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Moving to Tennessee: What It’s Like to Live in the Volunteer State

Tennessee offers something rare: a reasonable cost of living for a beautiful state, a growing job market, and increasing economic opportunities for businesses. People move here for low taxes and a lifestyle that ranges from mountain calm to city rhythm. Nashville’s creative energy draws newcomers from across the country, while smaller metros like Knoxville and Chattanooga deliver quality of life without big-city costs. As we've noted before, the mid-sized city preference for movers is significant.

The state’s mix of Southern friendliness and business growth makes it one of the fastest-changing regions in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Tennessee added over 90,000 new residents in 2023, ranking among the top 10 states for population growth. Much of that influx came from Florida, California, and Illinois, with movers trading higher costs for balance.

Cost of Living in Tennessee

Tennessee remains one of the most affordable states in the nation. There’s no state income tax, and housing costs sit well below national averages.

  • Home prices: The statewide median home price is about $330,000, compared to around $430,000 in Nashville, $325,000 in Knoxville, and $300,000 or less in Chattanooga and Memphis.
  • Rent: A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,300 statewide, roughly $1,600 in Nashville and $1,100 in smaller metros.
  • Taxes: No income tax; sales tax is high at 7%–9.75%, depending on locality.
  • Utilities: Moderate year-round, though summer A/C adds to costs.
  • Groceries and healthcare: Below national averages.

For most movers, the math works: affordable housing, strong job access, and low taxes make Tennessee a long-term win.

TL;DR: Tennessee Regions at a Glance

Region-------------------------------What Works--------------------------Good Fit For
Nashville Metro------------------------Jobs, culture, growth------------------Professionals, creatives

Knoxville & East Tennessee-------------Scenic, affordable, family-friendly-------Families, retirees

Chattanooga Area---------------------Outdoors, tech growth, affordability-----Remote workers, young professionals

Memphis & West Tennessee------------History, cost of living-------------------Artists, first-time buyers

Middle Tennessee Small Cities----------Suburban comfort, schools-------------Families, commuters
(Murfreesboro, Franklin, Cookeville)

Rural Tennessee & Appalachia----------Land, peace, and low cost--------------Retirees, remote workers

Where in Tennessee Should You Live?

Nashville Metro

Nashville anchors the state’s economy and cultural scene — home to healthcare giants, universities, and one of the country’s most dynamic music industries. The city’s growth has driven up housing prices but created opportunity everywhere.
What Works: Jobs, culture, and creative energy.
Watch Out For: Housing costs and congestion.

Knoxville & East Tennessee

Knoxville offers scenic living near the Great Smoky Mountains, with a family-friendly pace and affordable housing. It’s a college town with a steady job base in healthcare and education.
What Works: Outdoor access, affordability, and strong schools.
Watch Out For: Humidity and slower nightlife.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga has reinvented itself as a small city built for remote work and innovation. With gig-speed internet, riverfront development, and easy mountain access, it draws professionals from across the Southeast.
What Works: Outdoor living, affordability, and creative energy.**
Watch Out For: Rising prices and limited housing supply.**

Memphis & West Tennessee

Memphis offers deep culture — from blues and barbecue to historic neighborhoods — alongside some of the state’s most affordable housing. Economic revitalization is ongoing, with growth in logistics and healthcare.
What Works: Cost of living, authenticity, and music legacy.
Watch Out For: Economic disparities and uneven public services.

Middle Tennessee Small Cities

Suburban hubs like Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Cookeville give families the benefits of strong schools and short commutes to larger metros.
What Works: Quality schools, newer housing, and community focus.
Watch Out For: Rising home prices in desirable districts.

Rural Tennessee & Appalachia

From the Cumberland Plateau to Johnson City, rural Tennessee offers space, affordability, and connection to nature.
What Works: Quiet living, natural beauty, and ultra-low housing costs.
Watch Out For: Fewer jobs and limited healthcare options.

Best Cities in Tennessee to Consider

Nashville

Energetic, creative, and fast-growing.

Knoxville

Affordable, outdoorsy, and family-friendly.

Chattanooga

Compact, scenic, and tech-forward.

Franklin

Historic, affluent, and suburban.

Murfreesboro

Accessible and family-oriented.

Memphis

Cultural, soulful, and budget-friendly.

Cookeville

Affordable college town.

Johnson City

Calm, scenic, and ideal for retirees.

Is Tennessee Right for You?

Tennessee fits people who want affordability without sacrificing lifestyle. It’s a place where you can buy a home, find community, and still be within reach of mountains, lakes, and music. The trade-offs — humidity, growth pressure, and regional inequality — rarely outweigh the rewards.

If you’re looking for a state that mixes creative spirit with practical living, Tennessee might be your perfect match.

FAQs About Living in Tennessee

Q: Is Tennessee affordable?

A: Yes. Housing and taxes are among the lowest in the U.S., especially outside Nashville.

Q: What are the safest areas?

A: Brentwood, Franklin, and Farragut consistently rank high for safety and schools.

Q: Do I need a car?

A: Yes. Public transit is limited statewide.

Q: How’s the job market?

A: Strong and diverse — led by healthcare, education, logistics, and entertainment.

Q: Does Tennessee have state income tax?

A: No. It’s one of a handful of states with no income tax, though sales tax is higher.

Q: What’s the weather like?

A: Four seasons with mild winters, warm summers, and humidity in the valleys.

Ready to Find Your Tennessee Fit?

From Nashville’s buzz to mountain calm, Tennessee blends opportunity with authenticity.

  • Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your best-fit Tennessee cities and save them in your Movebook.