West Tennessee
If you picture Tennessee as a song, then West Tennessee is where the rhythm and soul truly begin.
This is the part of the state where the Mississippi River carves its story, where the blues were born, and where the heart of Southern hospitality beats strongest.
West Tennessee stretches from the mighty Mississippi on the west to the Tennessee River on the east, a landscape shaped by rich farmland, deep cultural roots, and music that changed the world. It’s home to Memphis, of course one of America’s most iconic cities but beyond the big city are dozens of small towns and rural communities that bring the region’s spirit to life.
Here, you’ll find a slower pace, lower cost of living, and a strong sense of connection that draws newcomers from across the country. Whether you’re visiting for its historic charm or considering a move to experience authentic Southern living, West Tennessee welcomes you with open arms, a plate of barbecue, and that unmistakable Memphis soul.
The Spirit of Memphis
No conversation about West Tennessee is complete without talking about Memphis the region’s cultural capital and one of the most historic cities in the South.
The Heartbeat of a Musical City
Memphis is where the blues found its voice, where rock ‘n’ roll took its first steps, and where legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash made music history. Today, the city continues to hum with creativity from the live bands on Beale Street to local artists filling neighborhood coffee shops with sound and soul.
Music isn’t just entertainment here it’s part of daily life. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio, and Graceland tell the story of how Memphis helped shape American culture. And festivals like the Beale Street Music Festival and Memphis in May keep that tradition alive year after year.
Living in Memphis
Memphis offers big-city amenities at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere. The median home price sits around $250,000–$270,000, making it one of the most affordable major cities in the nation.
You’ll find historic neighborhoods like Midtown, with charming craftsman homes and tree-lined streets, or Downtown Memphis, full of new apartments and revitalized lofts overlooking the Mississippi River. For families, areas like East Memphis, Cordova, and Whitehaven offer quiet neighborhoods, parks, and easy access to schools and shopping.
The cost of living in Memphis is roughly 20% below the U.S. average, and with no state income tax, residents keep more of their earnings. That affordability, paired with strong job opportunities, has made Memphis a magnet for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees alike.
Working in Memphis
The city’s economy is diverse and resilient. Known globally as America’s logistics capital, Memphis is home to FedEx’s world headquarters, one of the region’s largest employers. Its central location and transportation network including Interstates 40, 55, and 69, plus a major international airport make it a prime hub for trade and shipping. Other key industries include:
- Healthcare: Anchored by Baptist Memorial, Methodist Le Bonheur, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital one of the most respected medical institutions in the world.
- Education: The University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University support thousands of students and educators.
- Tourism & Hospitality: Memphis draws millions of visitors each year, keeping the local economy vibrant and diverse.
Job growth remains steady, and the unemployment rate often sits below the national average. For those relocating, it’s a region where career potential meets work-life balance.
Food, Festivals, and Fun
Ask anyone who’s been to Memphis what they remember most, and odds are they’ll mention the food.
This city is a barbecue legend smoky, sweet, spicy, and slow-cooked to perfection. From Central BBQ and The Rendezvous to Gus’s Fried Chicken and Soul Fish Café, the flavors here are rich, comforting, and unforgettable.
Memphis doesn’t just feed the stomach; it feeds the soul. You can catch live blues on Beale Street any night of the week, stroll through Overton Park or the Memphis Botanic Garden, or take in the views at the newly restored Tom Lee Park along the riverfront.
And when it comes to community spirit, Memphis shines brightest during its festivals:
- Memphis in May International Festival
- World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
- Southern Heritage Classic
- Elvis Week (a global celebration of The King)
Each event reflects what makes Memphis unique proud, creative, and endlessly alive.
The Surrounding Suburbs of West Tennessee
One of the biggest advantages of life in West Tennessee is the ability to live close to Memphis while enjoying the peace and space of the suburbs. These communities offer excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a true sense of belonging.
Germantown
Elegant, quiet, and family-focused, Germantown is known for its top-rated schools, manicured parks, and upscale living. It’s one of the most desirable places to live in West Tennessee, with home prices averaging around $550,000–$600,000. Residents love its community events, farmers markets, and scenic walking trails.
Collierville
Located southeast of Memphis, Collierville combines small-town charm with modern growth. Its historic town square is one of the prettiest in the South, full of boutiques, local restaurants, and community festivals. It’s ideal for families seeking a blend of safety, schools, and southern beauty.
Bartlett
Bartlett offers an affordable suburban lifestyle without sacrificing access to the city. It’s a close-knit community with good schools, family-friendly parks, and homes priced well below the metro average.
Lakeland & Arlington
These neighboring towns are among the fastest-growing areas in Shelby County, attracting new developments, schools, and small businesses. They provide easy access to downtown Memphis but maintain that quiet, suburban feel.
Millington
A proud military community, Millington is home to the Naval Support Activity Mid-South base and a strong sense of patriotism. It’s affordable, convenient, and full of local pride ideal for families who value a tight-knit community.
Life Beyond Memphis: Small Towns, Outdoor Adventures
Step outside the city limits of Memphis, and you’ll find the quieter, heartwarming side of West Tennessee a region full of small towns, rolling farmland, and natural beauty that defines what Southern living truly means.
From Jackson and Dyersburg to Savannah and Paris, West Tennessee’s towns each bring their own flavor a blend of community spirit, local festivals, and scenic getaways that keep residents proud and visitors coming back year after year.
Jackson
Located roughly halfway between Memphis and Nashville, Jackson is often called the hub city of West Tennessee. It’s the region’s second-largest city and a thriving center for education, healthcare, and commerce.
A Balanced Lifestyle
Jackson strikes a rare balance small-town friendliness mixed with urban energy. The population hovers around 70,000, giving it just enough size to offer amenities while keeping that neighborly feel.
Locals enjoy a cost of living nearly 15% below the national average, and the median home price sits around $230,000, making it one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee for young families and professionals.
Work and Education
The city’s economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and education. You’ll find major employers like West Tennessee Healthcare, Jackson-Madison County School System, and Kroger Distribution Center.
Education thrives at Union University, one of the South’s top private Christian colleges, and Lane College, a historically Black institution that adds culture and vitality to the community.
Local Life & Culture
Downtown Jackson has undergone a renaissance in recent years with live music venues, coffee shops, local boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants breathing new life into the historic district.
The Casey Jones Village, a charming attraction honoring the legendary railroad engineer, captures both the region’s history and its family-friendly spirit.
Dyersburg
Heading north, Dyersburg offers a peaceful, welcoming environment with a strong agricultural base. With a population of about 16,000, it’s the kind of place where neighbors still wave from their porches and Friday night football fills the stands.
The city serves as a regional trade and healthcare hub for surrounding rural counties. Dyersburg State Community College provides local access to higher education, and the local economy benefits from light manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture.
Outdoor enthusiasts love being close to Reelfoot Lake a natural wonder formed by earthquakes in the early 1800s, now a haven for birdwatching, boating, and photography.
The median home price sits comfortably around $170,000, making Dyersburg one of the most affordable places to live in all of Tennessee.
Paris
Named after the French capital, Paris, Tennessee brings charm and quirk in equal measure complete with a 70-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower that’s become a local landmark.
This small city of around 11,000 residents is best known for Kentucky Lake one of the largest man-made lakes in the country and the Paris Landing State Park, where fishing, boating, and hiking are part of everyday life.
Paris is also home to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry, a week-long annual event that brings in thousands of visitors and celebrates the town’s fishing heritage with parades, food, and music.
Life here moves at an easy pace, with affordable housing (median price around $180,000), friendly neighbors, and plenty of outdoor recreation. It’s one of the best small towns in Tennessee for those seeking both relaxation and connection.
Brownsville
About halfway between Memphis and Jackson lies Brownsville, a town steeped in African American heritage and musical roots.
It’s the birthplace of Tina Turner, and you can learn more about her life at the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, located on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
Brownsville also celebrates its deep agricultural roots cotton, corn, and soybeans remain part of the local economy. The population of roughly 9,000 enjoys a quiet lifestyle, affordable living, and quick access to I-40 for easy travel.
Median home prices here hover near $150,000, and the town’s historic courthouse square offers a charming glimpse into small-town Tennessee life complete with antique stores, cafés, and local art galleries.
Reelfoot Lake & Tiptonville
At the far northwestern edge of Tennessee sits Reelfoot Lake, a unique, shallow natural lake known for its haunting beauty and diverse wildlife. It was formed by a series of New Madrid earthquakes in 1811–1812, which caused the Mississippi River to flow backward temporarily.
Today, the area around Tiptonville and Reelfoot Lake State Park is one of the best birding destinations in the country especially for bald eagles and waterfowl. Locals and visitors come here for kayaking, fishing, photography, and peaceful cabin getaways.
The town of Tiptonville, with about 4,000 residents, offers a simple, relaxed pace of life surrounded by natural splendor. Many visitors describe it as “Tennessee’s hidden gem for serenity.”
Savannah & Pickwick Landing
Further south along the Tennessee River, Savannah and Pickwick Landing State Park create one of the most scenic stretches of West Tennessee.
Savannah, population around 7,000, is known for its historic homes, outdoor recreation, and the Tennessee River Museum. Boating, fishing, and water sports dominate weekends here, especially near Pickwick Lake, a favorite destination for anglers across the region.
The nearby Shiloh National Military Park preserves one of the most important Civil War battlefields in the nation, blending history with tranquility in a park-like setting.
Homes in the Savannah area average around $190,000–$220,000, and the community’s blend of affordability, safety, and riverside beauty has made it increasingly popular for retirees.
Union City & Martin
Up in the northwest corner of the state, Union City and Martin bring together small-town comfort and academic energy.
Union City is home to Discovery Park of America, a stunning 50-acre museum and park with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to local history one of West Tennessee’s top family attractions.
Nearby, Martin is powered by the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM), which brings a youthful, energetic vibe to the region. The presence of UTM supports the local economy and creates a community where education and innovation thrive.
Both towns feature low housing costs (averaging $160,000–$200,000), short commutes, and friendly, safe neighborhoods appealing to both families and professionals seeking a slower pace without giving up opportunities.
Ripley, Bolivar, and Somerville
If you want to experience the deep roots of the Tennessee Delta, head to Ripley, Bolivar, or Somerville. These small towns are surrounded by cotton fields, forests, and open skies, each offering that classic “front porch” lifestyle.
- Ripley (Lauderdale County) is known for its annual Tomato Festival, celebrating one of Tennessee’s most famous crops.
- Bolivar (Hardeman County) blends history and southern charm, with beautifully preserved antebellum homes and easy access to Chickasaw State Park.
- Somerville (Fayette County) sits just east of Memphis but feels worlds away a quiet rural community where growth and tradition coexist beautifully.
Life here moves slower, costs less, and feels closer to nature exactly what many people seek when they move to Tennessee.
Economy & Everyday Life in West Tennessee
West Tennessee is more than just a place to visit it’s a place to live, work, and grow. The region blends old-fashioned community values with modern opportunities, making it one of the most livable and affordable parts of the South.
A Steady, Resilient Economy
The economic backbone of West Tennessee has long been agriculture, but over the years it’s expanded to include healthcare, logistics, education, and manufacturing.
- Memphis leads the way with major employers like FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, AutoZone, and International Paper.
- Jackson supports regional healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
- Smaller cities like Dyersburg, Martin, and Union City contribute through agriculture, logistics, and local industry.
Together, these create a strong, stable economy that weathers national ups and downs better than most regions. The unemployment rate across West Tennessee typically stays below 4%, and job opportunities continue to expand especially in logistics, nursing, education, and skilled trades.
Affordable Living, Big Quality of Life
If you ask locals why they love living here, one answer comes up again and again: “You can live well without breaking the bank.”
Compared to national averages, housing costs are 25–30% lower, and groceries, utilities, and transportation all come in below the U.S. average. You can buy a comfortable home in a safe neighborhood even near major cities like Memphis or Jackson for less than half what it might cost in larger metro areas elsewhere.
Plus, Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning your paycheck stretches further. Combined with mild property taxes and affordable healthcare, the region offers one of the best cost-of-living ratios in the entire United States.
It’s a big reason why retirees, remote workers, and young families are choosing to settle in West Tennessee.
Schools, Colleges, and Education
Education is another point of pride here. From public schools to private academies and universities, West Tennessee offers solid opportunities for learners of all ages.
Top Institutions Include:
- University of Memphis – A flagship institution offering degrees across every major field.
- Union University (Jackson) – Renowned for its academics and Christian foundation.
- University of Tennessee at Martin – A growing campus with strong programs in business, agriculture, and education.
- Lane College, Freed-Hardeman University, and Dyersburg State Community College – Each providing valuable access to higher education close to home.
Public school systems in areas like Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett rank among the best in the state, while smaller towns maintain community-focused schools where teachers know every student by name.
Weather & Seasons
West Tennessee’s weather is as warm and welcoming as its people. You’ll experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters, long green springs, sunny summers, and colorful autumns.
Average highs range from the 50s°F in winter to the low 90s°F in summer. Snow is rare, but you’ll see plenty of sunshine over 200 days a year on average.
The region’s flat, fertile land and river valleys make it perfect for farming, gardening, and outdoor recreation all year long.
Outdoor Living & Natural Beauty
If you love spending time outdoors, West Tennessee is a dream come true. The landscape is full of lakes, rivers, parks, and scenic byways that invite exploration.
- Reelfoot Lake State Park – Famous for its cypress trees, birdwatching, and peaceful cabins.
- Chickasaw State Park (near Bolivar) – Offers camping, hiking, and horseback riding amid hardwood forests.
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park (north of Memphis) – Over 13,000 acres of trails, fishing spots, and family picnic areas along the Mississippi River.
- Pickwick Landing State Park – A premier destination for boating, fishing, and waterfront vacations.
Even in Memphis, you’re never far from green space. Shelby Farms Park one of the largest urban parks in America offers over 4,500 acres of trails, lakes, and outdoor fun right in the heart of the metro area.
Culture, Music, and Southern Soul
West Tennessee isn’t just rich in history it’s alive with culture and creativity. Music is the heartbeat here, but the arts, food, and festivals add color and energy year-round.
You can spend a day exploring Graceland, tour the National Civil Rights Museum, catch live blues on Beale Street, or attend a county fair in any of the small towns nearby.
The food scene is unbeatable barbecue reigns supreme, but you’ll also find soul food diners, catfish shacks, and farm-fresh produce at local markets. Many small towns host farmers markets that double as social gatherings, connecting locals and visitors over music and fresh-picked tomatoes.
Who’s Moving to West Tennessee?
The region is quietly becoming one of the South’s most attractive relocation spots. You’ll find a mix of:
- Families seeking affordability and good schools
- Retirees drawn by the climate, healthcare, and cost of living
- Remote workers who want peace and space without losing access to major airports and internet connectivity
- Young professionals and creatives finding opportunity in Memphis’s growing start-up and arts scenes
With friendly communities, cultural depth, and affordability, West Tennessee hits that sweet spot between urban excitement and rural tranquility.
Pros and Cons of Living in West Tennessee
Pros:
- Low cost of living and no state income tax
- Warm climate and mild winters
- Friendly, diverse communities
- Strong cultural and musical heritage
- Plenty of outdoor and recreational options
Cons:
- Hot, humid summers
- Some rural areas have limited public transportation
- Certain regions still face economic inequality or slower job growth
But for many, those trade-offs are small compared to the benefits of living somewhere authentic, soulful, and welcoming.
Why West Tennessee Feels Like Home
Whether you’re walking down Beale Street on a summer night, fishing along the Tennessee River, or waving at neighbors in Dyersburg or Savannah, you’ll quickly understand why people fall in love with this part of the state.
West Tennessee isn’t flashy it’s genuine. It’s a place where the past still whispers through old music halls, where local diners remember your order, and where sunsets over the Mississippi feel like poetry. For travelers, it’s a must-visit. For those looking to relocate, it might just be the best-kept secret in the South.
So whether you come for a weekend or decide to stay for good, one thing’s for sure: West Tennessee will always make you feel at home.
FAQs About West Tennessee
What cities are in West Tennessee?
West Tennessee includes Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, Brownsville, Paris, Union City, Martin, Ripley, Bolivar, Somerville, Savannah, Tiptonville, and dozens of smaller towns and rural communities. The region stretches from the Mississippi River on the west to the Tennessee River on the east.
Is West Tennessee affordable to live in?
Yes, it’s one of the most affordable regions in the entire United States. The cost of living is about 25–30% lower than the national average, and there’s no state income tax in Tennessee. Housing, groceries, and utilities are especially budget-friendly, even near major cities like Memphis or Jackson.
What’s the best place to live in West Tennessee?
That depends on your lifestyle!
- Memphis is best for city life, culture, and jobs.
- Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett are great for families who want excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.
- Jackson offers a perfect balance of affordability and opportunity.
- Paris, Savannah, and Brownsville are ideal for small-town living and outdoor recreation.
Why is Memphis so famous?
Memphis is world-famous as the birthplace of the blues and home of rock ‘n’ roll. Icons like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash recorded here. The city is also home to Graceland, Beale Street, the Stax Museum of Soul, and the National Civil Rights Museum all major cultural landmarks.
What is the weather like in West Tennessee?
The region has four distinct seasons with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Expect average highs in the 50s°F in winter and 90s°F in summer. Spring and fall bring beautiful colors and comfortable weather perfect for outdoor activities.
Are there good schools and colleges in West Tennessee?
Absolutely. Top institutions include the University of Memphis, University of Tennessee at Martin, Union University, Lane College, and Freed-Hardeman University. Many suburban public schools especially in Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett rank among the best in Tennessee.
Is it easy to travel around West Tennessee?
Yes, the region is well-connected by major interstates like I-40, I-55, and I-69, making it easy to reach Nashville, Little Rock, or St. Louis. Memphis International Airport provides nonstop flights across the country, and smaller airports serve Jackson and Dyersburg.
What are the best outdoor places to visit?
Don’t miss:
- Reelfoot Lake State Park – Great for birdwatching and boating.
- Pickwick Landing State Park – Ideal for fishing and lakeside cabins.
- Chickasaw State Park – Perfect for hiking and horseback riding.
- Shelby Farms Park in Memphis – One of the largest urban parks in America.
What are some popular festivals in West Tennessee?
West Tennessee loves to celebrate! Top festivals include:
- Memphis in May International Festival
- World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
- Elvis Week
- Paris World’s Biggest Fish Fry
- Brownsville’s Hatchie Fall Fest
- Ripley Tomato Festival
Each event highlights the music, food, and community spirit that make this region special.
Is West Tennessee a good place to retire?
Yes, many retirees choose West Tennessee for its low cost of living, pleasant weather, and friendly pace of life. Communities like Savannah, Paris, and Bartlett are especially popular with retirees who want access to lakes, golf, and healthcare while staying close to amenities.
