Read on for five reasons to consider moving to East Tennessee.
The low cost of living relative to other US states is one of the chief reasons people decide to move to Tennessee. The US Cost of Living Index is calculated based on how much money it would take to live in a particular state compared to another and uses criteria such as median costs for housing, medical care, groceries, schooling, and more.
According to the World Population Review, Tennessee has a cost index of only 88.7. This means that Tennessee resides more than 11% under the US median cost of living and ranks #6 on the top states with the lowest living cost.
As if the overall low cost of living weren’t enough of a reason to move to Tennessee, the Volunteer State is also one of only a few states that do not impose a state income tax. The others include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Speaking of taxes, how does paying less in annual property taxes sound? Tennessee’s overall effective property tax rate is .64%, which is less than half the national average for property taxes. Just outside Knoxville, Tennessee’s Loudon County and where Tennessee National is located is even lower. Loudon County’s effective property tax rate is only .45%, which could mean significant savings for you if you decide to relocate.
Lower costs are great, but what’s it like to live here? Many Americans who live in colder climates dream about living somewhere with more moderate seasons, especially winter. Tennessee delivers. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend more time outdoors all year long, with unique adventures available with every new season.
Spring in Tennessee promises lush green foliage and average temperatures in the mid-60s. That’s perfect for family picnics, walks, golf outings, and eclectic festivals, like Knoxville’s Dogwood Arts Festival, which celebrates regional art, culture, and natural beauty.
Summer brings warm weather and lake adventures! Temperatures in the hottest days of summer are often only in the high 80s - ideal for swimming, cruising on the lake, enjoying an outdoor country music or jazz concert, or simply sitting on the porch with a cocktail at sunset. With moderate temperatures regardless of the time of day, you can enjoy many outdoor activities all day and into the evening.
This spring and all summer, join us for our brand new outdoor summer concert series on the lake at Tennessee National, located alongside gorgeous Watts Bar Lake. Renowned recording artists, beloved food trucks, hand-crafted cocktail offerings, fabulous views, and safe outdoor entertainment are just some of what we love about warm weather in East Tennessee.
If you haven’t experienced fall in East Tennessee, you’re missing out on some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Located at the base of the Appalachian Mountains and very near the Great Smoky Mountains, residents and visitors count down the days for fall’s appearance. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. Average temperatures are in the 60s, which makes outdoor pumpkin patch visits, waterfall hikes, hayrides, and UT football games among some of our favorite pastimes.
Raise your hand if you want to ditch the snow shovel and retire the snow blower! We thought so. Winter in Tennessee doesn’t disappoint. Cold temperatures usually dip into the 30s, so there’s rarely, if ever, the need to combat ice or snow. But don’t worry about missing the snow once you move. Often you’ll find a gorgeous dusting of light snow a couple of times each winter, allowing you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful white landscape without any of the hassles of living with it full time. A win-win, we think.
Beautiful views don’t just happen in the fall. East Tennessee is known for rolling hills and breathtaking mountains. Besides the gorgeous views virtually everywhere you look, you’ll find many public parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and spectacular hiking trails for any skill level at many of the nearby state and national parks.
The Great Smoky Mountains are only an hour away and offer endless enjoyment for hikers, families, couples, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. Downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are also nearby and offer indoor and outdoor theme parks, eclectic shopping and dining, and regional cultural attractions. With one of the US’s beautiful, most visited national parks so close, you’ll be able to make memories with the people you love for years to come.
The state is also home to over 1,000 lakes and reservoirs that provide beautiful views and entertainment opportunities. Watts Bar Lake, for example, has appeared on the list of top 15 lakes in Tennessee. In addition to its stunning appearance, Watts Bar Lake is well known for its superior water sport, boating, and freshwater fishing opportunities.
Tennessee’s low cost of living means that there are affordable homes and property available. But, did you know that East Tennessee is a thriving real estate market with one-of-a-kind communities with exceptional homes, homesites to build on, and world-class amenities?
One such Eastern Tennessee community is our own Tennessee National, a gorgeous lakefront 1,400-acre gated community, located on a peninsula where the Tennessee River meets Watts Bar Lake, just outside Knoxville. Tennessee National offers residents the best that Tennessee living has to offer.
Location, location, location - Location is everything when choosing where to live. Would you love for your home to back up to beautiful wooded-nature views and trails? Or would you prefer the chance to sit on your waterfront porch or balcony and soak in the Tennessee sun on the lake? Or maybe your best life sounds like living on the pristine grounds of one of the top 10 golf courses in Tennessee? Tennessee National offers homes and homesites with many unique vistas and custom home options. The hard part might be choosing just one for your family’s dream home.
Residents enjoy the saltwater swimming pool, private boat slips, an onsite marina, a clubhouse restaurant, and 10 miles of walking and hiking trails through the community’s grounds and on the lakefront, in addition to the Greg Norman Signature golf course and pro shop.
Tennessee National changed ownership in early 2021, and many impressive new amenities are underway. The golf course has seen extensive renovations, as has the current clubhouse, known as Silos. In 2021, the Sunset Saloon and Ultimate Driving Range was built and opened to members. The Sunset Saloon is a brand new, open-air entertainment venue and driving range, powered by Toptracer Range, with games, challenges, and virtual courses for all ages.
The Tennessee National Marina also saw the arrival of a fleet of rental leisure pontoon boats and the plans to upgrade the marina, and build a waterfront restaurant, which will be open to the public.
Many more new projects are underway in 2022, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse being built and the installation of new pickleball courts. With so much happening, residents won’t even have to leave the community to find exciting and memorable activities to enjoy all year long.
We hope you can see why East Tennessee is one of the most popular places to relocate. These are only a few of the reasons we think Tennessee is a great state to call home. But don’t just take our word for it. Come for a visit. Stay for a lifetime.
