Recently updated on February 11th, 2023 at 02:17 pm
Table of Contents
- Let’s Start With Location — Where Are The Best Places To Live?
- Work And Employment — What Is That Like?
- The Tennessee Real Estate Market
- Can I Afford It — What’s The Cost Of Living?
- Is Tennessee A Good Place To Retire?
- What About The People And Culture In Tennessee?
- Some Of The Coolest Things To Do In Tennessee
- Pros And Cons Of Moving To Tennessee
- Fun Facts And Strange Laws
Majestic mountains, rolling hillsides, southern charm, and MUSIC are just a few of the things that Tennessee tends to bring to mind. Tennessee is known for its boundless appreciation of country music, bluegrass, and rock and roll, home to the origins of many of our favorite genres and artists.
Yet, despite it being touted as “the Music Capital of the world”, that’s not the only thing that Tennessee has to offer. If you happen to be contemplating a move to Tennessee, this guide will help you explore all that Tennessee has to offer and everything that you will need to know before packing up your belongings and buying a home here.
Will Tennessee be the right move for you? Let’s find out!
Let’s Start With Location — Where Are The Best Places To Live?
Tennessee is the 16th most populated state in the country, and for good reason. Each city in Tennessee has its own special spark of appeal, community vibe and amenities. Which option is best is hard to say, and likely different for each individual person. We suggest making a list of your needs and wants. For example, is a high-quality educational system important? Or is having a vibrant local nightlife more appealing?
Consider asking others online in your social circle who may live or have made the move to the area. Ask them about what they like best/least, and what they wish they would have known prior to making the move. This simple task can help you uncover aspects you may not have initially thought about.
Despite the different areas of appeal, there is one thing that will always remain the same — the sweet vibe of Southern hospitality!
With that in mind, and in no particular order, let’s take a look at the best places to live in the state of Tennessee!
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Nashville — The Place To Start New
Nashville is known for its high quality of life, amenities, attractions, culture, and comparatively low cost of living when looking at other major cities in other states; which is great for those who are looking for a fresh start!
Nashville is proud of their home-style Southern cooking (specifically their famous spicy fried chicken) as well as their breweries and craft beer! And if you happen to love music, then don’t even hesitate to check out Nashville’s amazing free live music festivals and famous outdoor concerts!
Aside from the endless amounts of year-round events, Nashville also happens to be a friendly city for those who are looking to launch and grow their business or career. But even if you’re not an entrepreneur, Nashville’s rapidly growing job market will make your move to the Music City that much easier when it comes to kickstarting your life with a new job!
Check out our guide to moving to Nashville here.
Quick Facts:
- The place to start a new life
- Entrepreneur friendly and rapidly growing job market
- Great for hiking, biking, climbing, and walking through scenic trails and parks
- Live concerts, music, festivals, and a friendly community altogether
Come visit Music City USA!
“Nashville is the Capital of TN and a progressive young city and hasn’t stopped growing in the last 20 years. If you like southern cooking, music and having a great time this is a place to come. When we moved, we wanted fun culture, diverse city, warm climate and great cost of living. This city has it all. We live in Williamson County just south of Nashville to get the best public education and that neighborhood feel we desired.
The music scene and downtown entertainment distract bringing in millions of visitors every year. Most of them want to listen to music and enjoy a cold beer.
I’m a financial advisor that loves meeting new people from all over the US. We ask everyone where they are from because you have about a 80% chance it’s not Nashville!”
Todd Meucci, Managing Director – Goodson Wealth Management
Knoxville — A Popular ‘After-College’ Destination
Not sure where to go after graduating from college? Well, look no further than Knoxville, TN! Known as the “happiest city to work in,” Knoxville has affordable housing and transportation and a low cost of living, two of the primary reasons it recently landed on the list of the “top 10 cities for economic growth and college grads”!
And if you happen to have a strong love for the water, then you will love the fact that the Tennessee River starts right in Knoxville, giving you endless exciting watersports and outdoor activities to choose from — whether you rent a canoe, take a paddle boat ride along the river, hop on a jet ski, or fight the waves on a kayak, Knoxville gives you everything you can think of when it comes to those warm water activities!
But you don’t have to be into water sports to enjoy this vibrant city. The Downtown Renaissance area has amazing new shops, restaurants, bars, and good old southern entertainment! Knoxville is the city where you are just as happy working as you are having fun!
Quick Facts:
- The place to live after college — top 10 cities for college grads
- Affordable housing, transportation, low cost of living
- Great place for outdoor sports enthusiasts
- Awesome nightlife opportunities and entertainment
Johnson City — The Place To Start A Family
If you’re looking for a location that is great for raising a family, then Johnson City is the spot for you! The housing may be on the expensive side, but the affordable rent options is what makes Johnson City perfect for those broke after college years. Surround yourself with other young, family-oriented professionals who are working their way into the world right after college. This city is filled with parks, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and lots of unique history and art! So settle down in the secured town of Johnson City where the cost of rent won’t throw you into debt!
Quick Facts:
- Great for young professionals who are looking to start or raise a family
- Expensive housing, but extremely affordable rent options
- A unique culture and outdoor leisurely activities
- Comfortably work your way into a single-family home
Chattanooga —The Place To Grow Your Business
Chattanooga is known as the “gig city” of Tennessee, and its entrepreneur-friendly nature is what attracts many individuals to this interesting area of startups and business! With its fast-growing tourism sector, technology, and metro areas, Chattanooga is an energetic yet peaceful city that will boost your business inspiration and motivate you to follow that path to business success!
Aside from its passionate and eclectic vibe, Chattanooga is filled with an entertaining nightlife of camping, cave exploration, upscale shops and boutiques, and of course, their coffee and cafés! After all, what better way to kickstart the hustle and grind of entrepreneurism then with a world-famous cup of Chattanooga coffee!
Quick Facts:
- Entrepreneur friendly location for startups, young professionals, and the freelance community
- Annual festivals, parades, fairs, and music venues
- Technology inspired, smoke-free parks with access to free internet
- Great place to turn your ideas into a business
Tennessee is fantastic!
“Many people asked why I moved to Tennessee and it came down to this, Chattanooga is the perfect fit for my lifestyle now. The city is insanely supportive of entrepreneurs and small business, there is a lot of local culture and activities, and it’s very family friendly. The lack of state income taxes and affordable real estate was a nice bonus too. I have now been for over 2 years, purchased my first house on Signal Mountain and created an ever-expanding group of fellow business owners and professionals I call both colleagues and friends.”
Channing Muller, Principal – DCM Communications
Memphis, Tennessee — The Bonus Location!
There are songs about it, articles glorifying it, and people constantly talking about it…welcome to Memphis, TN — the “home within your home”!
Memphis is a unique paradise location, starting with its impressively low cost of living. In fact, whether you’re thinking about renting or buying, the cost of living in Memphis is 18% lower than the national average as a whole! And if you happen to be raising a family, it’s good to note that the schooling system exceeds the national standard of education, all the way through college! The city also recognizes the importance of athletics in education, so if you happen to be an aspiring athlete, these schools won’t let you down!
As you may or may not know, Memphis is the birthplace of rock and roll music, and is also known for its amazing inspirational festivities — from BBQs to fine dining, to music festivals and a wild outdoor nightlife, Memphis is the city of education and athletics as well as the hotspot for non-stop excitement, culture, and old fashioned American history!
If you’re a beer lover, then you will be thrilled to find out that Memphis happens to be known for its locally brewed craft beers, which is exactly the beverage you need when you’re being pulled into a crowd of upbeat country dancing! The exotic animals are as free to roam around as the actual tourists and residents, which gives Memphis that extra touch of comfort!
Memphis, TN is a location that welcomes all to its borders. And with a little something for everyone, Memphis might be the new “home” you’ve been looking for.
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Work And Employment — What Is That Like?
Tennessee is a business-friendly and entrepreneur welcoming state. Unlike some other states in the country, Tennessee makes it easy for family-owned stores and entrepreneurs to set up shop and thrive within its borders.
Furthermore, the state of Tennessee is heavily influenced by music festivals and art, with the tourism industry lifting up the local economy and presenting a myriad of job opportunities when it comes to launching your career.
Let’s take a closer look at the industries and careers that keep the Tennessee economy flowing!
Top Industries
*In no particular order
- Education
- Entertainment
- Automotive
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Film production
- Tourism
Top Careers By Income
Top careers by income are similar to the rest of the nation, dominated by healthcare, technology, management, and manufacturing.
- Leading Healthcare Careers Include: physicians, psychiatrists, dentists and surgeons
- Leading Business Careers Include: Chief executives, management, accounting, finance, and more
- Leading Technology Careers Include: Computer networking, computer engineer, data science, cybersecurity, and more.
Although the aforementioned rank among the highest in terms of income, the state boasts a diverse range of employment and career opportunities that will satisfy both your wallet and your passions.
From white-collar to blue-collar, startups to Fortune 500s, you’ll have a myriad of options to choose from that don’t require a doctorate degree!
So, you can clearly see why Tennessee’s “make it here, take it anywhere” motto makes sense!
Infrastructure/Global Research
Tennessee is home to 79 airports — one of which happens to be the 2nd busiest cargo airport in the world! It also has the 3rd largest rail center as well as the country’s 5th largest inland port!
Tennessee is also rated #1 in the southeast for best infrastructure, #1 in the nation for transportation employment, and TVA Power gives Tennessee the award for the country’s largest public power providers! TVA Power landing in the number one spot for electricity makes sense when it comes to powering businesses, homes, and establishments for a very cheap price!
Like we said before, “make it here, take it anywhere,” and their affordable public power provider services help to prove that you can do just that!
Minimum Wage And State Taxes
Minimum Wage
The downside to working in Tennessee is that their minimum wage is at the lowest that the nation will allow for basic hourly jobs —TN has been caught in a ten-year loop of providing a mere $7.25/hr starting minimum wage.
But don’t worry…The good news is that, despite the state’s basic wage minimum, individual businesses and companies tend to choose (voluntarily) to offer starting salaries higher than the mandated minimum. So while Tennessee politicians focus on other important aspects of the TN economy, the smaller businesses and companies have your back when it comes to personal income!
That’s what we call employee appreciation!
Wage Overtime Requirement
Another thing to note is that, while the minimum wage is extremely low, Tennessee has an overtime minimum wage requirement, which most states fail to even offer! This means that, if you work overtime, you are guaranteed an overtime payment of at least 1.5x your current hourly wage! So even if your income is $7.25/hr, you are guaranteed at least $10.88/hr if you work over 40 hours a week — and that’s just the minimum!
State Income Tax
But, that’s not all! Tennessee also happens to be one of the nine states that does not have a state income tax! That’s right — you get to keep every penny that you earn!
Especially if you’re working for those minimum wage rates, a lack of income tax is great news! But it gets even better, because Tennessee’s lack of income tax applies to any overtime you earn as well — so you get to keep your overtime wages too!
Sales Tax
Of course, there has to be a catch to the fact that companies usually override TN state minimum wage and lack of income tax. And that catch is the sales tax; for TNs sales tax is at 9%, which is higher than the national sales tax average.
In the end, when it comes to minimum wages and state taxes, it’s a very hot and cold subject. But, as long as you budget your money accordingly, which is necessary, no matter where you live, then these numbers shouldn’t be much of a threat — there are a lot of silver linings that can be found as it relates to the state’s low minimum wages. Tennessee always seems to be taking matters into their own hands to help out their residents in any way they can!
Unemployment Rate
We have exciting news to report here: Tennessee’s unemployment rate has dropped in 90 out of the 95 counties just this past year! Currently, the state sits at an unemployment rate of 3.4% (just under the national average). Best of all, many experts project that the job market will continue to steadily grow, especially in industries including hospitality, transportation, and entertainment.
In fact, in 2019, while the unemployment rate was dropping, the job market was increasing, and ended up at a yearly increase of 1.8%! This steady economic growth could possibly be a result of Tennessee’s welcoming nature towards businesses and startups, entrepreneurs, and the entire freelance community as a whole!
When it comes to work and employment, the people and employers of Tennessee have your back, even if the state’s low minimum wage and high sales tax as a whole don’t.
Free College Education?!
Before we dive into Tennessee’s overall cost of living as compared to the national average, it is important to note that TN offers something that no other state in the country offers; and that is, free community college for high school graduates!
That’s right — if you’re an aspiring college student who is dreading the possibility of educational debt, Tennessee has your back! So instead of spending money on that expensive Ivy League college, start off with a debt-free credit report, attend community college for free, and spend that money on something more beneficial…for example, a house!
The Tennessee Real Estate Market
According to Zillow, the Median home cost in TN ranges around $164,500-$185,922, with home values having gone up 5.4% over the past year. Many predict this trend to continue with a projected increase in home values of around 3.5% in the coming year, making a TN home a solid investment in your future.
Tennessee Statewide Averages
- Median Home Cost — $164,500
- Median Listing Price — $255,000
- Median List Price Per Sq Ft — $133/sq ft
- Average Rent Cost — $985/mo
- Median Home Value — $172,000
- Average Days On Market — 63
- Airbnb Occupancy Rate — 53%
Tennessee Real Estate Bests
- Best Time To Buy — December
- Best Time To Sell — June
- Best Time To List — May
- Best Places To Invest
- Collierville
- Mount Juliet
- Hendersonville
- Fairview
- Erin
- Best TN Markets
- Nashville
- Chattanooga
- Murfreesboro
- Knoxville
- Germantown
- Best Cities For AirBnB
- Knoxville
- Nashville
Tennessee is known for its flat rent rates, rising home value, and it also happens to have the lowest property taxes in the country. Having said that, throw in its strong healthcare system, and you just may have yourself an ideal new home location!
Need To Sell Your Home Before Moving?
Did you know that we can help you save a lot of money when selling your house? Money that you can use to pay for your big move. ISoldMyHouse.com has 3 ways for you to sell your house and NOT pay high commissions.
- Sell It Yourself With Our Flat Fee MLS Listings
- Sell With Top Local Agents With Negotiated Discounts on Commissions
- Sell To A Pre-Qualified Cash Buyer
Can I Afford It — What’s The Cost Of Living?
For the most part, the cost of living in Tennessee is lower than the national average as a whole. So, even if what you earn is the state’s minimum wage, Tennessee is still completely affordable when it comes to everyday life!
But let’s compare…
The Cost Of Living In Tennessee Compared To The National Average
*The National Average is at 100
- Overall — 87.6
- Grocery — 95.4
- Health — 101.9
- Housing —71.2
- Utilities — 96.7
- Transportation — 90.2
- Misc — 95
Especially when it comes to housing, Tennessee’s cost of living is drastically lower than most other states in the country! In fact, TN is considered to be one of the most affordable states in general — so if you’re looking to start a brand new life, this just may be the place to do it! Speaking of low housing costs, let’s take a look at…
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Is Tennessee A Good Place To Retire?
For all the retirees looking for the perfect retirement location, Tennessee is quite “retirement friendly”! No matter if you’re looking to kick back and relax with family and friends, or explore a second career, TN has everything you could ever need (and on a budget too).
The Best Places To Retire In Tennessee
Let’s explore some of TN’s more popular places to retire. In no particular order…
Sweetwater
Sweetwater is perfect for those who have family and grandkids that love to visit! From theme parks and boat rides to underground lakes and caves, there’s a chance that your family will beg to move in! But, Sweetwater isn’t just for the kids; this city is known to be one of the most relaxing cities for retirees in TN!
There are lots of community-driven activities such as wine tastings, antique shows, and of course, annual art and music festivals! This city has a rural, peaceful vibe with urban conveniences and amenities! Sweetwater was also rated as one of the best places to retire in the US!
Franklin
As “a southern gem hiding in the shadow of Nashville,” Franklin was also rated as one of the best places for retirees in the US! In Franklin, you will find endless trails of scenic landscapes, theaters, and unique shopping boutiques and restaurants in this historically upscale yet quaint, homey town of Franklin!
Germantown
If you’re more of an entertainment seeker, then Germantown is the perfect location for you! It almost seems like Germantown is a never-ending string of year-round excitement and activities! Why not catch one of Germantown’s world-famous horse show competitions? Or, if you’re more into art, check out one of the many craft fairs that happen here!
Germantown is perfect for outdoor picnics in the park, or a day trip to Memphis to experience the excitement of those Tennessee music festivals! If you want to be close enough to experience the action yet still be able to relax in peace, then live at ease in the safety of this retiree-oriented city!
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge has a robust and active retirement community center, making it the perfect destination for retired social butterflies wanting to meet new friends, make meaningful connections and interact with others.
Not only is Pigeon Forge the home of Dolly Parton, but it is also known for its elaborate car shows, exceptional golfing, festive music events, upscale dining, and beautiful mountainous landscapes! This city is also perfect for those who want to get involved with the community — there are many volunteer opportunities to start off the glorious life of leisurely retirement!
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What About The People And Culture In Tennessee?
If there’s one talent that Tennessee has, it’s the talent to bring people together with its energetic and Southern welcoming vibe! It’s almost as if the entire state is comprised of one big, close-knit family!
In fact, that’s pretty much how Tennessee got its nickname of being “The Volunteer State” of the country! During the War of 1812, Tennessee was granted with this nickname as a result of the number of soldiers that volunteered to risk their lives to fight in battle and protect its citizens. And since then, not much has changed! Tennessee is still very protective of its people and culture, and chances are, that’s how they will remain!
Leave the big city behind!
“I moved my family from Atlanta, Georgia to Chattanooga, TN because of the low cost of living, no state income tax in Tennessee, and amazing array of outdoor activities from mountain biking to watersports right at my doorstep. My 6 year old walks out our door to school without supervision every day. If that is not enough, Forbes says that Chattanooga is the most promising job market for 2020. We really don’t miss the big city at all.”
Allen Yates, Attorney – Yates & Wheland
Today, people flock from all over the world to check out all of its history and culture which starts with — you guessed it — the music scene!
You can thank Tennessee for giving you musical legends such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, and even Justin Timberlake! The music scene is where the culture of Tennessee begins, and it only gets better from there!
The natural southern hospitality and energy will guide you to its many parks, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls around the state by welcoming you to its conversational environment of festivals, entertainment, great southern homestyle cooking, and overall family-friendly fun!
Whether you’re a college graduate looking to start a new life or an excited retiree, Tennessee welcomes you to kick back, relax, and let that southern vibe suck you in!
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Some Of The Coolest Things To Do In Tennessee
It may come as a surprise that the music scene isn’t the only thing that Tennessee has for you to do or explore. Check out some of the other non-music related destinations that lure people to the state…
Synchronized Fireflies Of The Great Smoky Mountains
If you’re into nature, then this 2-week time period of dancing fireflies will blow your mind! Nobody quite knows why, but every year in June, fireflies come to the Great Smoky Mountains and light up the night sky with their synchronized flying shows!
Forbidden Caverns
Anything that has the word forbidden in its name will always peek some sort of curiosity! And in this case, curiosity calls for a night of exploring these hidden TN caves, complete with spooky underground sounds and natural occurring lights!
Ruby Falls
Yet another mysterious underground location — Ruby Falls is, quite literally, a naturally occurring, must-see underground waterfall complete with mysterious multicolored lights!
The Crystal Shrine Grotto
If you’re a fan of art and culture, check out these depression-era engraved caves, complete with historical art, quartz, and spontaneous statues of Jesus!
Silky O’sullivan’s
Turn the dial up on your sense of humor, because Silky O’Sullivan’s is a place where you can see the drunken, tower climbing goats of Tennessee! Yes, you read that correctly — the goats are drunk.
Salt And Pepper Shaker Museum
This may seem boring by name, but once you take a look at this collection of rare, historic salt and pepper shakers, you’ll be inspired to start your own collection of vintage antiques!
Sun Studio
Although we specified that this is a list of non-musical related destinations, you wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Memphis recording studio that launched your favorite musical artists’ careers! Take a tour of the studio that gave Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis their claim to fame!
And just because Tennessee is the Music City of the world, check out this list of TN music festivals that are known worldwide!
- Beale Street Music Festival — Memphis
- Riverbend Music Festival — Chattanooga
- CMA Music Festival — Nashville
- Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival — Manchester
- Music City Jazz Festival — Nashville
- Fire On The Water Music Festival — Gallatin
- Muddy Roots Festival — Cookeville
- Big Ears Music Festival — Knoxville
Pros And Cons Of Moving To Tennessee
Now that we’ve gone over everything you need to know about Tennessee, let’s take a look at the general pros and cons of moving to this southern state!
Pros
- There is no state income tax!
- TN offers free community college for high school graduates!
- It is the 2nd most affordable state in the country!
- Never-ending music and festivals filled with tons of culture and art!
- Extremely low property taxes!
- High energy Southern vibe!
- Great for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and young professionals!
Cons
- Tennessee is known to experience tornadoes during the tornado season, but the good news is that the state is built to withstand the potential damages
- Be prepared for the heat, because the summers can get exceedingly hot
- High crime rates in certain areas, but they are avoidable as they are generally confined to specific locations
- Low minimum wage, but the minimum wage is often overridden by individual businesses
- There’s a lot of traffic in Tennessee — so watch out!
Need To Sell Your Home Before Moving?
Did you know that we can help you save a lot of money when selling your house? Money that you can use to pay for your big move. ISoldMyHouse.com has 3 ways for you to sell your house and NOT pay high commissions.
- Sell It Yourself With Our Flat Fee MLS Listings
- Sell With Top Local Agents With Negotiated Discounts on Commissions
- Sell To A Pre-Qualified Cash Buyer
Fun Facts And Strange Laws
Just for fun, let’s explore some fun facts about Tennessee, and also some strange laws that you won’t believe are real!
Fun Facts
- Tennessee is the home to over 3800 caves, so you’ll never run out of exploration ideas
- Great news for whiskey lovers — Jack Daniels Whiskey was originated in TN
- Speaking of whiskey, Mountain Dew was also originated from TN as a soda to specifically mix with whiskey
- The very first mini-golf course was invented in TN, just in case you’re short on time
- Along with being the city of music, TN is also the turtle capital of the world
- If you’re a fan of Snicker bars, you can thank Nashville for creating the gooey combo that makes Snickers what it is today
- Tennessee is also responsible for cotton candy, which was originally called fairy floss
- There are cities in TN that have extremely awkward speed limits — a 19 mph speed limit is a difficult number to keep up with while driving
Strange Laws
- It is illegal to sell hollow logs — so don’t waste your time carving out tree stumps
- It’s against the law to drive while you’re asleep — just in case you happen to be a sleepwalker
- The only time that it is legal to shoot a whale is from the inside of your car window — there are no whales in Tennessee, though
- If you’re starving and can’t wait for dinner, just pick up some roadkill and throw it on the grill — because it’s legal to do that
- It is illegal to catch a fish with a lasso — not to mention impossible
- It is against the law for a frog to croak after 11 pm — not sure the frogs really care about that, though
Ready To Pack Up Yet?
Now that you know everything there is to know about moving to the state of Tennessee, what do you think? Will Tennessee be the only ten you see? That was a terrible joke… but it’s still a great place to live!
Further Reading: Looking For More Moving To Tennessee Resources? Check These Articles Out!
- Read Our Moving To Tennessee Guide
- Read Our Moving To Knoxville Tennessee Guide
- How To Sell A House In Tennessee Without A Realtor
- What Are Tennessee Flat Fee MLS Listings?
- We Buy Houses In Tennessee – Sell Fast For Cash
- Best Moving Boxes That You Can Buy Online (Reviewed)
- Cheap Moving Boxes – Best Budget Friendly Options (Reviewed)
- Where Is The Best Place To Buy Moving Boxes?
- Where To Get Free Moving Boxes? Check Out These 8 Thrifty Options
- How Many Boxes Do I Need To Move? Use Our Moving Box Calculator
- Here Is a Weekly Moving Checklist To Follow When Moving Out Of Your House
Lol!
I have found none of this to be true in TN. The state is sooooo expensive to live in!!! Tn taxes food at 9.7%-6.75% depending on the city. Dmv is the worst – I have ever had to deal with in my 60yrs. They have cameras to mail tickets which I think is shady. You would understand once you deal with the drivers. Driving test here is four right turns and one left.
Our Mid- life choice we regret daily!!
We have a newly built home which if your interested you can purchase. Don’t buy old the crawl spaces are scary. We encapsulated our new build- and we fix things the county assessor that built this home did wrong. Yard they never graded or planted and cheated out. Or honestly tried to not do a thing. Yep, now it’s fixed it can be yours. Cuz, I want out of TN in a bad way.
Nothing is true about jobs in TN. Benefits are a joke as is the pay scale. Nothing is in stock and everything is a special order. Out dated items and so far behind on many issues from other states. It’s sad and lazy.
People are the most shady. I have ever met in my life time. Southern hospitality is a joke. Honesty Is lost here. Work quality is none existent in TN. Accountability is a joke kinda like keeping your word.
All those things you hear about TN are long gone. Don’t trust a Tennessean cuz, they will just over charge you. In TN it’s about money they can make from northerners! Grabbing as much from y’all as possible. Productive and up to date on life style and internet is a joke. Yeppers- I want out and regret the choice to live in TN daily!!!
If you want truth and no sugar let’s talk.
Hi Sam – thanks for your comments, I’m sure people will find your perspective helpful. Most of your comments are not what we know to be true and most people are very happy living in Tennessee. I hope you find what you are looking for soon!
Hi Sam…….we are considering moving to Tennessee, now I am very skeptical. We are in Florida right now and the heat and humidity is killing me. I have Multiple Sclerosis and it isnt helping me.
My husband is a contractor and has his own business. He does really well in Florida. So we are also concerned about that.
How many years have you lived there? What is the healthcare system really like? By chance do you know how the healthcare is for those if us disabled, as I am in a wheelchair.
Our second choice is West Virginia. Maybe we should consider that instead.
What part of Tennessee do you live? We were considering Chattanooga.
Thanks
Hi Jenny. Just wanted to give you my perspective on moving to TN. We are middle aged raising 2 grand daughters (age 10 & 7) we moved from Mississippi almost 2 years ago on a whim. We had been visiting TN for a couple years almost every 3 months. It felt like home and we were always saddened when having to leave. We knew we needed better opportunities for our grand daughters futures, my husbands employment, & just to be happy. We are in East TN. Dandridge. We have not had one single regret. It was the best decision we’ve ever made. Everyone has been SO welcoming & helpful. I personally & fully believe this should be called the hospitality state. I have some health issues, & my husband does general contractor work & we have had no issues. Work is plentiful, healthcare has been much better for me & our lives in general couldn’t be better. We’ve picked up kayaking and hiking as well as a few other things we thought we were too old for. I can’t say enough good things about the schools. Sounds like the previous poster had issues with a home/land they purchased & blames the whole state of TN. There’s bad things everywhere you go of course, but saying things such as things being out of stock, & cameras that issue tickets are some of the main reasons you want out of a place is overreacting in my opinion. Slow down on the driving & check more than one place for the out of stock items. There are LOTS of out of state drivers, & this is a top tourist state which is why there’s a lot of traffic & traffic issues. Gatlinburg, pigeon forge, Sevierville are heavily traveled. Being on the outside of those areas is wonderful. Every turn leads to a new, spectacular view. So many new places to visit and things to see. Don’t let one opinion, negative or positive, be your deciding factor. Do plenty of research. Ask questions. Make a trip if you can to view areas. I’m proud to say I live in TN & it’s home. Good luck to you.
TG there was a positive post to over come that negative one
thank you for your perspective. I am doing my research now and looking to move to East TN as well. Would love some tips.
I’m sorry,but I’m glad to learn from your mistake. Won’t be leaving Chicago for Tennessee .
Bless your heart, the last thing Tennessee needs is more people from Chicago, so thank you.
Thank you for the courage you took to tell the truth about your experience. Although it saddens me to hear about your story, it was a God-sent information nonetheless. The truth is, it sounds like you were talking about life/people in California. I hope you will find someone to release you from the ownership of your home so you can find a place that will allow you a happy retirement.
We are thinking of retiring in the oak ridge area!. It sounds like you think it is a bad state
This is an eye opener.
If you think TN is bad , I’m in NJ desperate to get out , I can go ON and ON about NJ.
where to begin ?!
cost of living in NJ is ASTRONOMICAL! Talk about traffic ?! WE got plenty of it especially NORTH and SOUTH ( Jersey shore ) summers are hot ( LIKE sticky gross HUMID and winters are BRUTAL – although fall is pretty! Average home cost (cape cod style) is easily over 300k for something more updated and don’t even have me get started on Property taxes! (one of the highest in the country)
We are OVER populated ( although many are leaving ) and thanks to c0vid all the New Yorkers are here now …..
also RUDE, yes I am from NJ but can admit people are just RUDE here, it’s a total rat race and that isn’t a lie!
One thing I will say is we do have the best pizza and bagels and pretty state parks / botanical gardens / fall time but I can’t give it much other credit……. Jersey use to be pretty amazing but king Murphy govern isn’t the greatest creating a bigger reason to RUN from here , I can continue on and on. So for folks like me TN is sooooooo much of a better option!!!