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Updated August 6, 2022
Thinking of moving to Tennessee? Well you are not alone. Best known for country music, Graceland, Elvis, fried catfish and delicious barbecue, Tennessee is home to nearly 7 million people. But where exactly are people moving to in Tennessee? We are here to answer that question. We’ve compiled the 10 fastest growing cities in Tennessee with the strongest population growth over a 5-year period from 2017 to 2021. From Nashville to Frankin, see which cities made the list.
#1: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Median retail price: $413,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,606
Murfreesboro, TN homes for sale
Murfreesboro, TN homes for rent
First on our list is Murfreesboro, TN, best known for its history of the American Civil War, particularly the Battle of Stones River. Murfreesboro currently has a population of approximately 157,500, a 16% increase from 2017.
There are many reasons people are Moved to Murfreesboro. There are a handful of great parks to start with, such as Barfield Crescent Park, McKnight Park, and Richard Siegel Park. While exploring Murfreesboro, locals can also find a diverse arts and entertainment scene with museums like the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, and entertainment venues like Main Street Music and Center For the Arts. Many restaurants will please your taste buds such as Demos’ Restaurant, The Alley on Main and Marina’s on the Square.
#2: Clarksville, Tennessee
Average selling price: $315,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,350
Clarksville, TN homes for sale
Clarksville, TN apartments for rent
Known as a historic city on the banks of the Cumberland River, Clarksville, TN ranks second on the list of Tennessee’s fastest growing cities. Clarksville’s population grew to nearly 171,000, an increase of 12%.
If you think about it lives in Clarksville, rest assured there is enough to keep you busy. You can visit the Clarksville Marina, go fishing or boating, visit the Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, or take a scenic cruise down the Cumberland River. There are also tons of great restaurants, bars and shops downtown.
#3: Smyrna, Tennessee
Average selling price: $417,500
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,210
Smyrna, TN homes for sale
Smyrna, TN apartments for rent
Smyrna, TN, is recognized for its outdoor activities, family-friendly neighborhood and historical sites. For something delicious to eat, head to Smyrna Cafe, Tokyo Japanese Steak House, and Margarita House Smyrna. You can also take a stroll through one of the countless parks such as Lee Victory Recreation Park, Gregory Mill Park and Sharp Springs Park. Last but not least, be sure to get tickets to a Springhouse Theater Company show. There is something for everyone who lives in Smyrna.
The population of Smyrna, TN is approximately 55,500, an 11% increase since 2017.
#4: Franklin, Tennessee
Average selling price: $805,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $2,750
Franklin, TN homes for sale
Franklin, TN homes for rent
Known for its Main Street and the Franklin Theatre, Franklin, TN, takes fourth place on our list. The current population of the city is about 85,500, a 9% increase since 2017.
Franklin is packed with great things to do. From a picnic at Pinkerton Park or Jim Warren Park to grabbing a bite to eat at 55 South, Tupelo Honey and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, there’s plenty to keep you busy. If you love arts and entertainment, visit the Lotz House Museum, the Williamson County Performing Arts Center and the Franklin Theatre.
#5: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Median retail price: $469,400
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,780
Hendersonville, TN homes for sale
Hendersonville, TN homes for rent
Hendersonville, TN is known as the “Laketown” due to its proximity to Old Hickory Lake. Hendersonville has experienced an 8% population increase since 2017 and currently has a population of approximately 62,300.
There are many things to do while lives in Hendersonville. You can visit the Hendersonville Farmers Market, take a scenic drive on the Hendersonville Country Music Highway, or visit the Hendersonville Museum and Heritage Center. Residents can shop and dine in historic downtown Hendersonville, attend a performance at the Hendersonville Performing Arts Center, visit the Fontanel Winery, take a tour of Hendersonville Cidery, or enjoy a day of spa treatments at one of Hendersonville’s many spa resorts enjoy.
#6: Johnson City, Tennessee
Average selling price: $350,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $867
Johnson City, TN homes for sale
Johnson City, TN homes for rent
With an 8% increase since 2017 to a current population of around 71,300, Johnson City, TN ranks sixth on our list. The city is known for being surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Johnson City is home to many unique activities. Residents can eat at Cootie Brown’s N. Roan, Label Restaurant and Freiberg’s, visit a museum like the Reece Museum, play sports at Rotary Park or catch a show at the Johnson City Community Theater.
#7: Kingsport, Tennessee
Average selling price: $175,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $642
Kingsport, TN homes for sale
Kingsport, TN homes for rent
Trying to figure out if you want to move to Kingsport, TN? Kingsport is a city worth considering for its rich history and scenic beauty. It has a population of around 55,600 inhabitants, an increase of 4% since 2017.
Wondering what to do in Kingsport, TN? There are many things to do from relaxing at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, Borden Park and Centennial Park to grabbing a quick bite at Riverfront Seafood Co, The Shack or Nick’s Family Restaurant. Be sure to catch a show at the Renaissance Arts Center & Theater or the LampLight Theatre.
#8: Knoxville, Tennessee
Average selling price: $310,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,359
Knoxville, TN homes for sale
Apartments for rent in Knoxville, TN
Ranked eighth, Knoxville, TN is best known for its southern cuisine, the Sunsphere, and is home to the University of Tennessee. It saw a 3% increase to its current population of around 192,700.
If you want to do something meanwhile lives in Knoxville, TN, you’ll find great parks like Lakeshore Park, Concord Park and Fort Dickerson Park, as well as performance venues like the Tennessee Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, Open Chord Stage and Bijou Theatre. Grab a quick bite at Calhoun’s On The River, The Original Copper Cellar Restaurant and Myrtle’s Chicken and Beer. Then visit the Knoxville Museum of Art, McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture and Muse Knoxville.
#9: Nashville, Tennessee
Average selling price: $460,500
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $2,789
Nashville, TN homes for sale
Nashville, TN apartments for rent
Nashville, TN, known as the Country Music Capital, ranks ninth. The city has nearly 678,900 inhabitants, an increase of 2.30%.
There’s plenty to do in Nashville, Tennessee. You can visit the Grand Ole Opry, tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium, or visit one of the many museums and galleries. You can also enjoy the city’s nightlife with its many bars and clubs or enjoy a concert in one of the many live music venues. There is something for everybody lives in Nashville.
No. 10: Collierville, Tennessee
Median retail price: $502,000
Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,653
Collierville, TN homes for sale
Collierville, TN homes for rent
Known for its unique antebellum architecture, Collierville ranks 10th on our list. The city saw a 2.17% increase to its current population of nearly 51,400.
There are many things to do when you think about it Move to Collierville. From parks like WC Johnson Park, Town Square Park and HW Cox Park to museums like the Morton Museum of Collierville History, you’ll never get bored of the city. For a quick bite to eat, check out Jim’s Place Grille, Stix, and Silver Caboose Restaurant & Soda Fountain.
Methodology: The population growth was calculated over a period of 5 years (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants were used, since everything smaller counts as a city. Population data are from the United States Census Bureau. Median home selling prices from the Redfin data center in July 2022. Average rental dates from Rent.com in July 2022.