Retire Tennessee adds 4 counties

Anderson, Carter, Sumner and Unicoi counties have joined Retire Tennessee, the state’s retiree recruitment marketing program, bringing the total number of active Retire Tennessee counties to 19.

Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett, whose office recently took over the 9-year-old marketing program from the Department of Economic and Community Development, said the additional counties will help the Volunteer State with its appeal to relocating retirees.

Now in its ninth year, Retire Tennessee inspired more than 10,000 inquiries from potential retirees last year. Tennessee is one of only four states with retiree recruitment as a formal program and continues to gain momentum as a potential retirement destination for more than 78 million baby boomers.

The four counties join Cumberland, Franklin, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Loudon, Maury, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Robertson, Sullivan, Warren and White counties as Retire Tennessee counties.

Triplett said Tennessee boasts the lowest cost of living for retirees in the Southeast, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes.

“Add to that, the state’s breathtaking scenic beauty and unparalleled hospitality, and it’s only natural Tennessee would rank high among the population relocating after retirement,” he said.