Our Geography

Tennessee is divided geographically into three grand divisions: East, Middle and West. The state is 440 miles long and 120 miles wide.

Bordered by eight states — Kentucky and Virginia on the north;  Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi on the south; North Carolina on the east; and Missouri and Arkansas on the west —  Tennessee is a great place for retirees who want to stay connected and active.

Tennessee boasts a central location and it’s only a day’s drive of 76 percent of the major United States markets, such as Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, etc.

The Mississippi River marks the state’s Western border, with plains and small streams and lakes. Also known as the Tennessee Bottoms, many parts of Western Tennessee are less than 300 feet above sea level. These lowlands are often referred to as part of the Delta Region.

As you move east, land begins to rise farther above sea level and rolling hills begin to take shape. The Tennessee River welcomes you to Middle Tennessee, which is known for its rich farm land. Nashville, the state capital, is located in the Nashville Basin and is surrounded by steep slopes and ridges referred to as the Highland Rim.

As you travel east, the elevation rises to about 1,500 feet above sea level and is called the Cumberland Plateau. Before you reach the majestic mountains of East Tennessee, you encounter an Appalachian Ridge and Valley region. This area of Tennessee is covered by fertile valleys separated by wooded ridges.

Eastern Tennessee is distinctively known for the Great Smoky Mountains. This region is known as the Blue Ridge and is about 5,000 feet above sea level. Tennessee's highest point is Clingman's Dome at 6,643 feet above sea level in the Great Smoky Mountains.