Top 5 Best Places to Move in Tennessee: Your Complete Relocation Guide
Tennessee is one of the most popular relocation destinations in the country — and it is easy to understand why. Natural beauty, affordable living, no state income tax, and welcoming communities make the Volunteer State an appealing choice for families, retirees, and professionals alike.
But Tennessee is a big state with distinct communities. The right location for you depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. At Jeff Woods Construction & Roofing, we have served Middle and East Tennessee homeowners for over 25 years. We know these communities well — and we help new residents settle in through roofing, custom homes, and outdoor living construction every year.
Here are the top 5 best places to move in Tennessee — with honest local insight on what makes each one worth considering.
1. Crossville, TN — The Crown Jewel of Cumberland County
Crossville sits atop the Cumberland Plateau at 2,000 feet above sea level. It is known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee — and it offers something rare in the South: genuinely mild summers.
Why people move to Crossville:
Affordable cost of living — housing costs well below national averages
Natural recreation — over 10 championship golf courses plus hiking at Cumberland Mountain State Park
Climate — average summer temperatures run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas
Healthcare — Cumberland Medical Center provides modern medical services
Community — strong local culture with festivals and events throughout the year
Crossville's location is a practical advantage too. Nashville is about 2 hours west. Knoxville is 1.5 hours east. Chattanooga is 2 hours south. You get small-town tranquility without feeling isolated from major metros.
The Fairfield Glade community on Crossville's western edge offers resort-style amenities — lakes, golf, and a tight-knit residential community — for those who want an elevated lifestyle at a fraction of what comparable communities cost in other states.
2. Cookeville, TN — The Hub of the Upper Cumberland
Cookeville is the largest city in the Upper Cumberland region — and one of the most well-rounded communities in Middle Tennessee. It is a college town, a healthcare hub, and a growing economic center all at once.
Why people move to Cookeville:
Economic growth — diverse economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, and education
Education — excellent public schools and Tennessee Tech University
Location — positioned on I-40 between Nashville and Knoxville
Outdoor activities — close to Center Hill Lake and multiple state parks
Healthcare — Cookeville Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive regional care
Cookeville balances growth with character well. It has expanded significantly over the past decade without losing the approachable, community-oriented feel that draws families and professionals here in the first place.
The surrounding lake communities and plateau access make outdoor recreation a daily reality for Cookeville residents — not just a weekend activity.
3. Knoxville, TN — Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains
Knoxville is East Tennessee's largest city and the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers big-city amenities with Southern hospitality — and outdoor access that most American cities simply cannot match.
Why people move to Knoxville:
Cultural scene — vibrant downtown with theaters, museums, restaurants, and live music
University town — the University of Tennessee brings energy, sports, and educational depth
Outdoor access — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 30 minutes away
Economy — major employers include UT, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and regional healthcare systems
Neighborhoods — historic downtown to established suburbs, with options across every price point
Knoxville's downtown has undergone significant revitalization over the past decade. The result is a city that feels both connected to its Tennessee roots and genuinely forward-looking. Young professionals, families, and retirees all find what they are looking for here.
4. Chattanooga, TN — The Scenic City
Chattanooga has reinvented itself into one of the most talked-about mid-sized cities in the country. Nestled between mountains with the Tennessee River running through downtown, it combines natural beauty with genuine urban innovation.
Why people move to Chattanooga:
Innovation hub — citywide gigabit internet and a growing tech sector
Natural beauty — mountains on three sides with the Tennessee River at the center
Outdoor recreation — world-class rock climbing, hiking, and water sports
Revitalized downtown — award-winning urban renewal anchored by the Tennessee Aquarium
Transportation — efficient public transit and walkable neighborhoods
Chattanooga attracts remote workers, young professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts in particularly high numbers. The combination of natural setting, urban amenities, and relatively low cost of living makes it one of the most compelling relocation destinations in the Southeast.
5. Farragut, TN — Suburban Excellence West of Knoxville
Farragut sits just west of Knoxville in Knox County. It consistently ranks among Tennessee's best communities for families — combining top-tier schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy Knoxville access.
Why people move to Farragut:
Top schools — exceptional public school system with high graduation rates
Family-friendly — safe neighborhoods with parks, greenways, and community events
Convenient location — easy commute to Knoxville while maintaining suburban quality of life
Shopping and dining — Turkey Creek and surrounding retail corridors provide excellent options
Property values — strong real estate market with consistent appreciation
Farragut is the right choice for families who want Knoxville's employment and amenity access without urban density. It maintains high standards across every dimension that matters to families — schools, safety, parks, and community planning.
Making Your Tennessee Move: What to Know Before You Arrive
Housing and Construction
Moving to a new state often means home purchases, renovations, or additions. Having a reliable local contractor before you need one is one of the most practical steps a new Tennessee resident can take.
Jeff Woods Construction helps new Tennessee residents with everything from complete roof replacements to custom decks — so your new home works for your lifestyle from day one.
Climate Considerations
Tennessee's climate varies significantly across regions. Crossville's plateau elevation creates more freeze-thaw cycling than Knoxville or Chattanooga. The Upper Cumberland sees more rainfall than many expect. Summer heat and humidity affect every region.
Your home's roofing system needs to handle all of it. Our Roofing Materials Guide: Best Roof Types for Tennessee Climate helps new residents understand what their roof needs to perform well in their specific part of the state.
Outdoor Living
Tennessee's scenery and climate make outdoor living spaces a priority for most residents. Custom decks, covered porches, and motorized screen systems let you enjoy the state's natural beauty from your own property. Our Custom Deck Ideas for East and Middle Tennessee covers the options available for every home style and budget.
Jeff Woods Construction: Helping New Tennessee Residents Feel at Home
Jeff Woods Construction is a three-generation family business based in Crossville. We have served homeowners throughout Middle and East Tennessee since 1997. We help new residents settle into their Tennessee homes through roofing, custom home building, deck construction, and outdoor living solutions.
Our services for new Tennessee residents:
Custom home building — build your Tennessee dream home with an experienced local team
Roofing services — inspections, repairs, and full replacements built for Tennessee's climate
Custom decks — outdoor living spaces designed for Tennessee's landscape and weather
Motorized screening — extend your outdoor season with retractable screens for porches and decks
Why homeowners choose Jeff Woods Construction:
Local expertise across Middle and East Tennessee's climate and building requirements
GAF and CertainTeed certified — the strongest manufacturer warranties available
Three generations of family-owned craftsmanship
Comprehensive services from roofing through custom home construction
Whether you are moving to Crossville, Cookeville, Knoxville, Farragut, or any community in our service area — Jeff Woods Construction is ready to help you make your new Tennessee house feel like home.
Visit the Jeff Woods Construction & Roofing homepage to explore our full range of services.
📞 Call (931) 787-7715 or click Contact Us to get started. No pressure. No hidden costs. Just straight answers from Tennessee's trusted construction team.
Office: 123 Interchange Drive, Crossville, TN 38571 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
