Tennessee Is Experiencing A Tourism Boom: Is It Worth Moving There?

Tennessee has been experiencing a surge in tourism in recent years. Between the beautiful scenery of the Smoky Mountains, the music-soaked streets of Nashville, the legendary barbeque joints of Memphis, and amusement parks like Dollywood, it's no wonder people are drawn to visit. And for some, it may inspire them to make their stay more permanent. But is it really a good idea to move to Tennessee based on a visit while on vacation?

There are a lot of good reasons to move to Tennessee: No state income-tax, lots of outdoor activities, and culture that's both exciting and rooted in tradition. It's no wonder many people are searching for the best place to live in Tennessee. And this state has options for both those that love small-town charm and the excitement of the big city.

But before you start searching on Zillow and packing up your kitchen, there are some things you need to consider. Vacationing somewhere and living there full-time are two very different experiences, not just for Tennessee, but for any location. When you are just staying for a short vacation, many times you don't get the full experience of living somewhere. What it's like to commute, the cost of groceries, and that first power bill after a hot summer can be a doozy. Not to mention, home sale prices in Nashville have gone up drastically in the last few years — although the pricing increases have slowed somewhat. This is just one example of unexpected costs. And these are only a few of the things you need to take into account before uprooting yourself and moving to Tennessee.

Discovering a new place can be exciting and inspire feelings of belonging — that's the beauty of traveling. But loving a location after visiting isn't the same as becoming part of a community. If you're considering moving, it's important to realize that Tennessee life isn't the same as what you see on vacation. Traffic in places like Nashville or Memphis can be brutal. And if you were considering the country life, understand that rural infrastructure can mean slower internet (if fiber-optic is even available), power outages at random times, and even water that needs to be filtered. That's not even taking into account the extreme summer heat. Last year, Tennessee's summer heat caused bats to seek refuge inside homes. The point is, everyday life comes with challenges you won't notice while strolling through Pigeon Forge.

Another thing you should consider is assimilation. If you fell in love with Tennessee while visiting, chances are it was because of its unique culture, slower pace, and Southern hospitality. That should mean when you move there, it's important to respect those traditions instead of trying to reshape the area to fit what you're used to. The very things that made you fall in love with Tennessee are what locals love — and what newcomers should embrace.

If you truly decide that Tennessee is the right fit for you and your family, you'll want to do some research. Spend an extended time in different regions of the state, research job opportunities, and compare housing costs thoroughly. Tennessee can absolutely be a wonderful place to live, but make sure you're moving for the right reasons.