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With more families moving to Tennessee than ever, the real question isn’t why—it’s where. Families looking for the best areas to live in Tennessee will find a variety of safe, affordable, and family-friendly communities across the state. Whether you prefer bustling suburbs near major cities or quiet towns with great schools and outdoor activities, Tennessee has plenty of options. Here are some of the best places to live in Tennessee for families.
1. Hendersonville
- Median Home Price: $580,500
- Ranges From: $300,000 – $800,000
Only 20 minutes from Nashville, Hendersonville is perfect for those who want a suburban lifestyle while still being close to downtown. It is known as the “City by the Lake” because of its proximity to Old Hickory Lake. It’s a fantastic place for water enthusiasts, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and lakeside homes.
Families in Hendersonville can enjoy a range of amenities. Drakes Creek Park includes sports fields for soccer, football, and baseball, as well as walking trails. For shopping and entertainment, there is The Streets of Indian Lake, the new Costco, Sam’s Club, and much more. Additionally, there are a variety of restaurants, including Café Rakka, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri.
Hendersonville is part of the Sumner County School District, which includes schools that have been recognized for their academic performance from organizations such as GreatSchools.org. It is also worth noting the talented individuals who have attended the schools there. Well-known figures, including Taylor Swift, as well as professional athletes like John Jenkins (NBA), Josh Malone (NFL), and Jalen Hurd (NFL) all went to Sumner County Schools.
2. Maryville
- Median Home Price: $385,000
- Ranges From: $250,000 – $1,000,000
About 20 minutes south of Knoxville, at the low grounds of the Smoky Mountains, is a smallish town called Maryville. This is the perfect place for those seeking a tranquil suburban lifestyle with access to hiking, camping, and breathtaking scenery, all while remaining close to the city.
Beyond its scenic beauty, it has top-rated schools. U.S. News & World Report states that Maryville High School is ranked #11 in Tennessee. Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School ranks among the top 40 elementary and middle schools in the state, while Foothills Elementary is also a top 40 elementary school in Tennessee.
Maryville offers all the essential amenities residents need, from grocery stores and healthcare facilities to shopping centers and local services. The city is home to a thriving small business community, where residents can find unique shops, restaurants, and locally owned stores for everyday needs. For those seeking even more options, Knoxville is just a short drive away. It provides access to a larger economy, major retailers, and expanded job opportunities, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
3. Lebanon
- Median Home Price: $415,000
- Ranges From: $250,000 – $850,000
Located 20 minutes from the airport in Middle Tennessee, Lebanon is ideal for those looking for more affordable homes with extra land. The town is named after the biblical cedars of Lebanon due to the abundance of cedar trees in the area, earning it the nickname “Cedar City.”
When it comes to housing, Lebanon features many older, updated ranch-style homes, often situated on half-acre lots, making it perfect for those who want more space and privacy. Additionally, there is an abundance of newly built townhomes, as well as some waterfront properties along the Cumberland River.
For education, Lebanon is part of the Wilson County School District, which has received high ratings for academic performance, according to sites like GreatSchools.org. The Wilson Times stated, “Wilson County came in at 37th among 115 school districts based on its 2023-24 testing results that rank all public schools’ proficiency.”
4. Mount Juliet
- Median Home Price: $580,000
- Ranges From: $300,000 – $2,000,000
Just west of Lebanon, and within the same school district, is Mount Juliet. It is also known as the “City Between the Lakes” because it’s located between Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake. Mt. Juliet differs from its neighbor in that it is less rural and more developed, with newer homes, more shopping, and a slightly higher cost of living. This growth is especially evident in its housing and retail expansion.
The north side of Mt. Juliet is a bit older, while the south side is experiencing rapid growth, with new construction townhomes and single-family homes surrounded by an expanding retail scene near Providence Marketplace. Construction recently began on Golden Bear Place, a major mixed-use development featuring a 50,000-square-foot bowling alley, a music venue, 140 townhomes, retail spaces, and restaurants—including an In-N-Out Burger.
5. Oak Ridge
- Median Home Price: $364,500
- Ranges From: $200,000 – $850,000
If you are looking to live in East Tennessee with more affordable housing, a quiet atmosphere, and a slower pace of life, then Oak Ridge is the way to go. It has a strong job market in STEM and government sectors—one of the best places for engineers, scientists, tech professionals, and federal employees, offering high-paying jobs thanks to institutions like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Known as “The Secret City,” Oak Ridge played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, where scientists worked in secrecy to develop the atomic bomb. This shaped its legacy as a center for innovation and research.
Oak Ridge is served by the Oak Ridge School District. According to Public School Review, the district ranks within the top 20% of all 147 school districts in Tennessee, based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data.
Outside of education, the town has a lot of natural beauty, offering visitors a range of activities to enjoy. At Melton Lake Park, you can go rowing, kayaking, biking, and picnicking along the scenic Melton Hill Lake. Haw Ridge Park features trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, all set along the Clinch River. There aren’t a wide variety of restaurants and shopping options in Oak Ridge, but Knoxville is only 30 minutes away, providing access to more urban amenities.
6. Murfreesboro
- Median Home Price: $460,000
- Ranges From: $250,000 – $800,000
Murfreesboro is the largest suburb around Nashville. It actually was the capital of Tennessee at one point in the early 1800s. It is growing like everywhere else in Tennessee; however, it is still one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. With that said, it appeals to families looking for suburban comfort with city-like conveniences.
According to U.S. News, the #1 school in Tennessee and #19 in the nation is Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Niche.com also states that Rutherford County Schools receive an overall score of A-. In addition to its strong K-12 education system, Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, which has one of the most affordable tuition rates of any major university in Tennessee, offering many different programs and student resources. It is also one of the largest.
This city has everything you could need. It offers a great mix of outdoor activities, excellent healthcare, shopping, and dining for residents and visitors alike. Stones River Greenway and Barfield Crescent Park provide beautiful trails, picnic areas, and space for outdoor adventures. For shopping, The Avenue Murfreesboro features major retailers and local boutiques, while the Murfreesboro Saturday Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. Food lovers can enjoy classic Southern comfort food at City Cafe.
7. Franklin
- Median Home Price: $1,019,320
- Ranges From: $500,000 – $12,000,000
If you’re looking for high-end suburban living near Nashville, Franklin is the place to be. Just 20 minutes south of Nashville, it offers a vibrant downtown, upscale housing, and a strong job market, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Tennessee.
Franklin is served by Williamson County Schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, Franklin High School is ranked #7 in Tennessee. Another city in this school district is Brentwood. It is an honorable mention, however has become less affordable.
In addition to its schools, Franklin offers a good blend of outdoor recreation, history, and entertainment. Residents can enjoy walking trails at Harlinsdale Farm, scenic drives along Natchez Trace Parkway, and live music at The Factory at Franklin or the Pilgrimage Music Festival. The city also boasts high-end shopping at CoolSprings Galleria and a vibrant dining scene with boutique cafés and upscale Southern cuisine.
