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Unmasking Misinformation: Journalist’s Quest for Verified Truth (International Edition)

The Journalists as Fact Checkers workshop, organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Africa for the Womentorship Champions, recently, was an unexpected catalyst for my growth as a female human rights defender. It effortlessly merged with my duties as both a journalist and an advocate, highlighting how journalism serves as a crucial act of service against misinformation. In Zimbabwe, where confirming straightforward facts such as fatality counts from road accidents can be difficult because of restricted access to data, fact-checking goes beyond being just part of one’s job; it transforms into a nuanced but important mode of defiance. One powerful takeaway was learning about “lateral reading,” which pushed me to go deeper than just skimming content and succumbing to click temptations. This change in mindset has provided me with a persistent critical outlook, examining each headline through the meticulous gaze of an investigator. Rather than taking information at ...

Top Cities in Tennessee: Ideal for Raising a Family

Choosing the right city to raise a family requires careful consideration of various factors such as safety, education, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. Tennessee, known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming communities, offers several cities that stand out as ideal places for families. So, which are the best cities to live in Tennessee and raise a family?

Tennessee offers diverse cities and towns ideal for families looking to settle down. From the bustling streets of Nashville to the scenic views of Chattanooga, each city has its unique charm and advantages.

Top 10 Cities to Live In Tennessee

The compilation of top cities to reside in Tennessee draws upon information sourced from Niche and New Home Source. The evaluation takes into account numerous criteria such as standard of living, safety statistics, availability of medical care, and general communal welfare. Therefore, what are considered the finest municipalities within Tennessee?

City Quality of Life (Index Score out of 10)
Chattanooga 7.5/10
Knoxville 7.3/10
Memphis 7.1/10
Nashville 6.7/10
Franklin 6.6/10
Jackson 6.4/10
Hendersonville 6.3/10
Collierville 6.2/10
Clarksville 6.1/10
Union City 6.0/10

1. Chattanooga

  • Area code: 423
  • Demonym: Chattanoogan
  • Elevation: 676 ft (206 m)
  • Incorporated: 1839

Chattanooga has been acknowledged as the top location within Tennessee, placing 27th nationwide in the United States. This recognition underscores its remarkable metamorphosis from being known as "the filthiest city in America" to becoming a dynamic center with an invigorated downtown area.

The city benefits from a strong sense of community, scenic natural surroundings, and the cost of living below the national average. Factors such as quality of life, value, desirability, and job market were key in achieving this ranking.

2. Knoxville

  • Area code: 865
  • Demonym: Knoxvillian
  • Founded: 1791
  • Incorporated: 1815

Knoxville ranks among the best parts of Tennessee to live in. The city is praised for its affordability, with housing costs below the national average, making it a great value for residents.

Knoxville offers a vibrant community with diverse cultural and recreational activities, including proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, its accessibility to major highways and a youthful population influenced by the University of Tennessee further enhance its appeal as a desirable place to live.

3. Memphis

  • Demonym: Memphian
  • Elevation: 337 ft (103 m)
  • Founded: May 22, 1819
  • Incorporated: December 19, 1826
  • Named for: Memphis, Egypt

Memphis is among the best areas in Tennessee to live, primarily due to its affordability and community atmosphere. Although it has a lower quality of life score than other cities, Memphis offers a cost-effective living environment, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average.

Memphis's cost of living is approximately 13% lower than the national average. For example, food prices are generally lower, with grocery costs about 8% less than the national average. The city fosters a small-town feel, which appeals to families seeking a close-knit community.

4. Nashville

  • Area code: 615
  • Demonym: Nashvillian
  • Elevation: 554 ft (169 m)
  • Founded: 1779
  • Named for: Francis Nash

Among the most favored cities in Tennessee, Nashville takes a prominent position. It stands as the 50th most notable out of the leading 150 large American urban areas. The city known as Music City excelled in categories such as its dynamic culinary and musical landscape along with an expanding employment sector.

Similar to other urban areas, Nashville suffered a decline in rankings due to its unaffordability, earning a modest score of 6.7 out of 10. According to research conducted in 2024, an individual would require an annual income of $99,757 to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the city.

To afford a typical home in Nashville, residents would need a gross annual household income of more than $100,000. Despite this, Nashville still offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other growing metropolises.

5. Franklin

  • ZIP Code(s): 37064, 37065, 37067, 37068, 37069
  • Area code: 615
  • Elevation: 643 ft

Franklin is the nicest city in Tennessee to live in due to its unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Located 20 miles from Nashville, it offers a rich historical backdrop alongside a vibrant economy bolstered by major employers like Nissan and Mars Petcare.

This city features top-notch educational institutions, minimal criminal activity, and plenty of leisure activities, which make it perfect for family living and the most secure place to reside within Tennessee. Additionally, Franklin’s charming downtown area, adorned with Victorian-style buildings, serves as a hub for multiple cultural gatherings and celebrations.

6. Jackson

  • Area code: 731
  • Elevation: 410 ft
  • Founded: 1821
  • Named for: Andrew Jackson

Jackson, Tennessee, is considered one of the best places to live in the state due to its rich history, affordable cost of living, and vibrant community. The city features numerous cultural attractions, including museums and parks, which enhance the quality of life for residents.

Jackson offers a diverse job market with healthcare, manufacturing, and education opportunities, making it economically viable. The neighbourhoods are characterised by friendly atmospheres and strong community ties, while the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape provides ample outdoor activities.

7. Hendersonville

  • Elevation: 640 m
  • Area code: 828
  • Incorporated: 1847

Hendersonville boasts of its strong community, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities. Known as "The City by the Lake," it offers outdoor activities like fishing and boating on Old Hickory Lake.

The city has top-ranked schools, including Merrol Hyde Magnet School, and a low unemployment rate of 4.5%. Job growth is projected at 14% by 2025. Additionally, its proximity to Nashville provides residents easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a suburban feel.

8. Collierville

  • Population: 51,594 (2022)
  • Area code: 901
  • Elevation: 381 ft

Collierville may not be the wealthiest city in Tennessee. It is among the most popular Tennessee cities. This is due to its high quality of life, safe neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and various amenities.

The town is often highlighted for its family-friendly environment and community-focused living, making it appealing to residents of all ages. Furthermore, the cost of living in Collierville is relatively moderate compared to larger urban areas, with affordable home prices averaging around $468,200.

The town's affordability and amenities make it an attractive option for families and individuals looking to balance cost and quality of life.

9. Clarksville

  • Area code: 931
  • Elevation: 476 ft
  • Founded: 1784

Clarksville is categorised as a "New Boomtown" by Money Magazine, highlighting its rapid population growth and job opportunities. The city is experiencing significant investments from major companies.

It’s anticipated that the job market will expand by 9% within the coming four years, which is double the nationwide growth rate. Additionally, Fort Campbell, among the biggest military installations in the country, significantly supports the regional economy through various employment openings and by drawing in military personnel along with their families.

In Clarksville, housing costs remain reasonably low relative to nationwide figures. The typical home price stands at around $325,000.

10. Union City

  • Area code: 731
  • Established: 1854
  • Named for: Local railroad junction

Union City, Tennessee, ranks among the top locations within the state for residents, largely due to its comparatively affordable cost of living.

The midpoint value for homes stands at $135,400, notably below the nationwide average of $281,900. Additionally, Union City offers an ideal setting for families, boasting superior public education systems and a welcoming environment tailored for households.

Union City provides a tranquil and serene way of life moving at a more leisurely tempo compared to larger urban areas. It exudes a subdued suburban ambiance.

Wrapping up

The premier locations within Tennessee for families looking to reside encompass Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Franklin, Jackson, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Collierville, Clarksville, and Union City. Each of these places distinguishes itself with an environment conducive to raising children, featuring highly rated educational institutions and relatively safe neighborhoods.

NewsBlog.co.ke posted an article regarding the riskiest places within Texas for residents. Even with a robust economy fueled by sectors including oil and gas, manufacturing, and farming, Texas grapples with issues like wealth disparity and inadequate availability of health services and educational opportunities.

Several urban areas grapple with elevated levels of violent crimes, often driven by factors such as economic hardship, gang-related actions, and easy access to weapons. Therefore, what cities pose significant risks in Texas? Discover them below.

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