Stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains to just east of the Mississippi River, Tennessee is a southeastern state steeped in history and hospitality. Home to the “Birthplace of the Blues” (Memphis) and the “Country Music Capital of the World” (Nashville), not to mention Elvis Presley, music is a huge part of the culture. Coupled with southern charm, simple living, captivating nature, high quality of life, and low cost of living, people of all ages have been flocking to the Volunteer State.
Want to see what else Tennessee has to offer? To give you a better sense of what to expect, Great Guys Long Distance Movers has included this informative guide. You’ll find a wealth of info:
Considering a move to Tennessee? With a population of 6.8 million, Tennessee ranks as the #23 most populous state in the country. At an area of 41,143 square miles, Tennessee is the 36th largest state. The Volunteer State offers plenty of benefits and some drawbacks to mull over before making your decision where to move.
Cheaper to Buy or Rent? According to Clever’s Top 20 Cheapest States to Buy a House in 2019 study, Tennessee is one of the most affordable states in which to purchase a home. Nashville has become a popular destination for more and more folks, but the city still offers great bargains.
As to be expected with such reasonable housing and rental prices, the overall cost of living in Tennessee is a bargain as well. With the 6th lowest cost of living index in America (88.7), the state is well below the national average. Here’s a breakdown – a score below 100 indicates a lower expense than the US average: groceries (93.3), housing (80.2), transportation (89.7), and health (88.5).
Using the Family Budget Calculator, let’s take a look at the average individual expenses in two Tennessee cities. We’ll use a family of four, with two adults and two kids, for these examples.
In general, this landlocked state has a temperate climate, comprised of mild winters and hot summers. The climate varies widely, however, according to region and elevation. Nashville, for example, has a mean annual temperature of just under 60 degrees. In the mountainous east, temps tend to be quite lower. The warmest parts of the state include the Central Basin and the Sequatchie Valley.
Climate stats:
According to The US States Most Prone to Natural Disasters by World Atlas, Tennessee is ranked #16.
According to Best States Ranking by US News, Tennessee has an overall economy ranking of #30. The scorecard is based on several factors: healthcare (#43), education (#35), economy (#12), infrastructure (#13), opportunity (#26, fiscal stability (#1), crime & corrections (#43), and natural environment (#37).
As you can see, the state ranks 1st in fiscal stability and 12th in economy. The median income is $28,764, and GDP is roughly $350 billion.
Public transportation is found in every county in the state.
West Tennessee
Middle Tennessee
East Tennessee
The state currently has over 1,070 miles of interstate highways.
The four biggest cities in Tennessee: Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Knoxville, all rank in the bottom half of the country for traffic congestion. According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Nashville ranked #20. Residents lost an average of 87 hours in traffic in 2018, which resulted in a cost of about $1,220 per driver. In total, congestion costs Tennesseans over $1.7 billion per year.
Ranked #36 in education by USA Today, Tennessee has room to improve enrollment, public school spending (9th lowest), and the number of adults with bachelor’s degrees (9th lowest). Despite its low ranking, the state is home to some outstanding colleges and universities, including Vanderbilt University (the 14th best national university). Many institutes of higher learning here offer great value.
New residents or folks returning to the state must obtain a Tennessee driver’s license or photo ID within 30 days of moving here.
Steps to get a TN driver’s license:
If you drive in Tennessee, you’re required to have your vehicle properly titled and registered.
To register your out-of-state vehicle, bring the following to a local county clerk office:
*Note: a felon who has their conviction expunged or voting rights restored is eligible to vote.
Population: 188,000
Median Home Value: $173,500
We begin our tour of East Tennessee in the city of Knoxville. Situated in Knox County in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the city has gone from being home to Daniel Boone, the famous American frontiersman, to becoming a high-value, growing community. The majority of residents rent their homes and tend to be politically conservative, while the public school system is above average.
As a fast-growing city, Knoxville offers diverse amenities, attractions, architecture, and arts. It’s known as a great place for college grads, particularly those with degrees in research and technology. Home to the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a growing downtown, and a strong business climate, many millennials have taken root. On the downside, if you have allergies or aren’t that into sports, be prepared for an intense concentration of pollen and diehard sports fans.
Are you looking for K–12 education? Top public schools include Farragut High School, L&N STEM Academy, Bearden High School, Hardin Valley Academy, and Sequoyah Elementary School. Top Private schools in Knoxville include Webb School of Knoxville, Knoxville Catholic High School, Christian Academy of Knoxville, Berean Christian School, and Apostolic Christian School. Looking at colleges? Check out University of Tennessee, Johnson University, and Pellissippi State Community College.
Clean, welcoming, and affordable, Knoxville has a lot to offer with its big-city amenities, small-town feel, and proximity to beautiful nature.
Population: 23,000
Median Home Value: $376,400
As the top town to live in the Knoxville area, Farragut is a beautiful community that attracts retirees and young families alike. Offering a pleasant alternative to the city, while still being a short commute away from Knoxville, the town checks all the boxes for great suburban living. Nearly 90% of residents own their homes and tend to be conservative, while the local public schools are highly respected.
As Knoxville’s #1 suburb, Farragut offers plenty of attractive selling points: amazing scenery, outdoor recreation & scenic parks (Fort Loudon Lake, Anchor Park, and Concord Park), outstanding schools, area’s best shopping & dining (famous for Turkey Creek), and access to Downtown Knoxville, only 30 minutes away. Though the median home value is relatively higher, there are plenty of deals to be found in the housing market.
The schools here are exceptional. Top public schools include Farragut High School, L&N STEM Academy, Hardin Valley Academy, Farragut Middle School, and Farragut Intermediate School. Top private schools include Knoxville, Concord Christian School, and St John Neumann Catholic School. If you’re looking for higher education, colleges like the University of Tennessee are just a short trip away in Knoxville.
Offering a wide range of housing options, ranging from sub-$100K to $1 million luxury homes, Farragut is the best suburb in East Tennessee to raise a family or retire.
Population: 43,000
Median Home Value: $656,000
Considered the #1 place to live in Tennessee, Brentwood is a Nashville suburb located in Williamson County. It’s 12 miles south of the city, offering a quick commute and a nice escape from the bustle of Nashville. 91% of residents are homeowners, lean conservative, and the schools are highly rated.
Offering a high quality of life, Brentwood has an assortment of natural beauty, rolling hills, parks, restaurants, shopping, business opportunities, close-knit community, and amazing schools – the main reason families move here. One downside is that Brentwood is quite affluent. With a median home value in the mid $650K range, it has some of the most expensive properties in the state.
Are you looking for stellar K–12 public schooling? If you have kids, this is a great place for education. Top public schools are Brentwood High School, Ravenwood High School, Kenrose Elementary School, Clovercroft Elementary School, and Lipscomb Elementary School. All of these schools currently have an A+ rating on Niche. As for private K–12 education, the town is home to Brentwood Academy.
Offering great quality of life and proximity to Nashville, Brentwood is considered one of the best places to retire or raise children.
Population: 141,000
Median Home Value: $242,900
Next stop on our tour of Middle Tennessee, we have Murfreesboro. Located approximately 35 miles southeast of Nashville, the city has been consistently named one of the Top 100 places to live in the US by several publications (along with being the #1 place to live in Rutherford County). It was originally called Cannonsburgh, but the name was changed later to honor Colonel Hardy Murfree.
As part of the “Athens of the South,” Murfreesboro is a famous college town, known for Middle Tennessee State University. With a suburban feel, most residents own their homes and tend to be more conservative. The city has become a hub for commerce and tourism and is home to companies such as State Farm Insurance, Amazon, National Health Care, and Schwan Cosmetics.
Offering above-average education, the city has several schooling options from which to choose. Looking for a public school? Check out Central Magnet School, Blackman Elementary School, McFadden School of Excellence, Brown’s Chapel Elementary School, and Lascassas Elementary School. Want your kids to attend private school? Consider Providence Christian Academy, Middle Tennessee Christian School, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Montessori Weaver School, and Rutherford Academy. Local Colleges include Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technology Center at Murfreesboro, and Daymar Institute.
If you’re looking for a small city with a college feel, Murfreesboro is a great choice that offers a kind-hearted community, growth & development, stellar quality of life, and a reasonable cost of living.
Population: 691,000
Median Home Value: $262,500
What can we say about Nashville? For starters, it’s known as Music City, the home of country music, and some would argue that it also is the music capital of the world, but let’s not start a fight with Austin, Texas. As the capital of Tennessee, Nashville is a booming city steeped in rich Southern culture. Considered one of the greatest cities for live music, delicious food, and great people, no wonder millennials are flocking to Tennessee’s crowning jewel.
There’s a preconceived notion that most people who move to Nashville want to become country stars, but the reality is that health care and technology are the top industries here. As a startup hub, the city offers plenty of lucrative opportunities. Coupled with endless entertainment, topnotch education, open spaces (Centennial Park), food & drink (known for hot chicken), arguably the country’s top music scene (The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Bluebird Café, Rudy’s Jazz Room, The Ryan Auditorium, and much more), and pro sports (Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators) – and you have a winning combo!
Of course, every city has its challenges. Public transportation has room for improvement, and summers can be extremely hot and humid.
If you’re in search of one of the best cities to live and work in the US, Nashville is a prime pick.
Population: 50,000
Median Home Value: $336,000
First on our tour of West Tennessee, we have Collierville. Arguably the best place to raise a family in the Memphis area, the cosmopolitan town located in Shelby County offers great schools (particularly private education), safe neighborhoods, family-friendly living, and Southern charm. 80% of residents own their homes and tend to lean moderate.
Collierville is a perfect place to raise a family, and it offers plenty of things to do: parks & greenways (800+ acres of parkland), cleanliness (topnotch upkeep), history (goes back to the 1830s), one of the best main streets in America (plus, historic Collierville Town Square), and a 55,000 square foot community center. Residents are also highly educated, and the median household income exceeds $100,000.
Are you looking for the best public schools in Collierville? Top choices include Collierville High School, Campus School, Germantown High School, Middle College High School, and Macon-Hall Elementary School. Top private schools include St. George’s Independent School, Incarnation Catholic School, and Central Day School. Several colleges are a short commute away in Memphis (see below).
In the market for not only the best town in West Tennessee but one of the best small towns in the entire country? You may have just found your next home in award-winning Collierville.
Population: 39,000
Median Home Value: $336,400
Next, let’s take a look at the #1 suburb in the Memphis area: Germantown. Just east of the Mississippi River and the city of Memphis, the city of less than 40,000 is small yet fast-growing. 86% of residents are homeowners and lean conservative, while the local schools are above average.
Designated as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, Germantown offers 27 parks and 700+ acres of recreational space. Summers are notoriously hot and humid, and winters are mild. As for things to do, there is a multitude of craft fairs, farmers markets, horse shows, sports leagues, summer camps, concert series, and other annual events for both children and adults.
Are you raising a family? If you’re looking for good public schools, check out White Station High School, Houston High School, Campus School, Germantown High School, and Middle College High School. Those in search of private education should consider St. George’s Independent School, Bodine School, The Phoenix School for Creative Learning, and Daybreak Specialized School.
Germantown is a clean and safe city that offers peace and quiet while still being only 30 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Memphis.
Population: 652,000
Median Home Value: $86,000
We couldn’t have a top list without Memphis. The cosmopolitan city is known as the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. With a more laid-back feel and a ton of pride, the city has an undeniable spirit and culture. Most residents rent and tend to be liberal.
Home to some of the greatest BBQ in the world, Memphis also offers other world-class food, from Middle Eastern cuisine to scrumptious seafood. For history buffs, there’s an assortment of attractions that include the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, the Lorraine Motel, and the Pink Palace Museum. Downtown Memphis is home to many fantastic live music venues, restaurants, and bars. Simply put, there’s always something fun and interesting to do in Memphis!
Though there’s room for improvement, Memphis is an extremely affordable place to live, offering high diversity and the perfect melting pot of slow southern living and urban spark.
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Great Guys Long Distance Movers connects you with top-rated moving services at low prices:
Moving across the country? This type of relocation can cost thousands of dollars, along with a lot of time and effort. Our network of trustworthy long-distance movers can ensure a smooth transition while offering you a low rate that’s easy on your wallet.
Relocating to another neighborhood or county in Tennessee? If you’re moving within the Volunteer State, you need a team you can trust. Great Guys connects you with dependable local movers who show up with the right tools, attitude, and expertise.
An overseas relocation can be overwhelming. From complicated paperwork to customs clearance, you need an expert who can help guide you through the process. We make it easy to successfully plan and accomplish an international relocation.
Have a one-bedroom apartment, dorm, or studio? Instead of renting a truck and taking a day or two off, quickly and affordably arrange for small load movers to take care of your move. Regardless of the size of your haul, we can find a swift solution that fits your budget.
From bulky beds to cumbersome cabinets, moving furniture can cause injury and property damage. Why take the risk? Save your back. We can source top furniture moving companies with ease, so you don’t have to wrestle with your couch or any other unwieldy furniture.
When it comes to your piano or organ, don’t leave it in amateur hands. Our highly trained piano moving specialists come prepared with the right tools, knowledge, and experience. Enjoy peace of mind while piano movers deliver your prized instrument to a new venue, town, or state.
Whether you own a private collection or run an art gallery, it’s crucial to protect your valuable cargo during transport and delivery. Our art shipping specialists offer specialized services that ensure a drama-free process when moving from one space to another.
There can be many reasons for storage – you may be renovating, traveling, or just not ready to move everything into your new home. When you need short-term storage, we’re ready to help.
Landed a new job that requires a quick move? Facing eviction? Whatever the reason, you need help ASAP. We know exactly how demanding this situation can be. That’s why we specialize in sourcing last-minute moving service that can assist with a safe, speedy move.
Facing a mountain of household goods? Between work, life, and your upcoming move, it can be too much to tackle yourself. We hook you up with fully licensed and insured Tennessee residential movers that take the stress off your shoulders.
Packing can be a pain. Whether you don’t have the time or desire, you can always hire a partial or comprehensive packing service. Relax while a team of packing professionals skillfully wrap, pad, box, and even crate your precious valuables and belongings.
Whether you’re moving to a new retail relocation, a new office space, or relocating a corporation, you can’t afford downtime. That said, our highly qualified commercial and office movers are ready to help you stay on time and budget. Keep focused on daily operations while your commercial move is smoothly executed.
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In search of affordable, reliable Tennessee moving services? Request a free estimate today!
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