Quality of Life

THE TENNESSEE LIFESTYLE.

In Tennessee, we think the quality of life should be high and the cost of living should be low. No other state offers the lifestyle Tennessee provides.

Make your life where you make your living. Whether it’s the sophistication of our big cities or the southern charm of our small towns, our state offers a cost of living well below the national average.

From the foothills of the beautiful Smoky Mountains to the broad banks of the Mississippi, the Volunteer State spans three distinct regions, each with its own personality. You’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs and plant your roots.

Tennessee boasts some of the lowest housing prices in the United States, and your dollar will stretch further here than almost anywhere else in the country.

And there’s plenty here to amuse and entertain you, from our legendary music and arts to our stunning scenery to the endless options for outdoor recreation.

Tennessee’s music and arts pedigree is unlike any other. After all, our state is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and country music, the home of the blues and the starting point of soul. Music is only the beginning. Tennessee is the new hub of creative innovation, technology and performing arts—a playground for big names and even bigger ideas. Our state is where classic meets cutting edge.

Tennessee is legendary for breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests and crystal-clear rivers to rolling hills and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. People come from all over the world to take advantage of our state’s abundant resources for fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, golfing, cycling, horseback riding, rock climbing and more.

Since we appreciate the value of loyalty and the thrill of the game, allegiance to our favorite sports teams runs deep. Tennesseans show their colors at stadiums, racetracks, arenas and ballparks across the state. There’s no shortage of professional and collegiate teams to cheer on.

Quick Facts

11.4%

Below the cost of living national average

20.7%

Below national average for housing costs

#1

Lowest State Debt Per Capita In the Country

130+

State parks and natural areas

#1

Most visited national park in the nation

30

National historic landmarks

12

Of the state’s colleges and universities compete on the NCAA Division 1 level

CNBC NAMED TENNESSEE AS THE STATE WITH THE FIFTH LOWEST COST OF LIVING IN THE NATION.

The State of the Arts

Tennessee’s thriving arts and entertainment community offers a feast for the senses and the soul. The Volunteer State is home to nine annual film festivals, a host of dance companies and dozens of theater troupes. Our museums showcase stunning works in every medium and from many cultures, from the paintings of the Old Masters to avant-garde photography.

Tennessee Theatre

Grand Ole Opry

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Country Music Awards

Stax Records

Sports

There’s no shortage of sports to enjoy in Tennessee. We’ve got the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, NASCAR and the PGA. 12 of our state’s colleges and universities compete on the NCAA Division 1 level.

NBA
Memphis Grizzlies

College Football
University of Tennessee

PGA
St. Jude Classic

NASCAR
Brisol Motor Speedway

NFL
Tennessee Titans

The Outdoors

People come from all over the world to take advantage of our state’s abundant resources for fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, golfing, cycling, horseback riding, rock climbing and more.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

300+ Golf Courses

More than 141 State Parks and Natural Areas

13 National Historic Landmarks

We looked at many states and sites for this expansion ... Middle Tennessee offers the business environment, skilled workforce and quality of life to support our growth.

- Wayne T. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Systems, Inc.

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Read up on all the details of the Quality of Life of Tennessee.

Jamie Stitt

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

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