Athens

The county seat to McMinn County, Athens is an attractive "micropolitan" community with a homespun vibe. It's located almost exactly at the midpoint between Knoxville and Chattanooga off of Interstate 75. Home to Tennessee Wesleyan University and Mayfield Dairy, it has a thriving downtown area, plenty of industry, and close proximity to the lovely mountains of East Tennessee. There are stately historic old homes, large swaths of pastureland, and neighborhoods perfect for raising children or settling into retirement.