Table of Contents Expand Table of Contents Cost of Living in Paris, Tennessee Health Care and Accessibility Lifestyle and Recreational Activities The Tennessee Haven That Retirees Love for Its Small-Town Charm and Big Value Small-town charm, accessible health care, and natural beauty on a budget By Nick Gallo Full Bio Nick Gallo has been a financial content marketer and journalist for over six years. He has deep expertise in credit-related topics, including credit reports and scores, loans and credit cards, and alternative credit products. Nick is also a CPA, specializing in tax compliance and strategy for real estate professionals. Learn about our editorial policies Published November 03, 2025 Nestled in the heart of Henry County and home to just over 10,000 residents, Paris, TN offers a combination of affordability, laid-back living, and scenic surroundings that make it a compelling choice for those ready to relax and enjoy their golden years. See More larrybraunphotography.com / Getty Images Close Key Takeaways Paris’s low cost of living can help retirees stretch their savings, with median monthly housing costs that are less than half the national median. Despite its small size, health care is surprisingly accessible in Paris, which contains one of Henry County’s two major hospitals. Bordering an 841-acre forest and a 160,000-acre lake, Paris offers easy access to nature and outdoor recreation. Paris’s welcoming community, creative spirit, and long-standing local traditions provide plenty of opportunities to feel connected. It may not be the pride of France, but Paris, Tennessee, is still a worthwhile destination—at least for retirement. Nestled in the heart of Henry County and home to just over 10,000 residents, it offers a combination of affordability, laid-back living, and scenic surroundings that make it a compelling choice for those ready to relax and enjoy their golden years. Let’s explore what Paris has to offer, from practical considerations—like its cost of living and health care access—to its lifestyle highlights, including the town’s environment, community events, and recreational opportunities. Related Stories New Study Reveals Best States for Retirees Turning 65 This Year Retirees Are Choosing These Texas Counties for Small-Town Charm, Affordable Coastal Living, Accessible Health Care, and More Cost of Living in Paris, Tennessee Affordability is often a priority for retirees on a fixed income, and Paris offers an exceptionally low cost of living. The town’s median household income is just $48,540, well below the national median of $80,610. That wide gap reflects how much lower expenses tend to be in Paris than in the rest of the United States. Housing is one of the primary areas local retirees can expect to find savings. The median home value in Paris is just $145,200, $193,800 lower than the state median of $339,900 and a full $271,700 under the national median of $416,900. Similarly, the median monthly housing costs in Henry County are $643, less than half the national median of $1,338. Food costs in Paris are also much lower than in many other parts of the country. A typical retired household in Henry County can expect to feed itself for about $586 per month, while the average American household has to budget roughly $832. In addition, Tennessee is one of the eight states with no income tax, so Paris residents pay no state taxes on Social Security benefits or retirement account withdrawals. Fast Fact Housing expenses make up for roughly 36% of the average retiree’s annual expenditures, so finding affordable housing is one of the best ways to make space in your budget. Health Care and Accessibility Health care is another significant priority for retirees, who often require regular medical services. Fortunately, Paris offers a surprising level of access for a town its size. Despite covering less than 13 square miles, Paris is home to its fair share of the county’s 64 medical establishments, including one of its major hospitals: West Tennessee Healthcare – Henry County Hospital. Typical monthly transportation costs are somewhat higher than the national average, sitting at around $1,296 compared to $1,098. However, it isn’t too difficult to get around affordably, as the Northwest Tennessee Human Resources Agency (NWTHRA) offers public transit service to the county for as little as $1 per ride. Additionally, Uber is available in the area, though wait times may be longer than in bigger cities. Fast Fact If you need to travel longer distances, the closest major airport is Nashville International, about 92 miles away from the center of Henry County. While that may not be ideal for frequent fliers, it’s still accessible enough for the occasional trip or vacation. Lifestyle and Recreational Activities For retirees who appreciate a more relaxed pace, Paris offers the quintessential small-town charm. The town’s personality is on full display at Eiffel Tower Park, a nod to its namesake, complete with a quaint replica of the iconic French landmark. However, Paris punches above its weight culturally, with 11 art establishments that contribute to a surprisingly lively creative scene. The Paris Academy for the Arts helps anchor the town’s artistic spirit, offering regular classes and events. Despite its small size, Paris also has a strong culinary reputation, especially for regional staples. Trolinger’s Old Fashion Butcher Shoppe is a local favorite known for its classic barbeque, and the area is famous for its catfish, fresh from nearby waterways. Nature lovers can find plenty to enjoy at Paris Landing State Park, an 841-acre forest on the shores of the 160,000-acre Kentucky Lake. The park is a hub for outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and golfing on its scenic 18-hole course. Fast Fact Henry County has a “relatively low” FEMA risk rating, which should provide peace of mind for those worried about natural disasters. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the local community, including the World’s Biggest Fish Fry. Now in its 72nd year, the weeklong celebration features a parade, carnival rides, live music, and all-you-can-eat fried catfish. Seasonal events like the summer farmers’ market round out the calendar, giving locals more regular chances to gather throughout the year. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy. U.S. Census Bureau. "Income in the United States: 2023." Tennessee Housing Development Agency. "2023 Home Sales: New and Existing Homes." Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. "Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States." U.S. Census Bureau. "Median Monthly Housing Costs (Dollars)." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Consumer Expenditures--2023." The Tax Foundation. "Taxes In Tennessee." Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. "Age 65 or Over: Expenditures." U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts Paris City, Tennessee." West Tennessee Healthcare – Henry County Hospital. "About West Tennessee Healthcare – Henry County Hospital." Tennessee Department of Transportation. "Public Transit Services." Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency. "Public Transportation/Staff." Uber. "Schedule a Ride in Advance in Paris, TN." FEMA. "National Risk Index." TripAdvisor. "Eiffel Tower Park." Paris Academy for the Arts. "Paris Academy for the Arts." Trolinger's Old Fashion Butcher Shoppe. "Home." Tennessee State Parks. "Paris Landing State Park." World's Biggest Fish Fry. "Home." Pick Tennessee Products. "Henry County Farmers Market." Take the Next Step to Invest Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace. Read more Personal Finance Retirement Planning Partner Links Take the Next Step to Invest Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace.