Tennesse: Your Guide to Moving, Living, and Travel

Whether you’re moving to Tennessee, 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.

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.

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!

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.

Major 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 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.

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

Top Occupations by Number of Workers

For music lovers, Tennessee is a dream come true. Country music is well represented in Nashville, of course, with legends like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn gracing the halls of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Aspiring musicians perform around town at festivals, traditional establishments like the Grand Ole Opry, and honky tonk bars on Broadway. Or if country music isn’t your thing, head on over to Memphis to soak up the city’s rich history (and exciting current scene) of blues and soul music and tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Tennessee also attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking (hello, Smoky Mountains!), fishing and other water-related activities, as the state boasts a plethora of rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

In terms of affordability, Tennessee boasts low unemployment rates, a comfortably low cost of living – and no personal income tax. Its standout quality of life and access to talent make it a hotspot for entrepreneurs. The health care and automotive industries are big players, with over 300 health-related companies and more than 900 automotive manufacturing operations. Tennessee is also home to many top-notch universities, like Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee.