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- Con: Diversity. One of the cons of living in Tennessee is the lack of racial diversity. With close to seven million people living in the state, approximately 72% identify as “white only”.
- Pro: Access to the Outdoors. Honestly, one of the biggest pros of living in Tennessee is the access to the outdoors. The state has natural beauty outdoors and human made spots of nature!
- Con: Schooling. Relocating to Tennessee can be a challenge for anyone, but especially if you have a family. Less than 30% of students are achieving math and reading proficiency.
- Pro: Employment. A big factor for those looking to move is what the job market is in the new location. There is ample opportunity for working in Tennessee!
- Living in Tennessee
- Neutral Considerations For Living in Tennessee
- Perks of Moving to Tennessee
- Cons of Living in Tennessee
- Pros & Cons of Living in Tennessee
Longtime readers know that the fun lives in the comments! See what other locals are saying and offer your two cents in the comments below!
The Political Climate
As suggested by Beth, a commenter on this article (all of our articles are continually updated based on comments we receive), the political situation in Tennessee is worth noting. To pull directly from her comment: “We currently have a super majority of very conservative Republicans in both houses of the Tennessee legislature.We also have a conservative Republican governor. I doubt this will change any time soon. This could be a real positive or negative depending on several factors. In any c...
#1. Outdoor Recreation
There’s no denying that Tennessee is a beautiful state full of varied landscapes and stunning nature. From the famous Appalachian Mountains (in the east) to the Mississippi River (in the west), locals are spoiled for choice! From hiking, climbing, camping, kayaking, canoeing or caving, Tennessee can scratch a nature enthusiasts itch most month of the year. While each corner of the state has something interesting to offer, the star of the show is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the mos...
#2. The Low Cost of Living in Tennessee
The affordable cost of living in Tennessee is the ultimate reason I ended up making the move. I was tired of working long hours to (barely) afford a downtown apartment and basic living expenses. I wanted to enjoy my daily life and (as you know) affordability is a huge factor in that. So, after several months of research, I finally landed on The Volunteer State, which was rated the 6th most affordable state to live in. Between reasonable home prices (20% lower than the national average), low p...
#3. Affordable Homes & Low Property Taxes
As I just mentioned, buying a house in Tennessee is still (relatively) affordable. As of this writing, median home prices clock in at about $310K. When compared to the national average, it’s not hard to see why so many first-time home buyers end up moving to Tennessee to start a family. Likewise, property taxes are also a consideration. As it stands, with a real estate tax rate of 0.71%, Tennessee has the 15th lowest property taxes in the country.All this to say: owning a home in Tennessee is...
#1. The Crime Rate is High
It’s important to me that this list of the pros and cons of moving to Tennessee is as honest as possible. So, let’s rip that band-aide right off. Tennessee has some of the highest crime rates (per capita) in the nation. In fact, a recent study found that Tennessee is the 3rd most dangerous state in the country, based on violent crimes and murders. Furthering the claim, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Tennessee has the 7th highest homicide rate in the nation. Se...
#2. Low Wages & High Poverty Rate
Tennessee has some of thelowest wages in the country. Furthermore, the state doesn’t have an official minimum wage law which means employers must pay the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Nobody can afford to support themselves off $7.25 per hour. Heck, according to MIT the “actual living wage” for a single adult in Davidson County (second most populous county in the state) is a whopping $18.35. Even with the relatively low cost of living in Tennessee, most folks have to live pa...
#3. Low Life Expectancy
Want to know a sad stat? Tennessee’s life expectancy is the 5th lowestin the country (76 years old). So unfortunate. But, after moving to Tennessee, it wasn’t hard to see why. Lifestyles seem to be pretty sedentary lifestyle and poor diets are quite common (Tennessee has the 4th highest obesity ratesin the nation). Likewise, access to healthcare varies across the state. Some rural areas are grossly under-served, which results in a lack of access to essential medical services. Efforts are bein...
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the honest pros and cons of living in Tennessee. 1. The scenic beauty of the state 2. The low cost of living in Tennessee 3. Mild winters 4. Affordable homes + low property taxes 5. The food scene is great 6. There’s no state income taxes for folks living in Tennessee 7. The live music scene 8. Festivals galore 9. ...
Sep 5, 2018 · 5. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited in the country. Michael Hicks - Flickr . We know you love Yosemite, but it's the Great Smokies that take home the title when it comes to the most visited park in the United States. It's shared between Tennessee and North Carolina, so technically it has the grace of easy access, but ...
Aug 26, 2024 · Tennessee, which became the 16th U.S. state in 1796, is home to the historic music centers of Memphis and Nashville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Jun 3, 2019 · 1. Tennessee became the 16 th state in June 1796 and borders eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia. 2. About 10.8 million acres of ...
- Shelbi Austin
- Web Producer
Sep 17, 2024 · Travel Destinations. Why is Tennessee so fascinating? This state offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the lively streets of Nashville, there's something for everyone. Music lovers flock to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Graceland, while history buffs ...
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Statehood and State History. Learn about how Tennessee became a state. The great State of Tennessee has a rich and fascinating history. As one of the oldest states (the third to be admitted after the original 13), Tennessee has had a significant role in the history of the United States for over two hundred years. In this section, you will find ...
