Best Places to Buy a House in Tennessee

Best Places to Buy a House in Tennessee – With no state income tax and a low cost of living, Tennessee attracts many home buyers seeking an affordable place to live. If you’re looking to buy a house in Tennessee, read on for the best cities and tips to know.

Factors to Consider When Buying a House in Tennessee

As you search for your ideal home in Tennessee, keep these factors in mind:

Budget – Home prices vary across Tennessee, but go as low as $75k in some rural areas. Determine your budget and mortgage pre-approval amount before viewing homes.

Lifestyle – Do you want an urban or rural setting? Homes for outdoorsy living are plentiful in Tennessee’s small towns and countryside.

Location – Proximity to major highways, airports and amenities will impact pricing. Knoxville and Chattanooga offer great highway access.

School Districts – Top districts include Maryville City Schools near Knoxville and Williamson County Schools near Nashville. GreatSchools.org

Home Type – You’ll find everything from cabins to ranches to mansions. New construction developments are popular in suburbs.

Amenities – Tennessee offers many lake communities popular with boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. Research recreational amenities by area.

The Best Places to Buy a House in Tennessee

Here are some top cities and towns to consider when buying a home in Tennessee:

Nashville

Nashville offers urban living with vibrant music and dining scenes. Prices range from $300k in suburbs to $1 million-plus downtown. Condos and townhomes plentiful. Highly competitive market.

Recreational Amenities:

• Parks and walking trails along the Cumberland River through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods like East Nashville, Germantown and Shelby Park.
• Lake access for boating, swimming and fishing at Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake east of the city.
• Major sports with the NFL’s Titans, NHL’s Predators, MLB’s Sounds and more.
• Golf courses across the metro area, including top ranked Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

Knoxville

Knoxville provides small city vibes and access to the Smoky Mountains. Home prices range from $200k to $500k. New developments in suburbs like Maryville and Farragut.

Recreational Amenities:

• Lakes and marinas surround Knoxville including Norris Lake to the north for boating, swimming and fishing.
• Mountain hiking, camping and scenic views in the nearby Smoky Mountains and Foothills Parkway.
• University of Tennessee provides sports, concerts and cultural events.
• Knoxville Zoo, Ijams Nature Center and outdoor activities along the Tennessee River.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga has excellent outdoor recreation along the Tennessee River. Home prices average $250k to $600k. Look on Signal Mountain for mountain views. Strong appreciation potential.

Recreational Amenities:

• Rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking at Prentice Cooper State Forest on Lookout Mountain.
• Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and more along the Tennessee River that runs through downtown.
• Hiking in the Tennessee River Gorge wilderness area.
• Downtown riverfront parks like Ross’s Landing and Coolidge Park.

Franklin

Franklin has charming downtown withmusic history. Large luxury homes average $750k to over $1 million. Excellent schools attract families.

Recreational Amenities:

• Walking trails, parks and community centers.
• Biking, hiking and scenic drives along Natchez Trace Parkway south of the city.
• Golf at courses like Temple Hills Country Club.
• History and outdoor concerts at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge, known for its nuclear history, has homes from $200k to $600k. Neighboring lake communities offer recreation.

Recreational Amenities:

• Boating, fishing, swimming and marinas on Melton Hill Lake and Watts Bar Lake.
• Hiking and mountain biking on the Haw Ridge and North Boundary Greenway trails.
• Museums and historic sites like the American Museum of Science and Energy.
• Sports fields, parks and walking trails throughout the city.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg offers mountain cabins near Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park. Home prices range from $200k to $500k. High tourism means good rental income.

Recreational Amenities:

• Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at Ober Gatlinburg ski resort.
• Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• White water rafting down the Pigeon River.
• Aerial tram rides, zip lining adventures and more.
• Walking along the Gatlinburg Riverwalk.

Home Buying Tips for Tennessee

Use these tips when buying a house in Tennessee:

• Inventory is low in popular areas like Nashville. Be prepared to move quickly with a strong offer on listings you like.
• Cash offers are ideal, but get pre-approved for a competitive mortgage rate if financing.
• Inspection contingency is still recommended with older homes. Inspect before closing.
• Shop around for the best rates on home insurance and property taxes vary by county.
• Work with a local real estate agent active in your city/neighborhood of interest.

Conclusion

With mortgage rates still near historic lows, now is an excellent time to buy a house in Tennessee. Focus your search on the cities and tips above to find your perfect home. Act fast in competitive markets and make a strong offer to make your dream of owning a home in Tennessee a reality!