Thinking about moving to Tennessee? You are not alone! Around 77,513 people moved here in 2024. Home to giants like FedEx and Amazon, the state ranked #3 best for business climate. Plus, the state is expected to add 36,400 new jobs in 2025.
Moreover, Nashville ranks #5 among the top Southern cities for livability, while Chattanooga is known for its mountain trails. If you already feel overwhelmed, don’t worry—this blog is your step-by-step guide to moving to TN without any hassle.
👉 Tennessee Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in TN today!
AT A GLANCE:
- Over 77,500 newcomers moved to Tennessee in 2024 alone, drawn by a booming economy and strong amenities.
- The average home price is around $336K, and rent is about $1,776/month. In towns like Rockwood or La Follette, rent can be as low as $1,350.
- Ranked #3 for best business climate, and home to corporate giants like FedEx, Nissan, HCA Healthcare, and Amazon.
- Expect a warm, humid subtropical climate with summer highs of 70–99°F and mild winters.
- The state serves over 1 million K–12 students in 142 districts, with top public schools like Central Magnet and Hume‑Fogg.
5 Reasons to Move to Tennessee
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Tennessee, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
The average cost of housing in Tennessee is around $336,119, which is slightly cheaper than the national average. Plus, the average rent in Tennessee is around $1,776, with cities like Rockwood and LaFollette being highly affordable with average rental costs of $1,500 and $1,350, respectively.
Additionally, recent trends show that around 61.5% of the homes in Tennessee are sold under the listing price, while only 16.4% are sold above the list price. This makes the Tennessee housing market highly favorable for home buyers.
2. Jobs in Tennessee
Home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, Tennessee employs around 3.3M people in 2024. Manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors lead the market with over 47% of the residents employed. The major employers include FedEx, Nissan, HCA Healthcare, Amazon, and AutoZone.
The state offers free job assistance through American Job Centers (AJCs) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). For the business owners, the Tennessee Small Business Center helps organizations with assistance, business planning, and licensing.
3. Top-Notch Education
Tennessee serves over 1 million students across 142 school districts. These school districts include a mix of public, charter, and private schools to meet varying academic needs. Top-performing schools include Central Magnet School and Hume‑Fogg Academic Magnet.
For higher education, Tennessee is home to nationally renowned universities such as Tennessee Tech and the University of Memphis. Plus, the state offers scholarships like HOPE, Ned McWherter, Tennessee Promise, and need‑based grants to make education more accessible.
4. Tax-Friendly Policies
Tennessee is one of the few states that does not tax your income. This simply means you have more disposable income to save and spend on your lifestyle. This makes it especially attractive for both working professionals and retirees.
Tennessee ranks 5th for overall tax friendliness. This is largely due to a low corporate income tax at just 6.5%. Plus, the state offers tax credits like the Job Tax Credit, Industrial Machinery Credit, and sales tax exemptions for equipment, manufacturing, and R&D.
5. Climate in Tennessee
Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers with temperatures ranging between 70–99°F and mild winters with temperatures ranging between 24–48°F. Additionally, the snowfall is modest throughout the state, with a snowy period lasting around 2.3 months, from December 19 to February 28.
Tennessee is prone to natural disasters like tornadoes, flash floods, and storms, especially in spring and fall. Stay prepared with weather alerts, safe rooms, and emergency kits. Flood and tornado insurance are also recommended in high-risk areas.
Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee
Here are the key drawbacks and benefits of living in Tennessee:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. The state has no income tax, which simply means more savings and a better lifestyle. | 1. In some areas, sales tax is up to 9.75%, making everyday purchases more expensive. |
| 2. The price of living in Tennessee is significantly lower than the U.S. average. | 2. The public transport in the state is limited outside of big cities. |
| 3. The state has a growing job market with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors leading the way. | 3. Most of the job opportunities exist in urban areas, while rural areas in Tennessee still have limited job options. |
| 4. The state fosters a vibrant music culture, especially in cities like Nashville and Memphis. | 4. The state is prone to severe weather conditions like tornadoes, flooding, and strong storms in spring and fall. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Tennessee ✅
Before entering the Tennessee housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Vehicle & Driver’s License Registration: After relocating to Tennessee, you must register your vehicle and acquire a Tennessee driver’s license within 30 days. Visit your local county clerk’s office for registration with proof of insurance and your out-of-state title.
- Pet Registration Laws: All dogs and cats are required to be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination tag. If it doesn’t, it can be considered a stray and may be subject to fines or impoundment by local animal control.
- Firearm Carrying Laws: For anyone 18 or older, both concealed and open carry are allowed. However, you still can’t carry weapons in certain locations like schools, government buildings, or while intoxicated.
- Recreational Marijuana: Marijuana for recreational or medical purposes is illegal in Tennessee, and possession can lead to arrest depending on the amount. However, hemp-derived products like CBD and delta-8 are legal if kept under a certain quantity.
Cost of Living in Tennessee
The average cost of living in Tennessee is 6% below the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 59% and 30% above the national average.
However, a 9.75% sales tax in cities like Nashville, Berry Hill, and Goodlettsville means you pay more for daily expenses like food, groceries, and transportation. Carefully weigh the cost of living and available opportunities before deciding which city to move to.
How to Move to Tennessee?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Tennessee seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you plan to hire a professional mover, a Tennessee mover costs around $124 per hour[3]. Depending on the size of your move and the distance, you can expect to pay from $446-$4,076[3] for your move.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent for a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks:
- Electricity and Gas: Electricity and gas providers may vary depending on the city you move to. In areas like Chattanooga, EPB (Electric Power Board) manages the electricity. However, others use TVA or local co-ops like Middle Tennessee Electric.
- Water & Sewer: Water and sewer services are usually managed by the local municipalities. Visit your local municipal utility office for an application. You may have to pay a small deposit or activation fee to get it started.
- Internet and Cable: Depending on the city, the service providers may vary. But all major providers, such as EPB in Chattanooga, Comcast, and AT&T, have online portals for registration.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten or 6 years old for first grade by August 15. Most schools offer online registration. You’ll need a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency, and a photo ID to enroll.
- For Older Students: For the older children, if they’re already in a TN district, records transfer within 5 days. For others, contact the respective school district.
- Transfer & Special Cases: For mid-year transfers, homeschool conversions, or choice school programs, contact your school’s enrollment office directly for appointments and forms.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you are working remotely and moving to Tennessee, ask your employer for information on the state-specific employment and tax policies.
- Find a New Job: You can use the state portal like Jobs4TN or sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter to explore local job openings across the job market.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Nashville and Chattanooga, the average rent is around $1,786[2], depending on the location and nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a big city, on average, homes for sale in Nashville cost around $447K[2]. On the other hand, other smaller cities like LaFollette and Kingsport offer affordable options with median housing costs of $233K[2] and $256K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Tennessee?
Yes, you should definitely move to Tennessee. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Tennessee isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Tennessee’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Tennessee is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Tennessee, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Tennessee
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Tennessee, long before the moving boxes are packed.
