Best Communities in Tennessee for Raising a Family

Downtown Nashville and its surroundings | Image credit: Tanner Boriack

Many people pack their bags and move to Tennessee, seeking to take advantage of this state’s affordable real estate, gorgeous natural scenery and thriving towns and cities. Tennessee should be especially appealing to those hoping to raise a family. It has excellent schools, gorgeous public parks, family-friendly attractions and safe communities. Let’s look at some towns that are perfect for people seeking a welcoming place to raise children.

Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is a Tennessee city that is home to more than 150,000 residents. It is a popular hotspot for history buffs due to its role in the Civil War, but even for families less interested, it still has so much to offer. Murfreesboro is a short drive away from Nashville. It has popular family-friendly festivals throughout the year and attractions designed for younger audiences, such as the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring. 

Murfreesboro | Image credit: Maarten Muller

Franklin

Franklin is a quaint suburb of Nashville that maintains a Southern charm with a main street lined with rustic stores and restaurants. It is home to around 85,000, making it a busy city with much to explore. Franklin has many scenic natural areas for hiking and fishing, so it is perfect for nature-loving parents and kids. It is a community that has plenty of events and attractions for children, including seasonal festivals throughout the fall and winter. The town also has a great entertainment scene with live music and shows.

Maryville

Maryville is a quieter Tennessee city with a mid-sized population of just over 30,000. Maryville is for you if you are seeking a small-town feel with beautiful natural surroundings for family outings. It is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and has stunning nearby forests and trails for family hikes or bikes. It has low crime rates and is one of the safer communities in Tennessee, and also has access to excellent schools. 

Maryville

Brentwood

Brentwood is a suburb of Nashville with a mid-sized population of around 45,000. This community is one of the more affluent parts of Tennessee, which comes with many benefits for residents. According to Neighborhood Scout, it has a violent crime rate of around 10 times less than the national average and an excellent school district that is one of the best in the state. There’s much to love about life in Brentwood, with scenic parks and great live music.

Spring Hill

Spring Hill is a city located in the Nashville Metropolitan Area and is ranked as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. This suburb has a population of around 50,000 and is growing every year. If you are seeking a city that combines the countryside with modern amenities, Spring Hill is for you. It has dense forests and trails for family exploration but also has a busy downtown area with excellent shops and restaurants. It is also considered a safe and welcoming city with a family-friendly charm.

Spring Hill

Germantown

Germantown is a suburb of Memphis. This mid-sized city of around 40,000 residents is a great destination for family-oriented buyers. Germantown is known for its excellent family live theater entertainment and top-notch outdoor areas, including gorgeous parks like Shelby Farms Park. It has high safety ratings and great schools, so it is perfect for families seeking a pleasant Tennessee home. 

Nolensville

Nolensville is a peaceful and historic community only a short drive from Nashville. This town is known for excellent safety ratings, as well as small locally owned boutique shops, giving it a quaint and pleasant atmosphere. It has a highly-rated public school system and family-centric local festivals and events throughout the year.