Best places to live in Tennessee
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Tennessee
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live 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. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Knoxville
- Population: 186,173
- Median home value: $136,300 (46% own)
- Median rent: $845 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $40,341
- Top public schools: Farragut High School (A+), L&N STEM Academy (A), Hardin Valley Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Webb School of Knoxville (A+), Knoxville Catholic High School (A), Christian Academy of Knoxville (A)
- Pictured: 5628 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville ($8.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $136,300 (46% own)
- Median rent: $845 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $40,341
- Top public schools: Farragut High School (A+), L&N STEM Academy (A), Hardin Valley Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Webb School of Knoxville (A+), Knoxville Catholic High School (A), Christian Academy of Knoxville (A)
- Pictured: 5628 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville ($8.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#24. Tusculum
- Population: 2,726
- Median home value: $206,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $831 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $61,250
- Top public schools: Greeneville High School (A), Tusculum View Elementary School (A), Chuckey Doak Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 180 Greenwood Rd, Afton ($349,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $206,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $831 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $61,250
- Top public schools: Greeneville High School (A), Tusculum View Elementary School (A), Chuckey Doak Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 180 Greenwood Rd, Afton ($349,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#23. 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: 123 Summit Ln, Hendersonville ($7.0 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: 123 Summit Ln, Hendersonville ($7.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#22. 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: 9176 Old Brownsville Rd, Lakeland ($1,000,000, 3 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: 9176 Old Brownsville Rd, Lakeland ($1,000,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#21. 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: 2536 Duplex Rd, Spring Hill ($1.8 million, 4 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: 2536 Duplex Rd, Spring Hill ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. 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: 411 Lakeshore Dr, Old Hickory ($607,000, 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: 411 Lakeshore Dr, Old Hickory ($607,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. 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: 3231 # Us411 # US411, Maryville ($3.2 million, 5 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: 3231 # Us411 # US411, Maryville ($3.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#18. 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: 1358 Page Rd, Nashville ($14.9 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: 1358 Page Rd, Nashville ($14.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#17. 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: Sharpsville Rd, Murfreesboro ($8.9 million, 5 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: Sharpsville Rd, Murfreesboro ($8.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. 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: 2371 Benders Ferry Rd, Mount Juliet ($2.3 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: 2371 Benders Ferry Rd, Mount Juliet ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. 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: 16 Rivers Run Blvd, Oak Ridge ($1.1 million, 5 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: 16 Rivers Run Blvd, Oak Ridge ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. 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: 112 Harber Ln, Johnson City ($2.5 million, 10 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: 112 Harber Ln, Johnson City ($2.5 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#13. 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: 1300 E Brow Rd, Signal Mountain ($1.4 million, 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: 1300 E Brow Rd, Signal Mountain ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#12. 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: 3703 Fairmount Pike, Signal Mountain ($3.9 million, 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: 3703 Fairmount Pike, Signal Mountain ($3.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. 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: 9703 Owl Nest Rd, Ooltewah ($1.7 million, 6 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: 9703 Owl Nest Rd, Ooltewah ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. 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: 4914 Lealand Ln, Nashville ($7.0 million, 6 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: 4914 Lealand Ln, Nashville ($7.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#9. 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: 3545 Shea Rd, Collierville ($1.6 million, 4 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: 3545 Shea Rd, Collierville ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#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: 3703 Fairmount Pike, Signal Mountain ($3.9 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: 3703 Fairmount Pike, Signal Mountain ($3.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. 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: 1013 E Brow Rd, Lookout Mountain ($1.8 million, 4 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: 1013 E Brow Rd, Lookout Mountain ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#6. 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: 2223 Brakeman Ln, Thompsons Station ($1.2 million, 5 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: 2223 Brakeman Ln, Thompsons Station ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. 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: 3440 Hollow Creek Rd, Germantown ($2.8 million, 6 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: 3440 Hollow Creek Rd, Germantown ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#4. 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: 9835 Clovercroft Rd, Nolensville ($2.5 million, 3 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: 9835 Clovercroft Rd, Nolensville ($2.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#3. 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: 513 King Richards Ct, Franklin ($15.5 million, 6 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: 513 King Richards Ct, Franklin ($15.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#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: 12773 Highwick Cir, Knoxville ($2.2 million, 4 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: 12773 Highwick Cir, Knoxville ($2.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#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: 1255 Morning Glory Ct, Brentwood ($5.9 million, 7 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: 1255 Morning Glory Ct, Brentwood ($5.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
