Hi Jane,
As it happens, CNN Money just launched a Best Places to Retire feature with listing data powered by Trulia! Here's a direct link to their Memphis page. Hopefully that'll get you started.

Hello! I live on the border of Smyrna, TN, the town someone else mentioned, in the small bedroom community of LaVergne. We are twenty minutes to everything.

My husband and I personally live in (and build) a beautiful NEW home (NOT a MCMansion on a postage stamp) on acreage, in Hampton Roads Estates, which is something you will not find closer to the big cities. While it is not mountainous, we have nice hills and trees. We are considered to be in the "Valley". I have been here 20 years and only recall 2 really "significant" snowfalls.

If I can help any more, let me know! Our neighborhood has a website. I will try and insert it.

Nicholette Alexander

You have brought up a very good question. However, Chattanooga is the best place to retire. CNN came to the same conclusion and Chattanooga was the first city in TN to be declarred a retirement community. And after all, Chattanooga is the "Scenic City".

You will certain want to avoid Monteagle--lots of snow in the wintertime. If I can help you, please give me a call.

If you are considering the Nashville area, look up Brian Copeland. His website is quite comprehensive. I met him in educational classes for Realtors and have previously referrred clients to him. Here's the link:
http://www.nashvilleandbeyond.com/index.html

According to U.S. News, Smyrna, Tennessee is the best place to retire. Here is a link for your convenience. Perhaps, this site will help you in your search for the mountains. Close to Knoxville or Chattanooga would be good locations...also, around McMinnville, Manchester, Tullahoma are some more places that would give you mountain views and still remain in the valley.

Memphis is completely flat and looks the least like the rest of Tennessee. East Tennessee has the most picturesque views with the Gatlinburg area. However, this is a congested area and does receive snow. I think Middle Tennessee (Nashville area) is a great place to retire considering your description. I don't know if you can call them mountains, but there are some great hills in the Nashville area. Some of the suburbs that have them are Brentwood and Franklin. Brentwood is 15 minutes from Nashville. Depending on what part of Franklin you are in, Franklin can be in the hustle and bustle of Cool Springs or you can feel miles away in more rural areas. The same is true for Brentwood, but it's just a smaller suburb than Franklin. Let me know if you have more questions about the area.