Moving to Tennessee: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Tennessee, you’re not alone. The Volunteer State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Nashville and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Tennessee, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Tennessee to help you 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

Like any big move, relocating to Tennessee comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Volunteer State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in TN

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

Cons of living in TN

✖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 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 visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

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

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Tennessee, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

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

While you’re thinking about relocating to Tennessee, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Volunteer State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Tennessee, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

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

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Tennessee is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Tennessee aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

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

Income and cost of living in Tennessee

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Tennessee.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Tennessee and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

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*	Not available
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 influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities 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

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Volunteer State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Tennessee

Before you take the leap to Tennessee, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving 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 of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for one person’s injury, $50,000 for all injuries per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Proof of insurance is needed for registration and may be asked for by police during traffic stops. Drivers can also choose extra coverage for more protection.

Tennessee drivers license requirements

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

moveBuddha Migration Reports

With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.