A lot of young professionals and families are picking up and moving to Tennessee recently. If you’re thinking of joining the crowd, there are a few points to consider before loading up all those moving boxes. To help round out your decision, let’s explore a few of the top things to know before moving to Tennessee.
What Life Is Like in Tennessee
With amazing natural beauty, delicious cuisine, a remarkable music scene, rich culture and an illustrious history, this part of the country has so much to offer. Known as the Volunteer State, the great state of Tennessee is home to roughly 6.8 million people; however, as thousands of new residents settle down here every year, that figure is growing steadily.
Geographically, Tennessee is situated in the upper southeastern United States and its borders stretch from the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the banks of the Mississippi River. Such beautiful terrain draws people in from all over the world for spectacular landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities and a distinctive ecological grandeur.
Whether it’s a pair of retirees, an established couple with kids or someone just wanting to get a fresh start in life, Tennessee has proven time and again to be an excellent place to live.
Important Factors to Consider
Of course, no place is perfect. There are going to be positives and negatives wherever you plan to relocate. Here are some specific things to know before moving to Tennessee.
1. It has a low cost of living
Although it depends on the part of the state, Tennessee’s cost of living is 15-25% below the national average. The real estate market is also one of the most affordable in the country, with home prices averaging around $230,000 state-wide. Another major way Tennesseans save is access to free community and technical college for high school graduates. When combined, these factors add up to real savings.
2. There is no state income tax
Want to keep more of your paycheck? Tennessee is one of only nine states without a personal income tax. How about saving money at the store? Tennessee’s sales tax is currently only 7%! Also factoring in these savings is the 2021 repeal of the state’s tax on dividends, which means interest and dividends are no longer charged on income derived from stocks and bonds. All in all, TN residents get to hold on to more of their money than those in many other parts of the country.
3. Summers can be intense
Before moving to Tennessee, it’s best to be aware of what the weather might have in store. Although generally temperate thanks to the mild winters, the summer heat can be brutal to those unaccustomed to a hot, humid climate. There are also occasional tornadoes during the tornado season, tropical depressions and intense thunderstorms to consider. Such sporadic yet severe conditions are simply a part of life in this southeastern state.
4. Autumns are breathtaking
All that being said about unpleasant weather, there is no better place to revel in the colors of fall. People from all over drive to see the leaves change to gorgeous oranges, bright reds, golden yellows and various shades of green. The spectacle is truly enchanting, especially in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley and the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
5. Great food can be found throughout the state
Famous for Memphis-style BBQ, soul food, catfish, moon pies and many other delectable dishes, the state has everything you could want to eat. Whether it’s some mouthwatering low and slow barbecue ribs or a plate of crispy hot fried chicken, you have to try some of the country’s best cuisine right here in Tennessee. Wash it down with sweet tea, craft beer or another of the state’s claims to fame: Tennessee whiskey.
6. A few weird laws are still in place
One of the peculiar things people discover in their research on the state is that there are some weird laws to know before moving to Tennessee. While some are outdated and make little sense, such laws are still active. Examples include:
- It is illegal to drive while asleep.
- Sharing a Netflix password is illegal.
- A skunk cannot be carried over the state border.
- A whale is the only animal you can legally shoot from a car window.
7. There’s a lot to learn from the numerous historical attractions
Tennessee has been prominent over the course of American history. The state was pivotal during the Civil Rights Movement, with Nashville as the site of famous sit-ins and Memphis the site of the assassination of the movement’s leader, Martin Luther King Jr. As such, the state is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and many more points of interest and solemnity.
8. It has a lot to offer music-lovers
Both historically and today, the music scene in Tennessee is incredible. You can visit museums in Memphis — “Home of the Blues” — attend festivals such as Rhythm and Roots or catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry. There’s also the celebrated sites of Dollywood and Graceland, commemorating Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, respectively. Last but certainly not least, there are live music venues throughout the state where you can listen to the blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, gospel and so much more.
While this isn’t a full list of attractions or completely answers the question of “What should you know before moving to Tennessee?” it should be enough to get you started.
Does Tennessee Sound Like the Perfect Fit?
If you’re ready to move to Memphis, Chattanooga or anywhere across this great state, you can trust the professionals here at Big League Movers to take care of all your relocation needs. Just like the people of Tennessee who volunteered and earned the nickname by stepping up for service, we’re here to take care of business: the business of helping you move!
Call us today to get started or to request a free quote!
