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27 Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee in 2024
Are you wondering about the pros and cons of living in Tennessee?
Tennessee is full of big flavor, from the Nashville music scene to finger-licking good BBQ. The state has a variety of landscapes, spans two time zones, and reaches from the Appalachian mountains to the Mississippi River.
If you’ve lived in as many places as I have, you know the importance of doing your research before settling down in a new place. Potential residents need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before calling Tennessee home.
Let’s unpack all the pros and cons of Tennessee and what it means to make the Volunteer State your new home.
✈️ Are you planning to move to Tennessee, USA? Look for the best flight deals here!
Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee
1. Pro: No Income Tax
Before moving to Tennessee, there are a few state laws to know, including those regarding income, sales, and property tax laws.
Tennessee is 1 of 9 states in America that does not require its residents to pay state income tax, which means you get to enjoy a little bit more money in your paycheck.
A lower tax burden creates more jobs and keeps young professionals from moving out of state, which makes this 1 of the top 10 reasons to move to Tennessee.
2. Con: Low Minimum Wage
In Tennessee, people working on minimum wage will make significantly less than in other states around the US. Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage and therefore follows the federal minimum wage standard of $7.25 per hour.
These wages can make it hard to make ends meet for people working hourly jobs, even with the low cost of living in Tennessee.
3. Pro: Mild Winters
Tennessee has delightfully mild winters similar to its neighbors, South Carolina and Georgia, with temperatures averaging 4°C (40°F) from December to February.
The highs during the day are around 10°C (50°F), and the lows can drop to freezing at night. Winter is also the driest season, with few major storms and little precipitation.
While Tennessee might see a few beautiful snowy days, most of the snow melts away by the next morning.
4. Con: Severe Weather
While the winters may be mild, Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather. Intense thunderstorms and flooding are not uncommon in summer. The state also sees an average of 30 tornadoes each year. Knoxville (in eastern Tennessee) has the lowest risk of experiencing natural disasters such as earthquakes or tornadoes.
5. Pro: Low Property Taxes
Tennessee ranked #15 for lowest property taxes in the United States at 0.66%.
Real estate agents explain taxes are so low because the taxes for real estate apply to the property’s assessed value and not the total market value. For residential property, this makes up 25% of the market value.
6. Con: Limited Public Transportation
Every county in Tennessee offers some type of public transportation, but it can be challenging to access public transportation throughout the state.
Buses are the main form of public transportation in Tennessee, but getting to the rural parts of the state without a personal vehicle can be difficult. Most bus routes are limited to larger cities.
If you want to move to Tennessee, owning a car is the way to go.
7. Pro: Southern Hospitality
It isn’t called the Volunteer State for nothing. Tennessee offers some of the best southern hospitality in the nation.
Tennesseans are eager to make visitors feel welcome, and their charm is as thick as their sweet tea. Most people will look you in the eye, hold the door open for you, and engage in polite conversation while waiting in line.
8. Con: Hard to Make Friends
Assimilating into Tennessee culture can be challenging once the initial Southern hospitality has worn off. When you are no longer a guest, it’s often hard to break through polite conversation to make real friends.
Tennessee folks can be cliquish. You need to reach out to others on your own and initiate. Find a church, community group, or club to make connections on a deeper level.
👯 Meet like-minded people in Tennessee with just on tap! I recommend using this website!
9. Pro: Music Scene
In the 1950s, Nashville was hailed as “Music City, USA” and is still a pillar of the music industry. Tennessee has roots in many types of music, including bluegrass, rock and roll, and southern gospel.
There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy, like, the twang of folk music in the Appalachian mountains, the country beat on Broadway Street in Nashville, and the blues of Memphis and the Mississippi River.
You can explore Tennessee’s rich musical history at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
🎶 Experience Tennessee’s vibrant music scene through the Grand Ole Opry Show in Nashville!
10. Con: Violent Crime
Tennessee consistently ranks among the worst states for violent crime. Does this mean Tennessee is an unsafe place to live? Not necessarily.
The average number of incidents that make up the violent crime rate is 6.7 per 1,000 people, but in Tennessee’s safest cities, that is as low as 1.5 per 1,000. Most violent crime is in isolated areas of Memphis, Chattanooga, and Dyersburg.
11. Pro: Sports
You won’t regret moving to Tennessee if you are a sports fan. The Volunteer State has major league teams in 4 popular sports:
- NFL-Tennessee Titans
- NBA-Memphis Grizzlies
- MLS-Nashville Sound
- NHL-Nashville Preditors
College football is also a source of pride in Tennessee. With the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt both fighting for the top spot in the SEC, there’s a lot to cheer for in Tennessee.
12. Con: Landlocked State
Tennessee does not have the advantage of soft, powdery beaches and cool ocean breezes. It is landlocked and takes at least 6 hours to reach the nearest ocean beach, Gulf Shores, AL.
Although this is a bummer for some, Tennessee has beautiful lakes with sandy beaches, including Center Hill Lake, Cherokee Lake, and Chickamauga Lake.
13. Pro: Tennessee Promise Program
Is Tennessee a good place to raise a family? Tennessee has a lot to offer families, and the Volunteer State is already thinking long-term for your children’s future.
Tennessee offers the Tennessee Promise Program for students who live in the state. This scholarship provides 2 years of free tuition to any community college or technical college in Tennessee and gives students mentorship to help navigate the process.
14. Con: Heat and Humidity
It’s no surprise that summers in the South are hot and humid. Tennessee is right up there with Louisiana and South Carolina for being one of the most humid states in the country.
The humidity in Memphis, TN, is around 80.29% in August (the hottest month). East Tennessee gets more relief because of the Appalachian Mountains.
15. Pro: Natural Beauty
Lace-up your hiking boots because you will want to explore all the natural beauty of Tennessee. Tennessee has over 50 state parks to experience its environmental allure.
The stunning mountain views and extensive underground cave systems are amazing features to seek out. East Tennessee offers some of the most beautiful places to live in Tennessee, including Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Chattanooga.
16. Con: Allergies
Tennessee is one of the most difficult states for people with allergies. Tree and grass pollen peaks from April to June, and weed pollen (aka ragweed) is prevalent from August to November.
Knoxville is ranked #35 of the 100 top allergy capitals in the US. This con might be the worst part of living in Tennessee if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
17. Pro: Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tennessee is 10% lower than the national average. Food, housing, transportation, and taxes all factor in the low cost of living in the Volunteer State.
With no income tax and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Tennessee can keep the cost of living down compared to other states. The property tax rate in the state is also very low at 0.56%.
18. Con: Health is Not a Priority
Tennessee is one of the least healthy states in the US. The two significant factors that lead to premature deaths and poor health quality in Tennessee are tobacco use and chronic health conditions such as obesity.
Being mindful of your health and seeking the best healthcare options will keep you from becoming part of this statistic.
19. Pro: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of only 4 major national parks in the southeast, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, encompassing 500,000+ acres.
Easy access to the nature and beauty of this national park is a big pro in the list of pros and cons of living in East Tennessee.
🛻 This 3-hour Jeep Ride Tour of the Smoky Mountains from Foothills Parkway allows you to experience the most one of the most scenic drives in the country!
20. Con: Nuclear Power Plants
2 active nuclear power plants in Tennessee provide 43% of in-state electricity. This benefit also comes with some risks that potential residents should be aware of.
In the unlikely event of a meltdown, homes within 50 miles of a plant must evacuate due to potential damage and health risks. There are also long-term health problems that occur if exposed to radiation.
21. Pro: All Four Seasons
One of the nicest things about Tennessee is that you can enjoy all 4 seasons without any extremes. The winters won’t pile up snowdrifts, and the summers won’t melt your face off (Alaska and Florida, I’m talking about you).
The state also has amazing fall foliage, especially in the mountains of east Tennessee.
22. Con: Transplants Increase Traffic
The population of Tennessee increased by 83,000 people in 2022.
The rapid increase in new residents is putting a heavy strain on the infrastructure of many Tennessee towns and cities. Traffic around the city will worsen if infrastructure patterns don’t change in the next few years.
23. Pro: Tennessee BBQ
Meat that is wood smoked and dry-rubbed makes Tennessee BBQ uniquely delicious.
Memphis BBQ is known for its mix of over 40 spices, including paprika and garlic. Pulled Pork is the leading protein, along with juicy chicken, brisket, and ribs. Pair it with sides of collards, baked beans, and mac n’ cheese for the full experience, then wash it down with a few glasses of Tennessee sweet tea.
24. Con: Confederate Pride
Do not be surprised to see Confederate flags flying from homes and pickup trucks across Tennessee, which is offensive to many people. The state is still wrestling with its history of slavery and racial injustice even today.
25. Pro: Whiskey
Tennessee is home to one of the most famous whiskeys, Jack Daniels, but many other whiskey companies also come from Tennessee. The secret to Tennessee whiskey’s smooth flavor is filtering it through maple charcoal chips before being barreled.
🥃 Tennessee takes pride in its smooth and famous whiskeys. Book this tour for a memorable premium whiskey tasting experience in the city!
26. Pro: Three Tennessees
Tennessee has 3 very distinct regions.
East Tennessee and Knoxville are known for The Great Smokey Mountains, The Nashville Basin has rolling farmland, and West Tennessee is home to Memphis and the Mississippi River.
The landscape is exceptionally diverse. Whether you like cities, rolling hills, or mountains, there is a place in Tennessee that will be perfect for you. Plus, the state has many fun and exciting day trip opportunities within a reasonable distance.
27. Pro: Festivals and Fairs
Tennessee has hundreds of different festivals and fairs each year. Some of the most popular include the Sweet Tea Festival, Cornbread Festival, and local arts and crafts fairs.
Then there are music festivals galore. Each year Nashville hosts CMA Fest, the largest country music festival in the world.
FAQ: Pros and Cons of Tennessee
Is it worth living in Tennessee?
Yes, it’s worth living in Tennessee because of the lack of income tax, low property taxes, and comfortably mild weather. Tennessee also has plenty of good food, music, and scenic state/national parks!
Which part of Tennessee is best to live in?
The best part of Tennessee to live in depends on your style of living. Nashville has a great urban feel without losing its southern charm. Knoxville has the Smokey Mountains at its doorstep, and Memphis is on the Mississippi River, with fantastic BBQ and southern hospitality.
Does Tennessee get snow?
The mountains and the northern parts of Tennessee can get up to 5 inches of snow from November to April. Most snow happens during January and February, but the snow doesn’t last long since temperatures rarely stay below freezing for multiple days.
Are there bears in Tennessee?
Black bears are the only type of bears that live in Tennessee. The bear populations are limited to 2 areas of the state. Most black bears live in the Appalachian mountains, particularly in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park or the Cumberland Plateau area near the Kentucky border.
Wrap-Up: Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a high-quality life at a low cost of living. Now that you know the pros and cons of Tennessee, you can make a well-informed decision as a potential resident.
Despite the chance of severe weather, Tennessee offers natural beauty, great job opportunities, and plenty of entertainment for everyone.
Sports teams, country music, hiking, and higher education all make Tennessee a desirable place to live.
Thinking about moving to the South? Check out Tennessee’s neighbor, Georgia, to see if it might be the right state for you.
✈️ Are you planning to move to Tennessee, USA? Look for the best flight deals here!
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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
