Moving to Tennessee: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Planning a move to Tennessee? You’re in good company. The Volunteer State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of Nashville or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.

Tennessee has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Tennessee so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Tennessee information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to TN
Top car shippers to TN
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Tennessee

Relocating to Tennessee has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Volunteer State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Tennessee

✓Abundant recreational opportunities
✓No income taxes
✓Legendary music scene
✓Natural beauty and parks galore
✓Delicious southern comfort food

Cons of living in Tennessee

✖Tendency for severe weather
✖Oppressive summer heat and humidity
✖Abundant presence of nuclear power plants
✖Traffic congestion
✖High urban crime rates

Things to do in Tennessee

Whether you’re moving to Tennessee for work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Tennessee has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Museum
Tennessee Aquarium
Dollywood
President Andrew Jackson’s Home
Memphis Zoo and Aquarium
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Titanic Museum
Ruby Falls

Museums in Tennessee

Titanic Museum Attraction
Graceland
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lotz House Museum
National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Carnton
Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Model Railroad Exhibit by Crossville Model Railroad Club
The Johnny Cash Museum

Parks in Tennessee

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
Chimneys Picnic Area
Winged Deer Park
Steele Creek Park
Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center
Coolidge Park
Shelby Farms Park
Dogwood park
McGregor Park Riverwalk

Fun facts about Tennessee

Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.

Discovering these fun facts about Tennessee gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.

The Montgomery Bell Tunnel in Kingston Springs, Tennessee was the United States’ first successful water diversion tunnel. It was built in the 19th century with the help of slave labor and black powder
The world’s tallest tree house built by Minister Horace Burgess is in Crossville, TN. The house is about 100 feet tall and has an estimated area of 10,000 square feet.
Ernest Holmes, of Chattanooga, invented the tow truck in 1916. This place also has the world’s largest tow truck factory. The town has the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame Museum to preserve its history and honor its champions.
Elvis Presley’s (the “King of Rock and Roll”) house, Graceland, Tennessee is the second most visited house museum in the U.S. after the White House. The house museum sees over 600,000 visitors a year.
The Grand Ole Opry holds the title as the longest radio show in the U.S. history.
According to some sources, Tennessee was named after the Tennessee River, which was named for the Indian word “Tanasie,” the name of a Cherokee village.
The Tennessee walking horse is a breed of gaited horse known for its unique four-beat running-walk and flashy movement. The breed of the horse is popular for trail and pleasure riding as well as show.
Kingston, Tennessee was the state capital for just one day.
Tennessee has the most state songs, with 9 official state songs and an official bicentennial rap.
Nashville was historically nicknamed as the “Athens of the South.”
The 33-story AT&T building, known around the world as the “Batman Building,” is the tallest skyscraper in Tennessee.[

Tennessee population and demographics

Thinking about moving to Tennessee? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Volunteer State really feels like.

Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.

Getting to know who lives in Tennessee, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.

Metric	Tennessee
Population	7,126,489
Female	51%
Male	49%
College graduation rate	30.48%
Political leaning	Republican 64-36
Crime index	29.24

Tennessee weather

Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if Tennessee is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.

Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know Tennessee’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Metric	Tennessee
Summer high	88ºF
Winter low	27ºF
Annual rain	53″
Annual snow	5″

Income and cost of living in Tennessee

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in Tennessee really is.

Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what Tennessee offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($55 billion)
Professional and business services ($41.4 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($40.3 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($40.1 billion)
Wholesale trade ($24.9 billion)
Retail trade ($24.3 billion)
Finance and insurance ($21.5 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($20.7 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($16.6 billion)
Construction ($14 billion)

Metric	Tennessee
Average rent cost	$1,047
Average home cost	$319,208
Average income (per capita)	$64,035
Cost of living index*	90
Unemployment rate	3.3%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Tennessee

If education is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Tennessee has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Tennessee:

Vanderbilt University
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Memphis
Middle Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University
Tennessee Tech University
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Belmont University
Tennessee State University
Rhodes College
Sewanee: The University of the South
Austin Peay State University
Carson-Newman University
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Tennessee

After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 64 right here in Tennessee—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.

If you’re getting ready to move to the Volunteer State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.

Cost of moving to Tennessee

Before you head to Tennessee, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.

How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.

If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.

Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Tennessee

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Tennessee.

Tennessee car insurance requirements

Tennessee drivers must have liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 for one person’s injury, $50,000 for all injuries in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Proof of insurance is needed for vehicle registration and may be asked for by police during traffic stops. Drivers can also buy extra coverage for more protection.

Tennessee drivers license requirements

To get a driver’s license in Tennessee, you need to be at least 15 with a Learner’s Permit or 16 for a regular license. You must pass written, vision, and driving tests, show proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical exam if needed, and pay the fee. You must also hold the Learner’s Permit for at least 180 days before taking the driving test and follow graduated licensing rules for the first 6 months.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Tennessee?

Moving to Tennessee is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Tennessee is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Tennessee?

On the cost of living index, Tennessee has a score of 90. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Tennessee?

The average income in TN is $64,035, and the an unemployment rate is 3.3. Home prices are $319,208, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,047.

What is the downside of living in Tennessee?

Like any place, Tennessee has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Volunteer State include:

Tendency for severe weather
Oppressive summer heat and humidity
Abundant presence of nuclear power plants
Traffic congestion
High urban crime rates

Tennessee Moving Resources

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