The Pros and Cons of Living in Tennessee

People have been migrating to the South at an unprecedented rate in recent years, making it the leading region for population growth in the United States. This historic pattern of migration is driven by a complex range of factors, including lower income tax rates, faster-growing employment opportunities, and the rising cost of living in the West and North, making the South experience some of the highest population growth rates in its history. With that has come an influx of new resources and talent from across the country, leading to a renaissance in food, music, and all kinds of outdoor recreation.

Tennessee is one state at the vanguard of these changes. Known for its rich culture, beautiful geography, and booming economy, Tennessee is drawing in people at one of the highest rates in the country, many of them international immigrants. Historically a border state, Tennessee has always been at the intersection of different regions and cultures within the broader United States, a status which holds true to this day. The state is filled with tourist attractions and historical monuments, but its appeal extends far beyond these. 

In this article, we’ll be taking a broad look at what life in Tennessee really looks like from a local’s perspective, taking both the pros and the cons into consideration. Unlike many articles, we won’t be sweeping certain details under the rug, but rather, we will take a comprehensive look at what life in Tennessee is like. While Tennessee has much to offer, it is not without its challenges. The state has its share of social and economic issues that affect residents’ daily lives. Many of these problems are deeply embedded, rarely talked about, and hard to notice unless you have spent many years living here, and we will be going over a comprehensive list of them in depth. 

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Geography and Climate

Pros:

1. Diverse Landscapes: The natural environment varies from large mountains in the east to the low floodplains of the Mississippi River in the west. This makes the state incredibly beautiful, and wonderful for all kinds of outdoor recreation.

2. Mild Climate: Tennessee generally has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, springs and falls are comfortable, and winters are mildly cold. This makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. 

3. Natural Attractions: The state is home to an immense amount of natural attractions, including waterfalls, rivers, and forests. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the entire nation, and is complimented by a wide variety of state and local parks across the state which give broad access to nature.

Cons:

1. Heat: While the climate is relatively mild, the summers can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in the central and western parts of the state. This leads to sky-high air conditioning bills in the summer.

2. Extreme Weather: Tennessee is prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional flooding, particularly in the spring and summer months. These sorts of natural disasters have been intensifying in recent years, and seem likely to get worse in the future.

3. Allergies: Tennessee’s greenery can contribute to a severe allergy season. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can cause significant discomfort for allergy sufferers. The high humidity can also exacerbate mold growth, leading to additional allergens in the air.

4. High Humidity: While Tennessee is mild in the winters, the summers have especially high humidity levels which can be very uncomfortable for residents and visitors. The sticky, oppressive heat can make outdoor activities less enjoyable and even pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory issues or heat sensitivity. High humidity levels can also lead to increased mold growth in homes, exacerbating allergies and asthma symptoms. Additionally, the constant need for air conditioning during the summer months can drive up energy costs, putting a strain on your budget.

5. Ticks and Mosquitoes: The warm climate, large waterways, and abundant natural areas in Tennessee create a favorable environment for ticks and mosquitoes, which are an annoyance, and sometimes a significant health risk. Ticks, prevalent in wooded and grassy areas, are known carriers of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, like the recently discovered alpha-gal syndrome.

Economy

Pros:

1. Economic Growth: Tennessee has one of the fastest-growing economies in the United States. The state’s GDP growth, driven by sectors such as healthcare, entertainment, and tourism, has been remarkable. This economic boom has resulted in low unemployment rates and a wealth of job opportunities. Major cities like Nashville and Chattanooga have become hubs for business and innovation, attracting talent from across the country.

2. Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many other states, Tennessee offers a relatively low cost of living. This affordability extends to housing, groceries, and other essentials, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their dollars further. The absence of state income tax is another financial benefit for many residents.

3. Booming Tourism Industry: Tourism is a major driver of Tennessee’s economy, bringing in millions of dollars each year. Attractions such as Graceland, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Great Smoky Mountains draw visitors from around the world, boosting local economies and creating jobs. This influx of tourists also supports local businesses, from restaurants to retail stores.

4. Strong Manufacturing Sector: Tennessee’s manufacturing sector produces everything from automobiles to consumer goods. The presence of major companies like Nissan, Volkswagen, and FedEx provides numerous job opportunities and supports the state’s economic stability. This sector’s strength also contributes to the state’s export economy, fostering international trade relationships.

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5. Growing Tech Industry: In recent years, Tennessee has seen significant growth in its tech industry. Cities like Nashville and Chattanooga are becoming known for their tech startups and innovation hubs. This growth attracts young professionals and contributes to the state’s economic diversification, reducing reliance on traditional industries.

6. Low Business Taxes: Tennessee is renowned for its business-friendly environment, largely due to its low business tax rates. This attracts a wide range of businesses, from startups to large corporations, fostering economic growth and job creation. The presence of major companies like FedEx, Nissan, and Volkswagen underscores the state’s appeal as a business hub.

7. Strong Music and Entertainment Industry: Tennessee’s music and entertainment industries are a major economic driver, drawing talent and tourism from around the world. Nashville, famously known as “Music City,” is the heart of the country music industry, hosting renowned institutions like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Memphis, the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, is home to historic Beale Street and Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic estate. This thriving industry not only provides numerous job opportunities in music production, event management, and hospitality, but also enriches the state’s cultural fabric, making Tennessee a vibrant and dynamic place to live.

8. High Job Growth: Tennessee boasts a high rate of job growth, particularly in burgeoning sectors like technology and healthcare. Cities such as Nashville and Chattanooga have emerged as tech hubs, attracting startups and established tech companies alike. The state’s growing healthcare industry, anchored by institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, provides a plethora of jobs and advances in medical research. This dynamic job market attracts professionals from across the country, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce.

Cons:

1. Sales Tax: At 7%, Tennessee’s sales tax is the second-highest in the nation. While Tennessee doesn’t have a state income tax, it has to fund services someway, and it has chosen one of the most regressive forms of taxation possible. Rather than distributing money downward from higher income households, it taxes products at the point of sale, which disproportionately taxes lower-income households, for whom things like groceries take up a bigger part of the budget.

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2. Rising Housing Costs: Despite the generally low cost of living, the influx of new residents has led to rising housing costs, particularly in urban areas like Nashville. This has resulted in an affordability crisis for many long-time residents who are being priced out of their homes. Gentrification in certain neighborhoods has further exacerbated this issue, displacing lower-income families in urban and rural areas alike.

3. Traffic and Infrastructure Issues: Rapid population growth has strained Tennessee’s infrastructure. While not yet comparable to major West Coast cities, traffic congestion has become a significant problem, especially in and around major cities. Since the state’s public transportation system is underdeveloped, most residents have to rely on personal vehicles for their daily commutes. This reliance on cars contributes to environmental pollution and increases travel time.

4. Economic Inequality: While the state’s economy is booming, there are significant disparities in income and economic opportunities, particularly between Black and White Tennesseans, and between urban and rural areas. Black and rural communities both consistently struggle with limited access to services and job opportunities. These disparities can lead to a lower quality of life and hinder economic mobility for residents in these regions, feeding problems with substance abuse, poverty, gun violence, and poor health outcomes.

5. Dependence on Tourism: While tourism is a significant economic driver, it can also be a vulnerability. Economic downturns, natural disasters, or health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can severely impact tourism and, consequently, the local economies that rely on it. Such dependence can make the state’s economy more susceptible to external shocks.

6. Low Wages in Some Sectors: Despite Tennessee’s overall economic prosperity, wage disparities persist, particularly in sectors like retail, hospitality, and certain manufacturing jobs. Workers in these fields often earn lower wages compared to their counterparts in other states, which can make it challenging to keep up with the rising cost of living in urban areas. This is one of the reasons for the significant growth in capital investment.

7. Limited Union Presence: Tennessee’s limited union presence can impact workers’ rights and benefits, particularly in industries like manufacturing and service sectors. The state’s “right-to-work” laws make it challenging for unions to gain a foothold, which can result in weaker bargaining power for employees. This situation often leads to lower wages, reduced benefits, and less job security for workers. While the business-friendly environment attracts companies, it also has a dark side.

8. Economic Dependence on Major Cities: Tennessee’s economic growth is heavily concentrated in major cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, creating disparities between urban and rural areas. While these cities thrive, offering abundant job opportunities and amenities, rural regions often struggle with limited access to economic resources and services. This imbalance can lead to a lower quality of life in rural areas and hinder overall statewide economic development. This cycle only gets exacerbated by the “brain drain” of young people moving to big cities or out of state rather than staying in their local communities. Meanwhile, affluent suburban developments encroach on rural areas, putting more strain on public services even as they raise barriers that keep people with less money out of the community.

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Culture

Pros:

1. Rich Musical Heritage: Nashville, known as “Music City,” is the heart of the country music industry and home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and countless live music venues. Memphis, the birthplace of the blues, is home to iconic Beale Street, a center of the blues genre, as well as Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley.

2. Culinary Landscape: Tennessee’s culinary landscape is a variation of what people perceive to be “Southern” food. It’s in reality a diverse mix of culinary influences from the Deep South, Appalachian Mountains, and Midwest, which themselves have roots in Southeastern Native America, Western Europe, and West Africa. Some of its most famous food items are Memphis Barbecue and Nashville Hot Chicken, but this is just the surface of Tennessee cooking. The growing number of food festivals and the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients are increasingly driving the growth and change in Tennessee’s food culture.

3. Historical Significance: Tennessee is rich in history, playing a significant role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Historical sites and museums throughout the state speak to the legacy of this history.

4. Sports: Tennessee is home to professional sports teams like the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, as well as college sports powerhouses like the University of Tennessee Volunteers, a team that draws massive crowds and spawns all kinds of tailgating and parties on game days.

5. Strong Literary Tradition: Tennessee boasts a rich literary tradition that has produced notable authors like James Agee, Alex Haley, and Cormac McCarthy. This literary heritage is celebrated through various festivals, writer workshops, and historic landmarks dedicated to these authors. For instance, the Alex Haley House Museum in Henning offers insights into the life and work of the “Roots” author. These types of cultural landmarks provide residents and visitors with opportunities to engage deeply with the state’s literary past and present. 

6. Vibrant Music Festivals: Tennessee’s music festivals are legendary, attracting visitors from all over the globe and significantly boosting the local economy. Events like Bonnaroo in Manchester, the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, and Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga bring together diverse musical acts and create a lively atmosphere that celebrates the state’s musical heritage. These festivals foster community spirit and provide platforms for emerging artists. The economic impact of these events is substantial, supporting local businesses and tourism.

7. Growing Craft Beer Scene: In recent years, Tennessee has seen a burgeoning craft beer and distillery scene that adds to the state’s diverse cultural offerings. Nashville and Knoxville are home to numerous breweries and distilleries that produce a wide range of unique and high-quality beverages. Craft beer festivals and brewery tours have become popular activities, attracting both locals and tourists. This growing industry not only provides economic benefits but also enhances the state’s culinary landscape, offering residents a variety of locally crafted options to enjoy and celebrate.

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Cons:

1. Cultural Homogeneity: Despite its rich cultural heritage, some areas of Tennessee, particularly rural regions, can be culturally homogeneous. This can be challenging for newcomers or those from more diverse backgrounds, especially for immigrants for whom English is their second language. The lack of cultural diversity in certain areas may limit exposure to different perspectives and experiences, and leads to rampant discrimination.

2. Regressive Social Policies: Tennessee’s policy apparatus tends to follow the regressive example set by the government funding model of the sales tax. Economic growth is prioritized over social equity in everything from tax policy to educational standards. In addition, issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and women’s reproductive health clash with the state’s conservative tendencies. Such policies can impact the inclusivity and social dynamics of the state, sometimes leading to heated public debates. This can make life significantly harder for groups of people on the losing side of such policy debates.

3. Urban-Rural Divide: The cultural divide between Tennessee’s urban and rural areas can be significant, affecting social cohesion and mutual understanding. Urban centers, particularly Nashville and Memphis, are culturally diverse and progressive, often embracing new ideas and groups of people. In contrast, rural areas and small towns typically hold more traditional views and lifestyles, which can lead to a sense of disconnect between the two. This leads to a lack of communication and collaboration on shared problems, which significantly holds back progress in the state. This can also apply to the lack of access to things like healthcare and cultural pursuits in rural areas.

Education and Healthcare 

Pros:

1. Reputable Educational Institutions: Tennessee is home to several reputable institutions of higher learning. Vanderbilt University in Nashville is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers a wide range of programs and research opportunities. These institutions attract students and faculty from around the world, contributing to the state’s intellectual capital.

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2. Growing Healthcare Industry: Tennessee is a leader in the healthcare industry, with numerous top-tier medical institutions and healthcare companies based in the state. Nashville, in particular, is known as the healthcare capital of the United States, providing excellent medical care and contributing significantly to the state’s economy.

3. Innovative Educational Programs: The state has implemented several innovative educational programs aimed at improving access and quality. The Tennessee Promise program, for example, offers two years of tuition-free community or technical college to high school graduates, significantly increasing access to higher education and reducing the financial burden on families. With this access to higher education comes greater economic mobility.

4. Strong Vocational Training Programs: Tennessee’s robust vocational training programs are designed to prepare students for careers in trades and technical fields, addressing the state’s workforce needs. Programs offered by institutions like Tennessee College of Applied Technology provide hands-on training in areas such as automotive technology, healthcare, and information technology. These programs are designed to meet the demands of local industries, ensuring that graduates have the skills required to secure well-paying jobs. 

Cons:

1. Healthcare Disparities: Despite its strong healthcare industry, Tennessee faces significant disparities in healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Many residents struggle with a shortage of medical professionals and facilities, making it difficult to receive timely and adequate care. These disparities can lead to poorer health outcomes for rural populations, as well as for many low-income urban areas.

2. Educational Challenges: While there are notable exceptions, the overall quality of education in Tennessee varies widely. Some public schools, particularly in rural and low-income areas, face challenges such as underfunding and limited resources. This can affect students’ academic performance and future opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

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3. Healthcare Costs: The cost of healthcare in Tennessee can be high, especially for those without comprehensive insurance coverage. Out-of-pocket expenses for medical care can be a significant financial burden for many families, impacting their overall economic stability and quality of life. This is not helped by the lack of Medicaid expansion in the state.

4. Teacher Shortages: Teacher shortages in Tennessee are an ongoing challenge, affecting the quality of education across the state. Many schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas, struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers, leading to larger class sizes and reduced individual attention for students. Factors contributing to these shortages include low salaries, high workloads, and limited resources. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education and that teachers are supported and valued for their essential work. Efforts to improve teacher recruitment and retention are vital for the state’s educational success.

5. High Rates of Chronic Diseases: Tennessee has extremely high rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which place a significant strain on the healthcare system. These health issues are often linked to lifestyle factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. The prevalence of these conditions leads to increased healthcare costs and can reduce the overall quality of life for many residents. Public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and preventive care are essential to addressing these challenges and improving the well-being of Tennesseans.

6. Limited Mental Health Services: Access to mental health services in Tennessee, especially in rural areas, is extremely limited, impacting residents’ overall well-being amidst increasing levels of mental illness and social isolation across the state. Many communities lack sufficient mental health professionals, and the stigma associated with mental health is pervasive, which can deter individuals from seeking help. The shortage of services can lead to long wait times and inadequate care for those in need.

Community and Lifestyle

Pros:

1. High-Quality Research Institutions: Tennessee is home to several high-quality research institutions that contribute significantly to the state’s educational and scientific advancement. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, for instance, is a leader in energy research and innovation, attracting top scientists and providing valuable resources for academic and industrial research. Similarly, universities like Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee offer robust research programs in various fields, driving advancements and fostering collaboration with industry. These institutions not only enhance the state’s reputation in research and development but also create numerous educational and professional opportunities for residents.

2. Outdoor Recreation: Hiking, fishing, camping, and boating are popular activities, and the state’s numerous parks and natural areas provide beautiful settings for these pursuits. The availability of outdoor activities contributes to a healthy and active lifestyle.

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Cons:

1. Rural Isolation: Rural areas often lack strong community cohesion, leading to high levels of social isolation and alienation. Limited access to services and amenities can be a challenge for residents in these regions. Such isolation can also impact social and professional opportunities, and is a key part of the spiraling crisis around substance abuse.

2. Limited Public Transportation: For those living in or near major cities, the lack of comprehensive public transportation can be a significant drawback. This limitation forces many residents to rely on personal vehicles, increasing transportation costs and contributing to traffic congestion. The lack of public transit options can also make it extremely challenging for those without cars to access employment and essential services.

3. Drug Abuse Issues: Tennessee faces an epidemic of drug addiction and overdose deaths, particularly with opioids, which affects many communities across the state. This has led to a massive death toll and increasing strain on communities and healthcare systems across the state.

Conclusion

Overall, living in Tennessee offers a mix of pros and cons that potential residents should carefully consider. The state’s diverse geography, mild climate, and booming economy provide numerous opportunities for those seeking a dynamic and affordable place to live. Its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene are also a major draw for new residents. However, challenges such as rising housing costs, economic inequality, and poor public transport should not be ignored. Hopefully, this list has provided a comprehensive overview of all of the state’s benefits, as well as its drawbacks.