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The Volunteer State of Tennessee is overall a pretty great place to visit, but if you want to relocate permanently, there are quite a few things you need to consider.
To help you decide better, we will show you all the bits, glamour, and a few disadvantages of living in Tennessee.
The State of Tennessee
Tennessee is a very bustling state with a large population of almost 7 million. It is the 36th largest state in the U.S, and out of the 50 states, Tennessee ranks as the 16th most populous state. With 41,143 square miles, Tennessee is home to country music, hot chickens, church communities, and a fantastic culture.
The most popular cities in Tennessee are Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Brentwood, Germantown, and Clarksville TN.
The Pros of Living in Tennessee
Now that we have gone through the basics about the state let’s dive deeper and see what Tennessee truly has to offer.
1. Amazing Landscape
Tennessee is no oceanfront state, but it is blessed with impressive waterfalls, snaking rivers, sunlit mountains, breathtaking rolling hills. And if you are ever tired of the hot Tennessee summers, you can always cool down in any of the refreshing swimming holes scattered across the state.
For outdoor exploration, you can venture to Sunset Rock’s Lookout Mountain, reach the vantage point, and gaze your eyes over Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, all from a single point.
To get your adrenaline pumping, you can always visit the Smoky Mountains and choose your preferred outdoor activity. You can bike, walk, or hike to explore the beautiful terrains. You can even spend the day fishing. The Smoky Mountains are even more welcoming and beautiful during the fall.
2. Low Taxes
If the natural landscape is not your top priority, then Tennessee has a much more practical benefit in store for you: non-taxable personal income. That’s right; in Tennessee, residents don’t have to pay taxes from their wages.
Since Tennessee does not have any obligation regarding state income tax, you won’t have to worry about your paychecks getting taxed. But you will still be taxed on interest earnings and dividends. If you are in the investment market and make money from your investments, that income will still be taxed.
Only regular income gets tax exemption. As for now, the tax rate on dividends is 6%, but Tennessee plans to make this tax-free as well by the end of 2022.
3. Standard Cost of Living
Low property taxes make a living in Tennessee very comfortable and affordable. Residents of Tennessee enjoy a low cost of living with affordable goods and services.
Home prices are also more affordable than other places in the U.S. The median home prices in Tennessee can range from $150,000 to $170,000. If you are looking for something more premium, houses in Nashville may be the right choice for you. Prices there can range from $320,000 to $400,000. But if you are looking for something on a budget, check out places in Memphis or Clarksville, TN. You can even get amazing renovation jobs done at a fair price.
4. Incredible Country Music
Tennessee has an incredible music scene that lovers of blues, rock, jazz, and country from around the world love and cherish. It also has a rich music history. The legendary Grand Ole Opry venue is home to one of the biggest and best country music events. There are plenty of other live music venues scattered across all the towns of Tennessee.
5. Thriving Job Market
Thanks to the booming economy, plenty of large companies offer lucrative jobs to the residents of Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Clarksville, TN. You will find tons of opportunities with great paychecks. Nashville is one of the best places for interested job seekers.
According to a recent report by Wall Street Journal, Nashville may just be the biggest hub for job seekers in the entire U.S. FedEx, HCA Healthcare, Dollar General, Cracker Barrel are all part of the growing economy of Tennessee. Thanks to its tax-friendly environment, it attracts students and jobseekers across the country.
6. Quality Education
Students here find plenty of opportunities to obtain a quality education. The top universities and colleges of Tennessee include Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, The University of South, University of Tennessee, Maryville College, Rhodes College, etc. For children, there are plenty of high-quality public schools throughout the states.
A few of the best school districts include Maryville City Schools, Johnson City Schools, Germantown, Greeneville City Schools, Oak Ridge School District, Kingsport City Schools, etc.
7. Mild Seasons with Comfortable Weather
Tennessee is home to amazing seasonal weather. The climate will differ from state to state, but the weather here is primarily mild to a little moderate throughout the year.
You will hardly find harsh seasons here. Summers are warm, and winters are a bit chilly while falls are bursting with life. The fall is arguably the best season in Tennessee, and that would be the perfect time to shift as well. You can head out on a fantastic fall tour right after your move. This fall, we recommend visiting Pigeon Forge, Newfound Gap Road, Clingman’s Dome, and Roan Mountain.
The Cons of Living in Tennessee
While Tennessee is a great place to stay, it is not perfect and has its fair share of flaws. Here are some of its cons-
1. High Sales Tax
Tennessee has the highest sales tax in the U.S that is currently 7%.
2. Transportation Problem
Tennessee has plenty of public transportation, but having your vehicle would be the best way to travel around and save time.
3. Landlocked State
Tennessee is surrounded by land. There are plenty of waterfalls and swimming holes, but you won’t find a beach anywhere close.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to look at all the advantages and disadvantages before moving to a completely different city or state. Tennessee has a lot to offer, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea as well. Consider all the things we mentioned above to make an informed decision.