There are many reasons to retire in Fentress County, but the main reason is because it's a special place, a place where life is the way it used to be...a place where neighbors wave to neighbors...where no one is a stranger and everyone treats you like an old friend...a place where a handshake gives your word. With a county population of under 17,000, moderate climate, growing equestrian community, and plenty of gorgeous views and rich history, Fentress County is a unique and diverse area.
Fentress County is located on the Cumberland Plateau, and sits on the eastern most section of Middle Tennessee. Operating on Central Time, our neighbors to the east of us refer to us as being on "slow time". Most new residents are moving from urban areas and the southern coastal states. More folks are coming to appreciate the beauty and serene atmosphere of life on the plateau, here in "Big South Fork Country". Having easy access to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Pickett State Park, and Dale Hollow Lake; residents and visitors alike are enjoying country living.

Income Taxes

No state and local income tax on wages and most interest!

Tennessee has no state or local income taxes on:
Wages.
Interest from bank accounts.
Interest from savings and loans.
Interest from certificates of deposit.
Interest from credit unions.   
Interest on U.S. bonds.
Interest from "NOW" accounts.
Interest of bank money market accounts.

There is a 6% state income tax on:
Dividends from stocks and mutual funds.
Interest from notes you hold.

However, there is an exemption of
$1,250 if single or married filing separately or
$2,500 if married filing jointly!

Property Taxes

Fentress County has one of the lowest property tax rates in the state.

Weather Without Extremes

Fentress County gives you a better option.  We have four distinct seasons, but nothing too extreme.  You'll get a few inches of snow a couple of times each winter, beautiful springs and falls, and mild summers and winters. In the spring, there are beautiful flowers, and everyone enjoys the new leaves and the cool days.

Summer is not too hot and is the perfect time for hiking, biking, boating, outdoor sports and picnics.

During the fall, people travel for miles to Fentress County on Fall Foliage tours to watch the leaves change colors.

Winters are generally mild.  There will be a few days a year when it snows, the schools close, and the children enjoy making snowmen and sliding down the hills on homemade sleds.