Explore the best retirement communities in Tennessee

Tennessee Retirement Communities

Tennessee is quickly rising as one of the most desirable states for retirement—and it’s easy to see why. From rolling hills and scenic lakes to vibrant small towns and tax-friendly policies, Tennessee retirement communities offer an ideal blend of affordability, natural beauty, and active living.

At Private Communities Registry (PCR), we showcase some of Tennessee’s best retirement and active adult communities, helping retirees and homebuyers explore lifestyle-focused neighborhoods across The Volunteer State. Use the listings below to discover communities offering resort-style amenities, low-maintenance homes, and welcoming neighbors in every stage of retirement.

Why Retire in Tennessee?

Tax-Friendly for Retirees

Tennessee is consistently ranked as one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees:

  • No state income tax on wages, pensions, or Social Security
  • No tax on retirement account withdrawals
  • Relatively low property taxes compared to national averages

For retirees on fixed or predictable incomes, Tennessee offers financial breathing room without sacrificing lifestyle quality.

Mild Climate & Four Distinct Seasons

Tennessee provides a comfortable four-season climate, especially appealing to retirees relocating from colder northern states. Winters are generally mild, summers are warm, and spring and fall bring colorful scenery and outdoor-friendly weather. This balance makes Tennessee ideal for year-round recreation without extreme temperatures.

Outdoor Recreation & Scenic Living

Retirement communities in Tennessee are often surrounded by:

  • Lakes, rivers, and waterways for boating and fishing
  • Rolling hills, forests, and mountain foothills
  • Golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and nature preserves

From the foothills of the Smoky Mountains to scenic Cumberland Plateau landscapes, Tennessee supports an active, outdoor-oriented retirement lifestyle.

Retirement Communities in East Tennessee

East Tennessee is one of the state’s most popular retirement destinations, offering lakeside living, mountain views, and a relaxed pace of life.

Communities in areas such as Loudon, Vonore, and Lenoir City are especially attractive for retirees seeking:

  • Waterfront and lake-access communities near Tellico Lake and the Tennessee River
  • Golf-focused and gated neighborhoods
  • Strong sense of community and social engagement
  • Easy access to Knoxville for healthcare, shopping, dining, and airports

East Tennessee retirement communities often feature clubhouses, fitness centers, walking trails, boating amenities, and active social calendars, making them ideal for active adults who want to stay connected and engaged.

Retirement Communities in Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee offers retirees a different—but equally compelling—appeal, blending rural charm with accessibility to major metro amenities.

Communities in locations such as Fairfield Glade and Lebanon provide:

  • Golf-centric and resort-style retirement living
  • Rolling countryside and scenic plateaus
  • Proximity to Nashville’s healthcare systems, cultural attractions, and entertainment
  • A quieter, slower-paced lifestyle with modern conveniences

Many Middle Tennessee retirement communities are well-suited for those who want space, value, and community involvement without the density of large cities.

What Tennessee Retirement Communities Offer

Across the state, retirement and active adult communities commonly feature:

  • Single-family homes, villas, cottages, and low-maintenance condos
  • Golf courses, pickleball and tennis courts, and fitness centers
  • Clubhouses with planned activities, clubs, and social events
  • Gated access or private community settings
  • Maintenance-free living options and lifestyle-based neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking for waterfront retirement communities, golf retirement communities, or 55+ active adult living, Tennessee offers diverse choices to fit a wide range of preferences and budgets.

Why Use PCR to Find a Tennessee Retirement Community?

For more than 30 years, PCR has been a trusted resource for retirees and active adults searching for lifestyle-focused communities across the United States.

PCR provides:

  • Curated listings of Tennessee’s top retirement communities
  • Community details, amenities, photos, and real estate options
  • Easy exploration by location and lifestyle
  • Direct connections to on-site sales teams and community representatives

Rather than searching multiple websites, PCR allows homebuyers to compare Tennessee retirement communities in one place, streamlining the journey from research to relocation.

Explore Tennessee Retirement Communities

Use the listings below to explore Tennessee retirement communities by region and city. Each community profile includes photos, amenities, home information, and helpful details to guide your decision-making.

Whether you’re drawn to East Tennessee’s lakes and mountain foothills or Middle Tennessee’s countryside and golf-oriented communities, you’ll find welcoming neighborhoods designed for comfortable, connected retirement living.

Start exploring today and discover why Tennessee continues to rank among the best states to retire in America.


Filtered Results (4)

Fairfield Glade

Fairfield Glade, Tennessee Retirement Community
Fairfield Glade, Tennessee
This 12,500-acre community on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau encompasses five championship golf courses, 11 lakes for boating and fishing, marinas, fitness center, and tennis.

Pricing: Homes, Condos, Villas and Townhomes are priced from $300,000 to $1.2 million; Lots from $10,000 to $300,000.

Community Type: All Age, Retirement

Community Amenity: Biking Trails Biking Trails
Community Amenity: Boating Boating
Community Amenity: Clubhouse Clubhouse
Community Amenity: Community Gardens Community Gardens
Community Amenity: Dining Dining
Community Amenity: Dog Park Dog Park
Community Amenity: Fishing Fishing
Community Amenity: Fitness Fitness
Community Amenity: Golf Golf
Community Amenity: Lake Lake
Community Amenity: Marina Marina
Community Amenity: Mountains Mountains
Community Amenity: Nature Trails Nature Trails
Community Amenity: Near the Beach Near the Beach
Community Amenity: Pickleball Pickleball
Community Amenity: RV Storage RV Storage
Community Amenity: Swimming Swimming
Community Amenity: Tennis Tennis
Community Amenity: Walking Trails Walking Trails

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Rarity Bay

Vonore, Tennessee Retirement Community
Vonore, Tennessee
Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this private golf and equestrian community is located on a scenic peninsula with 10 miles of shoreline along Lake Tellico in East Tennessee. Amenities include 18 holes of championship golf, an equestrian center with 10 miles of riding trails, clubhouse, swim & tennis club, activity center and private boat docks.

Pricing: Lots priced from $19,900 to $595,000; Condos and Homes from $139,900 to $2.8 million.

Community Type: All Age, Retirement

Community Amenity: Biking Trails Biking Trails
Community Amenity: Boating Boating
Community Amenity: Clubhouse Clubhouse
Community Amenity: Community Gardens Community Gardens
Community Amenity: Dining Dining
Community Amenity: Dog Park Dog Park
Community Amenity: Equestrian Equestrian
Community Amenity: Fishing Fishing
Community Amenity: Fitness Fitness
Community Amenity: Gatehouse Gatehouse
Community Amenity: Golf Golf
Community Amenity: Lake Lake
Community Amenity: Marina Marina
Community Amenity: Mountains Mountains
Community Amenity: Nature Trails Nature Trails
Community Amenity: Pickleball Pickleball
Community Amenity: Rentals Rentals
Community Amenity: Swimming Swimming
Community Amenity: Tennis Tennis
Community Amenity: Walking Trails Walking Trails

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Discovery Package Available
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Tellico Village

Loudon, Tennessee Retirement Community
Loudon, Tennessee
Situated along 40 miles of shoreline on Tellico Lake, this community offers year-round championship golf, lakefront views from almost every lot, and an active Yacht and Country Club. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with easy access to Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.

Pricing: Lots priced from $25,000 to $500,000; Townhomes from $350,000; Homes from $400,000 to $1.5 million.

Community Type: All Age, Retirement

Community Amenity: Boating Boating
Community Amenity: Clubhouse Clubhouse
Community Amenity: Community Gardens Community Gardens
Community Amenity: Dining Dining
Community Amenity: Dog Park Dog Park
Community Amenity: Fishing Fishing
Community Amenity: Fitness Fitness
Community Amenity: Golf Golf
Community Amenity: Lake Lake
Community Amenity: Marina Marina
Community Amenity: Mountains Mountains
Community Amenity: Nature Trails Nature Trails
Community Amenity: Pickleball Pickleball
Community Amenity: Playground Playground
Community Amenity: Rentals Rentals
Community Amenity: RV Storage RV Storage
Community Amenity: Swimming Swimming
Community Amenity: Tennis Tennis
Community Amenity: Walking Trails Walking Trails

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Discovery Package Available
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WindRiver

Lenoir City, Tennessee Retirement Community
Lenoir City, Tennessee
WindRiver is a gated lakefront and golf course community on Tellico Lake in East Tennessee. Carefully built among rolling hillsides and gently sloping shoreline, the community offers a range of lakefront, lake view and wooded home sites.

Pricing: Homesites available; Homes are priced from $1.5 million to $4 million+.

Community Type: All Age, Retirement

Community Amenity: Boating Boating
Community Amenity: Dining Dining
Community Amenity: Fishing Fishing
Community Amenity: Fitness Fitness
Community Amenity: Gatehouse Gatehouse
Community Amenity: Golf Golf
Community Amenity: Golf Nearby Golf Nearby
Community Amenity: Lake Lake
Community Amenity: Marina Marina
Community Amenity: Mountains Mountains
Community Amenity: Nature Trails Nature Trails
Community Amenity: Rentals Rentals
Community Amenity: Swimming Swimming
Community Amenity: Tennis Tennis
Community Amenity: Walking Trails Walking Trails

Read More...
Discovery Package Available
Request More Information