Tennessee

Your Guide to Living, Working and Traveling in Tennessee

Whether you’re moving to Tennessee, already living in Tennessee, or planning a vacation or weekend getaway in Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you find all the great cities, industries, attractions, and amenities Tennessee has to offer.

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Tennessee’s climate is like a friendly wave from a neighbor—warm and inviting! With a humid subtropical vibe, summers sizzle in the upper 70s to low 90s °F, perfect for porch swings and sweet tea. Winters cool down to the mid-20s to low 50s °F, just right for a cozy scarf, with the eastern mountains adding a snowy sprinkle for charm. Spring and fall bloom in the 50s to 70s °F, offering sunny days and crisp evenings for exploring. Rain falls gently year-round, between 40 to 60 inches, keeping the hills lush and the rivers flowing happily!

Tennessee is nestled in the southeastern United States, bordered by seven states: Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Its diverse terrain ranges from the rugged Appalachian Mountains, including the Great Smoky Mountains, in the east, to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, and the flat, fertile plains of West Tennessee along the Mississippi River valley. The state’s rich water features include the mighty Mississippi River forming its western border, the scenic Tennessee River winding through its heart, and the historic Cumberland River in Middle Tennessee. Popular lakes such as Norris, known for its clear waters and boating, and Percy Priest, a favorite for fishing and recreation, add to the state’s natural beauty and accessibility, making it a haven for both residents and visitors.

• East Tennessee: Characterized by its majestic Appalachian Mountains, including the Great Smoky Mountains, offering spectacular scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring lush forests. The region’s hilly, rugged terrain is perfect for nature lovers, with vibrant cities anchoring its cultural and economic life. Its largest cities are Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City.
• Middle Tennessee: Boasts rolling hills and the fertile Nashville Basin, ideal for scenic drives, historic site visits, and enjoying the region’s rich musical heritage. Its landscape, dotted with picturesque valleys, invites exploration, with bustling metropolitan areas serving as hubs for arts, education, and commerce. Its largest cities are Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville.
• West Tennessee: Features flat, fertile plains along the Mississippi River valley, ideal for agriculture and outdoor recreation like fishing and birdwatching. Its open landscapes and proximity to major waterways make it a draw for farming communities and travelers seeking a relaxed pace, with dynamic cities offering urban amenities. Its largest cities are Memphis, Jackson, and Bartlett.

Map of Tennessee

Major Tennessee Airports

• Memphis International Airport (MEM): Offers flights to domestic and international destinations, including Cancun, Mexico.
• Nashville International Airport (BNA): Connects to cities like London, England, and Toronto, Canada.

Major Tennessee Interstates

• I-40: Runs east-west, connecting from North Carolina to California.
• I-75: Goes north-south, from Florida to Michigan, through eastern Tennesse.
• I-65: Runs north-south, from Alabama to Indiana, through western Tennesse.
• I-24, I-55, I-81: Additional routes like I-24 (east-west from Chattanooga to St. Louis) and I-55 (north-south in southwest Tennesse) ensure comprehensive coverage.

Highly populated cities are key hubs of opportunity, offering top healthcare, major transportation, and abundant shopping and dining options. These urban centers blend amenities with culture, making them essential to explore. Below are the Tennessee’s largest cities by population.

• Nashville690,085
• Memphis633,533
• Knoxville204,000
• Chattanooga191,223
• Clarksville182,156
• Murfreesboro168,013
• Franklin88,769
• Johnson City74,374
• Jackson68,855
• Hendersonville63,333
• Smyrna58,090
• Kingsport57,894

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Working in Tennessee offers a dynamic mix of opportunities across thriving industries. From healthcare and manufacturing to music, tourism, and technology, the state’s economy fuels diverse occupations. Whether you’re in logistics, automotive, or creative fields, Tennessee’s robust job market supports a range of careers in vibrant, growing sectors.

Top Industries by Number of Workers

• Health Care and Social487,356
• Manufacturing449,249
• Retail Trade428,947
• Educational279,856
• Accommodation/Food Services241,141
• Construction234,799
• Professional/Scientific/Tech226,880
• Transportation/Warehousing216,956
• Finance/Insurance166,505
• Other Services165,030
• Administrative/Waste Management142,088
• Public Administration138,452

Top Occupations by Number of Workers

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Tennessee’s got some real crowd-pleasers when it comes to attractions! Topping the list is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a sprawling wonderland of mountains, forests, and waterfalls that welcomes millions every year—think of it as nature’s VIP party spot, stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina. Then there’s Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, where Dolly Parton’s magic brings in millions for roller coasters, live shows, and Smoky Mountain charm—it’s like a big ol’ family reunion with rides! Over in Memphis, Graceland is a rock ‘n’ roll pilgrimage site, pulling in Elvis fans by the hundreds of thousands to see the King’s mansion and jungle room. Back in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry is the heartbeat of country music, packing the house with folks eager to catch live performances where legends are made. And just down the road, the Ryman Auditorium, with its rich history as the original Opry home, keeps drawing music lovers like moths to a flame. Other hot spots worth a shoutout include Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, with its cool Ruby Falls and Rock City views, the Tennessee Aquarium, a splashy freshwater wonder, and the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, a spirited stop for whiskey fans. These spots are Tennessee’s shining stars—perfect for your next adventure!

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Tennessee’s higher education scene is a vibrant mix of top-notch options that cater to all kinds of students! Leading the pack is Vanderbilt University in Nashville, a private research powerhouse known for its academic excellence and stunning campus—often ranked among the nation’s best. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the state’s flagship public university, shines with its strong research programs, Volunteer spirit, and a lively college football vibe. For a smaller, liberal arts vibe, Sewanee: The University of the South perched atop the Cumberland Plateau offers a picturesque setting and a tight-knit community focused on intellectual growth. Rhodes College in Memphis stands out for its rigorous academics and gorgeous Gothic architecture, blending urban access with a close community feel. Then there’s Belmont University in Nashville, a gem for music and business enthusiasts, steeped in the city’s creative energy. With other notables like Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville for STEM lovers and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City for flexible online learning, Tennessee’s got a college buffet—public, private, big, or small—serving up quality education with a side of Southern charm!

The Largest Universities in Tennessee

• University of Tennessee36,304
• University of Memphis21,736
• Middle Tennessee State University20,183
• East Tennessee State University13,586
• Vanderbilt University13,456
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga11,380
• Tennessee Technological University10,117
• Austin Peay State University9,945
• Belmont University8,862
• South College8,234
• Tennessee State University8,198
• University of Tennessee Martin6,941

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Tennessee’s vacation scene is a delightful mix of luxury and charm, perfect for any getaway! Kick things off with major resorts like Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, where you can bask in indoor gardens and pools, or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, offering family-friendly vibes near Dolly’s famous park. For a cozier stay, unique bed-and-breakfasts steal the show—think The Inn at Fontanel near Nashville with its rustic elegance or Bluffs Bed and Breakfast in Memphis, perched above the Mississippi with historic flair. Whether you’re after upscale pampering or a personal touch, Tennessee’s got you covered with Southern hospitality!

For nature buffs and adventure seekers, Tennessee serves up stunning campgrounds and hidden gems! Pitch a tent at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where sprawling campsites like Elkmont and Cades Cove invite you to hike and stargaze, or head to Cedars of Lebanon State Park near Nashville for a peaceful retreat with modern perks. Then, uncover quirky treasures like The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, showcasing thousands of quirky shakers, or The Lost Sea in Sweetwater, where you can boat on an underground lake. From wild escapes to offbeat finds, Tennessee’s vacation highlights promise fun for everyone!