Moving to Tennessee: What Newcomers Should Know From Memphis to the Smokies

Tennessee weather and the best time to move to Tennessee

Tennessee has a little over 7 million residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The climate is a large part of the appeal: four real seasons without a harsh winter.

According to NOAA's state climate summary, average summer highs run between 85 and 90 degrees in West and Middle Tennessee, and a little cooler in the east. Winters are cool, with occasional blasts of arctic air. Snowfall averages only 1 to 4 inches a year in southern sections, with more in the Great Smoky Mountains. Tennessee averaged about 21 tornadoes a year from 1985 to 2019, with a peak in spring.

For scheduling a move:

• Fall. The best time to move to Tennessee. Dry, mild, and past the summer peak
• Spring. Comfortable temperatures, but the stormiest season. Keep a backup day in mind
• Winter. Usually easy. A rare ice or snow event can close hilly roads, and mountain routes in the east need more caution
• Summer. The busiest season, and the most draining. Early starts and plenty of water are the rule

Where people moving to Tennessee settle

Tennesseans divide the state into three Grand Divisions, and the differences are real. West Tennessee is flat river country. Middle Tennessee is rolling hills. East Tennessee is ridges, valleys, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The state is also split between the Eastern and Central time zones, which matters when you schedule a delivery.

• Nashville. The capital and the biggest draw for newcomers. Moving to Nashville usually means choosing between close-in neighborhoods and suburbs such as Franklin, Murfreesboro, or Hendersonville
• Memphis. On the Mississippi River in the southwest corner. Often with lower housing costs than Nashville
• Knoxville. A university city at the edge of the Smokies
• Chattanooga. A river city tucked between ridges on the Georgia line, popular with people who want the outdoors close by
• Clarksville. Northwest of Nashville, a growing city in its own right

If you are weighing Nashville against other Southern metros, see Atlanta vs. Charlotte vs. Nashville.

Tennessee cost of living and tax basics

Tennessee does not tax individual income. The old Hall income tax on certain interest and dividends was phased out and ended on January 1, 2021.

The state leans on sales tax instead:

• Sales tax. The state rate is 7 percent. Local governments add up to 2.75 percent, so combined rates in much of the state top 9 percent, according to the Tax Foundation
• Property tax. Set by counties and cities. Rates and reappraisal schedules differ, so look at the actual bill for any home you are considering
• Housing. Tennessee cost of living varies sharply by metro. Nashville and its suburbs cost far more than Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or small towns
• Vehicles. Title and registration fees can differ by county, so ask your local office

This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm current rates with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and talk with a CPA about your situation.

Tennessee driver license and registration for new residents

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, new residents with an out-of-state license must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency. Vehicles need Tennessee titles and plates as well, and that is a separate process.

1. Driver license. Issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at Driver Services Centers. Bring originals of your current license (you surrender it), proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. Expect a vision screening
2. Title and registration. Handled locally in the county where you live. Bring your out-of-state title or lienholder information, your current registration, and identification

Any Tennessee driver license new resident checklist should start with the state's own website. Deadlines, fees, and document rules change, so confirm them with the Department of Safety and your county office before you go.

What moving day in Tennessee is really like

• Heat and humidity. June through September, the heavy lifting should happen in the morning. Do not leave candles, electronics, instruments, or vinyl in a closed truck
• Storms. Spring and early summer thunderstorms move fast. Have floor protection ready and a plan for a rain delay
• Hills and driveways. Middle and East Tennessee have steep, curving driveways and narrow ridge roads. A tractor-trailer may not reach the door, and a smaller shuttle truck may be needed. Send your mover photos of the approach
• Mountain property. Cabins and homes around Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and the Cumberland Plateau can have gravel roads, low limbs, and tight switchbacks
• Downtown Nashville. Condo and apartment towers in downtown, the Gulch, and Midtown usually require a reserved elevator, a dock time, and a certificate of insurance. Event traffic can close streets with little notice
• Guitars and pianos. A lot of instruments move to Nashville. Humidity and heat are hard on them, so pack them in hard cases and keep them in climate control when you can

How a long-distance move to Tennessee works

Tennessee borders eight states, including our home state of Georgia, so it is familiar ground for our crews. Our long-distance moving service is quoted as a flat rate based on distance, your inventory, and any added services. Allpoints works as a contract carrier for one of the biggest van line moving companies in the country, which makes it possible and affordable to move clients to Tennessee from all over the United States.

1. Inventory and quote. We go through what you are moving and give you a free, no-obligation flat rate
2. Booking. Reserve 3 to 4 weeks ahead, and earlier for summer or end-of-month dates
3. Packing. Pack yourself or add our packing service, with boxes, paper, bubble wrap, and tape included in the quote
4. Access check. Tell us about hills, gravel, gates, and elevators at the new address
5. Delivery. You receive a delivery window. Carry documents, medications, and a few days of essentials with you

When you compare long-distance movers to Tennessee, ask whether the quote is a flat rate and whether a shuttle truck is included if your street needs one.

First-month checklist after moving to Tennessee

• Transfer your driver license at a Driver Services Center
• Title and register vehicles with your county clerk
• Update auto and home or renters insurance to the new address
• Register to vote and file your change of address
• Find your tornado shelter spot at home and sign up for local weather alerts

Also considering the other side of the mountains? Read moving to North Carolina or moving to Georgia. Our moving checklist covers the weeks before the move. When you have a date in mind, request a free quote or call (678) 886-0944.