What is it like to Live in Tennessee?

Tennessee is a surprisingly diverse state with a burgeoning economy and rich historical and cultural roots that draw in many tourists every year. It has a growing population of migrants leaving the higher cost of living in the West, Midwest, and Northeast of the US, as well as an increasing amount of immigrants from outside of the US. One of Tennessee’s biggest appeals is its beautiful natural landscape, which is deeply entwined with the economy and social fabric of the state, especially in East Tennessee. It is also world renowned for its music culture, being either the original home of, or major contributor to, a long list of music genres such as blues, country, soul, R&B, gospel, rock and roll, and bluegrass, just to name the most well-known.

Though Tennessee has its problems, many of the stereotypes about life here don’t capture the richness in our culture or the reality of daily life in the state. This state is a beautiful place with a lot of good people and good experiences if you’re willing to look for them. In this article, we’ll be taking a broad look at what life in Tennessee is really like from a local’s perspective, taking in both the good and the bad. Naturally, we’ll start with what Tennessee looks like (i.e. its geography) before moving to its climate, economy, and finally its culture, including its artistic achievements and education system.

1. Geography and Climate

Tennessee is normally categorized into three distinct regions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Each region is rooted in quite distinct socioeconomic and ecological backgrounds, though they have been united in one state for over 200 years. East Tennessee is the most sparsely populated, characterized by the Great Smoky Mountains and the sprawling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Its major cities are Knoxville in the north and Chattanooga in the south, right on the state line with Georgia. Both are small- to medium-sized cities with central logistical connections to the Midwest and Deep South and have been expanding rapidly in population, size, and industry. Middle Tennessee is centered on Nashville, the capital of the state and the hub of the massive, world-renowned music industry that it has become home to. Nashville and its many surrounding suburbs have experienced explosive population and economic growth so far during the 21st century, making it an exemplar of what’s going on in the rest of the state. West Tennessee is defined by the massive city of Memphis in the south and the flatlands that spread out from the Mississippi River on Tennessee’s western border.

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Tennessee has a divided environment which has led to stark historical differences between the three regions of the state. As previously discussed, the East is characterized by the Appalachian Mountains and gradually lowers into the Cumberland Plateau region, which is filled with rolling hills, forests, rivers, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, making it a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. Middle Tennessee has a much flatter topography, with wide agricultural areas surrounding the central plateau near Nashville. West Tennessee is a large, flat floodplain of the Mississippi River, making it much more similar geographically, culturally, and economically to the Deep South than the rest of the state.

The climate in Tennessee varies somewhat by region, but overall, it is warm three out of four seasons, with very hot and humid summers, comfortable springs and falls, and mild winters. It is somewhat cooler in the eastern part of the state because of the mountainous terrain, but still regularly gets above 90°F during the summers. It gets roughly 51 inches of rain a year evenly spread across the state, making for a high of 220 days in the growing season in the far west around Memphis, and about 160 days in the far east. About half of the entire state is still forested, and Tennessee has amazing biodiversity due to its location right in the interior of the United States. It features birds, fish, and land animals that are characteristic of both the Midwest and the South, reflecting Tennessee’s position as a border state. The major rivers in the state are the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi Rivers.

2. Economy

Tennessee is growing like crazy. In 2020-2023, Tennessee was the second-fastest growing economy in the country (tied with Nevada and right behind Florida), and there’s no sign that it’s slowing down. Housing developments are popping up everywhere, eating up what used to be farmland and putting some strain on local services, especially in the areas around Nashville that attract the most migrants moving for work in the capital. Along with all the new residents is a renaissance in food, music, and all kinds of outdoor recreation which has transformed the face of cities across the state. 

Over half of Tennessee’s GDP and the vast majority of its jobs are in the service sector (i.e. government, trade and transportation, various financial and professional services, education, health services, and leisure and hospitality services). Even as the population expands faster than public services can handle, unemployment rates have remained incredibly low, while many industries, especially the entertainment and arts industries, are booming like never before. Tourism is also becoming huge, bringing in about $79 million every single day. This can be seen in the revitalization of downtown areas across the state, leading products like local whiskey and craft beers to become nationally recognized brands.

Among all of this growth has come an increase in traffic, leading to traffic jams and costly expansions to road systems that take many years and millions of dollars to complete, as well as widespread complaints. Despite this, Tennessee is utterly lacking in public transportation and has little intention of changing that. Officials have been talking for years about a proposed high-speed commuter rail line to connect Tennessee’s major cities to Atlanta and elsewhere, but so far, all that has come to fruition are more lofty studies and no concrete plans. In the meantime, the lowest income Tennesseans have to rely on underfunded and overstretched bus systems, and the vast majority of us have no option but long commutes using our own private vehicles–a large expense that should be added to any consideration about the cost of living in this state.

Even though Tennessee remains a much more affordable place to live than much of the rest of the country, this influx of people is also causing a steep rise in rent and home prices to match the lifestyles and wages of the out-of-state migrants who can afford them. This is leading to an affordability crisis, mainly among long-time residents who are being priced out of the market and pushed into more affordable suburbs. These are also more distant from work opportunities and community resources (again emphasizing the difficulties of our lack of public transportation). This is all happening in a state with very conservative politics and sparse public support systems in place to increase community resilience and stability. 

All of this is the dark flip side of Tennessee’s appeal. Even as it continues to thrive and innovate, rightly drawing in new people attracted by the beauty, culture, and affordability of the state, it struggles to adapt and is reluctant to expand beyond very basic, market-driven solutions to public issues. 

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3. Culture

Aside from all of its economic growth, Tennessee is rich in cultural experiences and has long been home to rich artistic innovations that have spread around the entire world. The state is famous for its arts scene, with Nashville’s music industry at its core. The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and countless live music venues that make the city’s nightlife one of the most popular in the region and draw visitors from around the world. Memphis, on the other hand, is famous for Beale Street, where the blues was born and continues to live on. The city also hosts Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, who popularized rock and roll nationally, following his musical influences from a diverse range of American cultural influences. Graceland is now a major tourist attraction that draws in over half a million people a year. The annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival held in Manchester is one of the largest music festivals in the country. It is one among many, including the CMA Music Festival and Pilgrimage Music Festival, that draw in massive crowds and a diverse range of musical talent to the state, confirming Tennessee’s reputation as a world capital for musical production.

Beyond music, Tennessee is home to numerous other festivals, museums, and historical sites that celebrate its diverse heritage. The Tennessee State Museum in Nashville chronicles the state’s history from prehistoric times to the present, while the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, provides a sobering portrait of the Civil Rights Movement and its enduring impact. In addition to historical museums, Tennessee is home to a thriving arts scene. The Frist Art Museum in Nashville hosts rotating exhibitions of both classical and contemporary art, while the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga offers a stunning collection of American art housed in a combination of a historic mansion and a modern building overlooking the Tennessee River. 

Public art installations and monuments are also prominent such as the iconic Sunsphere in Knoxville, a remnant of the 1982 World’s Fair, and the numerous murals that adorn buildings across cities like Nashville and Memphis, celebrating the state’s musical and cultural legacies. Furthermore, Tennessee’s historical sites, such as the Andrew Jackson Hermitage and the Shiloh National Military Park, provide insights into the state’s role in American history. Tennessee had an important role as a border state during the Civil War, making it the site of many of the largest advances by the Union Army, which first penetrated the Deep South through Western Tennessee and later pushed through Chattanooga before Sherman’s March to the Sea began in Georgia. This has led to a wide variety of historical parks and monuments all around the state, as well as a lasting practice of Civil War reenactments.

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Education in Tennessee is also on the rise, with a growing number of 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 array of programs and research opportunities to its more than 30,000 students. The state’s commitment to the educational system continues to develop and improve into an increasingly diversified and important hub for research and information production in the region.

Tennessee’s culinary landscape is another key part of its cultural heritage, drawing from a range of characteristically Southern traditions. From the smoky, tangy barbecue of Memphis to the hot chicken of Nashville, the state’s food traditions are deeply rooted in Southern cuisine while embracing a variety of regional and international flavors. Memphis barbecue, known for its slow-cooked, dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork, has a history that dates back to the early 20th century, with iconic spots like Rendezvous and Central BBQ. Nashville’s hot chicken, a mildly spicy fried chicken dish, has similarly gained national fame, with places like Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and Hattie B’s being popular with both locals and tourists. The influx of immigrants to the state has brought a diverse array of cuisines, from Mexican and Vietnamese to Ethiopian and Indian. Cities like Nashville and Chattanooga have become culinary hotspots, boasting a variety of international restaurants, food trucks, and fusion eateries. This diversity is celebrated in food festivals across the state such as the Nashville Food and Wine Festival and the Memphis Italian Festival, helping to showcase the array of flavors that have found a home in Tennessee. The state’s burgeoning craft beer and distillery scenes also add to its culinary appeal, with local brews and spirits enhancing the dining experience.

The economic impact of Tennessee’s food industry is significant, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy and creating thousands of jobs. The rise of farm-to-table restaurants and a growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients have bolstered the agricultural sector, supporting local farmers and producers. Food tourism is a major draw, with culinary trails and food festivals attracting visitors from around the country and boosting local economies. The state’s rich culinary heritage and innovative food scene are not just a source of pride for Tennesseans; they are also a vital part of the state’s economic fabric, driving growth and fostering a sense of community around the shared love of good food.

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However, as with any place, Tennessee is not without its challenges. The state faces issues such as income inequality, disparate access to health care, and difficulty maintaining its infrastructure amid rapid growth, building on the pre-existing issues mentioned before. Rural areas in particular often struggle with access to services and economic opportunities. Tennessee is a leader in the healthcare industry, though, with several renowned medical institutions and a growing network of healthcare providers. Nashville, often referred to as the healthcare capital of the United States, is home to numerous leading hospitals, research facilities, and healthcare companies, including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare. These institutions not only provide top-tier medical care, but also contribute significantly to the state’s economy, creating thousands of jobs and attracting professionals from across the country. Telemedicine and innovative healthcare solutions are also on the rise, expanding access to medical services, particularly in underserved areas.

Despite these advancements, Tennessee faces significant challenges in health care access and inequality. Particularly, rural areas often struggle with a shortage of medical professionals and facilities, making it difficult for residents to receive timely and adequate care. This disparity is exacerbated by the state’s high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which require ongoing medical attention and resources. Additionally, the cost of health care remains a barrier for many, with a considerable portion of the population lacking sufficient health insurance coverage, which is made worse due to the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid access like most of the country has done. These issues contribute to a gap in health outcomes between urban and rural residents, as well as among different socioeconomic groups. Efforts are being made to address these disparities, but progress is slow and complex. State and local governments along with private organizations are working to expand healthcare infrastructure, increase the availability of medical professionals in rural areas, and improve health education and preventive care programs. However, the challenges of funding, policy changes, and reaching the most vulnerable populations remain significant hurdles.

Conclusion

All in all, life in Tennessee is far from perfect; but what place truly is? Despite its challenges, Tennessee offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunity that continues to attract people from all walks of life. Its diverse landscapes, from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west, provide stunning backdrops for outdoor activities and a deep connection to nature. The state’s booming economy, driven by sectors like health care, entertainment, and tourism, creates numerous opportunities for growth and prosperity. The vibrant music scene, rich culinary traditions, and extensive array of cultural and historical sites ensure that there’s always something to see, do, and experience.

Living in Tennessee means embracing both the positives and the negatives. While issues like traffic congestion, rising housing costs, and healthcare disparities present significant challenges, the state’s community spirit, innovation, and resilience offer a counterbalance. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of the country, access to world-class entertainment and dining, and the charm of Southern hospitality.