Are you thinking of moving to Tennessee? Read on to know if this is the right decision for you.
Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina to just east of the Mississippi River, Tennessee is a southeastern state steeped in hospitality and history. Known as the state of Memphis-style barbecue, natural beauty, and country music, Tennessee brings in hundreds of new residents every day.
If you’re considering moving to a different state, chances are Tennessee has come up in your thoughts at least once, especially with all the lucrative property deals in Smyrna TN. However, it is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
To assist you in making your decision, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to consider and know about before moving to Tennessee. Let’s dive in!
Cost of Living
There is zero income tax and meager property taxes in Tennessee. That is a great deal of money that can be saved all year round and help you afford a high-quality lifestyle after moving in here.
Tennessee has the 5th lowest cost of living in comparison to the national average. It means that your expenses will be way lesser for the utilities, clothing, food, and other things purchased compared to another state. For example, you may need to spend $2 more for a carton of eggs in California compared to Tennessee. Moreover, for retirees, no tax on pension makes it an ideal place to see their money last longer.
Job Market
Tennessee has one of the most thriving job markets in the US. You are bound to find more excellent job opportunities in some of the prosperous cities like Memphis and Nashville, which means a better paycheck. In both these cities, the tech and healthcare industries are the ones that provide the most number of jobs.
The hospitality industry would be the next line, and about 71,000+ jobs are linked to this industry. Different positions and roles possess a strong command over the salary you could get. Still, usually, database administrator, project manager, or nurse are among the top-paying job roles in this state.
Not only is the economy fast-growing, but many big companies are setting up headquarters and shops in the state of Tennessee. Dollar General, HCA Healthcare, AutoZone, Cracker Barrel, Brookdale Senior Living, and FedEx are large companies with headquarters here and play a significant role in helping residents find booming job opportunities and a career.
Rental Market
Various kinds of homes, loft, condos, apartments, multi-family residences, single-family homes, etc., are available for rent in Tennessee. Although the rent cost would depend on the square foot of the house you choose, the number of rooms, and the locality, for most rental spaces, the average median price of rent is about $808 every month.
You can rent out some fantastic houses for around $1,200 – $1,900. It is only in a few cases that you may need to spend more than this amount per month to rent a house in Tennessee.
Healthcare System
Tennessee has a reliable healthcare system. For instance, Nashville, the state capital, lays claim to over 400 health care units. This includes the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the region’s leading research center. It also houses other top healthcare facilities, like St. Thomas Health and LifePoint Health.
In other cities like Memphis, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and several other facilities across several cities, towns, and suburbs.
Schools and Universities
If you have school-age children or looking to further your studies, education in Tennessee is one of the best reasons to move here. The state has top-ranking school districts, including Williamson County Schools, Greeneville City Schools, Germantown, Johnson City Schools, and Oak Ridge School District.
The University of the South, Belmont University, University of Memphis, and The University of Tennessee are many other highly regarded institutions that Tennessee has. Moreover, If your child graduates from a Tennessee high school, they will have the opportunity to attend a Tennessee community college for free. The Tennessee Promise Program provides this fantastic opportunity for students to attend a technical or community college close to home.
Adventures, Camping, and Off-Road Tours
Are you adventurous? Do you like off-road tours on a 4×4 jeep or a bike? Or do you like camping, hiking, and visiting century-old caves? If you enjoy these things, moving to Tennessee could be an excellent decision for you.
The state is also home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the entire country. It stretches across 800 square miles in North Carolina and Tennessee. From horseback riding to waterfall chasing, trail hiking, and taking in the scenic views at Clingman’s Dome, there are endless activities you can enjoy once you’re inside the park.
Music
If you’re a music lover, you’ll love Tennessee’s music lifestyle. Country music, rock, blues, jazz, etc., are booming in Tennessee.
Though Nashville is the country music capital of the world, other genres of music are thriving across the state. From blues and rhythm to Appalachian bluegrass and, of course, country music, Tennessee has left a strong mark in music. Tennessee has produced great artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King.
Foods, Festivals, And Fairs
If there’s something you’ll never lack in Tennessee, it’s excellent delicious food. From delicious barbecues to fried pickles, hot fried chicken, banana pudding, country ham, mac ‘n cheese, cornbread, and sweet potato fries, there is an endless list of tasty food in Tennessee.
Festivals and fairs are an essential part of Tennessee’s local culture. From events like the CMA Music Festival to the well-known Bonnaroo, life in Tennessee is never dull!
Dangers of Living in Tennessee
The danger is probably a strong word to use for Tennessee. However, there are some things you must know if you choose to live here. For example, you’ll have to be ready to see the clouds get super gloomy often as thunderstorms followed by heavy rainfall are not uncommon. Other than that, you have to be extra careful while driving as you could come across many rash drivers. Lastly, in the summer months, there is a huge variety of bugs that can be a great nuisance.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a Millennial, Generation X, or a Baby Boomer, Tennessee has something for everyone. Moving to Tennessee is an excellent opportunity to steep yourself in culture and history while enjoying a low cost of living. Between all the benefits, natural beauty, and endless activities, there has never been a better time to call the state home. We’d love to see you join us in the great state of Tennessee!
