Beyond the major metro areas, Tennessee hosts a surprising number of small towns and regional centres where Muslim families, refugee resettlements and immigrant communities are establishing roots. For Muslim individuals and families seeking quieter life, meaningful community connections and places where faith can be openly practiced, these towns offer real opportunities. Below are five illustrative locations, each with something distinct to offer.
1. Murfreesboro (Middle Tennessee)
Murfreesboro, about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, has become one of the largest Muslim-populated towns in Tennessee. The area’s foreign‐born population surged between 2000 and 2008 by 83%. The town is home to the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, and sees sizeable Kurdish, Somali and Middle Eastern Muslim populations. For families seeking established institutions — mosques, halal food options, youth programs — Murfreesboro offers infrastructure many small towns lack.
Highlights:
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Established Muslim center with schooling and community programs.
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Diverse immigrant base of Muslims including Kurds and refugees.
Considerations:
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As a larger “town” (~150,000 population) it is less rural than “small town” purists.
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Some past tensions around mosque expansions suggest the need for community engagement.
2. Shelbyville (Middle Tennessee)
With a population of about 17,000, Shelbyville is a smaller town where a quiet but meaningful Somali Muslim community has settled. One report estimated between 400 and 1,000 Somali Muslims within the town. The presence of a community centre and refugee resettlement programs has allowed for some infrastructure of faith-life to form. For Muslims seeking smaller-town life, Shelleyville offers an example of life beyond the big urban centres.
Highlights:
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Smaller town size makes it more affordable and potentially more peaceful.
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Community resettlement means that there are fellow Muslims and refugee support infrastructure.
Considerations:
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The Somali-Muslim community is still relatively small and may have fewer amenities (halal food, large mosque, community school) than bigger centres.
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Integration challenges reported: language, cultural isolation.
3. Cookeville / Upper Cumberland Region (Central Tennessee)
In the Upper Cumberland region (Cookeville area), the Upper Cumberland Islamic Society (UCIS) is a focal point for Muslims in this less-densely populated region of Tennessee. The fact that Muslims are establishing community centres even in smaller towns demonstrates the possibility of faith-community in non-metropolitan Tennessee.
Highlights:
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Offers an example of Muslim life in a truly small-town or semi-rural part of Tennessee.
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Community centre recently built, signalling investment and permanence.
Considerations
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Resources may still be limited (fewer youth programmes, fewer halal markets).
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Rural mindset may require more self-initiative for community building.
4. Johnson City / Tri‐Cities Region (Northeast Tennessee)
The Muslim Community of Northeast Tennessee (MCNET) serves Johnson City and surrounding Tri-Cities region. Though not a “tiny town,” the region is much less urban than Nashville or Memphis, offering a distinctive environment for Muslims seeking quieter living with community support.
Highlights:
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Active youth and community programmes, engagement with multi-faith dialogue.
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Reasonably sized town (Johnson City population around 70,000) but still ‘small-town feel’.
Considerations:
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Some amenities (halal supermarkets, large mosques) might still be limited compared to major metros.
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Smaller Muslim population means that leadership and resources may still be evolving.
5. La Vergne / Suburban Town Near Nashville
Located near Nashville, La Vergne is a smaller town (population roughly 35,000–40,000) that is within the commuter belt of a large metro, yet retains its own identity. The Salahadeen Center of Nashville serves South Nashville and surrounding towns like La Vergne. For Muslims who want access to larger urban amenities yet prefer smaller-town living, La Vergne offers a balance.
Highlights:
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Close enough to Nashville for major amenities (restaurants, halal grocery stores, major mosques) while living in a smaller town.
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Growing Muslim community via the regional centre.
Considerations:
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Because of commuter dynamics, housing and cost might be higher than truly rural areas.
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Some may prefer more fully autonomous Muslim-services within the town itself.
Choosing the Right Town: What to Consider
When considering a small town in Tennessee for Muslim life, here are key factors:
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Mosque and Community Centre: Presence of an active mosque or centre means built-in support, youth programmes, Friday prayer etc.
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Halal Amenities: Grocery stores, restaurants, butcher shops with halal certification are important for daily convenience.
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Cultural Diversity & Refugee Community: Areas with established immigrant/refugee populations often have stronger infrastructure.
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Housing and Cost of Living: Smaller towns tend to be more affordable than large metros; but in the commuter belt of a major city, costs may creep up.
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Integration and Social Climate: Smaller towns offer quiet and community, but may require more self-initiative to connect. Checking local multicultural climate is wise.
Tennessee offers noteworthy options for Muslim individuals or families who want smaller-town living without giving up community, faith infrastructure, and connection. Whether it’s Murfreesboro’s thriving immigrant Muslim community, Shelbyville’s resilient Somali-Muslim presence, Cookeville’s regional centre, the Tri-Cities area around Johnson City, or commuter-towns like La Vergne — each has its unique flavor.
The key is to match your priorities (faith infrastructure, community size, amenities, cost of living) with the town’s strengths. With thoughtful exploration and engagement, one can find a fulfilling Muslim life in Tennessee’s small-town settings.