Best places to raise a family in Tennessee
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April 20, 2021
Arina P Habich // Shutterstock
Best places to raise a family in Tennessee
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Tennessee using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Collegedale
- Population: 11,275
- Median home value: $229,000 (49% own)
- Median rent: $986 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $59,015
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Top private schools: Collegedale Academy (B+)
- Pictured: 9771 Trestle Cir Unit 26, Ooltewah ($494,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,000 (49% own)
- Median rent: $986 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $59,015
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Top private schools: Collegedale Academy (B+)
- Pictured: 9771 Trestle Cir Unit 26, Ooltewah ($494,900, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Medina
- Population: 4,209
- Median home value: $180,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $975 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $69,206
- Top public schools: Medina Middle School (A), Medina Elementary School (A-), South Gibson County High School (B+)
- Pictured: 119 Crossbrook Cv, Medina ($449,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $180,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $975 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $69,206
- Top public schools: Medina Middle School (A), Medina Elementary School (A-), South Gibson County High School (B+)
- Pictured: 119 Crossbrook Cv, Medina ($449,900, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Murfreesboro
- Population: 136,366
- Median home value: $238,000 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,052 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $62,003
- Top public schools: Central Magnet School (A+), McFadden School of Excellence (A), The Discovery School - Bellwood (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Christian Academy (A-), Middle Tennessee Christian School (B), Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3111 Halls Hill Pike, Murfreesboro ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,000 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,052 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $62,003
- Top public schools: Central Magnet School (A+), McFadden School of Excellence (A), The Discovery School - Bellwood (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Christian Academy (A-), Middle Tennessee Christian School (B), Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3111 Halls Hill Pike, Murfreesboro ($3.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
#22. Fairview
- Population: 8,762
- Median home value: $225,900 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,075 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $69,300
- Top public schools: Fairview Elementary School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Renaissance High School (A-)
- Pictured: 7217 Kingston Rd, Fairview ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,900 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,075 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $69,300
- Top public schools: Fairview Elementary School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Renaissance High School (A-)
- Pictured: 7217 Kingston Rd, Fairview ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#21. Forest Hills
- Population: 4,939
- Median home value: $853,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,234 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $203,056
- Top public schools: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School (A+), Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (A+), Meigs Academic Magnet (A-)
- Pictured: 1913 Cromwell Dr, Nashville ($3.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $853,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,234 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $203,056
- Top public schools: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School (A+), Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (A+), Meigs Academic Magnet (A-)
- Pictured: 1913 Cromwell Dr, Nashville ($3.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#20. Lakeland
- Population: 12,606
- Median home value: $257,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $103,074
- Top public schools: Lakeland Elementary School (A), Lakeland Middle Preparatory School (A), Campus School (A-)
- Pictured: 10366 Us 64 Hwy, Lakeland ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $257,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $103,074
- Top public schools: Lakeland Elementary School (A), Lakeland Middle Preparatory School (A), Campus School (A-)
- Pictured: 10366 Us 64 Hwy, Lakeland ($895,000, 5 bedrooms)
#19. Hendersonville
- Population: 57,083
- Median home value: $266,100 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,173 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $72,539
- Top public schools: Merrol Hyde Magnet School (A+), T.W. Hunter Middle School (A), Dr. William Burrus Elementary at Drakes Creek (A)
- Top private schools: Pope John Paul II High School (A+), Hendersonville Christian Academy (B), Lighthouse Christian School (C+)
- Pictured: 560 Cumberland Hills Dr, Hendersonville ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $266,100 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,173 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $72,539
- Top public schools: Merrol Hyde Magnet School (A+), T.W. Hunter Middle School (A), Dr. William Burrus Elementary at Drakes Creek (A)
- Top private schools: Pope John Paul II High School (A+), Hendersonville Christian Academy (B), Lighthouse Christian School (C+)
- Pictured: 560 Cumberland Hills Dr, Hendersonville ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
#18. Johnson City
- Population: 66,515
- Median home value: $167,500 (50% own)
- Median rent: $755 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $41,682
- Top public schools: Fairmont Elementary School (A), Science Hill High School (A), Woodland Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary School (unavailable), Central Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Ashley Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 111 Ridgemont Rd, Johnson City ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $167,500 (50% own)
- Median rent: $755 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $41,682
- Top public schools: Fairmont Elementary School (A), Science Hill High School (A), Woodland Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary School (unavailable), Central Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Ashley Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 111 Ridgemont Rd, Johnson City ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
#17. Spring Hill
- Population: 39,711
- Median home value: $286,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,401 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $90,778
- Top public schools: Spring Station Middle School (A), Longview Elementary School (A), Allendale Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbia Academy at Spring Hill (unavailable), Spring Hill Christian Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Spring Hill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6007 Trout Ln, Spring Hill ($874,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,401 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $90,778
- Top public schools: Spring Station Middle School (A), Longview Elementary School (A), Allendale Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbia Academy at Spring Hill (unavailable), Spring Hill Christian Academy (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Spring Hill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6007 Trout Ln, Spring Hill ($874,900, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Oak Ridge
- Population: 29,037
- Median home value: $155,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $806 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $55,230
- Top public schools: Oak Ridge High School (A), Woodland Elementary School (A), Jefferson Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's School (unavailable), Christian Academy of Oak Ridge (unavailable), Montessori School of Oak Ridge (unavailable)
- Pictured: 112 Balboa Cir, Oak Ridge ($599,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $155,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $806 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $55,230
- Top public schools: Oak Ridge High School (A), Woodland Elementary School (A), Jefferson Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's School (unavailable), Christian Academy of Oak Ridge (unavailable), Montessori School of Oak Ridge (unavailable)
- Pictured: 112 Balboa Cir, Oak Ridge ($599,900, 6 bedrooms)
#15. Oak Hill
- Population: 4,587
- Median home value: $694,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,059 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $171,500
- Top public schools: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School (A+), Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (A+), Meigs Academic Magnet (A-)
- Top private schools: Franklin Road Academy (A), Father Ryan High School (A), The Oak Hill School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 813 Deercrossing, Nashville ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $694,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,059 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $171,500
- Top public schools: Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School (A+), Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (A+), Meigs Academic Magnet (A-)
- Top private schools: Franklin Road Academy (A), Father Ryan High School (A), The Oak Hill School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 813 Deercrossing, Nashville ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Collierville
- Population: 50,086
- Median home value: $319,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,331 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $113,996
- Top public schools: Tara Oaks Elementary School (A+), Collierville High School (A+), Crosswind Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. George's Independent School - Collierville Campus (grades 6-12) (A+), Incarnation Catholic School (unavailable), Central Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10224 Springmont Trl, Collierville ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $319,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,331 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $113,996
- Top public schools: Tara Oaks Elementary School (A+), Collierville High School (A+), Crosswind Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. George's Independent School - Collierville Campus (grades 6-12) (A+), Incarnation Catholic School (unavailable), Central Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10224 Springmont Trl, Collierville ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Green Hill
- Population: 6,563
- Median home value: $242,100 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $91,143
- Top public schools: Lakeview Elementary School (A), Mt. Juliet High School (A-), W.A. Wright Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Old Hickory (unavailable)
- Pictured: 231 Green Harbor Rd Unit 123H, Old Hickory ($389,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $242,100 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,179 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $91,143
- Top public schools: Lakeview Elementary School (A), Mt. Juliet High School (A-), W.A. Wright Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Old Hickory (unavailable)
- Pictured: 231 Green Harbor Rd Unit 123H, Old Hickory ($389,900, 3 bedrooms)
#12. Mount Juliet
- Population: 34,377
- Median home value: $274,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,424 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,303
- Top public schools: Rutland Elementary School (A), Lakeview Elementary School (A), Mt. Juliet Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Mt. Juliet Christian Academy (B+), Mt. Juliet Montessori Academy (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Mt. Juliet (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5590 John Hager Rd, Mount Juliet ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $274,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,424 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,303
- Top public schools: Rutland Elementary School (A), Lakeview Elementary School (A), Mt. Juliet Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Mt. Juliet Christian Academy (B+), Mt. Juliet Montessori Academy (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Mt. Juliet (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5590 John Hager Rd, Mount Juliet ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#11. Maryville
- Population: 28,974
- Median home value: $204,500 (69% own)
- Median rent: $881 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $61,384
- Top public schools: Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School (A), Sam Houston Elementary School (A), Coulter Grove Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Maryville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1013 White Oak Ave, Maryville ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $204,500 (69% own)
- Median rent: $881 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $61,384
- Top public schools: Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School (A), Sam Houston Elementary School (A), Coulter Grove Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Maryville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1013 White Oak Ave, Maryville ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. Walden
- Population: 1,948
- Median home value: $412,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,175 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $100,750
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Top private schools: Signal Mountain Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1511 E Brow Rd Unit 1, Walden ($742,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $412,900 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,175 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $100,750
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Top private schools: Signal Mountain Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1511 E Brow Rd Unit 1, Walden ($742,000, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Germantown
- Population: 39,193
- Median home value: $331,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,387 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $118,163
- Top public schools: Farmington Elementary School (A), Houston Middle School (A), Riverdale Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. George's Independent School (unavailable), Bodine School (unavailable), The Phoenix School for Creative Learning (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2675 Johnson Rd, Germantown ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $331,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,387 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $118,163
- Top public schools: Farmington Elementary School (A), Houston Middle School (A), Riverdale Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. George's Independent School (unavailable), Bodine School (unavailable), The Phoenix School for Creative Learning (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2675 Johnson Rd, Germantown ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#8. Signal Mountain
- Population: 8,539
- Median home value: $345,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $109,926
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Pictured: 1121 Sunset Dr, Signal Mountain ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $345,900 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $109,926
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Pictured: 1121 Sunset Dr, Signal Mountain ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#7. Fairmount
- Population: 2,245
- Median home value: $380,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,063 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $96,545
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Pictured: 2472 Blue Mist Dr Unit 3, Signal Mountain ($549,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $380,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,063 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $96,545
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Pictured: 2472 Blue Mist Dr Unit 3, Signal Mountain ($549,900, 4 bedrooms)
#6. Lookout Mountain
- Population: 1,965
- Median home value: $520,300 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $130,446
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Pictured: 110 S Forrest Ave, Lookout Mountain ($635,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $520,300 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,205 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $130,446
- Top public schools: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (A), Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS) - Upper School (A), STEM School Chattanooga (A-)
- Pictured: 110 S Forrest Ave, Lookout Mountain ($635,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#5. Thompson's Station
- Population: 5,456
- Median home value: $420,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,827 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $104,250
- Top public schools: Oak View Elementary School (A), Spring Station Middle School (A), Winstead Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 2032 Conductor Ln, Thompsons Station ($934,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $420,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,827 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $104,250
- Top public schools: Oak View Elementary School (A), Spring Station Middle School (A), Winstead Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 2032 Conductor Ln, Thompsons Station ($934,900, 4 bedrooms)
#4. Franklin
- Population: 77,939
- Median home value: $412,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,481 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $98,231
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A+), Kenrose Elementary School (A+), Franklin High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Battle Ground Academy (A+), Franklin Classical School (A-), Franklin Christian Academy (B+)
- Pictured: New Highway 96, Franklin ($9.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $412,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,481 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $98,231
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A+), Kenrose Elementary School (A+), Franklin High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Battle Ground Academy (A+), Franklin Classical School (A-), Franklin Christian Academy (B+)
- Pictured: New Highway 96, Franklin ($9.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
#3. Nolensville
- Population: 8,390
- Median home value: $455,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,263 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $134,740
- Top public schools: Ravenwood High School (A+), Sunset Middle School (A), Sunset Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Willow Tree Academy - Nolensville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 113 Dylan Woods Dr, Nolensville ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $455,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,263 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $134,740
- Top public schools: Ravenwood High School (A+), Sunset Middle School (A), Sunset Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Willow Tree Academy - Nolensville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 113 Dylan Woods Dr, Nolensville ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Farragut
- Population: 22,631
- Median home value: $370,400 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,120 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $108,511
- Top public schools: Farragut High School (A+), L&N STEM Academy (A), Hardin Valley Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Knoxville Christian School (A-), Concord Christian School / Preschool & KidzConnect (B), St. John Neumann Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12811 Highwick Cir, Knoxville ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $370,400 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,120 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $108,511
- Top public schools: Farragut High School (A+), L&N STEM Academy (A), Hardin Valley Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Knoxville Christian School (A-), Concord Christian School / Preschool & KidzConnect (B), St. John Neumann Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12811 Highwick Cir, Knoxville ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#1. Brentwood
- Population: 42,407
- Median home value: $655,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,085 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $168,688
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A+), Ravenwood High School (A+), Kenrose Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brentwood Academy (A+), Kiddie Academy of Brentwood Tennesse (unavailable), Primrose School of Brentwood (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7050 Wikle Rd W, Brentwood ($5.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $655,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,085 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $168,688
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A+), Ravenwood High School (A+), Kenrose Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brentwood Academy (A+), Kiddie Academy of Brentwood Tennesse (unavailable), Primrose School of Brentwood (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7050 Wikle Rd W, Brentwood ($5.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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