My husband is a retired AF MSgt--we lived all over everywhere; overseas (Okinawa, Alaska, Philippine Islands) then back to TX, ND, NC, AL, MS, SC, and back to TX 'til he retired. Then we moved on our own from TX to TN to NC and back to TN; and here we are staying. Snakes, yes but beautiful four seasons, 65 miles from Nashville and four 5-star hospitals, lots of quilt guilds, sewing circles, small town friendliness (what am I forgetting); and very well priced homes, taxes not so bad, amenities galore for retired folks (we are both retired); need I say, we love it here. Include in your internet searching, Gallatin, Brentwood, Lebanon, Crossville, Cookeville, maybe even Chattanooga and Scottsboro, AL. This has been an especially pretty green year--the mountains and hills are gorgeous, but means lots of mowing if you get a place with any size to your lot. My husband mows 3 acres EVERY week this year......Best of luck in your search. I'll be keeping up with this post.....