Nashville Suburbs, Hendersonville and Franklin, Rank Top Two in U.S. News and World Reports’ 2026-2027 Best Places to Live in Tennessee

 

According to the 2026–2027 Best Places to Live in Tennessee rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Hendersonville ranked No. 1 and Franklin ranked No. 2. Both communities are in Middle Tennessee, making this recognition especially interesting for people considering a move to the Greater Nashville area. (Nashville also ranked in the top half, coming in at #6 of 13 cities featured in the report). U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live methodology considers the following criteria: value, quality of life, desirability, and job market. This resource may be a helpful starting point for homebuyers as they consider their options.

 

In addition to the data and analysis provided in the report, we’ve also compiled questions and answers to help homebuyers discover more about these two suburban cities and decide if they may be appealing to specific needs and lifestyles.

 

Having made the move to Tennessee from California, I know firsthand how it can be overwhelming to navigate unfamiliar cities, explore different neighborhoods, and decide which area truly feels like the right fit for your lifestyle. Before I put down my own roots and purchased a home here, I made a concerted effort to familiarize myself with multiple cities. Not only did I do, what felt like, a driving tour through Middle Tennessee, but I also spent time in different areas dining at coffee shops and restaurants, hanging at local parks, exploring entertainment options, and more. In doing so, I was able to establish a better understanding of what made the most sense for my family when it came to considerations like commute, amenities, and more.

 

Whether you’re relocating to Tennessee from another state, moving to Middle Tennessee from another region, or simply searching for a community that better fits your needs, I’m here to help you find what you’re looking for.

 

Hendersonville is located in Sumner County, just northeast of Nashville, and is part of the Greater Nashville metropolitan area. If you’re interested in exploring Hendersonville further, you can access maps on the City of Hendersonville’s website to learn more about neighborhoods, zoning, greenways, and more.

 

Hendersonville is approximately 20 miles northeast of Nashville. Travel time varies depending on the destination, traffic conditions, route, and time of day.

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Hendersonville is known for its location near Old Hickory Lake, its parks and recreational amenities, local shopping and dining, and its variety of residential properties.

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Residents and visitors can explore boating, fishing, parks, walking areas, athletic facilities, and other outdoor activities. Old Hickory Lake is a prominent recreational feature of the area.

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Hendersonville has restaurants, retail centers, grocery stores, and everyday services. Additional shopping and dining options are available throughout the Greater Nashville metropolitan area.

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When contemplating the purchase of a lake home, there are a variety of factors to consider, including flood risk, insurance, shoreline/water access, dock permissions, maintenance, and more. (This should not be considered an exhaustive list)

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Useful resources may include the City of Hendersonville's official website, Sumner County Schools, local parks and recreation resources, current real estate listings, and Sumner County property records.

 

 

 

Franklin is located in Williamson County, south of Nashville. It is part of the Greater Nashville metropolitan area. If you’re interested in exploring Franklin further, you can access maps on the City of Franklin’s GIS (geographic information systems) portal to learn more about neighborhoods, zoning, parks, and more.

 

Franklin is approximately 22 miles south of downtown Nashville. Travel time varies depending on the destination, traffic conditions, route, and time of day.

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Franklin is known for its historic downtown, Civil War history, preserved architecture, shopping and dining, parks, and business districts, including Cool Springs.

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The city has public parks, greenways, walking trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, and historic parks. 

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Franklin offers restaurants, shops, retail centers, and larger commercial destinations. Historic downtown features local businesses and dining, while the Cool Springs area includes additional shopping and commercial amenities.

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The City of Franklin says it possesses “one of the largest and finest collections of historic architecture in Middle Tennessee.” As such, it believes “preservation and reclamation of these resources are of paramount importance to protecting Franklin’s unique heritage and cultural identity.” Learn more on their website about historic resources, design guidelines, and more.

 

Useful resources may include the City of Franklin’s official website, Williamson County Schools, local parks and recreation resources, current real estate listings, and Williamson County property records.

 

 

A great way to determine which area best suits your lifestyle is to spend time there. Explore the neighborhoods, the amenities, and more!

 

Here are a few of the places I enjoy in each respective city!

 

 

 

 

If you want to connect about your home search, or simply learn more about Tennessee, please reach out!