13 Things to Know Before Moving to Tennessee, 2022

Tennessee is a highly sought-after state, known for being the Birthplace of Country Music and home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. From a metropolitan lifestyle to quiet country living, the state has something to offer everyone.

If you’re ready to pack up and move to the Volunteer State, here are 13 things to know before you go.

1. What's It Like Living in Tennessee?

Tennessee is relatively small yet still somewhat densely populated, with just under seven million people spanning over 42,000 square miles. The state is the 36th-largest in the country by size but the 16th most populated. Still, the state is not known for being very diverse, with nearly 95% of Tennessee residents speaking English at home.

Missouri surrounds the state to the northwest, Arkansas to the southwest, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the east, Virginia to the northeast, and Kentucky to the north.

Some areas of Tennessee are in higher elevations in the Appalachians, putting this region in a humid continental climate or mountain temperate climate. However, the majority of the state falls under a humid subtropical climate. Most of the state’s annual precipitation comes from the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Cost of Living in Tennessee

Tennessee is a reasonably priced state. The overall cost of living in Tennessee is 87.6, lower than the US average of 100. Try using our rent calculator to estimate how much to spend on rent.

Using the state capital, Nashville, as an example, according to Payscale, the cost of living in Tennessee is 3% lower, and housing is 9% lower than the national average.

Here’s an idea of how much things cost when moving to Tennessee, as reported by Payscale:

• Energy bill: $150.73
• Loaf of bread: $3.23
• Doctor’s visit: $90.45
• $2.62 for a gallon of gas

Large cities like Nashville will be the most expensive areas in the state. However, you can still find rent specials or team up with roommates if needed.

Memphis

Memphis is a diverse city, attracting young professionals for its low cost of living and entertainment options. In addition, the city is home to advanced manufacturing, agriculture, professional services, and technology industries.

Research shows that the average estimated monthly costs (without rent) for a single person in Memphis is $873.70. For a family of four, these costs bump up to $3,048.39.

Median rents in Memphis stand at $1,310 for a one-bedroom and $1,342 for a two-bedroom. That's above the national average of $1,101 for a one-bedroom.

Knoxville

Knoxville regularly ranks among the best cities to live in, with a strong job market and potential for future growth. In addition, the city is known for the University of Tennessee, Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, and is a growing foodie destination.

Research shows that the average estimated monthly costs (without rent) for a single person in Knoxville is $904.45. For a family of four, these costs bump up to $3,200.60.

Median rents in Knoxville stand at $1,315 for a one-bedroom and $1,569 for a two-bedroom. That's above the national average of $1,101 for a one-bedroom.

Chattanooga

The majority of Chattanooga's population are rising professionals or Millenials looking for job opportunities or to raise families. Chattanooga offers an urban core nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Research shows that Chattanooga's average monthly net salary (after tax) is $2,848.35. Additionally, the cost of an individual meal at the average inexpensive restaurant is $15.00.

Median rents in Chattanooga stand at $1,388 for a one-bedroom and $1,565 for a two-bedroom. That's above the national average of $1,101 for a one-bedroom.

3. Taxes in Tennessee

Tennessee has no income tax on salaries and wages. Homeowners love Tennessee because they pay some of the lowest property taxes in the country.

Tennessee makes up for these taxes with the highest overall sales tax in the nation. For example, Nashville's current sales tax rate is 9.25%, including state, city, and county rates.

4. Who’s Moving to Tennessee?

According to Apartment List’s most recent migration report, the highest share of people moving to Nashville are from Memphis, Chicago, and Clarksville. However, renters currently living in Nashville moving elsewhere often head to Atlanta, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

5. Tennessee Job Market and Economy

Compared to other similarly sized metropolitan areas across the county, Nashville has a healthier job market. The average annual salary in Nashville is currently $49,890, slightly below the national average of $53,490. Thankfully, the unemployment rate is 7%, below the national average of 8.1%.

Nashville serves as a significant health hub for the southern United States. It also became a popular area for entrepreneurs during the pandemic, including women-owned small businesses.

The biggest employers in Nashville include Saint Thomas Health, Community Health Systems, HCA Healthcare, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Other significant employers include Amazon, Asurion, Randstad, and Nissan North America.

6. Public Transportation in Tennessee

Each county has public transportation within the state, with a wide range of services, including fixed-route service, demand-response service, express buses, local shuttles, and complementary paratransit per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Uber and Lyft are also widely available in the more densely populated regions of the state. But, in more rural areas, it might be challenging to rely on these options for transportation.

7. Weather in Tennessee

In Nashville, winters are frigid and wet, while the summers are hot and muggy. However, it is also partly cloudy year-round. For the year, the temperature typically varies from 31°F to 90°F. On infrequent occasions, it will drop below 16°F or above 96°F.

The best weather in the state is in Brentwood, Tennessee, which averages 210 sunny days per year. The winters average in the 40s, and the summers average in the 80s, making the weather ideal.

8. Tennessee Attractions

Tennessee is a playground for attractions, including national parks, museums, historical landmarks, etc.

National Parks

Tennessee is home to 12 national parks and historical sites. The two most frequently visited include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shiloh National Military Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Receiving 12.5 million visitors each year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular. The highest peak, Clingmans Dome, stands an astonishing 6,500 feet.

Shiloh National Military Park

Along the shores of the Tennessee River, you’ll find the Shiloh National Military Park, which pays homage to the nearly 24,000 soldiers’ lives lost over two days of attacks and counterattacks during the Civil War.

Notable Museums

In addition to national parks, Tennessee is also home to 15 museums.

Graceland

Home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, Graceland, is open today with daily tours. Found in Memphis, the complex includes The Entertainer Career Museum, with countless exhibits.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is in Nashville, housing more than 2.5 million artifacts. Home to historic Hatch Show Print and RCA Studio B, you’ll find two expansive floors of gallery space.

Historical Landmarks

Across the state of Tennessee, you will find 30 historical landmarks.

Beale Street Historic District

Found in Shelby County, Beale Street Historic District is known for being the birthplace of blues music.

Montgomery Bell Tunnel

Located in Cheatham County, the Montgomery Bell Tunnel is the oldest, full-known tunnel in the country, built in the early 1800s.

Things to Do

Here are some of the things you must do while living in Tennessee.

Catch a Show at the Iconic Grand Ole Opry

Nashville’s number one attraction is the Grand Ole Opry. Great for all ages, you can come to watch country music’s latest and greatest on stage any night of the week.

Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction

With an exhibit valued at over $4 million, you can’t miss the Titanic Museum Attraction. All artifacts found in this museum are genuine.

9. Food Scene and Nightlife in Tennessee

Tennessee's melting pot of different cultures offers something for everyone. Some of the famous foods in the state includes fried catfish, country ham, RC cola, moon pies, sweet tea, and Memphis ribs.

You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars, many of which provide live entertainment in the evenings. You can also hit the clubs in the downtown area of Nashville, including popular spots like Layla’s Honky Tonk, Play Dance Bar, and Second Fiddle.

There’s no shortage of shopping in Tennessee. The West Town Mall is the largest enclosed shopping mall in the state, spanning nearly 1.5 million square feet. Other popular malls include Opry Mills, Mountain Mall, and Stones River Town Centre.

10. Major Annual Tennessee Events

Tennessee is home to countless festivals and events throughout the year, including some of the most popular:

High on the Hog Festival - In May, you’ll find 70 teams coming from all over the country to participate in the BBQ tradition located in Winchester.

Sweet Tea & Sunshine Family Festival and Craft Fair - Cleveland hosts this family-friendly festival every April on Greenway Park & Pavilion.

Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival - In late April, in the historic district of Reliance in Polk County, you’ll find this festival which has taken place for over six decades.

Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival - Each May, Downtown Portland hosts the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival, paying homage to the most prominent industry from the 1940s.

CMA Fest - In June, the Nashville CMA festival brings nearly 50,000 spectators with nightly concerts and meet and greets.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival - Enjoy one of the country’s biggest and most well-established music festivals, Bonnaroo, during early September.

Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival - Nashville celebrates Japanese culture every April as visitors enjoy the cherry blossoms across Nashville Public Square.

Mule Day - Over 200,000 people flock to Maury County Park, Columbia, in early April for the Mule Day celebration, with the flagship event being the mule pulling contest.

Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair - Every February in Memphis, you’ll find nearly 5,000 wholesale buyers and 200 booths throughout Agricenter International.

11. Sports in Tennessee

There are three major league professional sports teams in Tennessee, including the NFL Titans, the NHL Predators, and the NBA Grizzlies.

12. Top Universities in Tennessee

Tennessee does not take higher education lightly. Here, you’ll find countless public and private universities. Some of the highest-ranked in the state include Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Belmont University, Union University, and Lipscomb University.

13. What City in Tennessee Should You Make Your Home?

Tennessee's best city to move to depends on your lifestyle preferences, career aspirations, and budget.

Moving to Nashville is ideal if you want unlimited access to world-class amenities and culture. The booming art district, countless museums, live concerts, and downtown events make Nashville a happening place. But, just remember, living in this bustling city comes at a cost.

Brentwood has been named the best city in the state and often ranks among the best places to live. Rent in Brentwood can be on the steeper side, as it is considered in the top 10 wealthiest small cities in America. The excellent schools in this city make it great for families.

If you’re looking for a dense suburban lifestyle, Franklin might be the place for you. Located just south of Nashville, prices are lower, and you’re still close to the capital city's amenities.

Final Thoughts

Ready to move somewhere you can enjoy the high quality of life and low tax rates but unsure about the cost of living in Tennessee? Hopefully, you’ve got a better idea and can start searching for some of Tennessee's best places to live.

Register for Apartment List to find your perfect neighborhood and apartment in Tennessee.

FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to Tennessee

What’s the weather in Tennessee?

Some areas of Tennessee are in higher elevations in the Appalachians, putting this region in a humid continental climate or mountain temperate climate. However, the majority of the state falls under a humid subtropical climate. Most of the state’s annual precipitation comes from the Gulf of Mexico.

What’s the timezone in Tennessee?

Tennessee has two time zones. The majority of the state is in Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT), depending on the time of year. This time zone is also Greenwich Mean Time - 5 (GMT-5), one hour behind New York City.

The remaining portion of the state is in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), depending on the time of year. This time zone is also Greenwich Mean Time - 4 (GMT-4), the same time zone as New York City.

What to do in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s biggest draw is its pristine outdoors, beckoning hikers, bikers, and walkers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular attraction in Tennessee and the most visited national park in the country.

What region is Tennessee In?

Tennessee is located in the southeastern region of the country.

What are the benefits of moving to Tennessee?

Tennessee's welcoming charm, sunny weather, and magnificent landscape make it an attractive option for college students, millennials, and retirees looking for a desirable place to live, work, and play.

What are the pros and cons of living in Tennessee?

The pros of living in Tennessee include the low cost of living, mild winters, abundant recreational activities, and no income taxes. The cons of living in Tennessee include rapid population growth, severe weather, and oppressive humidity.

What’s the best neighborhood to move to in Tennessee?

The six best neighborhoods in Tennessee are Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro.

What’s it like living in Tennessee?

Each neighborhood within Tennessee offers a diverse landscape, including bustling cities, coastal towns, and wide-open spaces. Snow-capped peaks, lava deserts, misty plateaus, and picturesque beaches welcome locals looking for recreation opportunities or a new place to call home.

What are the taxes in Tennessee?

Tennessee is a highly sought-after state, known for being the Birthplace of Country Music and home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. From a metropolitan lifestyle to quiet country living, the state has something to offer everyone.

What jobs are popular in Tennessee?

For the South, Nashville serves as a significant health hub. It also became a popular area for entrepreneurs during the pandemic, including women-owned small businesses.

What universities are in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, they do not take higher education lightly. Here, you’ll find countless public and private universities. Some of the highest-ranked in the state include Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Belmont University, Union University, and Lipscomb University.

What are things to do in Tennessee?

There are plenty of things to do in Tennessee, whether you like spending your time exploring year-round festivals or taking a hike and enjoying the outdoors. Or, if you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, the Memphis BBQ will not disappoint. Unfortunately, finding something to do in Tennessee can be challenging because you have so many options.