Moving from California to Tennessee
Sean Shariati – Saturday June 20, 2020
Making the move from California to Tennessee could be the start of a whole new life.
Whether you are moving for work or just to switch things up, there are pros and cons to moving to Tennessee. You may trade a little beach for a lot of mountains and get a sweet taste of southern comfort.
Whether you want a swinging downtown scene or a quiet family home, there are plenty of great real estate options. From jaw-dropping beauty to unbeatable home prices, this move may be just the ticket to a fresh take on your day-to-day.
If you’re thinking of moving to Tennessee from California, read on to learn all the details you need to make this decision.
Moving to Tennessee Pros and Cons
There are plenty of great reasons to live in Tennessee. Here is the basic breakdown of pros and cons for a Californian moving to Tennessee.
Pros of Moving from CA to TN
There are a few notable benefits to relocating to Tennessee from California. Some of them are:
- No droughts. Tennessee gets about 53 inches of rain a year, which means you get lush, verdant landscape and no water shortages.
- Music and culture. You may trade in alt-rock for country music and get a sampling of a whole new kind of art and style.
- Cost of living. In most areas of TN, the cost of living is significantly lower than highly populated areas of CA, which can result in a huge boost for your budget.
Cons of Moving from CA to TN
Some downsides exist to making the trek cross-country from California to Tennessee. They include things like:
- Slightly inferior education system. California ranks 26th in the nation for quality of public education, while Tennessee ranks 28th.
- Weather. Some areas of the state (mostly in the middle and west) have tornadoes, high winds and frequent thunderstorms.
Tennessee vs. California
The Tennessee lifestyle will be a shift for Californians. There will be a ton of new places to explore and things to do. From the obvious cultural activities like rock’n’roll and country music to hiking or rafting, there are many additional diversions throughout the state, including:
- Graceland
- Film festivals
- Dollywood
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery
- National Civil Rights Museum
- More than 300 golf courses
- Vineyards
- Museums
Weekdays and weekends could be filled with great entertainment, food and outdoor adventures. Let’s break down some of the more common questions you may have when considering this move.
Moving to TN: FAQs
If you are thinking of moving to Tennessee, you’ll have some general questions. These answers will illustrate some reasons to move to Tennessee and what it will be like living in Tennessee.
What is the cost of living in Tennessee compared to California?
There are a few metrics that can be used to compare cost of living in California versus cost of living in Tennessee. One measurement rates each state on a scale of 100. A score of 100 is the national average, meaning anything below 100 is below the norm. Here is how CA and TN compare:
| Cost of Living Item | Tennessee | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost of housing | 71.2 | 239.1 |
| Average cost of utilities | 96.7 | 102.4 |
| Average cost of transportation | 90.2 | 133.1 |
| Median home cost | $164,500 | $552,800 |
| Average cost of healthcare | 101.9 | 92.4 |
| Average cost of groceries | 95.4 | 105.1 |
| Overall cost of living score | 87.6 | 149.9 |
Is there an income tax in Tennessee?
Tennessee has NO income tax. There is, however, a “hall tax” which is a 2% tax on interest and investment dividends. Generally speaking, taxes will be lower than in California (which is a state with the 11th highest tax rates in the nation).
Is it safer in Tennessee or California?
This question truly depends on the city. For example, Knoxville, Tennessee has almost double the property crime rates as Los Angeles, California. A recent survey from Wallethub took a few different data points into account, including assaults per capita, fewest v. most fatalities and number of law enforcement employees per capita. Their list ranks all 50 states and has California as the 31st safest state and Tennessee as the 39th safest state. All that to say, anywhere you live there will be relative risk. Your safety will largely depend on personal habits and also the area in which you live. There is no glaring gap in the overall stats between TN and CA.
How's the weather in Tennessee compared to California?
California has fairly predictable weather, depending on where you live in the vast state. Tennessee generally has higher humidity and less reliable weather patterns. With sweeping mountain ranges, there are contrasting valleys, plateaus and other terrain that will dramatically impact weather. You will also get sudden storms and even tornadoes in some parts of the state. One huge perk many Californians find, though, is a chance to experience all four seasons.
Are there a lot of Californians in Tennessee?
In the larger cities in Tennessee, there are plenty of industries that have brought in transplants from around the nation. You’ll find lots of other Californians in these metro areas. If you choose to buy a house in a moral rural area, you'll find yourself surrounded more by native Tennesseans.
Is Tennessee a diverse state?
According to the U.S. census, the ethnic breakdown of Tennesseans is as follows:
- Estimated population: 6,829,174
- 78.5% white
- 17.1% black or African American
- 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native
- 5.6% Hispanic or Latino
Based on these numbers, Tennessee is not as diverse as California. Many people who live here, though, are warm and welcoming.
What kind of cuisine do people eat in Tennessee?
Tennessee is a large state with a lot of good, old fashioned southern cooking as well as innovative gastronomy. It’s best known for mouthwatering barbecue, fried chicken and other classic, southern dishes. Some iconic things TN is known for are biscuits, catfish, country ham and banana pudding. In cities like Nashville, there are also high-end, avante-garde culinary options.
How much do nice houses cost in Tennessee?
There is a mix of high-end areas, like Brentwood, and areas for growing families, like Nashville or Chattanooga. Depending on the comps, you may find a great family home in a nice neighborhood that works for your budget. You’ll want to reach out to a realtor directly to understand what your options are and where you should start your search.
What is the traffic like in Tennessee compared to California?
L.A., San Francisco and other major metropolitan areas in CA are notorious for traffic. Tennessee does not have the same reputation for congestion. While there are high traffic areas, TN is generally not known for gridlock.
How is the job market in Tennessee compared to California?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed unemployment numbers nationwide. Generally speaking, large cities like Nashville and Davidson report about half of the unemployment rates to cities like Los Angeles. There is a lot of job growth potential in cities throughout TN as businesses establish headquarters and grow their corporate presence due to the low cost of living and ease of commute.
Will a California family be happy in Tennessee?
The right question is: will YOUR California family be happy in Tennessee? If you’re fed up with the pace or lifestyle you have, a change could be in order. Uprooting may be an opportunity to plant new roots. Maybe you should do that in Tennessee.
Is there an income tax in Tennessee?
Tennessee has NO income tax. There is, however, a “hall tax” which is a 2% tax on interest and investment dividends. Generally speaking, taxes will be lower than in California (which is a state with the 11th highest tax rates in the nation).
Is it safer in Tennessee or California?
This question truly depends on the city. For example, Knoxville, Tennessee has almost double the property crime rates as Los Angeles, California. A recent survey from Wallethub took a few different data points into account, including assaults per capita, fewest v. most fatalities and number of law enforcement employees per capita. Their list ranks all 50 states and has California as the 31st safest state and Tennessee as the 39th safest state. All that to say, anywhere you live there will be relative risk. Your safety will largely depend on personal habits and also the area in which you live. There is no glaring gap in the overall stats between TN and CA.
How's the weather in Tennessee compared to California?
California has fairly predictable weather, depending on where you live in the vast state. Tennessee generally has higher humidity and less reliable weather patterns. With sweeping mountain ranges, there are contrasting valleys, plateaus and other terrain that will dramatically impact weather. You will also get sudden storms and even tornadoes in some parts of the state. One huge perk many Californians find, though, is a chance to experience all four seasons.
Are there a lot of Californians in Tennessee?
In the larger cities in Tennessee, there are plenty of industries that have brought in transplants from around the nation. You’ll find lots of other Californians in these metro areas. If you choose to buy a house in a moral rural area, you'll find yourself surrounded more by native Tennesseans.
Is Tennessee a diverse state?
According to the U.S. census, the ethnic breakdown of Tennesseans is as follows:
- Estimated population: 6,829,174
- 78.5% white
- 17.1% black or African American
- 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native
- 5.6% Hispanic or Latino
Based on these numbers, Tennessee is not as diverse as California. Many people who live here, though, are warm and welcoming.
What kind of cuisine do people eat in Tennessee?
Tennessee is a large state with a lot of good, old fashioned southern cooking as well as innovative gastronomy. It’s best known for mouthwatering barbecue, fried chicken and other classic, southern dishes. Some iconic things TN is known for are biscuits, catfish, country ham and banana pudding. In cities like Nashville, there are also high-end, avante-garde culinary options.
How much do nice houses cost in Tennessee?
There is a mix of high-end areas, like Brentwood, and areas for growing families, like Nashville or Chattanooga. Depending on the comps, you may find a great family home in a nice neighborhood that works for your budget. You’ll want to reach out to a realtor directly to understand what your options are and where you should start your search.
What is the traffic like in Tennessee compared to California?
L.A., San Francisco and other major metropolitan areas in CA are notorious for traffic. Tennessee does not have the same reputation for congestion. While there are high traffic areas, TN is generally not known for gridlock.
How is the job market in Tennessee compared to California?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed unemployment numbers nationwide. Generally speaking, large cities like Nashville and Davidson report about half of the unemployment rates to cities like Los Angeles. There is a lot of job growth potential in cities throughout TN as businesses establish headquarters and grow their corporate presence due to the low cost of living and ease of commute.
Will a California family be happy in Tennessee?
The right question is: will YOUR California family be happy in Tennessee? If you’re fed up with the pace or lifestyle you have, a change could be in order. Uprooting may be an opportunity to plant new roots. Maybe you should do that in Tennessee.
Why Move to Tennessee?
Californians who are thinking of moving to Tennessee are obviously game for a new frontier. There are plenty of perks and pros to making this move. While it will be an adjustment, there are great opportunities in Tennessee for your family to branch out or settle in.
Want more insight on how to go from tourist to Tennessean? Check out our blog that gives you the inside scoop on culture, climate and more in the volunteer state.
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Additional Resources if You're Moving to Tennessee
Searching for a house can be both exciting and stressful. Here are online resources to help you plan your move.
- The Nashville Chamber of Commerce "Getting Established" page is a great resource for information on a variety of topics and is a great place to start.
- Department of Motor Vehicles instructions to re-register your out of state driver's license and vehicle.
- Check out the neighborhood! Read up on Nashville's eclectic neighborhoods and find your ideal vibe.
- Have kids? Learn about schools and their ratings before you move.