Ten reasons to move to Tennessee according to Moving.com.
The taxes are low - One of the most practical reasons to move to Tennessee is that residents do not have to pay state income tax on salaries or wages. Keep in mind, though, that there is currently a flat tax imposed on all income from interest from bonds and dividends from stock. However, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, this tax will be completely phased out within the next year or so. The newspaper reports that “the state Legislature agreed in 2016 to start phasing out the Hall income tax, with its total elimination beginning Jan. 1, 2021.” In addition to having little to no state income tax, residents also pay very low property taxes. According to SmartAsset, the state has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S.
The hospitals are top-notch - If good healthcare is at the top of your priority list, then you’ll find numerous top-notch hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the state. In addition, some of the country’s best doctors are located in Tennessee. Several excellent hospitals in the state include the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, CHI Memorial Hospital, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Hospital and Ascension St. Thomas Hospital West.
The cost of living is ideal - Low property taxes and no state income tax are just two reasons why you can afford to live in Tennessee comfortably. Residents of the Volunteer State also enjoy an overall low cost of living on everyday goods and services. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living index score for Tennessee is 87.6, well below the national average. Home prices are exceptionally affordable, compared to many other parts of the country. The median home price in the state is $164,500. Even large cities, such as Nashville and Memphis, have relatively affordable home prices. The median list price in Nashville is $349,900 and the median list price in Memphis is $150,000.
The Great Smoky Mountains are right outside your doorstep - Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do in Tennessee, thanks to its picture-perfect mountain landscape. Home to the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee is truly one of the best places in the world for nature lovers. With some of the best hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic drives and camping sites in the country, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to outdoor recreation in Tennessee.
The music scene is incredible - It’s no secret that Tennessee has one of the best music scenes in the country. From Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton to B.B. King and Elvis Presley, some of the most famous names in music have called Tennessee “home.” Today, the state remains a hub for all sorts of music, including country, rock and roll, bluegrass, soul and R&B. Nashville is even referred to as America’s “Music City,” thanks to its never-ending list of music festivals, music venues and live performances. Needless to say, if music is your passion, then you’ll fit right in here in Tennessee.
The job market is thriving - Need a job? Consider moving to Tennessee. With a booming economy and numerous large companies, Tennessee is one of the best places in America to find employment. Nashville, in particular, draws scores of jobseekers every year. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, Music City is currently the second hottest job market in the country, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in America. Large companies that call Tennessee home include FedEx, Dollar General, HCA Healthcare, Cracker Barrel and LifePoint Health – among others. Given Tennessee’s many businesses, tax-friendly environment and numerous colleges, the state has no problem attracting talent from all over the country.
The food and dining are world-class - Tennessee’s food and dining scene is as eclectic as it is iconic. From southern classics (think: barbecue, meat and threes, and hot fried chicken) to renowned, elegant cuisine (think: Blackberry Farm’s delectable menus and Nashville’s James Beard award-winning restaurants), Tennessee is home to some of the very best food in the world. With such a diverse mix of fare, foodies will certainly find all they’re looking for and more in the Volunteer State.
The schools and universities are highly regarded - One of the best reasons to move to Tennessee is the schools. Students will find plenty of educational opportunities in the Volunteer State. Tennessee is home to several of the country’s top universities and colleges, including Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee, Belmont University, The University of the South, Rhodes College, University of Memphis and Maryville College. In addition, families of school-age children will find no shortage of highly regarded public schools throughout Tennessee. According to Niche.com, several top-ranking school districts in the state include Germantown, Collierville Schools, Johnson City Schools, Greeneville City Schools, Maryville City Schools, Kingsport City Schools and Oak Ridge School District.
The seasons are fairly mild - Want to live in a place with all four seasons? You’ll find spectacular seasonal weather in Tennessee. While the climate varies depending on where you are in the state, the weather is overall mild to moderate most of the time. Harsh seasons are rare for most of Tennessee. Residents will find summers to be warm and enjoyable, falls to be bursting with fall foliage, winters to be chilly, and summers to be warm and enjoyable. Compared to many Midwestern and Northeastern states, Tennessee has fairly mild weather for most of the year.
The cities are some of the best places to live in the country - Tennessee is home to numerous cities, towns and suburbs that are excellent places to live. Retirees, families, singles, and professionals will all find a city that meets their unique needs and budget. Several of the most popular places to call home include Brentwood, Nashville, Franklin, Germantown, Knoxville, Collierville, Hendersonville, Maryville, Johnson City, Chattanooga, Memphis, Smyrna and Spring Hill. Whether it’s a vibrant, urban metropolis you’re looking for or a quiet, mountain town you want, there are plenty of unique cities to call home in Tennessee.