Moving to Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee offers every individual with scenic beauty and the Midwestern way of life. The state features attractions such as the Tennessee aquarium, which is the biggest aquarium in the world. Also, Jack Daniels whiskey, which is the best known whiskey in America, is from Tennessee. Tennessee is quite famous for being the unofficial headquarters for country music in American, and for its majestic mountains.
Tennessee is also known for its cowboy lifestyle. Tennessee is one of the few states that have zero income tax. It is also one of the most interesting and unique places for anyone to visit and live, made possible by such wonders as the Reelfoot lakes, which were created by a series of earthquakes that rattled the area.
If you’re moving to Tennessee, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Tennessee
Tennessee Climate
On average there are about 207 sunny days throughout the year in Tennessee. The highest average temperatures usually occur in July where it hovers around 89 degrees. The lowest temperatures can typically be found in January when it can dip down to as cold as 28 degrees. The comfort index of Tennessee is 36/100, where the average US comfort index is 44/100. The gulf coastal plain, the central basin and the Sequatchie Valley are the warmest parts of the state; these parts also have the longest growing seasons. In other parts of the state, such as the mountainous east, the temperatures are considerable lower.
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in Tennessee after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of 30 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered and titled in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty. The registration and titling processes are very closely related in the state of Tennessee and can both be accomplished at the County Clerk’s office.
Obtaining a Tennessee Driver's License
A Tennessee Driver’s License can be obtained at any Tennessee County Clerk’s office or DMV location. The state requires new Tennessee residents to update their license from their previous state to a Tennessee driver’s license within 30 days of moving. New residents with an existing out-of-state license do not need to take any road or vision tests for a new license, however if your license is expired for more than six months you may be required to by law.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Tennessee was ranked 48th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 50 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
Since farm land covers about 44 percent of the state of Tennessee, it makes sense that the state would be among the top states in agricultural production. The top five products in terms of the revenue generated is beef cattle and calves, broilers, soy beans, green house/nursery products and cotton. The top manufacturing industries of Tennessee are transport equipment, automobiles, and boat and aircraft equipment. Some of the other services which are an important part of the economy of Tennessee are health care, law firms and business services. The finance, banking, insurance and real estate sectors also contribute to the overall economy of the state of Tennessee.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Tennessee had an unemployment rate of 7.9 percent, which is a shade lower than the national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Tennessee is $43,314, while the average per capita income for the state is $23,722.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything, you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Tennessee is $240,588, while the median sales price is just over $132,500. The Tennessee Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Tennessee.
Major landmarks and attractions
Some of the major attractions and landmarks of Tennessee are the Belle Meade Plantation Belmont Mansion; Carl Van Vechten Gallery; The Carter House Fort; Nashborough; Fox Trot Carousel; The Hermitage; Historic Carnton Plantation; Historic Cragfont House; Historic Falcon Manor; Historic Mansker's Station; Jack Daniels Distillery; Mallory-Neely House; The Netherland Inn; Ryman Auditorium
Largest Cities:Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Franklin, Clarksville
Schools
The state board of education in Tennessee is the governing and policy-making body. The state board of education in Tennessee manages and controls all public schools established or that may be established under its jurisdiction. There are many policies made to help every student who is receiving an education in Tennessee get the best and highest quality of education possible. There are many programs organized by the state board of education in Tennessee which helps to facilitate students to have better careers and overall development. Some of the more notable and prestigious collegiate institutions in Tennessee include the University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, the University of Memphis, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shiloh National Military Park
Stones River National Battlefield
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
State park System
The state park system of Tennessee is routinely named one of the best in the country, and has also received the gold medal award for excellence in parks management. Some of the state parks in Tennessee are Bone Cave State Park, Booker T Washington State Park, Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Chickasaw State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park, David Crockett State Park, Dunbar Cave State Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Fort Pillow State Park.These parks provide many opportunities to appreciate the natural wonders of Tennessee by hiking, fishing, biking and hunting.
Major Airports
Memphis International Airport
Nashville International Airport
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport – Knoxville Airport
Tri-Cities Regional Airport