Quality of life is elevated in more ways than one in Tennessee.
From the ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee and the fruitful plains along the Mississippi River in the west, the state’s diverse, scenic landscape is no secret to the generations of families who have put down roots here. Today, it is also attracting millions of newcomers.
There are plenty of ways to get outside and explore for those who crave work-life balance. When paired with top 10 status as one of the most affordable states to live in, bolstered by zero personal income tax, you’ll find you have extra cash in your pocket to do so.
Opportunity Rises
Over 23 years ago, University of Tennessee researchers and state leaders released population projections looking ahead to 2025, estimating the state’s population would scale from 5.6 million residents to over 7.5 million. In 2025, Tennessee was the No. 4 U.S. state for net in-migration, based on PGM data tracking nearly 15 million adult moves. The state’s population didn’t quite hit the projected 7.5 million last year, but it did reach 7.32 million residents by July 2025, representing more than a 10% increase over the past decade and cementing the Volunteer State as a top 10 U.S. destination.
In May 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau released a report with fresh population data coming out of midsize and large U.S. cities, placing a spotlight on Nashville and Greater Davidson County. Nashville gained 9,244 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, bringing the city’s population to over 721,000, securing the No. 8 largest numeric increase in a city with a population of 20,000 or more. Metro Nashville overall has nearly 2.2 million residents.
Emory Alley Mural Project in Knoxville
Moreover, areas such as Lebanon (38.8%), Spring Hill (21%), Clarksville (13.2%), unincorporated Rutherford County (13.2%) and Murfreesboro (12%) saw the largest population growth since 2020, bringing in a combined 78,663 new residents.
What are new residents finding in Tennessee? Opportunity.
More than 280,429 nonfarm jobs have been created across the state since 2020, cultivating high-quality roles across industries including energy, advanced manufacturing and automotive. As a result, Tennessee has experienced the fastest labor force and employment growth of any state in the Southeast.
Multibillion-dollar projects such as Ultium Cells’ $2.3 billion battery cell manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, LG Chem’s $3.2 billion cathode production plant in Clarksville, Korea Zinc’s $6.6 billion investment for advanced mineral smelting in Clarksville and the reopening of a former zinc mine in Gordonsville are driving new employment opportunities in these regions.
Low Cost of Living
One of the greatest advantages to life in Tennessee is the ability to live as rural or as urban as one pleases. Housing costs throughout Tennessee communities remain attainable for first-time homeowners and families looking to scale.
In a time of high inflation and volatile mortgage rates, residents moving into Tennessee can see their salary stretch further and their dream home within reach. The state’s cost of living is 9% lower than the national average, while its housing affordability comes in 14% lower and utilities at 11% lower, according to data from the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index. This means that a majority of Tennessee cities have a lower cost of living than the national average. Nashville, the state’s largest metro area, comes in 2% below the national average, while Cleveland, the state’s most affordable major city, is 14% below it.
The median price for a single-family home in the U.S. is $436,523, while Tennessee currently averages $392,100. In smaller cities, homes tend to range in the low to high $200,000s, as seen in Memphis ($188,750) and LaFollette ($207,500) or Kingsport ($272,500) and Jackson ($298,000). In addition to affordable housing options, Tennessee’s low local property tax rate beats out rates in neighboring states Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri.
Off the Clock Entertainment
It isn’t simply low cost of living, zero personal income tax or No. 2 status for lowest state and local taxes that keeps new residents and businesses flocking to the state. Off the clock entertainment is an activity Tennesseans know well, providing a plethora of ways to unwind.
For those who enjoy outdoor adventure, Tennessee is home to more than 140 state parks and natural areas, in addition to 13 national parks. This roster includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the nation. Hiking, biking, fishing, water sports, hunting and rock climbing are a few of the outdoor recreation offerings that find sway throughout each season. An expanding statewide network of greenways and trails tends to find favor among residents looking for scenic routes designed for everyday use.
Residents in Tennessee benefit from a cost of living that falls 9% below the national average. Shown here is Watauga Lake in Johnson City.
When it comes time for some weekend entertainment, it’ll be difficult to pick what not to do. From events in legacy music cities like Memphis and Nashville to charming small-town music festivals, there is always an authentic tune around to catch an ear. Then again, since Tennessee is home to over 400 music venues, residents rarely wait until the weekend to find a spot to enjoy live music. Popular annual events including the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester and CaveFest in Pelham keep well-known and emerging artists flowing through the state, crafting lineups that fit the taste of any music lover, regardless of genre.
As passionate as the state is for its rich music history, its sports fans might have them beat. Tennessee is home to four major league teams spanning the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLS. These family-friendly events bring out fans from across the state to cheer on their favorite teams, a fandom that extends to Tennessee’s 12 colleges and universities solidifying NCAA Division I rankings.
And soon, Tennessee will host the nation’s largest sporting event. In May 2026, the NFL officially announced the selection of the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, home of the Titans, as the location of Super Bowl LXIV in 2030.
