NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - Two cities in Middle Tennessee have gained some major bragging rights after being named among southern cities that are on the rise in 2024, according to Southern Living.
The latest data from the U.S. Census shows that the South is the place to be! In fact, 87% of the nation's growth happened in the region in 2023, Southern Living said.
Two places where the growth is occurring is right here in Middle Tennessee. According to Southern Living magazine, Franklin and Clarksville are southern cities on the rise in 2024.
To compile the ranking, the magazine gathered a long list of cities based on research, reporting and experiences.
Then, to determine the Top 25, Southern Living readers were asked to rate their favorite places across the South in a survey, which gathered over 20,000 respondents.
Clarksville and Franklin were the only two cities in Tennessee to make the list, with Franklin coming in second and Clarksville ranked 18th.
The magazine praised Franklin's thriving downtown area describing it as "16 blocks of preserved and restored buildings, like The Franklin Theatre, as well as locally owned shops and restaurants."
Franklin is located in Williamson County and was previously named one of the best small towns in America.
Clarksville was another Middle Tennessee location that made the list. According to Southern Living, the city's growth is one of the reasons it ranked in the Top 25.
The magazine said, "Clarksville has come out on top among Tennessee cities measured in terms of population growth."
In fact, the city was recently crowned one of the best metros for younger adults to buy a home. The magazine said F&M Banks Arena, The Emerald, and several hotels and restaurants are just a few reasons why tourists and locals alike flock to the location.
To see Southern Living's Top 25 cities on the rise, click here.