If you're thinking of retiring soon, the first thing you should do is congratulate yourself on reaching this important and exciting life milestone. You now have an opportunity to let your relaxation be your top priority, and after a lifetime of work, that's something to take pride in. Once you're done reveling in the glory of forthcoming retirement, it is time to get serious about choosing where you will live out your golden years. Nashville, Tennessee is a city that definitely needs to be on your list — if it isn't already.


Known as the “Music City,” Nashville is famous for country music, culture, and a lively vibe. What some may not realize, however, is that Nashville is also a great place for retirees. The city itself is surrounded by quiet suburbs lined with homes that have a small-town feel. The climate is great as well — Nashville is warm virtually year-round, with an annual average high of 70 degrees and an annual low of just 49 degrees.


Below you'll find all you need to know about retiring in Nashville:


Nashville is Tax-Friendly for Retirees


According to financial services company WalletHub's 2018 tax burden rankings, Tennessee is ranked 48th out of the 50 states for tax burden. By extension, Nashville, is also one of the most tax-friendly places to live for seniors.

Tennessee is just one of a few states that does not have an income tax, which means more of what you earn can stay in your pocket. Public and private pensions are also not taxed. Additionally, seniors who reside in Nashville can apply for property tax relief if they have an annual income of less than $41,780 per year. This tax break freezes your property tax rate at whatever the rate it is at the time of purchase. Currently, the Davidson County property tax rate is $3.155 per $100 of assessed value in the Urban Services District, and $2.755 per $100 in the General Services District. Your real estate agent can help you determine which district your new home would be in.

There's No Shortage of Things to Do in Nashville

If you're looking for fun and opportunities to socialize in your retirement, Nashville is a great place for you. The city boasts recreational activities geared specifically for seniors, including attractions that often offer senior discounts. The Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging, for example, provides funding for 17 different senior centers in the greater metropolitan area. Senior centers can serve as steady a place for you to go for ongoing recreational and social activities, including exercise, creative art, and cooking classes. Senior centers are a great place to explore a new hobby and meet new friends.

These centers also typically offer educational opportunities for seniors in several different relevant subject areas, such as:

  • Health maintenance

  • Chronic disease management

  • Nutrition

  • Medicare

  • Tax preparation assistance

  • Computer classes

  • Support groups


Healthcare is Accessible and Reliable in Nashville

Seniors need to keep access to quality healthcare in mind when choosing where they'd like to retire - especially if they have chronic diseases or other ailments that require ongoing management. There are many options for hospitals and healthcare facilities in Nashville. The city's three largest providers — Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA TriStar, and St. Thomas Health — have been recognized nationally for their high level of patient care and safety.

Medical care in Nashville is not only accessible - it also affordable. According to data collected by the Kaiser Foundation, Tennessee residents spend about $6,411 per capita on health care, below the national average of $6,815. Inpatient hospital care is about $1,462 a day versus the national average of $1,910.

There Are Many Different Senior Living Options in Nashville

Relaxing and having a good time are top-of-mind concerns for many seniors, and rightfully so, but it's important to remember your housing and living needs will likely change as you continue to age. You may require different living arrangements to accommodate for changing health and mobility needs.

Many senior living options in Nashville are built with universal design principles in mind, meaning they are designed with the changing needs of seniors in mind. Examples of amenities found in these homes include no-step entryways, one-story floor plans, wider doorways, open floor plans with extra floor space, and bathrooms that are senior-friendly.

If you want as much independence as possible without having to deal with the headaches of home maintenance, an active adult living community could be the right option for you. These “55-plus” communities offer many amenities - such as pools, fitness centers, and transportation options. Living in one of these communities typically requires payment of extra fees, so be sure to discuss these fees with your real estate agent prior to having your heart set on any given community.

In addition to active adult communities, there are 21 assisted living facilities in Nashville and 25 more in the surrounding area. Assisted living facilities are a great option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living - which can include bathing, dressing, managing medications, and keeping up with general housework.