The results are in, and our beautiful Tennessee has again made it into the list of top states to move to!
Every year, a moving migration report is published, which shows the top states for both inbound and outbound moving. Since 2020, Tennessee has been among the top three states with the most inbound migration, according to the report. You might think that Tennessee is only about country music and Tennessee whiskey, but there's so much more to the Volunteer State!
Read on for the seven reasons families moved to Tennessee in 2022, with the trend expected to continue this year.
Since 2020, there has been renewed interest in outdoor recreation. This prioritization of quality of life has caused thousands of Americans to pick up and move to states with warmer climates, milder seasons, and plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.
A desire to live closer to nature has brought people from all over the United States to East Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Smoky Mountains National Park make East Tennessee a popular tourist destination. As the most visited national park, it's known for its abundance of hiking trails, beautiful foliage, waterfalls, and mountain views.
The popularity of natural wonders such as the national and state parks make East Tennessee a popular destination for relocation as well. Families are moving out of major cities to more rural areas where they can buy or build homes with lake and mountain views and easy access to lakes, walking trails, and other outdoor pursuits.
East Tennessee is home to several affordable luxury communities that offer unique properties nestled in nature, including our own Tennessee National. Situated on a peninsula where the Tennessee River meets Watts Bar Lake, Tennessee National offers a luxury lake and golf community with natural amenities like hiking and walking trails, in addition to easy access to an onsite marina and world-class views. In fact, both the Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains can be seen from the community on a clear day.
With mild climates, warm summers, and lots of outdoor activities, it's no surprise that families are moving South. But Tennessee residents also benefit from something else that makes the state a truly desirable destination: a low cost of living.
Tennessee is one of only eight states without a state income tax, along with Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. But unlike many of those states, Tennessee also boasts low property taxes. This means that family housing budgets can stretch further. Instead of high property tax bills, homeowners can spend their budgets on building more home equity or other living expenses that meet their family's needs.
With the prevalence of remote work, many people now need space for home offices. But extra space can be challenging to come by in cramped urban settings. That's another reason people are bidding 'goodbye' to the city in favor of more rural locations.
In Tennessee, for example, costs to build are lower than in other states, while lot and home sizes tend to be larger. This means that families can afford larger houses with more amenities when they move out of more densely populated locations.
At Tennessee National, many new residents choose to include one or more home offices or study nooks in their construction plans for their new homes. Having enough space for work and play is essential when switching to remote work.
Tennessee is still a great place to call home, even if you're not a remote worker. Tennessee continues to see businesses and companies moving or expanding into the state. These moves bring more jobs, and pay is competitive with the current Tennessee job market.
Moreover, Tennessee is also known for being friendly to businesses, making it an attractive place to start a business for the entrepreneurial at heart.
In addition to high prices, high crime is also driving people out of the city. Another major draw of places like Tennessee is the lower crime rate. For example, Loudon County, Tennessee, has a crime rate lower than the national average. And in some lifestyle communities, gated access and 24-hour security offer additional peace of mind.
Perhaps one of the least-known reasons people move to Tennessee is the people! People smile and wave to you on the street, neighbors become friends, and local events bring people together. Steeped in Southern Charm, you'll find people eager to help or offer you a warm greeting.
Besides the natural beauty and amenities found at some of the more popular lifestyle communities, a few show off their southern charm with community events, golf outings, concerts, and music festivals. With so much to do in such a fantastic location, it's easy to see how Tennessee ranked as the third most popular state to move to in the entire United States.
Deciding where to move is a big decision, but we can help. Visit us at Tennessee National in Tennessee to see if moving to our piece of Southern paradise is right for you.
