Moving to Tennessee offers a unique blend of Southern charm, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant city life, but there are a few things you should know before making the move. From the state’s low cost of living and no income tax to its unpredictable weather and deep-rooted country music culture, Tennessee has plenty to offer newcomers. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of Nashville, the scenic beauty of the Smoky Mountains or the historic appeal of Memphis, understanding the local lifestyle, economy and quirks can help you settle in smoothly. Here’s what you need to know before calling the Volunteer State home.
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Get Started Now1. Consider Not Moving to Tennessee in the Summer
Moving to Tennessee in the summer can be challenging due to the intense heat and humidity. Temperatures often soar into the high 80s and 90s (°F), with humidity levels making it feel even hotter. This can make the physical demands of moving—lifting boxes, loading furniture, and unpacking—extremely uncomfortable and exhausting.
Additionally, summer is peak moving season, meaning higher prices for rental trucks, movers, and housing, along with increased competition for available homes. Tennessee also experiences severe thunderstorms during the summer months, which can lead to unpredictable weather delays and potential disruptions. If possible, it’s best to plan your move for the spring or fall when the weather is milder, and costs are generally lower.
2. Tennessee Doesn’t Tax Personal Income
Tennessee doesn’t have a state income tax, so you won’t see state income taxes taken out of your paychecks or owe state income taxes at tax time. The state also repealed its tax on dividends (known as the Hall tax), back in 2021.
Tennessee’s lack of a state income tax is a major financial perk for residents, offering several key benefits such as higher take-home pay, a simpler tax filing process and it makes for a retirement-friendly state. Check out SmartAsset’s free federal income tax calculator for help estimating other income tax obligations when you move to the state.
3. Tennessee is a Great Place for Music-Lovers
Lovers of jazz, blues rock and country will all find Tennessee’s music scene and music history thrilling. There are plenty of small live music venues, plus legendary spots like the Grand Ole Opry. You can visit Loretta Lynn’s ranch and Sun Studio or walk in the footsteps of B.B. King and Aretha Franklin.
4. Tennessee Whiskey is in a Category of Its Own
Tennessee whiskey is an industry term that refers to whiskey made according to a specific method. The most famous example of Tennessee whiskey is arguably Jack Daniels. Jack Daniels, or “Jack” as locals call it, is big in Tennessee. You can visit the Jack Daniels Distillery and take a tour if you’re interested, but you can also enjoy the drink throughout the state.
5. Tennessee Has Serious Literary Chops
Music isn’t the only art that has flourished in Tennessee. Tennessee is the birthplace of many famous writers, including Alex Haley, Cormac McCarthy and James Agee. Sewanee, Tennessee’s University of the South is home to the prestigious literary magazine “The Sewanee Review,” which is said to be the oldest continually published periodical of its kind in the U.S.
6. Festivals and Fairs Are Big in Tennessee
Festivals and fairs are a big deal in Tennessee because they reflect the state’s rich culture, deep musical roots and a strong sense of community. From world-famous events like the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester to small-town county fairs, these gatherings celebrate everything from music and food to history and agriculture.
Tennessee’s strong ties to country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll make it a hotspot for live music festivals, while its agricultural heritage fuels numerous state and county fairs featuring livestock shows, rodeos and Southern cuisine. Additionally, these events provide a sense of unity, bringing together locals and visitors to enjoy entertainment, traditions and regional pride. No matter where you are in the state, chances are there’s a festival happening nearby, making Tennessee a lively and engaging place to live.
7. You Can Visit Dollywood and Graceland
If you’re interested in music legends Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, Tennessee is the place for you. You can road trip to Dollywood and Graceland or take your guests there when they visit you in your new Tennessee home.
8. The National Civil Rights Museum is in Tennessee
If you want to learn more about the Civil Rights movement and its greats, Tennessee is a good place to dive into that history. Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum and an Underground Railroad museum. Nashville was the site of famous sit-ins during the Civil Rights movement.
9. It’s Worth Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Do mountains, forests, waterfalls and wildflowers appeal to you? If so, you’ll love Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can stay in a hotel in a nearby town, or opt for camping or cabins inside the boundaries of the park.
10. Tennessee BBQ Generally Means Dry-Rubbed Ribs
Tennessee barbecue is slow-cooked and succulent. It can be “wet” or “dry,” but a spicy dry rub is probably the classic Tennessee barbecue option. If you don’t eat meat, don’t worry. It’s easier to be a vegetarian in the South than it used to be. However, if meat is something you enjoy, don’t miss out on Tennessee barbecue.
11. The Fall Colors in Tennessee Are Stunning
The fall colors in Tennessee are truly stunning due to the state’s diverse landscapes, rich mix of tree species, and ideal autumn weather conditions. The Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and rolling hills of Middle and East Tennessee provide breathtaking backdrops as leaves transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Trees such as maple, hickory, oak, and sweetgum create a vibrant tapestry of colors that peak from mid-October to early November. The cool, crisp air and scenic byways—like the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway—make for perfect leaf-peeping road trips.
12. You Can Explore Thousands of Caves in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to over 10,000 caves, making it a paradise for spelunkers and nature enthusiasts alike. The state’s vast network of caves is due to its karst landscape, a geological formation characterized by limestone rock that naturally erodes to create underground caverns, tunnels and sinkholes. Many of these caves are open for exploration, with some featuring breathtaking rock formations, underground waterfalls and rare wildlife like blind fish and bats.
13. Traffic Can Be Heavy in Tennessee
Tennessee might make you think of driving in a pick-up truck down wide-open country roads, but the state has a bit of a traffic problem, particularly in and around the big cities of Nashville and Memphis. If you’re heading out of town for holiday travel or trying to make a flight at one of the state airports, give yourself plenty of time.
14. The Tennessee Promise Program Offers Free Community College to High School Grads
If your child graduates from high school in Tennessee, he or she will be able to attend a Tennessee community college at zero cost to you, thanks to the Tennessee Promise Program. Tennessee Promise inspired a similar federal effort to get high school grads into free community college as a path to a more educated workforce.
15. Tennessee’s Cities Are Booming
Tennessee’s cities are booming due to strong job growth, a business-friendly environment, and an influx of new residents seeking affordability and opportunity. Nashville, often called the “It City,” has experienced explosive growth, driven by its thriving healthcare, tech and music industries. Memphis is expanding as a logistics and transportation hub, thanks to FedEx and its strategic location along major highways and the Mississippi River.
Chattanooga has emerged as a tech-friendly city with one of the fastest internet speeds in the country, attracting startups and remote workers. Knoxville and other mid-sized cities are also seeing rapid growth due to lower living costs, high quality of life and access to outdoor recreation. With no state income tax, a relatively low cost of living and a strong economy, Tennessee continues to draw businesses and newcomers, fueling urban expansion and development.
Bottom Line
Moving to Tennessee is a great opportunity to steep yourself in history and culture while enjoying a low cost of living. The state has a lot to offer new transplants, whatever their interests. It’s especially attractive from the point of view of taxes, nature and culture. If you are moving to Tennessee, you probably want to see how your budget will be affected.
Tips for Managing Your Finances
- If you’re thinking about relocating to Tennessee, a financial advisor can help you create a financial plan to do so in the most economically prudent way. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If you want to know how much house you can afford, SmartAsset’s free home buying calculator can help you break down mortgage payments, property tax, insurance, and other costs based on your income, location, and other relevant financial information.
- In-depth budgeting can help improve your long-term finances. SmartAsset’s budget calculator can help you set and track different financial goals.
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