Pros and Cons of Living in TN (What You Need to Know Right Now) -

We updated our pros and cons list for living in TN given the change in the real estate and economic environment over the past year. There was a con added that wasn't in play last year, and elaborated on some of the things that still stand.
Thinking of moving to Tennessee or Virginia? We're specialists in helping people relocating from out of the area. Feel free to reach out to us for our thoughts and/or more information. We want you to make the decision that's best for you.
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Here's a list of active listings in the Johnson City area - myre.io/0UmEcRpv4TDb
Reach out to us if we can answer any questions or help.
Scott & Kim Henninger with The Home Team
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Brokered by exp Realty
Licensed in TN and the Commonwealth of Virginia
Office - 888-519-5113 ext 384 - TN
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0:00 Intro
0:19 Why a New Video?
1:20 Cons - Sales Tax
2:59 Traffic
4:29 Landlocked
5:29 Home Prices
8:01 Weather
12:32 Pros - Overall Taxes
13:52 Cost of Living
14:53 Outdoor Activities
17:04 Music
18:02 The People
18:52 Wrapping Up

[@SophiaChristian-so2of]

Lol!!! I live on $740 a month on SS. I'm retired and live alone here in eastern Tennessee. I receive no help from anyone however I survive. I would have liked to have owned my own home with a garden and a few chickens ,but ,sadly, i rent a house instead. Luckily my rent is cheap $600 a month with no gov funding. It's clean and decorated with things I love. I drive a 93 Chevy truck my only vehicle. I'm not complaining. Life is what u make of it. I paint paintings, love my cat, hike, yard sale, go camping and have food on the table. It may not be steak nor meat every nite but I eat. I receive a few food stamps but since I have SS income its not as much. My town has a population of 3500. Im thankful for what I have tho. As long as I'm capable of taking care of myself I hope to live out my life here God willing lol .

[@teatown]

YOU are a beautiful American!

[@trumpisatruepatriot3431]

We are moving up to eastern Tn late June of next year from Florida. Looking for a simple town with a simple life to do the same things you like. Camping especially. Plus we ride motorcycles. We are 60 and 66.5. Can I ask what town you’re in?

[@brianwhite1189]

Of all the comments from all the videos about Tennessee I've been watching, your comment is the best, by far. It's so refreshing to hear from someone with such a positive attitude and is so content. I have one question, though. How does the summer heat and humidity of Eastern or NE Tennessee compare to Middle Tennessee? Thanks!

[@Nickolasvictor659]

The low life is the best I’m happy your at peace I live in a. Country town in North Carolina thinking about buying land let’s see what Tennessee has in store

[@sharonbee8752]

We moved to middle Tennessee 5 years ago and love everything about it! I lived in Illinois and California before that, so this was a huge change that I didn’t know I needed. Life here is so much less stressful and the people here are so much nicer.

[@leticiaurbach1720]

What town did you move to and what is itnlike living there?

[@audrawells1383]

I want to move to Tennessee so badly. I'm watching this video for research.

[@kurtheidelbach]

Heck, you lived in the two worst possible places LOL. I was born in IL but successfully escaped

[@22Abigail22]

Can you tell us about the health insurance? Would you say is more expensive or just as expensive as the other states

[@kurtheidelbach]

@@22Abigail22 Really going to be based on your employer and type of insurance you have. By overall healthcare costs it’s ranked 9th but that’s because 9% are uninsured. If you have good employer insurance it’s really not a concern

[@sharleenparrino2297]

Moving to Knoxville in 3 weeks when our home is built! Love Tennessee! 🤠✝️🇺🇸

[@denynshernandez3073]

Hi can I ask you who’d you use as your builder and any info you can share with me in relation to that, Tia!

[@BbTenn]

I moved to the Knoxville area two years ago. Absolutely love it here!

[@done611]

I've lived in Tennessee for 45 years and have traveled most of the U.S. Coming home is always something that brings a comfort the minute I cross the state line. Sweet tea, southern accents, and southern cooking are my favorites. We enjoy a mild climate most of the year and seldom see much snow. Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville seem to be melting pots, so you're likely to experience people groups from all around the world. However, taking a country drive to places off the beaten path will help you discover places that time hasn't touched in 50 years.

[@gdholmfirth]

Good summary. One pro that was omitted was that Tennessee is a free state. This was very obvious during the Covid hysteria that hit much of the country. Tennessee did not overreact like many states did. Tennessee is a very conservative state. If you are a Conservative, you will probably like it here. If you consider yourself progressive, or liberal, or left, not so much.

[@EvilE22]

Toured and purchased my current home in Tennessee while everyone else was “locked down” by the MSM.

[@markmcintosh7095]

Liberals stay out. Please!

[@RLMorris42]

Free in some ways not in others: marijuana is still illegal. If you are a whiskey fan... illegal to have liquor shipped to you from out of state. Abortion is illegal in all cases. Various laws banning various different things. The religious nuts are in charge of the legislators- - this is not what I would call "freedom". On the other hand, self defense is ok, free to have guns and the government pretty much stays out of the way in other matters.

[@gdholmfirth]

@@RLMorris42 And people who feel as you do about these issues would be well-advised to find a state which is more suited to them. There are plenty of choices.

[@RLMorris42]

@@gdholmfirth no, I'll stay in Tennessee and advocate for freedom.

[@bmwdan3445]

God willing I’ll be moving to your beautiful state soon!! I absolutely love Tennessee, you are so right the southern hospitality is unbelievable, coming from Illinois which is, well I wont say it.

[@maggie0940]

My husband was in the military and we’ve lived all over the country and overseas. From my experience there are friendly people everywhere! I’m actually tired of people saying the people in the south are so much friendlier than other states. I’ve seen several comments already of residents not wanting others to move in and “change” their state. Very sad and small minded. FYI I grew up in Illinois and Iowa

[@dotjohnson231]

@@maggie0940 if our state is good, why would we want you to move here and change it? @BMW Dan, you are welcomed to TN. The main problem we have is with people moving here from states with a higher cost of living, and paying inflated prices for property. Incomes for the average Tennessean have not elevated at the same rate property prices have. Maybe you can understand what a problem this has become for natives. Help us out by getting a really good deal when you buy a place.

[@ForestToFarm]

@@dotjohnson231You may be missing one point. That is people moving to your area from other states are not the people setting the pricing standards. Its your own local greedy realtors doing so. They are likely mostly native people from your area. The same thing is happening here where I live. Their greed and lust for money destroys the very place they came from. They have no consideration for the people of their area. They just want all the money they can get their hands on. Terry

[@dotjohnson231]

@@ForestToFarm I understand, but the reason local people can set those prices is that people from the other areas are able to pay it. If no one is buying, the prices come down. But thanks for your thoughts. Greed is not restricted to any one area of the country.

[@bigorange000]

I moved to Knoxville in 04, from NW Mo. I was blown away from day 1. 15 years later, I was forced to move back to Mo. I miss TN and her people every day. 😢

[@appalachianman824]

Our property tax is super low. About $850 a year for a $375000 home ! In Michigan I would be paying almost $4000 for the same. That makes your house payment significantly lower. When I lived in Texas, which I also loved, Property taxes were like Michigan. Great video. Thanks.

[@dianabinkowski3927]

I have lived here in East Tennessee since 2005 from Albany, NY area. I retired and headed south. Wouldn't live anywhere else. You can find anything you want here. Cost of living is so much less than New York. My pension goes a long way here.

[@pamgessler5923]

I grew up there too. NY's leadership is destroying a beautiful state.

[@jimsmith8324]

Big difference between west Tenn and east Tenn regarding safety. You could not pay me to live around Memphis.

[@stevenkaskus6173]

Jim Smith: is Western Tennessee safer area?

[@jimsmith8324]

@@stevenkaskus6173 Oh hell no.

[@danfaulkner3935]

As long as you stay out of Memphis and Jackson areas you'll be fine.

[@lenteditor5574]

@@jimsmith8324 But you wouldn't be able to afford Nashville.

[@jermainec2462]

😮‍💨🙄🙄🙄

[@kingjames8283]

I moved to southern middle TN 9 months ago because this is where I want to live out my remaining time on earth. I was the very first generation born outside of TN 57 years ago as my mom's family is from eastern TN, dads family from west TN. I now live in a very wooded hilltop area which is beautiful every which way you look. Although I live an hour south of Nashville, I have to work in and around Nashville which is a long commute in extremely heavy traffic every morning and afternoon. The reward of course is when I arrive home in Lewis County which is beautiful every where you look. As for cost of living and especially insurance, it is outrageously high but I've made up my mind that my life is much better down here versus the rat race I lived up in Indiana. I should've moved here decades ago but I was so busy with work that there was no time to think about upending my life and moving south. Well I finally did it and thrilled with my new life and job. I hit the ground running when I moved here but sadly I'm only making 1/3rd the income I was used to and that is the price I had to pay and have to live with. I don't have the resources I was used to but now I have a life which I never had before due to work and approaching my 60's, it was an acceptable trade-off. I'm in a good place now and I'm happy.

[@cjflanaganyahoo]

I’ve lived here in TN for 25 years - I still learned a lot from your video. You did a great job!

[@xxyyzzplants131]

I've been here five years and I'm starting to come around to the overall tax situation here, it's going to be difficult to beat the tax situation, here versus overall in the U.S.A. And he did spend time highlighting that point. The price point on single family homes your going to find that hard to beat also, that with being able to afford it once you bought it!

[@randyhusband8542]

I love my home in Houston and Texas will always be my first love, but I consider Knoxville my second home. Tennessee is a wonderful place with incredibly friendly people.

[@kristinebailey6554]

We lived in Dickinson, Texas for 4 years and hated it. Even before Hurricane Harvey sent 28 inches of bayou water into our home. Grotesque humidity, fire ants, cockroaches. Good to now be in the Rocky Mountains.

[@alvaromunoz5410]

Wow! Very comprehensive report. I came to Tennessee in 1988 by way of the military, when relatives would ask me about Tennessee I would tell them it was horrible. I hope not too many people watch this, because it’s fine just the way it is now. By the way, I came from California and don’t plan on moving back.

[@Kevin-eq9qo]

The bugs are huge, it never snows, and the summer is like jumpin out tha shower straight into clothes.

[@dotjohnson231]

Keep telling them it is horrible please.

[@ForestToFarm]

@@dotjohnson231 They need a “lol” option ha ha. I agree with what you are saying for my location as well. Terry

[@amandadelage8295]

As someone that hopes to move to TN by summer time from central Florida it seems like such a breath of fresh air ! I visted TN and Gatlinburg traffic was nothing compared to i4 ,i75,275 . And land lock is fine with me! It still has plenty to do out doors with out a over crowded beach and the humid heat here ! And property tax and insurance here in florida is laughable!! I am so excited!!

[@pasturedparadise]

I’m glad you wrote this. I’ve been doing some comparisons and it seems like we would save a ton with the much lower property taxes and insurance costs there. Keep us posted on your move progress!

[@YourRightSide]

For same reasons, moving from South Florida to TN.

[@guns2317]

There are times though when traffic in Gatlinburg can be an absolute nightmare. It is often faster to walk through the main drag than to drive. If you come during a busy time, study maps and figure out the alternate routes around town. Also, during busy times waits to get into a restaurant in town can take a long, long time. Research in advance and get on a wait list before even heading to go eat.

[@bobbadnoch6965]

@@YourRightSide I just saw your insurance rates. Holy Deeeesantis!

[@SugarCreekOffGrid]

I lived in South Florida over 30 years I do not miss it The restrictions taxes permits makes it impossible for the average person to get ahead. Tennessee is more my style 😎

[@pamelamcneill3175]

My son lives in Sparta Tenn. I love it. Though he does commute to work in Nashville. Sparta a very small quiet town.

[@ApplesandPeanutButter]

I would include healthcare, particularly for people considering moving to small towns/rural areas as a negative. If you want good healthcare and good assisted living facilities, move to Nashville. I live in northeast TN in a small town about an hour away from Knoxville. Our Area Regional Hospital and the few other ARHs near us are awful.

[@marlenecardinahl9346]

I have family in Knoxville- love it there-

[@marlenecardinahl9346]

I live in a Northern state- r4 seasons

[@marlenecardinahl9346]

4

[@charlesharnois3684]

Have visited Tennessee several times, and enjoyed it, live there No Thanks!

[@samanthabeaty4578]

Looking to leave Texas and relocate to NE Tennessee. Watching these videos definitely get me jazzed but I really appreciate the truth with the cons.

[@billpace3001]

Watch your ass girl when it comes to realtors and home builders. IT IS DEFINATLY A BUYER BEWARE STATE. VERY CLANNISH PEOPLE. Look around hard and save yourself a lot of grief. DO NOT MOVE TO TENNESSEE!

[@ericscottstevens]

Good choice, have a great time in Tennessee.

[@heathermiller5413]

Can I ask, why is Texas bad? I'm trying to decide between TX and TN and I've heard from other people that they are tired of TX as well..

[@samanthabeaty4578]

@@heathermiller5413 I wouldn't necessarily say Texas is *BAD* per se, but it's certainly not what I like. I'm coming from the perspective of someone who has lived in 15 different states and has moved around quite a bit, so I've got a pretty good idea of what I like and what I don't like. It's enormous--so it may depend on where you live. I live in Corpus Christi which is extremely different from the rest of Texas. My main desire to leave Texas is the lack of natural beauty (from my own subjective preference) and how far away I am from literally everything. I personally find Texas to be very, very ugly but I like mountains, trees, rivers, lakes, greenery. Texans will argue there are lots of beautiful parts of the state (including Big Bend, The Hill Country and even Corpus Christi where I live ... I just hate the beach lol), but having grown up in Colorado and Hawaii I'm just spoiled when it comes to my perception of beauty I guess. lol. I also miss seasons ... the climate here is super hot and I'm miserable most of the year. The culture is not something I particularly care for, either. Again, not *BAD* ... just not my vibe. Things (and often people) here are big, loud, prideful and in-your-face. I find the driving here to be horrific and I find it very hard to find peace. And I also am seeking a lower cost of living. But there are lots of benefits to living in Texas, too. I guess it just depends on what your priorities are. I'd love to answer any questions you might have about my experiences with Texas to help you make a decision.

[@heathermiller5413]

@Samantha Beaty Thank You!

[@thetanz8111]

Here's a secret however that I've been seeing in private groups, a good chunk of people born and raised in Tn, is sick of everyone from out of state moving into Tennessee.

[@ForestToFarm]

That is true everywhere. The population is growing everywhere and people move around. Just my opinion but based on what I hear and see people say. It seems there is no longer a safe place to escape population growth and its likely to continue to get worse in the coming years. Love those around you and make the best of life with them is my motto. 😊 Terry

[@robertsmathers7959]

Without a doubt, the most succinctly thorough and fair assessment of a state that is one of my favorites. Weeks in Memphis. Months in Murfreesboro and Gallatin. Spring Nationals at Bristol. Great people. Great music. Great food. Great solitude if or when you need it.

[@yesbasic8691]

Thank you for this. Great info!

[@taylordavies7823]

Very thorough and helpful video!

[@MelissaMagyar]

I moved to southeast lower Tennessee from southeast lower Michigan. I know all about traffic coming from the Detroit area. Love it here, hardly any snow. Too much in Michigan. Bitter cold long winters is not for me.

[@HEKTO3]

I live in SF Bay area and visited TN (Pigeon Forge) last summer - its definitely more humid in TN

[@Joyful3202]

Excellent video- thank you.

[@nessasnook]

Thanks for this great video!

[@user-sz8cr5io1o]

I found this to be very informative. Even though my family has lived in Nashville for over 200 years, this was very interesting. Nice work!

[@juangabrielflores9921]

One of the greatest analysis I have watched so far. Great work, thank you.

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@thejackrabbithole-5311]

Agreed!

[@infantrycaptain9224]

Great content.Thank you,Sir!🇺🇸

[@thejackrabbithole-5311]

What an outstanding presentation! Extremely well articulated points. We have friends that moved to the Bristol area, from here in the Memphis area and are happy there, almost beyond description. Same for friends that moved to Lebanon, not like Beirut, Tennessee 😉 We too, plan to move to middle, or east, Tennessee from the Memphis area. Memphis is not generally representative of the rest of our fine state. To those we would love to welcome here; Please, if your leaving high tyranny, high taxes and high crime behind, don’t vote for the policies that foment those liabilities. Otherwise, why not just stay where you’re at?

[@iamelectrictn3147]

If been here for 42 years. A TN native. TN, Nashville specifically was amazing 20 years ago. Those days are long gone. We are truning into California. Good luck finding a home anywhere in Williamson, Davidson, Rutherford, Wilson for under 500k that isnt in the hood. Sure you can goto Memphis on the cheap but i wouldn't recommend it. Murfreesboro is ridiculous just like Nashville. Extremely overcrowded and inflated prices. Avoid middle TN is what im saying. Unless you enjoy paying out the butt and extreme traffic and congestion. Im moving myself. Goodbye middle TN! Edit: Covid ruined TN along with the New Yorkers and Californians. Exactly why prices are so high.

[@lucibjlb]

Very accurate summary of TN. I came from northeast Ohio and moved to Nashville.

[@mitteradams1216]

Thanks for the info

[@nutritioncoachjo]

I enjoy knowing the pros and cons and you are right, there is no perfect place but I believe the pros outweighs the cons from my research. Honestly the only thing that scares me is allergies. I will definitely have to deal with that if we live there. We are very familiar to paying high sales tax which I prefer with no state income tax and heavy traffic out here in Washington state. It is a very high cost of living out here in every way which is why we are considering moving to NE Tennessee. Weather is not perfect anywhere but living in a place that gets rain more than half the year in WA really is depressing! I think dealing with allergies might be worth seeing the sun more often. Really enjoyed your video. Thank you.

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@thejackrabbithole-5311]

We have family in, I believe, Bellevue, and definitely Seattle WA and expect them back in Tennessee. My cousin and his wife are professors at a Seattle University and that has become a place that’s probably not the best one to raise a family. FYI, The western part of Tennessee is one of the worst places for allergies in America, perhaps even the world. However, when we go to East, Tennessee in the mountains, my allergies improve almost 100%. Hope to see y’all there!

[@nutritioncoachjo]

@@thejackrabbithole-5311 We live in Bellevue and are looking to purchase a retirement home outside of Nashville. Overall from what I have read it seems like a great quality of life financially and offers many outdoor activities which we love. Knoxville looks beautiful but without any major airports with non stop flights wouldn’t work for us given we will be flying back to Seattle often to see our kids. I have heard eastern Tennessee Knoxville area is worse in terms of allergies. Even if we end up in middle Tennessee I will need to get shots for my allergies. No plans considering western Tennessee for numerous reasons. We are visiting Nashville in June so we can get a better sense of the suburbs outside of Nashville.

[@patriciacerniglia7699]

One of my sisters daily routines (she lives an hour from Memphis) is Diatomaceous Earth and no allergies for her or her dogs.

[@kylerslife462]

Thank you!

[@ForestToFarm]

My question is how good is the soil in Eastern Tennessee? I am currently developing a 20 acre forest into a small homestead/farm. We have clay soil. It can be improved over time. However I have considered just packing up and moving to a less populated area. We live in Upstate SC and I foresee never ending massive population growth in the near and continuous future here. Two hundred acres of never devolved land next to us just sold and it has been cut flat to the red clay. There will now be a couple thousand people next door to us. Heartbreaking. I wanted to develop this land in hopes my grandchildren could continue on farming it and have a great place to live near a city but isolated. Well that dream was crushed. Its happening all around this area. That land next to us has always been forest. I guess it seemed we were safe. Nothing lasts forever. 😢 Terry

[@pamgessler5923]

Agreed.

[@Dr.SalvatoreVinciguerra]

Excellent information for potential real estate buyers. It is such a beautiful state to visit and enjoy music and wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Have a fantastic day!

[@diose0078]

Love this video, it's the first time I came across your channel, very interesting. I think I'm starting to like Tennessee already. I'm from NYC.

[@daccrowell4776]

There's a few things that were glossed over in this... Weather: one missed point is that the state's topography tends to generate hellacious air pollution due to temperature inversions. Nashville, for example, sits in a 65 mile diameter hole, along with Franklin, Murf'bo, and Lebanon. Inversions form VERY easily over this and, at its worst, you can look up at night and see the BROWN moon. To say the least, otolaryngologists make BIG BANK there due to the effects this has on vocalists. I myself was always going in for steroid treatments, allergy shots, electrophoresis treatments, and so on. The only plus to this is that the ENT docs there are some of the very best, having literal years in the trenches. The inversion problems also occur in the Ridge and Valley Region between Knoxville and Chattanooga, and when Chattanooga was still a steel production town, the results were downright vile. Knoxville's inversions are more due to auto traffic (especially due to tourism in the summer) and can approach Nashville in terms of the atmospheric "lock" and resulting bad air. Tricities doesn't get this as badly (valleys are too small and katabatic winds from the high mountains help), nor does Memphis (flat as a board, so inversions don't form to the same degree if at all). Not trivial if you're looking to retire there and have respiratory issues! Education: has problems. Very serious ones. Not only do you have the present artificial outrage there, the fact is that whenever that manufactured anger spikes up, education winds up getting worse. This was the case when bussing (dogwhistle for desegregation) hit Nashville in the late 1960s, for instance...and the present situation there is the same sort of bad craziness. Even some of the players are still the same ones as in other "panics" that were proven to be hogwash. This is precisely why A Certain Felon loves "the undereducated", as you can make them launch into hysterics with just the right combo of utter nonsense. If you're into watching systemic madness cause a state to crumble to dust, Tennessee's your place. What doesn't help there is that, instead of getting behind education fiscally, the state government pretends the problems don't exist. And money that could be used to up the education standards instead flows in directions to attempt (badly) to pretend that there's no problem. Bringing us to... State government. This has long been Tennessee's biggest contact sport. It's also been bats**t insane as long as I can recall. Most of you reading this won't know who Ray Blanton was...but he was perhaps the most corrupt governor in US history, to say nothing of Tennessee itself. He got caught in a massive corruption scheme involving selling state licenses on the downlow, liquor licenses especially. But he also sold pardons...and when he got caught for this, Lamar Alexander had to take the Governor's office two days early. Ray Blanton was in the process of pardoning EVERYBODY in the Tennessee prison system as a deliberate act of revenge against the state, because of...well, he couldn't do as he pleased. State Supreme Court met, nullified Blanton's position for pretty obvious reasons, and swore Lamar in while State Troopers converged on the Governor's mansion to physically remove Blanton. Pretty nuts, really. But then, a lot of y'all wouldn't have liked Lamar anyway. He championed elevating educational standards, put lots of money into schools, increased the visibility and funding for the Arts statewide, and worked to get people out of poverty. These days, being an asset to your state like that probably gets slagged as "weak sauce", to borrow a phrase. But that "sauce" was what got the state Nissan, Saturn, and Volkswagen to put huge operations there, along with a bunch of other firms that moved to Tennessee because Lamar Alexander was making tangible progress there, and they wanted in. Contrast that with now. The REAL reason the state is scuffling now is because corporations don't want to put investment capital into situations that look (and ACT) very dicey. So, every time one of those off-the-rails school board meetings would get on the news, I can guarantee you that CEOs and shareholders looked at that hot mess and scratched Tennessee OFF of their expansion possibilities lists. You might think those people were trying to "protect the children" from what really is a pile of nonsense, conjecture and outright lies...but what they ACTUALLY accomplished was to diminish the state's standing, which will affect Tennessee adversely for DECADES at this point. Now, before any of y'all go off half cocked on this, please remember that the computer you're typing on is powered by electricity that originates in a SOCIALIST PROGRAM...otherwise known as the TVA. So...watch yourself, because had it NOT been for FDR, you might not be able to switch on the computer to deliver whatever misspelled bon mots you might have been told to say by very skilled propagandists. And that above is problem #4: somehow, some dipshits in a big office in Washington have opted to use certain aspects of the state for their...and not YOUR benefit. This happens with a certain degree of regularity there, and seems to be at a fever pitch in recent years. Folks, these DC people really don't give a damn about Tennessee and ESPECIALLY not Tennesseeans. You're just a crude tool for the rich, which has been a perennial and perhaps the biggest problem for Tennessee overall. Since the education standards are so low, most people can't make sense of long, prolix statements (like this one, almost certainly) so if you get someone to doll a bunch of BS up as whatever pearl-clutching problem is selling well that week, you can get a lot of people in Tennessee to go bonkers...even if they don't know exactly WHY. Easily the biggest problem in the state, one that's not as apparent from outside, and also not quite as apparent in the "Fourth Grand Division" of the NE corner/Tricities area...which, tbh, skews more like Virginia and/or North Carolina. Does make things there more tolerable, but that area is still saddled with TN's poor social services trackrecord, which wipes out any benefits of the location. So, yeah...TL;DR and all that. Don't care. To me, as someone who's Tennessee roots go clear back to the 1750s...members of my family founded the little town of Pasquo, now a rather pricey Nashville 'burb...this is stuff you need to know about Tennessee. And you'll note that if you go back to the clip here, many of those negatives mentioned go directly back to state misrule all too often for comfort. But these are points that anyone considering moving to Tennessee MUST consider, despite being the difficult, thorny points. You might be just fine with the state of state affairs there...but I know for a fact that most people want nothing to do with entrenched corruption issues and governmental inaction. It needed to be said, though.

[@jimgiordano2576]

well done.thanks

[@nosnerd1967]

Thank you 🇨🇦

[@neilg1320]

I've learned to use 321 and head north and jump on to 40 and go west to 81 to avoid a good bit of the traffic and stop lights getting out if town

[@bobsmith1101]

Being interested in Tennessee as a retirement destination, I'm finding the real estate agent based channels leave out critical information. Channels like Nick Johnson's give it all. Things like: demographics, average school graduation level, crime stats, average income of the population, homeless areas and drug usage, meth, and level of employment to name a few.

[@hubertcumberdale2651]

NO real estate agent is going to give you the honest to God truth linking a particular racial demographic with crime. lol But we all know. WE ALL KNOW. wink wink

[@MrChipBryant]

Maybe Tennessee isn't for you?

[@1143michi]

​@@MrChipBryant😮

[@bobsmith1101]

A COMPLETE evaluation would help in making that decision. I don't make decisions on mabeys. @@MrChipBryant

[@outbackwack368]

Thanks! We bought a lot in Rockwood and will be moving from Arizona and building there in 2026. Can't wait!!!

[@maryclebeau]

Wonderful video ❤😊

[@sonnig8583]

I have 1 more year to go til I finish my degree then I plan to head down next summer from Ohio. Always loved visiting TN especially Gatlinburg is so beautiful! And people are so nice

[@carol-us4xn]

I'm moving to Tennessee, and that's it.

[@rolandtiu9934]

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO LIVE AND RETIRE IN TENNESSEE.❤

[@stevenkaskus6173]

Humidity in Los Angeles and San Francisco are totally different kind of humidity, their humidity is from the ocean air not relative humidity hanging in the air heated up and sticky and oppressive.

[@aquatichighs]

A dew point of 65 and above is what makes it feel “muggy”. High humidity with a low dew point feels good.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Prices are way too high now in Nashville as expensive as California for real estate now which is crazy!

[@arnoagur7777]

Nashville is no where near as expensive as California's biggest cities, San Diego, LA and Sf are double the price.

[@blakek36]

I love Tennessee! I visited 8 times to Clarksville, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville & Chattanooga. Driven through the Smokey Moutains and been on the Lookout Moutain I encourage people to visit. The food is great and overall the people were very friendly. I would love to relocate there is a consideration. I am looking more at Chattanooga.Memphis real estate is pricey to me and I would live in Ak to work in Memphis if I consider, but more interest in the Southeast to live.

[@cindycoe4402]

The reason traffic is so bad is because of all these people moving here. I was born and raised in Nashville and due to all the people moving here Nash is not the same. It's changed and not for the better. I wish TN could be closed.

[@lenteditor5574]

@CindyCoe Yes. Nashville has become very, very, very bad . . . yet, people keep moving there.

[@lenteditor5574]

@CindyCoe The State of Tennessee government will not ever close off migrants from other states because of the revenue from the growth. This would be reversed if a TN state income tax (highway tolls too) were ever implemented. People would stop moving in and would slow business growth. Tennessee is missing out on a lot of revenue by not implementing a State income tax.😁

[@hairywitch4063]

@@lenteditor5574maybe you should move to California then if that’s the way you feel.

[@lenteditor5574]

@@hairywitch4063 why dont you go rundown somebody else's city, Warlock!!!

[@DianeZeisler]

Helpful

[@murphyy277]

Lebanon TN was a peaceful city, not anymore people everywhere. And the prices are higer. I am ready to move.

[@MikeSparksTn]

Most folks I’ve met from California were very nice. We just listed our home in Smyrna at 114 Woodland Drive…Keep us in mind on our 2400 square foot home, one of the top magnet schools is a black away and so is the public libray.

[@Biogirl1971]

NE TN native..lived here my whole life except for my time in the military. Your review was subjective for the most part and take it from someone who grew up here in the 70s-80s,this region has went downhill FAST in the last three years. Sign of the times I suppose. It is all about the mighty dollar I guess. Call someplace paradise kiss it goodbye.

[@redryder1312]

From south GA, wife wants to move up there in 2024 for our retirement years. This video is helpful.

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

Glad we could help.

[@redryder1312]

@@TNVAHomeTeam Searching homes, etc to see whats out there. Right now, in Valdosta, a New 3/2/2, 1450sq ft on 1/3 acre is $222,000. Not seeing much that way

[@tennpsyc0316]

I'm from Bristol too. I moved to Gatlinburg with Wyndham/Fairfield in 2005 and stayed there til 2012... I've been in Myrtle Beach since.. havent been in Bristol since 2009

[@debbydhill]

I live in Nashville, traffic is the worst. My office is 14 miles away, from my driveway to the office, it takes me an hour to an hour and a half each way. Other than that, it's an ok place to live.

[@ericharrison7]

That’s true. How are you doing? Hope you are fine and staying safe?

[@larryjanson4011]

home pricing is being severely inflated by the "flippers" they buy trash housing through on a coat of cheap paint over the mold and then sell the place 100% up to 500% of what they paid.

[@mbarton36]

Headed to eastern Tennessee in may of this year from upstate NY, can’t wait!

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

Let us know when you're going to be in the area & we'll show you around!

[@TheRealBrook1968]

My property is split Davidson and Wilson counties. Since February, the value is increasing again after seasonal retreat.

[@danfaulkner3935]

Other than Memphis and Jackson, West TN is a good place to live. Huge agricultural area.

[@dennistims2604]

Jackson has a nice side on the north and the surrounding counties are a great place with good schools compared to urban Jackson.

[@perldog07]

Born in Abingdon. Settled in the State of Franklin, aka East TN. Love it here. No place is perfect. Corruption everywhere. But this community suits me.

[@dr.julianataylor4312]

i love in cali never feel the. humidity Tenn. . OMG!

[@EnriqueReyesJrREALTOR]

You definitely gave some great information about the State. I am a California Realtor, I’ve seen many people leave California, & go to Tennessee.

[@spokes28]

Unfortunately due to some city officials being developers or being connected to developers, the construction of apartments, townhouses, and single family homes is taking priority over infrastructure. Let’s add 20,000 cars this year, but no, let’s don’t add any new roads.

[@jaeyang9540]

Not a bad job describing Tennessee, I am a Vet running away from California. Let me cover a few points. Regular gas is about 3 bucks vs California 5-7 per gallon. Pro Constitutional Carry state, so be polite. I haven’t experienced 1 incident of road rage yet. Mostly Christian Conservative background. All that Hollywood Pedophilia crap not tolerated here. These country boys might not call the cops if you mess with their kids. Hard core drugs not tolerated either, weed legal for medical use only. Haven’t seen any gang activities or graffiti anywhere in Johnson City. Vets get 175k for 100% disability waiver on property taxes. Not too much homelessness. Plenty of blue collar jobs at restaurants and fast food places. Haven’t seen any pollution yet, not sure if that Ohio train mess going to mess up fishing or not. Tennessee mostly white, black, Hispanic, and very few Asians. Tennessee political atmosphere, middle and eastern Conservative Country folk. Memphis might be a bit more liberal. Liberals in Nashville would be considered moderate Republicans by California or NY standards. Things people in Tennessee might take offense to, you messing with their money, business, family, kids, culture, bad manners. Things they won’t agree with usually, CRT, Transgender Education, Santanism, Occultism. This is mostly a Pro Constitutional-Pro American State. How Conservative is Tennessee? Republican Governor Lee won 70% of the vote, De Santis won with 65%. Not sure what schools and curriculum are like, haven’t taught here yet, so I don’t know what kids are like. JC has a big Vet center, so big, easy to get lost in. No traffic in JC, longest stop I have made in JC is at a traffic light lol. Speed limits slow, got speed traps, drive slow in school zones. Lots of churches sprinkled all over the place in JC. My area has lots of cops, these country cops got helicopters too. Forget about running from them, only so many ways in and out, you not outrunning a helicopter or the radio. Just take the ticket and go to traffic school lol. Lots of National Parks and Forest area, country farms etc etc. Don’t hear too many issues with cryptids being violent or too troublesome in city areas. A few hours drive to neighboring states, Kentucky, Missouri, S. Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama etc etc. The Cons, they tend to do things slow, country speed. Usually quiet and peaceful, some people don’t actually lock their doors here at night. However, they will shoot you. People running from Ca, NY, Tx have raised property values, good for people living here but bad for people buying. Food selection is decent but need more international restaurants. Lots of BBQ and Southern Comfort food. Things lacking are karaoke, Korean BBQs, Korean Saunas in Johnson City area. They don’t have a bunch of natural Hot Springs, lots of beauty spas though.

[@ApplesandPeanutButter]

I live in a small town about an hour West of JC. Our "fancy" restaurant , there is only one, is Gondolier or you can go to the next town which has a Cracker Barrel 🤣 East TN is not the place to find vegetarian/vegan. It is meat and potatoes country.

[@natures1joy425]

Nice to know, alot of business options..

[@dennistims2604]

There is no medical weed in Tennessee. Fact.

[@kato2531]

Hopefully I’ll be in Tennessee in 3yrs.

[@kellyforinger5916]

The people and school systems are wonderful in west TN. I won't go near Memphis at all.... crazy there. I love in a small town in TN. Cons the bugs are awful ticks, snakes, and spiders. They are everywhere. If you never had allergies you make get them down here. This includes your animals. I have lived her for three years. I love it

[@stevenkaskus6173]

The first place I found out charges tax on food was MO, where My Aunt and Uncle lived. I'm originally from California and now live in Colorado and both these States do not charge sales tax on food or water.

[@Jcharp12]

The trade off is no state income tax, low registration fees low property tax and gas taxes. Besides even illegals can't dodge the sales tax

[@jillgebauer1292]

I got that rude awakening when I left California too. People already have a hard time feeding their families; why must state's make it worse with grocery tax!

[@Jointlock]

We pay almost 9% sales tax, in addition to NYC, NY State and Federal. Not to mention property taxes. Can't wait to retire in Tn!!!

[@iels7346]

I've been looking at moving to either the Johnson city area or Springfield MO. I live in Illinois and my biggest complaint is the lack of quality lakes to fish and nature preserves to camp. In Central Illinois we tiny lakes and tiny nature preserves, the closest good chunk of woodland is like 5 hours away in Southern Illinois. As a plumber, I wanna be close to a good size city to work in yet have a rual home on a few acres just outside of whatever city. I've got family in both areas and I've camped down there a handful of times, I like both areas.

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

Let us know if we can help.

[@celticfiddle7605]

You would love Dale Hollow Lake above Cookeville TN

[@Jeepfun]

Coming from Illinois the sales tax was 9% so coming to TN where it is 9.75% is nothing compared to how much higher the income and property tax is in Illinois. My property taxes in Illinois was around $10,000/year where a comparable home her in TN is about $1,000/year!

[@mikeruddell6091]

I know what you mean, when I was living in Chattanooga, my wife and I did most of our shopping in Ft. Oglethorpe.

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

...or Ringgold. Did a good bit of shopping at the Costco.

[@hussainhadi3480]

Hi very informative can you make a video on Maury columbia TN as I will move with family in the coming days ???

[@josephklimchock5412]

TN is what Florida was 30 years ago when I moved to Central Florida. It was smallish on the outskirts all around Orlando but each year it got worse and worse, huge housing development were cow fields and orang groves used to be, then of course that all needs more roads, stores and retail people services and on an on. I thought about moving to TN but it seems only a matter a maybe 5 years before it is getting like Florida. The whole east coast of the USA is very, very crowed.

[@marystpierre678]

That’s discouraging about Union City area. My friend moved south of town by outskirts. 1 acre of land and fixer. The neighbors have been super nice mowing his lawn before he moved in and the other neighbor has some cattle and garden grown food he sells him. Seemed like nice people.

[@Dontnegotiatewithterrorist]

FOR THE RECORD….. California property taxes are NOT. .71% they are between 1.15 and 1.20% when you add the county, school, and city taxes to the bill. I also own property in Texas and while the state portion is 1.8% the school tax will drive it up to 2.5-3.0%…. There needs to be accurate information posted taking all taxes into consideration. 🤔

[@cccsss9985]

FYI, San Francisco is cold and foggy most of the year, with cool-to-cold "sea breezes" -- so humidity is not a problem -- at all. SF's problems are not weather-related, except it's too cold to grow a tomato.

[@geirjensen4922]

Your videos are great for someone like me, thinking about moving to TN from CO

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

Thanks so much!

[@brendamathes1216]

We have several moving here from Colorado.

[@geirjensen4922]

@@brendamathes1216 I spent about a week in E, N/E TN in October and felt quite at home, and enjoyed the somewhat slower pace of life and somewhat friendlier people than in CO. I think it's quite likely I will relocate to TN when I'm done working in about 18-20 months ...of course depending on the real estate market not going totally crazy

[@raymondpiovesan5903]

Pl axe bring up the volume. Good review. Louder and I can hear great Thanks

[@davidc.5054]

I've spent my life living in San Diego, California, and Henderson Nv. The only thing keeping me from moving to Tennessee is that I'm used to very little rain and sunny almost every day.

[@UnhappyinNewYork1807]

Well im in N.Y.S. now but im moveing to Tennessee this year😀

[@tnnutcase7259]

TN is FULL!!! Stay where you are....

[@erikschoff2272]

Early May is light traffic in the tourist areas

[@ericscottstevens]

14:56 Ramsey Cascades and Charlies Bunion are the two top hiking trails according to enthusiasts I have talked to.

[@TNVAHomeTeam]

Thanks for that! I just checked Alltrails & the Ramsey Cascades has been closed since last year due to damage. I wanted to check it out. Charlie's Bunion looks amazing.

[@ericscottstevens]

@@TNVAHomeTeam At Ramsey the walking spans across the creek may have been damaged. That whole ridge and valley network is a water shed for sure, a lot of logs and rocks that get forced down further and further. Have not done a hike to Charlies Bunion yet.

[@MelissaMagyar]

I moved to Tennessee last year in February.

[@natures1joy425]

How's it going?

[@mablo8224]

I wish you’d talk about the bugs. Being from the dessert we have different things to worry about here but….. ugh! The bugs seem awful.

[@carol-us4xn]

Love Tennessee ❤️

[@Prepping_mimi]

We love Tennessee. Just haven’t met many people and that makes me sad. I left my family 700 miles behind me 😢

[@natures1joy425]

Praying that you find your tribe in TN.

[@Tyler_Durden_562]

Spent 2022 in Hermitage (super close to Nashville) and being a guy from Southern California, I didnt enjoy my time out there. Infrastructure is ancient, most streets are 2 lanes wide at most if not 1 lane each way. Generally only 1 way to get somewhere, highway speed limits change every few miles. Bugs are EVERYWHERE all Spring & Summer and I dont know where any of the "Southern Hospitality" was. I interacted with a lot of Native locals of all ages and they were just as nice or rude as I've seen in any other state

[@CLEFAN18]

Great video Scott. My fiance and I looking to escape the disgusting Florida culture and find a nice mountainous town we can nestle into and call home. We are currently looking at North Carolina, Virginia, and of course, Tennessee.

[@kenmcbride1171]

As former Florida residents, we now live in North Georgia about 15 miles from the tri-state (NC/GA/TN) and love the country living. I would not consider living in NC as their property taxes are higher than both GA and TN. The people are truly friendly and will help at the drop of a hat.

[@ironwolph]

Wow this was great Great video full of really good turn information from someone who knows the place well. I'm in California and I've been eyeballing Tennessee but it's just so far. I would love to be able to drive home and see my friends occasionally. For the $600000 I sell my house in California for, I could probably buy 2 of them in Tennessee. thank you very much

[@CalcioFan4Ever]

Alot of people have been moving to my home town of morristown. As a result alot of new construction of homes has been happening. Not a terrible thing, however it is annoying that rather than building actual family homes, there seems to be a focus on rentable town house style homes.

[@dennistims2604]

Lived in Motown forr 6 years and left on 2021. Love Cherokee Lake. Miss it so much.

[@laurasherman6614]

I was just in Morristown last week. I used to go there for my job 10 years ago. I loved the people and the area. I thought to myself, “I may be able to actually live here”. Being from rural CT it really reminds me of home. Fast forward 10 years and I am still wanting to move to eastern TN. I can tell you I left CT thinking it had changed, I now live in Tampa Bay and it has gone absolutely nuts! Morristown may have a few new businesses and restaurants, but it feels (thankfully) pretty much the same to me. Hope those moving in won’t try to change its beauty or people!

[@ButlerTL]

For cans, bottles and glass the national bottle bill might help some and give you back some money.

[@sbnsbaker1]

You forgot to add that if a Make America Great Again hat makes you go Spastic, then Do Not move to Tennessee!!!!!!

[@genevajustice2114]

I’ve been waiting to move to Tennessee for years

[@kitnewlin3068]

Thanks for the upddate! Just a suggestion. When you are being photographed or videotaped, try not to have a light on "behind" you unless you have a stronger one in front of you. You need the light on your face. It's hard to see what you're saying without it. Just sayin' ... have a great day!!!