ hustle and bustle. The town is also known for having Maryville College, which gives the town a sense of culture and education that is embedded within its society.
Here, property taxes are some of the lowest in the area, with easy access to the Knoxville airport. It is a great location for people who want to be close to the mountains but do not want to live in a suburb of Knoxville.
