3 TN cities among Southern Living’s best cities in the South for 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Every year, Southern Living readers are invited to vote for the best city in the South. The publication released its 2026 rankings, and three cities in Tennessee, including two in Middle Tennessee, made the list.

Proof Insights, a third-party organization, surveyed more than 17,000 respondents between July 9 and September 9, 2025, and asked them to rate their favorite places in the South. southern life Wrote Each of the 10 winners has “vibrant green spaces, award-winning restaurants and local shops” that set them apart.

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Of the three Tennessee cities on the list, Franklin ranked lowest at No. 12. Still, the city of Franklin celebrated the ranking. A social media post about the ranking noted that Franklin had been included on the list best small city It took years to make the main list of the best cities in the South last year.

(Source: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Source: WKRN)
(Source: WKRN)

This year’s list says that despite Franklin’s growth, “the community has maintained a small-town feel,” and recommends visitors explore the city by walking through the historic downtown and then heading to area parks like Timberland Park.

Chattanooga rounds out the top ten. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Center ranked eighth for being a “great place to retire” and attractive to young people. With performing arts venues, museums, and more, Southern Living recommends it to everyone.

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Tennessee’s capital city ranked fourth.

“In addition to Broadway’s bachelor parties and bars, the city boasts a well-decorated food scene, great local shopping, beautiful green spaces and plenty of opportunities to watch professional sports and live music,” the ranking reads in part. “Amenity-rich, gorgeously designed new hotels make the city more attractive than ever for long weekend getaways.”

(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)
(Photo: WKRN)