Tennessee’s largest cities sing with history, rhythm, and down-home charm: blues riffs echoing down Beale Street, skyline sunsets over the Cumberland River, hot chicken with a side of honky-tonk, and neighborhoods where every porch tells a story. It’s the kind of state where I can chase music legends by day and dance under string lights by night.
I’m watching the skyline light up in Nashville, the distant strum of a guitar in the air, and the sweet scent of barbecue drifting from a rooftop bar—this is city life with a Southern soundtrack. Who knew Tennessee’s cities could carry this much heart and heat?
Memphis brings the soul—home of the blues, birthplace of rock 'n’ roll, and a food scene rooted in smoke, spice, and soul. Nashville is the showstopper, buzzing with country music dreams, creative hubs, and rooftop energy that never sleeps. Knoxville offers Appalachian charm with a college-town beat, tucked between river trails and mountain views. Chattanooga surprises with its scenic riverwalk, trendy districts, and outdoor adventures in every direction. Clarksville rounds things out with military pride, growing culture, and a small-city feel that’s finding its voice.
"From music halls to mountaintops, hot chicken to hotter beats? This is Tennessee—bold, bright, and full of Southern fire."
The Largest City:
1. Chase Music Dreams and Southern Flavor in Nashville
- Where is Nashville, Tennessee located?
- Situated in Davidson County on the Cumberland River, Nashville is the state capital of Tennessee and also the state's biggest city.
- How does Nashville rank in population in the U.S.?
- Nashville has the 24th highest population in the United States, with around 691,000 people living in the city and 1.9 million in the Greater Nashville area.
- How large is Nashville?
- The city covers approximately 525.94 square miles of land.
- When was Nashville founded?
- Nashville was founded in 1779 and was named after Continental Army Brigadier General Francis Nash, who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
- Why is Nashville called 'Music City'?
- Nashville is nicknamed 'Music City' due to its strong country music culture and heritage, being home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry country music radio show.
- What makes Nashville a popular tourist destination?
- As the cultural and commercial heart of Tennessee, Nashville attracts many visitors from around the world each year, boasting a long list of notable attractions and landmarks.
Other Large Cities:
2. Walk Through Soul, Blues, and BBQ Legends in Memphis
- Where is Memphis, Tennessee located?
- Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in the southwestern part of Tennessee, Memphis is the state's second biggest city.
- How large is Memphis?
- Memphis covers an area of 324 square miles.
- What is the population of Memphis?
- The city has an estimated population of 652,000, with over 1.3 million in the surrounding metropolitan area.
- How did Memphis get its name?
- Memphis is located in Shelby County and was named after the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis.
- When was Memphis founded?
- Memphis was founded in 1819 and quickly developed into an important industrial and transportation hub for Tennessee.
- What major company is headquartered in Memphis?
- Memphis is home to the headquarters of FedEx, one of the biggest courier delivery companies in the world.
- What role did Memphis play in the Civil Rights Movement?
- Memphis played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and was tragically the location where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
3. If Outdoor Adventures and Historic Streets Call You, Head to Knoxville
- Where is Knoxville, Tennessee located?
- Located in Knox County in the eastern section of Tennessee, Knoxville is the state's third largest city.
- Why is Knoxville nicknamed 'Marble City'?
- Knoxville is nicknamed 'Marble City' due to the marble quarries that played a big role in its early economy and development.
- When was Knoxville founded?
- Knoxville was founded in 1786 and covers an area of 104.2 square miles.
- What is the population of Knoxville?
- The city has an estimated population of 186,000, with over 868,000 living in the surrounding metropolitan area.
- Was Knoxville ever the capital of Tennessee?
- Knoxville was originally the state capital of Tennessee but lost this status due to economic downturn.
- What major university is located in Knoxville?
- The main campus of the University of Tennessee is situated in Knoxville.
4. Ride Riverfront Trails and Scenic Rails Through Chattanooga
- Where is Chattanooga, Tennessee located?
- Situated on the Tennessee River in the southeastern part of Tennessee, Chattanooga is the state's fourth largest city.
- What role does Chattanooga play in East Tennessee?
- Along with Knoxville, Chattanooga is one of the main cultural and commercial hubs of East Tennessee.
- Why is Chattanooga an important transportation hub?
- Chattanooga is a key transportation location, offering access to many major cities in surrounding states like Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia.
- How large is Chattanooga?
- The city covers an area of 144.6 square miles.
- What is the population of Chattanooga?
- Chattanooga has an estimated population of 177,000 people.
- What are Chattanooga’s nicknames?
- Chattanooga is nicknamed 'River City' and 'Scenic City' due to its many green spaces and strong emphasis on outdoor recreation.
5. Savor Small-Town Charm and Big Outdoor Fun in Clarksville
- Where is Clarksville, Tennessee located?
- Located in Montgomery County in the northern central part of Tennessee, Clarksville is the state's fifth biggest city.
- How large is Clarksville?
- Clarksville covers an area of 95.5 square miles.
- What is the population of Clarksville?
- The city has an estimated population of 153,000 people.
- What is the Clarksville Metropolitan Statistical Area?
- The Clarksville Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Montgomery County and Stewart County in Tennessee, as well as Trigg County and Christian County in Kentucky, with a total estimated population of over 270,000 people.
- When was Clarksville founded?
- Clarksville was founded in 1785 and named after General George Rogers Clark, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War.
- What university is located in Clarksville?
- Clarksville is home to Austin Peay State University.
- What is the oldest newspaper in Tennessee, and where is it printed?
- The oldest newspaper in the state, The Leaf Chronicle, is printed in Clarksville.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What is the total area and population of Tennessee?
- Tennessee covers an area of 42,143 square miles and has an estimated population of 6.7 million people.
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What is the capital city of Tennessee?
- The capital city of Tennessee is Nashville, which is also one of its largest and best-known cities.
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What is the largest metropolitan area in Tennessee?
- The Greater Nashville area is the biggest metropolitan zone in all of Tennessee.
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What are some of the largest cities in Tennessee?
- Here are some brief descriptions and details on some of the largest cities in the state of Tennessee.
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