As the birthplace of country music, Tennessee boasts a wonderful culture and beautiful scenery that all residents can enjoy. The state has over 7 million people living there, making it the 16th most populous state in the United States. Due to its diverse economy and popular destinations for tourism, Tennessee has plenty to offer to future residents. Are you considering buying a house in Chattanooga or renting an apartment in Cordoba? Consider these pros and cons of living in Tennessee and help you determine if Tennessee is a good place to live.
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Fast facts about Tennessee
Population 6,910,840 Central Home Selling Price $380,200 Average Rent in Tennessee $1,374 Largest cities in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville
Is Tennessee a good place to live?
Tennessee is the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for an affordable lifestyle, a mild winter and a strong sense of community. There is no state income tax, and in lively cities like Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga, the state offers many attractions. Residents enjoy access to stunning natural areas like Great Smoky Mountains and a rich cultural scene supported by music, food and history. Everywhere, there are drawbacks, such as hot, humid summers and limited public transport, but in many cases perks outweigh the drawbacks.
I live in Tennessee at a glance:
A friendly and cozy community: Southern hospitality is alive and well here. People tend to be warm, welcoming and quick conversations, especially in small towns. Live music is part of culture. Whether it’s country or blues, live music isn’t just entertainment. It is woven into everyday life in most parts of the state. The rising state (increasing pain): Rapid growth is bringing new businesses, restaurants and residents, but also housing prices and massive traffic rises in major cities. Slow-paced with big city perks: Life here tends to move at a more relaxed pace, but cities like Nashville and Memphis offer ample energy, culture and career opportunities without a larger metro price tag.
1. Pro: Tennessee’s cost of living is low
Tennessee is a relatively affordable state where I live. The median selling price in Tennessee is $380,200, which remains below the national average, even though it has risen 3.2% year-on-year. And there are plenty of affordable places to live in Tennessee. While home prices are affordable, living in cities like Knoxville can be expensive, while small suburbs like Clarksville generally remain cheap. Due to the low cost of living, residents have more disposable income to spend on other things like entertainment, travel, savings and more.
2. CON: The weather can sometimes be extreme
Tennessee is located in tornado alleys, so residents can expect harsh weather depending on the time of year. The state experiences an average of 50 tornadoes per year, and devastating storms are common. They are also susceptible to hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and floods. If you live in Tennessee, prepare your home for a natural disaster.
3. Pro: The state has a lively music and entertainment scene
If you are a music fanatic, this state is for you. Tennessee is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the world-famous Grand O’Reoplee. Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running radio venue with live performances by the largest name of country music. You can also find Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, one of the world’s largest music festivals. Many live events in Tennessee feature musical genres such as rock, blues and jazz.
4. CON: Tennessee has a nuclear power plant
Tennessee has four operating nuclear power plants and several inert plants. Other residents are concerned that some view these structures as harmless. This is because nuclear power plants may not be safe if not maintained properly. The newest factory to close was the 2018 Wattsbur Nuclear Power Plant.
5. Pro: You can explore many states and national parks in Tennessee
Tennessee has over 50 state parks and seven national parks, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for its residents. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States and is located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The park features a variety of plants, animal life and beautiful mountain views.
Other popular state parks in Tennessee include Fall Creek Falls State Park, Radner Lake State Park, and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Whether you’re enjoying hiking, camping, fishing or scenic walks, there’s a park for all the activities in Tennessee.
6. CON: Traffic in major cities in Tennessee can be a nightmare
If you are considering moving to Tennessee, there may be heavy traffic in major cities. Nashville and Memphis traffic is terrible and commuting can be an irritating experience. The good news is that public transport options are available in both cities, which helps to facilitate traffic congestion. If you don’t like living in a busy town, cities like Chattanooga and Knoxville are not crowded.
7. Pro: BBQ is the best in the country
Like most southern states, Tennessee is known for its appetizing barbecues, and residents take great pride in their slow-smoking meat. There are several local styles of barbecue to try.
If you decide to move to Memphis, you’re in the epicenter of Tennessee’s barbecue and in some of the best barbecue joints in the country. Some great barbecue joints you’ll try when you’re there include Central BBQ, Payne’s Bar-B-Que and Rendezvous by Charlie Vergos. Also try a Memphis-style dry love rib or a Lexington-style barbecue.
8. CON: It may take some time to adapt to humid climates
Tennessee’s climate is humid and subtropical, which can be uncomfortable for some residents. It’s hot and humid in the summer, and sometimes snowing in the winter. The weather is pleasant in spring and autumn, but you can still expect humidity. When you move, you may need to consider giving yourself time to adapt to the Tennessee climate.
9. Pro: Find fairs and festivals wherever you are
Tennessee celebrates everything from music and food to art and literature, hosting a variety of trade fairs and festivals throughout the year. Popular festivals include Memphis, the International Festival in May, the Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Dayton, and Bonnaroo in Manchester. No matter your interest, you can enjoy festivals and fairs, and Tennessee makes a good place to live.
10. CON: Tennessee is inland
Tennessee is inland and therefore does not have easy access to the ocean. There are plenty of lakes to keep you cool during the summer, but the closest beach is the coast of the Alabama Gulf Coast, just hours away from Tennessee. If you live in Tennessee and want to go to the beach, be prepared to plan an out-of-state road trip.
Methodology: Population data is from the US Census Bureau, median home sales prices and average rental data are from Redfin data centers.
