Tennessee 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

The Volunteer State is home to many beautiful lakes, rivers, and national parks. Whether your ideal lifestyle includes outdoor recreation, fine arts, culture, or sports, there is something for everyone in the 55+ communities in Tennessee. A vibrant music scene and long history steeped in tradition have drawn retirees from all regions of the country.

Major medical centers, top-notch colleges and universities, and active civic organizations further enhance Tennessee's age-restricted and age-targeted communities.

Tennessee Climate & Geography

The climate in Tennessee is mostly humid subtropical, except in the higher Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Temperatures average in the mid-80s in the summer and mid-50s in the winter. Retirement communities in Tennessee have nights that are cooler in the eastern portion of the state.

Winter in the higher elevations is cool and can drop to freezing. The Gulf of Mexico creates much of the climate in the state, bringing winds that drive fifty inches of rain each year.

The state is covered with mountains and valleys along tributaries of the Tennessee River and the Tennessee River Valley. The Blue Ridge Mountains are not well populated and are protected by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Western Tennessee is the area most likely to attract tornadoes, with an average of fifteen per year. There is not much snow, but fog can impede travel, especially in the mountains.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Tennessee

Tennessee's active adult communities are near areas that are rich in history, culture, recreation, and social opportunities. The largest city is Memphis, but the best-known city is Nashville. The city is the music capital of the south and the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland.

Many Civil War battles were fought in Tennessee, the most of any state, including the famed Battle of Murfreesboro. After the war, a Tennessee Democrat became Abraham Lincoln's vice president, Andrew Johnson. The Civil War battlefield of Shiloh is preserved and open to the public for exploration.

For music lovers, the three cities of Nashville, Memphis, and Bristol provide venues to hear country music, soul, blues, or rock and roll. Bristol is known as the birthplace of country music and the home of the Carter family and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

The Nashville area is known for the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and is nicknamed "Music City." Memphis is the birthplace of the blues, rock and roll, and it's the home of B.B. King. Gospel music also abounds in Tennessee's Bible Belt. Those seeking an active lifestyle full of entertainment have plenty of options around the entire state.

55+ active adult communities in Tennessee are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Bass fishing is a favorite pastime in the state's numerous lakes and rivers. Hikers enjoy the Appalachian Trail as well as the 54 state parks. In its beautiful mountains and river valleys, Tennessee is also home to over 8,000 caves, which provide adventures.

World-class whitewater rafting is available in the Cherokee National Forest. There are numerous campsites located just a short drive from both Nashville and Memphis. With its year-round mild climate, Tennessee provides a great environment for active adults to enjoy.

Tennessee Cost of Living & Taxes

Those seeking to live in active adult communities in Tennessee will find the cost of living favorable. Tennessee’s cost of living for the state is about 10% lower than the national average.

State income tax in Tennessee does not apply to salary or wages, but it does apply to income from stocks, bonds, and notes. Interest receives a $1,250 exemption per person. Sales tax in the state is 7%, but food is at 5.5%, and local areas add to the state tax. An inheritance tax is imposed on estates larger than one million dollars.

Health Care in Tennessee

Tennessee provides great health care for its citizens. Numerous hospitals provide patient care, including the famed Vanderbilt Medical Center at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

The Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge was named the top hospital in Tennessee for two years in a row. It also earned a national award of excellence in heart failure treatment. Active adults in Tennessee's retirement communities are near top health care options.

Retiring in Tennessee FAQs

What is the best place to retire in Tennessee?

Tennessee has many good places to retire for any lifestyle. For retirees looking for cities to settle down in, 55+ communities in Nashville have been on the radar of many active adults.

What are the best 55+ communities in Tennessee to retire in?

The following 55+ communities are some of the most popular among Tennessee retirees:

• Fairfield Glade
• Del Webb Community at Lake Providence
• Del Webb Community at Southern Springs

These communities offer many floor plans, amenities, and social activities that help foster an active retirement lifestyle.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Tennessee?

As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community in the U.S. is between a $1,500 and $4,000 monthly fee. This price can vary by HOA fees, amenities, security, and other expenses.