MOVING TO TENNESSEE: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE RELOCATING
Reliant Realty ERA Powered Team – Wednesday March 14, 2018
Nashville, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Mississippi River are just a few of the famous names that roll off the tongue when discussing Tennessee.
Tourism is a big deal. There's Elvis Presley's Graceland, the Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is not at all unusual to find visitors to the state daydreaming about moving to Tennessee.
They might have stumbled across the Foxland Harbor Golf & Country Club close to the Nashville Pike, and they envision living in that subdivision. It would be a far cry from the hustle and bustle that they will return home to. There's also the Fairvue Plantation neighborhood, where homes are much less expensive than in sunny Southern California, Denver, and other places.
But, while you love to visit, would you really want to live there? To help you decide, we've put together a guide to what living in Tennessee is like - pros and cons - to help you decide if becoming a Tennessean is for you.
BEFORE RELOCATING TO TENNESSEE: TAKING A LOOK AROUND THE STATE
It is not enough to fall in love with a neighborhood and disregard the rest of the state.
Anyone seriously thinking of relocating to Tennessee needs to visit and get a good feel for the locale.
- What is it all about?
- How do locals pass the time?
- What are the hip places in the area?
- You should know...
1. Country music is a big deal.
Country music is a big deal. Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and the Grand Ole Opry are just two sightseeing spots most everyone wants to visit. Plenty of bars offer line dancing. However, blues and jazz also have a significant showing.
It is a good idea to look for the dive bars that offer the most authentic jazz experience possible. The heart of the action is in Nashville. There, Skull's Rainbow Room stands out as the go-to locale for live jazz.
For music fans of other genres, there are fewer places to hear pop, rap, or fusion. That said, they are most certainly there.
2. Locals love sports.
Locals love sports. Moreover, there are plenty of games to watch.
Pro teams are the Tennessee Titans in the NFL, the Nashville Predators in the NHL, and the famous Grizzlies in the NBA. But this is just the beginning of sports mania.
College sports are just as big as the pro teams. In some cases, these games can draw huge crowds.
Where do fans gather to get their game on? Sam’s Sports Grill Hendersonville has an excellent word-of-mouth reputation for serious sports fans who also have a hankering for over-the-top food.
Another tip is the SkyBox Sports Bar and Grill in Knoxville with its 13 (!) television screens and quintessential game food choices. This is where the serious sports fans will go to cheer.
3. Traffic can be brutal.
Traffic problems can be brutal. The tourism commercials portray the wide-open roads with the lone farm truck driving off into the sunset.
But like all major cities, Nashville has congestion during rush hour. Even relocating to smaller towns can bring road problems.
No matter where people decide to move to, residents deal with ice and snow as well as crews doing their best to remove these hazards in winter. Add nature to rush hour, and it is clear that congestion can get bad.
MOVING TO TENNESSEE: PROS AND CONS
A look around the state, warts and all, convinces most people that the move is a good thing.
Yes, there may be icy roads. But, come on, it just takes a quick look around to convince anyone that this state is as close to heaven as anyone can get.
Moving to Tennessee pros and cons discussions have to start with site selection. So now is the time to narrow down considerations to where you'd like to call home for the next few years or decades.
For the would-be resident in need of professional employment, areas of interest for relocation are Nashville, Chattanooga, and surrounding towns.
For some, having to move to an urban location could be a deal breaker. They have their sights set on a smaller town and cringe at the thought of commuting. That said, public transportation is excellent in all the big cities.
For self-employed or those working in remote location jobs, commuting may not be a big deal, and the state is their oyster.
But rural or urban, definite checks for the pro column are low state property taxes and a cost of living that is about 20 percent less than what people see in other locations.
Families with children appreciate also appreciate that the state's school systems are considered excellent all the way around.
Of course, some might be better than others, and it is a good idea to get more information before pinpointing the area of the future home.
TOP 5 REASONS FOR MOVING TO TENNESSEE
For most readers reaching this point, it's a foregone conclusion that relocating to Tennessee is a good idea.
But, if you're needing just a little more of a nudge, here are five more persuasive reasons for making the move...
Millennials adore TN
Millennials adore TN. Work-life balance is a big deal for Millennials. They want to be able to enjoy their jobs and have fun with friends afterward.Walkable neighborhoods are essential for enjoyment. Park spaces make a big difference. In fact, the close proximity of green belts and recreational areas is a significant plus for any Millennial contemplating the move. Tennessee offers all that and more.
The quality of life is high, and costs are low. Health insurance costs tend to be lower than in other states. The same is true for the cost of groceries. It is interesting to note that utility costs vary greatly across the state and do not fall below the national average. Millennials – and anyone else – can get more for the dollar by making the move.
Old traditions and newfangled things live amicably side by side.
Old traditions and newfangled things live amicably side by side.Buying moonshine is no problem. The out-of-towner who always wanted to sip high-octane alcohol from a mason jar will love it. There is the legit shine that comes from a state-regulated still. Ole Smoky Moonshine from Gatlinburg is a prime example. There is also the clandestine shine. Most folks have watched the television show. Enough said.
This part of TN history goes hand in hand with the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. It is the alternative to country and Dolly.
Headliners include Eminem as well as Sheryl Crow. It is a Manchester institution.
By the way, old and new Tennessee locals are another example of the side-by-side living. Unlike some states, it is not necessary to trace local ancestry back five generations to be considered local.
A state for Nature lovers.
California has its coasts, mountain skiing, forests, and deserts. Colorado has breath-taking vistas. Kansas has, well, grain towers and endless fields of grain. Tennessee is a state for Nature lovers. It has fall colors, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, the Ocoee River, and 54 state parks.For outdoorsy travelers, it is a destination of choice. Locals typically adopt hiking, fishing, hunting, or camping as their favorite pastimes. Some people feel inspired to immerse themselves in outdoorsy pursuits.
Cases in point are the hikers on “the Trail,” which is the way that locals refer to the Appalachian Trail. There are plenty of thru-hikers that folks meet on the Tennessee portion of the Appalachian Trail. Some newcomers feel inspired to follow their examples and try at least once to hike the length of the trail in a single season. Planning the endeavor usually involves joining online groups and meeting up with like-minded hikers.
Even if they don't succeed, what is the worst that can happen? There is the opportunity to meet plenty of nice people who are enthusiastic about being out in nature. It promises to be a summer of fun, unrivaled sightseeing, and a healthy hobby that does not cost an arm and a leg.
No personal income taxes.
No personal income taxes. Seriously, the state does not collect personal income tax. It does, however, tax earnings on interest and dividends as well as other investments. Property taxes are relatively low as well. Compared to high-tax states such as California, TN is a tax paradise. That said, it always pays to remember that city tax rates vary. Big cities tend to be more expensive than smaller ones. Asking around before making the move is a good idea.
Southern hospitality is a real thing.
![Block Party. Photo: Denise Cheng, Flickr [CC by 2.0]. Moving to Tennessee. Reliant Realty.](https://reliantrealty.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Block-PartyPhoto-Denise-Cheng-Flickr-CC-BY-2.0_500-1.jpg "Block Party. Photo: Denise Cheng, Flickr [CC by 2.0] TN")
Southern hospitality is a real thing. It is the stuff of Home and Garden as well as Food Network television shows.Southern hospitality and cuisine are fantastic. When down-home cooking sounds appealing at all, TN is the state where people enjoy it. They offer it freely. Strangers gladly strike up conversations with visitors just to be friendly.
There are no ulterior motives and nobody is trying to sell anything. It might seem odd to people accustomed to a more brusque way of living. New Yorkers definitely have to do some adjusting to this slower pace.
PUTTING COST OF LIVING IN TENNESSEE UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
It's cheaper to live in the Volunteer State than in most other places around the United States.
Even so, it pays to shop around for areas to live in.
Case in point is Lake County, which features amazingly low property costs.
Compare it to Williamson County, where costs for homes can be about six times as high.
![Oak Hall, Brentwood, Tennessee. Photo: Skye Marthaler (Own work). [CC BY SA 3]. Moving to Tennessee. Reliant Realty.](https://reliantrealty.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Oak_Hall_Brentwood_TennesseeBy-Skye-Marthaler-Own-work-CC-BY-SA-3.0_500.jpg "Oak Hall, Brentwood, Tennessee. Photo: Skye Marthaler (Own work). [CC BY SA 3].")
For transplants who think of renting, the market is quite favorable and actually below the national average.
PayScale crunched the numbers for Knoxville and found the cost of living to be 18 percent lower than the national average. It is cheaper to live there than in Dallas, Chicago, New York, and plenty of other places across the nation.
Gas prices range from about $2.19 for regular in Chattanooga to $2.15 in Clarksville. Gas Buddy identifies the state's average cost of gasoline at about $2.305 per gallon.
ARE THERE ACTUAL REASONS NOT TO MOVE TO TENNESSEE?
Folks who do not mind or enjoy paying a lot in state taxes (and for real estate taxes) might find some reasons not to move to Tennessee. But seriously, there may be some situations to consider before making the final leap.
Moving to Tennessee pros and cons include the climate. Weather events in the state include tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms. Large hail accompanies some of the storms. Hail damage for cars is common. At the same time, the summers are humid and hot. People who are not accustomed to humidity can find it a little daunting to get used to.
Next, there are the gun laws. With a permit, residents can open-carry their handguns. Residents also keep guns in their vehicles. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable with seeing weapons openly on display. For others, it could be a trigger issue. However, short of the weather and guns, there is no good reason not to move to TN.
GETTING READY FOR THE BIG MOVE: MOVERS, IDS, AND UTILITIES
The decision is made. A move to Tennessee is in the immediate future. Here's what can make the move a snap from start to finish.
Talking with a Real Estate Professional
Talking with a real estate professional when moving to a new state should be a no-brainer. Buyer's agent commissions are covered by the seller so, working with an agent means you get expert help at no cost.
A professional real estate agent who knows the targeted area well is a great help for people moving in. Let them know what your needs are and these professionals will assist with finding the right property in the ideal location.
Whether it is a new subdivision in Brentwood or the famous Sylvan Heights, an expert pinpoints the best option.
The friendly experts at Reliant Realty routinely work with transplants who want to relocate to Middle Tennessee and nearby areas.
Finding a Moving Company
Unless a household has so few possessions that they will fit in the back of a rental truck, it makes more sense to have a professional moving company handle the cross-country trek.
Examples of long-distance moving companies include Allied Van Lines, North American Moving Services, and Bekins Moving & Storage. Someone could also contact moving companies in Nashville, Tennessee, or in any other major target city.
By the way, it is always a good idea to let these folks handle the packing and unpacking. If there happens to be damage to the good china, the liability insurance handles the problem. If clients do their own packing, there may be some problems down the line with claims.
Establishing Residency in Tennessee.
Establishing residency in Tennessee. There is no wait time to become a resident! Newcomers to the state head to the DMV equivalent to contact the Driver Services Division.
There, you can complete the Tennessee Driver License or ID form online. You then take the completed form to your nearest Driver Services Office to complete the process.
Finding your local office is as easy as visiting the TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s website Driver Services Locations listing.
Bringing a car with you from out of state? Changing the car’s registration is possible at the Department of Revenue in the nearest jurisdiction.
This is also the agency that handles registrations for RVs, trailers, and mopeds.
The sooner newcomers to the area handle the paperwork, the better. In fact, there is only a 30-day grace period for registering a vehicle.
Signing up for utilities.
Getting connected is easy. A quick internet search reveals that getting in contact with local utility providers is as simple as clicking on the appropriate city.
Helpful clerks guide newcomers. Many cities also offer online services menus that let those moving in make their selections after hours.
WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN TENNESSEE?
GETTING TO KNOW THE FOOD (A.K.A. DRY-RUB BARBECUE)
Dry-rub barbecue is a major style of BBQ cuisine in Tennessee. It is impossible to visit the area without at least stopping at a few places to eat it.
This is not Texas barbecue. Rather, it is a culinary ballet that involves pork and nuanced rubs. One place that routinely earns accolades is Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville. Foodies, who follow their favorite celebrity chefs via Zagat, undoubtedly know the name. It is the home of the whole hog and sets the standard for other eateries.
Another local institution is Corky’s in Pigeon Forge. A visit to the branch of this ribs and BBQ joint is a must. Yes, there's smoked turkey on the menu, too. Will you leave room for dessert? Of course! The baked-to-order peach cobbler is a dish the locals rave about.
But there is more to eating around TN than just barbecue. An excellent example is the Chattanooga Public House that serves jambalaya, meatloaf, and fish. For the diner with a hankering for Creole dishes, the Foglight Foodhouse in Walling does not disappoint. Cajun dishes are a must here.
After relocating, finding a great home, moving in, putting the furniture in place and doing the necessary paperwork to make yourself an official Tennessean, it's time to settle in.
As a new local, it's now possible to enjoy the sights and sounds of your new city.
What's it like living in Tennessee? An immediate observation, regardless of which city you chose, is that there's always something going on. Even in smaller, quieter towns, there are events to get involved in. And, of course, nature lovers have the ready opportunity to appreciate the beauty that now surrounds them.
Finding work is typically straightforward. Because Tennessee has been attracting transplants from across the nation, there are plenty of new start-ups.
Families with high-school-aged children will appreciate the "Tennessee Promise"program that provides a free community college education to the state's high-school graduates. From there, it's an easy transfer to a four-year college or the start of a rewarding career.
So, what's it like living in Tennessee? It can be relaxed, adventurous, musically inclined, and filled with plenty of good food. In short, it can be anything a transplant to the state wants it to be - and more!
WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING IN TENNESSEE?
After relocating, finding a great home, moving in, putting the furniture in place and doing the necessary paperwork to make yourself an official Tennessean, it's time to settle in.
As a new local, it's now possible to enjoy the sights and sounds of your new city.
What's it like living in Tennessee? An immediate observation, regardless of which city you chose, is that there's always something going on. Even in smaller, quieter towns, there are events to get involved in. And, of course, nature lovers have the ready opportunity to appreciate the beauty that now surrounds them.
Finding work is typically straightforward. Because Tennessee has been attracting transplants from across the nation, there are plenty of new start-ups.
Families with high-school-aged children will appreciate the "Tennessee Promise"program that provides a free community college education to the state's high-school graduates. From there, it's an easy transfer to a four-year college or the start of a rewarding career.
So, what's it like living in Tennessee? It can be relaxed, adventurous, musically inclined, and filled with plenty of good food. In short, it can be anything a transplant to the state wants it to be - and more!
GETTING TO KNOW THE FOOD (A.K.A. DRY-RUB BARBECUE)
Dry-rub barbecue is a major style of BBQ cuisine in Tennessee. It is impossible to visit the area without at least stopping at a few places to eat it.
This is not Texas barbecue. Rather, it is a culinary ballet that involves pork and nuanced rubs. One place that routinely earns accolades is Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville. Foodies, who follow their favorite celebrity chefs via Zagat, undoubtedly know the name. It is the home of the whole hog and sets the standard for other eateries.
Another local institution is Corky’s in Pigeon Forge. A visit to the branch of this ribs and BBQ joint is a must. Yes, there's smoked turkey on the menu, too. Will you leave room for dessert? Of course! The baked-to-order peach cobbler is a dish the locals rave about.
But there is more to eating around TN than just barbecue. An excellent example is the Chattanooga Public House that serves jambalaya, meatloaf, and fish. For the diner with a hankering for Creole dishes, the Foglight Foodhouse in Walling does not disappoint. Cajun dishes are a must here.
CHECK OUT SOME OTHER POPULAR LINKS
Check out these other popular links
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.
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