You may want to take a look at some of the "medium" size towns in TN when making comparisons for nice places to live. Jackson, TN and the surrounding area has a lot to offer,

Take a look at Columbia and Murfreesboro in Middle, TN. In East TN, check out Oak Ridge, Lenoir City and in upper E TN the Tri Cities area.

Personally, I prefer middle TN! I was born in Memphis and have lived in Lafayette, Jackson, Nashville, Brentwood and Tullahoma.
Come on in the water is fine!

Let me know if you need an introduction to George Dickel when y'all are visiting!