So, you are planning on moving to Tennessee or perhaps you’ve already made your move? It’s certainly understandable why. You adore the loveliness of the state and its vastness from the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern region to the Mississippi River in the west. There’s so much history and culture. If you love the blues you’re in the right place, and the state’s country music scene makes it a “hot-steppin” joint for some good ole’ country line dancing.
Sure, possums sleep in the center of the road with their feet in the air, and every festival across the state is named after an animal, insect, grain, or vegetable, but hey, look at it this way, the climate is usually mild. In addition, you will have every reason to take advantage of it because there are plenty of fun things to do! Therefore, if you are planning on moving to Tennessee, or already have, here are some things you should know about living in the region of the United States nicknamed the “Volunteer State.”
Moving tips
- If you haven’t already moved to Tennessee and are planning your relocation, the best time to move to the state is during the fall or winter. Then again, if you must move during the spring or summer, check the weather information in case of storm or tornado alerts.
- Festivals are quite popular in Tennessee, particularly between April and October. Consequently, if you want to bypass the masses, peer at the state’s calendar for scheduled festivals to make your move less stressful.
- Moving permits are not required in Tennessee; however, parking limitations may be in place in the larger municipalities. Make certain to contact the city you plan to move to and ask about special requirements for your transport vehicle.
Major cities/living/employment/taxes
- The major cities in Tennessee are Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The majority of professional employment is centralized around these cities. The remainder of the employment in the state is primarily focused on mining, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. If you are a professional, there is a professional privilege-tax that is collected annually. The tax is appropriated on specific professional vocations.
- You will find public transportation suitable in each major city. Fares are reasonable. Even rural areas have a transport service, though you will need to call in advance for service.
- The state has a personal tax on interest and dividends and a retail sales tax with certain regions charging a local alternative sales-tax over the base tax. If you plan on purchasing an expensive item, it may be wise to purchase it before moving to Tennessee if where you are currently at offers a cheaper sales tax rate.
- Cost of living in Tennessee is about 20 percent less than the country average. The state is in the top five most affordable states in the US. Although the cost of utilities, consumer-goods, groceries, and healthcare are less expensive than other parts of the country, affordable housing is what makes the cost of living really low.
- Property taxes are comparatively reasonable. Moreover, Tennessee does not charge taxes on revenue received from wages. The absence of state-taxation of individual income considerably enhances many household lifestyles.
Extra information for new residents
- There is no time limit before you can be a resident.
- If you have a vehicle, you must register it within 30-days of arrival.
- Don’t forget to register to vote soon after moving to the state.
- Traffic gets hectic around Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, check the conditions before moving.
- Tennessee has some of the best educational institutions in the country.
Now all you have to do is make your plans and move, and if you have already moved to Tennessee, enjoy!