The Soundtrack of Natural Living

Climate

0.68%

Average effective property tax rate

0%

State income tax

No state tax on interest/ dividend earnings, Social Security, 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions

6th-lowest cost of living among all U.S. states

According to the latest U.S. Census data, Tennessee's population grew by nearly 9% in the past decade, an increase of more than 600,000 new residents. The Middle Tennessee counties around Nashville were among the nation's fastest growing with a 21% increase. New suburban and retirement communities spurred aboveaverage growth in five East Tennessee counties—Knox, Loudon, Bradley, Sevier, and Hamilton. The appeal of "small-town Tennessee" is no accident: The state is among the national leaders in revitalization efforts with its innovative Tennessee Main Streets and affiliated Tennessee Downtown programs. From Athens to Winchester, the 34 participant communities have preserved their traditional architecture and small-town ambiance, while creating economic incentives for new local businesses and professional services.

The highlands of East Tennessee offer an invigorating four-season climate, with cool evenings and vibrant woodland colors in the fall, occasionally significant snowfall that lasts a few days at a time in the winter, and very comfortable daytime highs in the spring and summer. The rest of the state is a continental subtropical zone, with generally warmer temperatures and higher humidity in summer. Average daytime temps are generally moderate in the spring and fall months, while a few inches of snow from time to time can be expected in the winter.

Recreational Trails

Tennessee features more than 1,500 hiking and biking trails, most of which are located in 56 state parks and recreational areas. That scenic collection is highlighted by the 210-mile Cumberland Trail with 50+ access points to segments that range in difficulty from easy to very challenging. Streams that flow from the East Tennessee mountains are popular blueways for kayaking and whitewater rafting excursions. For players who prefer electric-cart transportation, the Tennessee Golf Trail is composed of nine excellent daily-fee courses located in state parks, including three of the six Jack Nicklaus-designed layouts in the Bear Trace series.

Great Drives

The Tennessee Music Highway runs the length of the state from Bristol in the east to Memphis in the west, with stops along the way at dozens of historic sites and concert venues. The Cherohala National Scenic Byway is a beautiful two-lane driving route on the mountainsides above the Tellico River. But the granddaddy of them all is the Natchez Trace, originally a pioneer trail through the woodlands that connected the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers. Parts of that historic path can still be walked today, but most people prefer the driving tour on the 440-mile Natchez Trace Parkway that runs from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi.

Home of American Music

Melodic tunes can be enjoyed everywhere in The Volunteer State of Tennessee, which makes a strong claim to be home of three authentic American music genres: bluegrass, which was created by Scots-Irish immigrants in the mountain towns of East Tennessee; country music, which grew from a regional sound to an international industry in the studios and concert halls in Nashville; and the blues, which emerged from the Mississippi Delta to take center stage in the Beale Street clubs of Memphis.

Lake Tansi Village

is located on the magnifi cent Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee. This retirement community is jam packed with a good balance of relaxing and exciting activities. Whether you prefer golfi ng, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the good life – it’s all here at Lake Tansi.

Kingsport

This small city in northeastern Tennessee features a 9.5-mile greenbelt walking path that meanders through the lively downtown area and along the Holston River. Local attractions include concerts by the Symphony of the Mountains Orchestra and 50+ miles of highland hiking trails in the local state parks.

Bristol

Bristol is the home of exciting stock-car races at the Bristol Motor Speedway and the host of traditional bluegrass concerts in a mountain town known as "The Birthplace of Country Music."

We’ve obviously seen an increased interest in Tennessee because of the affordable cost of living. Remote work and the ability to work from home has enabled more people to relocate to Tennessee for a better quality of life, and we’re a very tax-friendly state. We also have very low electricity costs thanks to the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Retire Tennessee program attracts retirees to 15 rural and urban counties throughout the state.”

Zach Ledbetter Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Director of Outreach & Engagement

KNOXVILLE Mountain Hub City

Knoxville is East Tennessee's largest city and a regional center of business, education, and culture. In addition to headquarters for companies like Sea Ray Boats and the Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville is home to the main campus of the University of Tennessee (UT) and its world-class medical center. Graduates from UT and a dozen other area colleges staff innovative start-ups in the Tennessee Technology Corridor. Jackson Avenue in the Old City district is the local destination for fine dining, shopping, and nightlife. Cultural attractions include open-air concerts at the Tennessee Amphitheater, extensive collections at the Knoxville Museum of Art, and cultural history exhibits at the McClung Museum. The Knoxville Botanical Gardens is a flower lover's delight, while the city's 1,000-acre Urban Wilderness is a unique recreational preserve with historic sites, a nature center, zip lines, and 50 miles of hiking trails.