If you’re interested in moving to Tennessee crammed with beautiful scenery and deep-rooted cultural traditions and where the cost of living is low, Tennessee is just the place for you. With a population of 6.8 million, Tennessee ranks as the #23 most populous state in the country. The eastern side of the state seats the Great Smoky Mountains where the nation’s most visited national park is a dream for anyone looking for virgin hiking trails.
Tennessee is a beautiful spot for retirees to live out their golden years. Tennessee is the birthplace of blues and home of Elvis Presley, well you’re not alone. Its musical roots are what many often associate the volunteer state and the Memphis BBQ, of course. Tennessee has in the recent past been considered one of the best states to live in the country and for good reason.
If you’re moving to Tennessee, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Moving to Tennessee
Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee
Here are a few pros and cons to consider as you make your move to The Volunteer State:
Pros.
- Cost of living: With rates 15-25% below the national average, Tennessee offers extremely competitive prices on housing, utilities, groceries, and goods.
- No income taxes: TN is one of only nine states that does not have a personal income tax. However, the state does tax interest and dividends at a rate of 6% through the Hall Tax.
- Southern history & charm: From Graceland to the National Civil Rights Museum, Tennessee is filled with historical sites. The state is also known for its classic Southern hospitality and kind, helpful people.
- Food & drink: Home to Jack Daniels, Tennessee whiskey is world-renowned. Not to be outdone, the state is known for its mouthwatering BBQ, catfish, cornbread, and a slew of other dishes.
- Music: Famously known for country music- Nashville is considered the country music capital of the world- Tennessee also has deep roots in jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Cons.
- Sales tax: Tennessee doesn’t have an income tax but makes up for it by having the nation’s highest sales tax. The current rate is 7%.
- Transportation: Though TN cities have decent public transportation, you’ll probably need access to a vehicle to get around the state in a reasonable amount of time.
- Severe weather: From the occasional tornado to tropical depressions and intense thunderstorms, severe weather is inescapable in this southeastern state.
- Gang violence: Unfortunately, East Tennessee (specifically in the tri-cities area) is home to every major gang found in the United States.
Tax Rates
- Property Taxes: The median annual property tax paid by homeowners in Tennessee is $1,220, about half the national average. The average effective property tax rate in Tennessee is 0.64%.
- Sales Tax: Tennessee sales tax is seven percent and you may want to add a 2.75% to that because of many counties here. This means you’re going to be paying close to 10 in sales tax on your purchases.
- Income Tax: When you live in Tennessee you won’t be needing to pay a state income tax this will save the average household $2,000/ year. This makes Tennessee a very tax-friendly state.
Housing Market
The median home value in Tennessee is $294,296 and has gone up 27.1% according to Zillow.
What Should I Know In 2022?
Economy Outlook
Until about 1940 Tennessee’s economy was predominantly agricultural, with cotton, tobacco, and livestock as the principal cash products. Today Tennessee’s economy has grown mainly in the service sector. However, the development of information and high-technology services has not been as rapid in Tennessee as it has been elsewhere in the region.
Between March and June 2022, employers added 9,800 jobs to the state’s economy. Officials said most of them were in retail with the accommodation and food services industry counting for the second-highest gains. The third highest gains were in professional, scientific, and technical services. The size of Tennessee’s labor force grew to 3,325,306 and participation in it increase to 60.7%.
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Traffic & Transportation
Public Transportation is available in every county in Tennessee, with a wide range of services. … Options include fixed-route service, demand-response service, express buses, local shuttles, and complementary paratransit in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The four biggest cities in Tennessee: Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Knoxville, all rank in the bottom half of the country for traffic congestion.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Tennessee is roughly 13% cheaper than the national average. This means expenses like groceries, gas prices, utilities, housing, and health care are all under the national average. Affordability is very important for those looking to retire or move with their family so Tennessee is an ideal location for many people.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 968.96$ without rent.
- A family of four estimated monthly costs is 3,448.87$ without rent.
- Nashville is 28.33% less expensive than New York.
Moving to Tennessee
Things to Know When Moving To Tennessee
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Moving is one of the most exciting and overwhelming events in our lives. While there are many moving companies and various different resources to choose from, there is only one Real Movers. If you are in the process of planning a long-distance move, and you are looking for a moving company you can trust, Real Movers is your perfect choice.
