Music lovers, and particularly fans of jazz, blues rock and country will all find Tennessee’s music scene and music history exhilarating. There are plenty of small live music venues, plus legendary spots like the Grand Ole Opry. But music isn’t the only art that has flourished in Tennessee. The Volunteer State has serious literary chops as it was the birthplace of many famous writers, including Alex Haley, Cormac McCarthy and James Agee.

And don’t forget the whiskey! The most famous example of Tennessee whiskey? Jack Daniels or “Jack” the the locals, is huge in Tennessee! If you are interested, you can visit the Jack Daniels distillery and take a tour.

Moving Advice

• You do not need any moving permits, but check on local parking restrictions before moving to Tennessee.
• Summers in Tennessee are hot and humid, so it is probably best if you do not make that move in the summer months.
• Tennessee hosts a number of popular festivals throughout the state, especially between April and October. Check your city’s calendar to avoid the crowds on moving day.
• The climate is humid all year round. Be sure to cover any moving boxes or other items you might have to leave outside for a few hours. If you are planning on using storage after moving to Tennessee, make sure the space is dry and free of mold.
• Make sure that your pets have all their vaccinations and are protected from parasites before moving to Tennessee. In addition, depending on the change in climate, allow them to accustom gradually to avoid health problems.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Tennesse easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives to your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

You can head to a vibrant city like Memphis or Nashville, or opt for a quiet life in the Appalachian Mountains. Tennessee offers a rich culture, natural beauty and a low cost of living.

Franklin has been recognised nationally for its fabulous schools and an abundance of nice community opportunities. Germantown has a low cost of living, affordable housing and an average income that is one of the highest in the state. Collierville is located approximately 30 miles outside the downtown area and is one of the most affluent areas in the state. Murfreesboro is full of parks and greenways and is rich with history and historical sites, including the famous Civil War battlefield, the Stones River National Battlefield.

Others notable cities include: Oak Ridge, Mount Juliet, Nolensville and Brentwood.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Tennessee is 18.94 percent lower than the US average, and it ranks among the ten most affordable states to live in the entire country. Though the costs of healthcare, groceries, consumer goods, and utilities are all lower than in most of the rest of the country.

Home prices in Tennessee have appreciated 55.1% higher than the national level. Looking back three years at the median price in October 2019 compared to October 2022, prices have increased 47.0% in Tennessee VS 35.8% nationwide.

As of October 2022, the median price for a home in the state was $372,000, which is up 7.6% above last year’s median price. Comparing prices over the last three years, we can see they have decreased -6.8% from the peak of $399,200 in May-2022.

Tennessee does not have a state income tax, so you will not see state income taxes taken out of your paychecks or owe state income taxes at tax time.

Climate

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in Tennessee in July is a whopping 92 degrees, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter. Winter nights usually hover around the freezing point. The entire state gets lots of precipitation, averaging 50 inches per year, with some snowfall in the winter. When moving to TN, be aware that the state gets relatively severe storms, including thunderstorms with strong winds, rain and large hail, as well as severe tornadoes in western and middle Tennessee.

Education

If you’re moving to Tennessee, you’ll have access to some top-notch and notable educational institutions. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Tennessee:

Start your search for schools with the following chart-toppers:

• Elementary Schools: Clarksville Academy in Clarksville, Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville, and the Westside Elementary School in Memphis are some elementary schools in Tennessee.
• High Schools: Some notable high schools are the Christian Academy in Knoxville, Cleveland High School in Cleveland, and Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, where President Obama personally delivered the school’s 2011 commencement speech as a reward for winning the 2011 “Race to the Top Commencement Challenge.”
• Higher Education: Students moving to TN can choose from a number of excellent state and private higher educational institutions, including the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Technological University.

Government

The The Tennessee State website maintains a comprehensive website with information for visitors, residents and businesses.

• There’s no excise tax in Tennessee.
• You must register your vehicle at your county clerk’s office within 30 days after moving to Tennessee. Costs vary per county.
• To obtain a Tennessee driver’s license, you need to contact the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Driver Services division within 30 days after moving to Tennessee.
• Currently there are no toll roads in Tennessee, but there are plans to make the I-69, which is under construction, a toll road.
• After moving to Tennessee, you can mail in a voter registration form or register in person at your county clerk’s office, public library or at the Department of Safety (Motor Vehicles division).
• Trash and recycling are handled by your city in urban areas and by private companies if you live outside of the city. Contact your city or county for more information.