Living in Tennessee
Simply put, Tennessee has a lot to offer its residences. Never mind the draws of the urban epicenters like Nashville and Memphis, the state has a varying geography that includes mountain regions and pleasant flatlands. Tennessee offers its own regional takes on barbeque and music, and the Jack Daniels distillery is I Lynchburg. That’s a lot for one state.
Special education bonus: if a child graduates from high school in Tennessee, they will be able to attend a Tennessee community college at zero cost thanks to the Tennessee Promise Program. While the program does not cover the costs for books, it does offer tow years of tuition-free attendance to a community or technical college inside the state. The program covers all last-dollar scholarship needs, meaning it will cover any costs and fees not paid by other awards.
Two years of aid in higher education? Yes, please.
WORKING
Fun fact: the state of Tennessee does not have a state income tax, so anyone getting paid here won’t have to worry about any state income taxes being yanked out of the paychecks. Also, there’s few things in life that offer the delightful relief of not having to fill out the state income tax information for the IRS every year. The trade off? There will be taxes for dividends and interest earnings, so anyone making money with investments will have to report it. According to the Census ACS one-year survey, the median household income for Tennessee was $51,340 in 2017.
Traffic also poses a somewhat unique geographical problem in the state, too. The cities tend to have heavier traffic congestions, which is only to be expected. The rural areas may provide smoother travel in terms of the number of vehicles on the road at a given time, but those advantages can be offset by having to navigate the twisting mountain roads. It’s entire possible a ten-mile trip through the mountains could take at least an hour, and that’s with no traffic beyond the occasional group of bikers.
Also, before you ask, not everyone in state drives a pickup truck. Don’t give in to stereotypes, people.
WEATHER
Generally speaking, Tennessee has a temperate climate, which would ordinarily mean warm summers and mild winters. However, because the state’s topography includes mountains and valleys, which can play hell with trying to predict what the overall weather conditions will be on a steady basis. The warmest areas tend to the lowest spots, such as the Gulf Coastal Plain and Sequatchie Valley, while the mountain ranges will understandably be a great deal cooler.
One thing that can be relied on with the weather? Summer heat. Yep, summers in Tennessee are hot and humid. If you’re planning on moving to Tennessee, it’s probably best if you don’t make that move in the summer months. The average high temperature in Tennessee in July is a whopping 92 degrees, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
THINGS TO DO
Anyone looking to spend an evening listening to live music will find a plethora of options in Tennessee, even if they aren’t in Nashville. Between the Grand Ole Opry and Sun Studio, the state can be a gold mine of musical offerings, even if they think they don’t like country music. Dollywood and Graceland can both be found here, and popular music festivals range from the big ones like Bonnaroo to hearing an artist perform on a street corner. You cannot escape good music in this state, but why would anyone even bother trying?
Fun sight: if you do go to Nashville, take a moment to drive down Music Row and behold the recording and writing studios. Any time one of the studios sells a song, they set up banners on their lawns congratulating their in-house musicians. It’s like finding out a songwriter just made the varsity team.
And thanks to the diverse geography within the state, you can also experience all four seasons as they were meant to be experienced (by which we mean you’ll need a good jacket and a pair of flip flops). The state also features mountains, wildflowers, and waterfalls, and depending on where you’re moving to, these things can be found in a daytrip. Just mind the mountains paths like we said earlier, especially when it’s raining. And try the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you like wildflowers. Or just nature in general. Not everybody likes wildflowers, we get that.
CULTURE
The history and culture of Tennessee showcases a feel and flavor similar to the other mountain states but also features strong influences of what can be experienced in the Deep South states. The state’s history includes being at the forefront of the civil rights movement and hosts a population blend of English and Scotch-Irish. As a result, the state enjoys a laid-back attitude that can be friendly and relaxed.
Drive through the cities and you’ll find that relaxed sensibility on display in an urban setting. A journey through the mountains evokes a sense of quiet grandeur that only comes from passing within two feet of giant rock formations with trees and vines sprouting through the outcroppings.
And then there’s the barbeque, which favors a slow-cooked approach with a spicy dry rub that pairs well with whiskey and moonshine (which can now be purchased legally within the state).
HEAD FOR THE MOUNTAINS ALREADY!
Really liking the idea of moving someplace with mountain ranges and varying weather conditions? Thinking about how glorious it’s going to be to take drives up mountain paths on your way to Gatlinburg? Well, if you haven’t started making plans already, contact Colonial Van Lines to help with any moving plans. With decades of experience, Colonial Van Lines can help make your moving experience to Tennessee stress free. Call a Colonial Van Lines professional today.
Also, we forgot to mention Pigeon Forge, the center of fun in Tennessee (their words, not ours). Make some time to visit the place; you’ll be glad that you did.