Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax, explore hobbies, and enjoy the perks of a slower pace of life. But for many retirees in Tennessee, that vision doesn’t always match reality—especially in certain towns that fall short on key lifestyle factors. New 2025 data reveals that older adults are skipping over some of the state’s quieter corners in favor of places with better walkability, cultural access, and public transportation.
These 15 towns scored the lowest on our Overall Retirement Score (ORS), a composite index measuring quietness, walkability, vibrancy, cultural amenities, car- and transit-friendliness. While some towns offer peace and natural beauty, they’re often let down by a lack of infrastructure, social opportunities, or accessibility—essentials for a fulfilling retirement. Here’s a closer look at where retirees are saying “no thanks” in the Volunteer State this year.
15. Sweetwater – Limited Senior-Friendly Healthcare
Sweetwater sits between Knoxville and Chattanooga, offering small-town charm but few of the amenities retirees look for today. While the downtown has seen minor revitalization and boasts one of the largest underground lakes in the country (The Lost Sea), it’s not enough to offset other challenges. Healthcare access is limited, with only a handful of primary care providers and the nearest major hospital over 30 minutes away. Public transit is virtually nonexistent, and services catering specifically to seniors are sparse.
For active retirees, Sweetwater can feel isolating. The low walkability score reflects its car-centric layout, and there aren’t many cultural outlets or events geared toward older adults. While it’s quiet, that silence comes at a cost: fewer ways to stay socially and physically engaged. Residents who don’t drive may struggle, and those seeking diverse lifestyle opportunities often look elsewhere.
Sweetwater – ORS 29.72
- Overall Retirement Score: 29.72
- Quietness: 41.47
- Walkability: 30.25
- Cultural amenities: 21.36
- Vibrancy: 24.18
- Car-Friendliness: 71.34
- Transit-Friendliness: 7.81
Sweetwater’s modest charm is clear, but retirees need more than peace and quiet. With low access to transit and cultural life, many older adults may find themselves too cut off from the stimulation and support they want in retirement.
14. Dayton – Struggles with Transit and Engagement Opportunities
Nestled on the western bank of the Tennessee River, Dayton has a proud history—most famously as the site of the 1925 Scopes Trial. But today, its appeal to retirees is limited. The town has relatively low scores across the board, with particularly poor transit access and few public services designed for seniors. Dayton’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the needs of a growing aging population…