Youre in the right place.
Ive been living in Tennessee for 10+ years and cant imagine moving elsewhere.
From beautiful nature to great music and food, I find it hard to get bored around here.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (Shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
But, theres a few disadvantages to moving to Tennessee, too.
Locals Tip:If youre new to the state (welcome!)
I highly suggestgetting this handy resource.
Memphis, Tennessee (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)
It helped me get a better understanding and appreciation for the state.
I recommend it to all my friends!
I doubt this will change any time soon.
Knoxville, Tennessee (Shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
This could be a real positive or negative depending on several factors.
In any case, it is certainly something to note.
Perks of Moving to Tennessee
#1.
Nashville, Tennessee (shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
Outdoor Recreation
Theres no denying that Tennessee is a beautiful state full of varied landscapes and stunning nature.
As the most visited national park in the country Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers unparalleled outdoor recreation.
#2.
Chattanooga, Tennessee (Shutterstock/Melinda Fawver)
I was tired of working long hours to (barely) afford a downtown apartment and basic living expenses.
#3.
#4.
Clingmans Dome | Living in Tennessee
Mild winters
As I get older, I find that winters get tougher for me.
Im not a winter person.
And its true, mild winters typically mean oppressively hot and humid summers and Tennessee is no exception.
Nashville, Tennessee (Shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
(Ill cover summer weather shortly!)
#5.
#6.
So, what does this mean for you?
Not having to pay state income tax while living in Tennessee is a perk that cant be overstated.
#7.
Nashvilles music culture needs no introduction, the industrys storied past is stuff for legends.
Thankfully, those living in Tennessee (or merely visiting!)
can take advantage of this perk.
Cons of Living in Tennessee
#1.
Sensational headlines aside, theres no denying that certain areas of the state are best avoided.
She said, the majority of violent crime is committed by violent people against other violent people.
risky by any stretch of the imagination.
#2.
Low Wages & High Poverty Rate
Tennessee has some of thelowest wages in the country.
Nobody can afford to support themselves off $7.25 per hour.
Even with the relatively low cost of living in Tennessee, most folks have to live paycheck-to-paycheck to survive.
With such low wages, is it any surprise why Tennessee has the12th highest poverty rate in the nation?
You know the drill: Dont move to Tennessee without having a well-paying job lined up beforehand.
#3.
Low Life Expectancy
Want to know a sad stat?
Tennesseeslife expectancy is the 5th lowestin the country (76 years old).
But, after moving to Tennessee, it wasnt hard to see why.
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 being made to address the low life expectancy in Tennessee, but its a very complex issue.
Theres so many complicated factors at play, so addressing the core issues requires a comprehensive approach.
From proper healthcare to education, social services and engagement, its a long road to radical change.
Im hopeful for a better future, but in the present, the low life expectancy is worth consideration.
#4.
Seriously, its one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Tennessee.
In terms of improvements, it seems like ideas get tossed around but nothing changes.
Cities continue to sprawl, but the planning seems to be car-centric without a focus on improving current infrastructure.
#5.
Thankfully, it only lasts 9 months (I kid, i kid).
Jokes aside, living in Tennessee is a bit tough during the spring and summer months.
Expect to sweat daily from May through October anytime you step outside.
Summer high temperatures average around 90F in western and central Tennessee and 85F in eastern Tennessee.
#6.
#7.
The list of culprits spans the gamut from the infamous brown recluse spider to cockroaches and stink bugs.
Youll want to budget for an annual exterminator about once a year while living in Tennessee.
Theyll spray the boarder of your house to hopefully keep the crawlers at bay.
In any case, the bugs are a huge adjustment.
Retiring in Tennessee FAQs
Honestly speaking, it depends on the area.
Thelow cost of living in Tennesseeis a huge draw for those considering retiring in Tennessee.
As with any life decision, youre bound to love one thing while agreeing to tolerate another.
This article should serve as a good starting point.
Yes,Tennessee is a tax friendly state.
Kind of, but not really.
Marijuana containing greater than 0.3% THC is illegal in Tennessee.
So, what does this mean?
Tennessee pretty much allows CBD only.
