Making a move as major as the one from New Jersey to Tennessee is a big decision and a daunting process, but when you learn about everything that living in Tennessee has to offer, there’s no doubt that you’ll be glad you “volunteered” for this brand new life.
Tennessee’s status as a landlocked state doesn’t keep it from being a great place to live. Along with a stunning landscape that allows you to take full advantage of nature in every season, you’ll no doubt be glad to leave behind the harsh NJ winters for Tennessee’s warm summers and mild winters! Tennessee is also rich in small-town, Southern hospitality, even in its biggest cities. And with a thriving economy in major industries, low cost of living (including no state income tax), and a wealth of great higher-education institutions, Tennessee has something to offer every person and family.
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Although Tennessee has only recently, officially become the Volunteer State, that nickname has been applied to the state since very early in its history. Tennessee earned the name during the War of 1812, when more than 1,500 volunteers enlisted as soldiers in the U.S. military, and cemented the nickname in later conflicts, including the Mexican-American War.
It’s been an anecdotal name for well over 200 years, and even the University of Tennessee’s athletic teams are the Volunteers, but it wasn’t until early 2020 that the state legislature adopted the Volunteer State as Tennessee’s official nickname.
History buffs will find a lot to explore in Tennessee’s rich history that goes back to the colonial days. The state’s name is rooted in the Creek and Cherokee languages, and the spelling and pronunciation evolved until the 1750s, finally being cemented when Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796.
If history is your bag, you’ll love visiting the early settlements and Civil War battlefields around the state that have been preserved. Dig even further into modern history with stops at the 10 historic sites in Tennessee along the Civil Rights Trail. Or, trace the beginnings of rock, blues, and country music, which all have deep roots in Tennessee, from Elvis and BB King in Memphis, to Dolly Parton and Hank Williams in Knoxville, to the stars of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Although Tennessee is commonly known as the home of country music, especially in Nashville, today it is a vibrant, diverse place for music lovers of all sorts. Whether you love country and bluegrass, blues and R&B, rock, or any other genre, Tennessee is home to some of the best music venues in the world and amazing talent from major superstars to indie artists just getting their start.
There’s no doubt about it: Tennesseans love their music, and whether you prefer to enjoy a small performance at a dive bar, or a gigantic festival like Bonnaroo, you’ll always find live music that hits the spot all over Tennessee.
There’s a reason that millions of people flock to the Great Smoky Mountains every year. Perhaps Tennessee’s best-known natural landmark, this section of the Appalachian mountains is the US’s most-visited national park, and for good reason. With stunning vistas that are beautiful in every season and free admission to most of the park, the Smokies are beloved for hiking, biking, rafting, and even driving, and with the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offering lots of other fun stuff, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend away.
The Smokies aren’t the only beautiful place in Tennessee, though. The state is riddled with gorgeous places to visit, like Big South Fork, Savage Gulf State Park, and Lookout Mountain. And the beauty even extends beneath the ground, with more than 10,000 caves all over Tennessee, including popular destinations like The Lost Sea and Ruby Falls.
Better yet, Tennessee’s relatively mild climate, while still enjoying all four seasons, means that you can take advantage of the state’s natural beauty all year round.
With all these fun activities planned, what are you going to eat and drink to replenish yourself? Fear not, for Tennessee is well-known for its food and beverage scene as well. From Memphis BBQ, to Nashville Hot Chicken, to good Southern cooking and international cuisines, you’re sure to find something delicious to enjoy no matter where you are in the state. Tennesseans take great pride in great food, and that’s reflected in every city and town. Just ask a local and they’ll be sure to tell you some delicious restaurants to put on your must-try list.
And if you need something to wash it all down, well, there are plenty of libations available in Tennessee as well. The state is most famous for Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, but today you’ll also find lots of moonshine distilleries, wineries, and beer breweries to suit any discerning taste.
So, up until this point, you’ve gotten several great ideas for things to do once you make the big move to Tennessee, but what is it really like to live in the Volunteer State?
For one thing, you’ll probably be shocked by the lower cost of living, especially compared to NJ and other places in the Northeast. Tennessee offers the second lowest cost of living in the US, a full 10% below the national average. Although you will notice that state and local sales taxes are a bit higher than elsewhere, where you’ll really see the difference is in the fact that there are no state income or property taxes. This really drives down the price of property – you can easily find a comfortable family home for just a few hundred thousand dollars.
Along with a diverse culture and landscape, Tennessee also offers a variety of industries that are sure to draw professionals from all over the country and world.
Entertainment and tourism are obviously big business in Tennessee, not only with big tourist destinations like Nashville and the Smokies, and the music industry – but also with major media companies like Discovery Networks and Regal Entertainment being based in the state.
Manufacturing is also a huge industry in Tennessee, ranging from food products made by General Mills and Mayfield, to the automotive business, with plants for General Motors, Nissan, and Volkswagen scattered around the state.
And whether you work in education or are looking to pursue more education for yourself, the more than 70 colleges and universities across the state, including The University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University, make it easy to immerse yourself in academia. Tennessee also offers several scholarships and grants, both for high school students who plan to pursue college, and for adults looking to go back to school.
We can’t forget about Tennessee’s love of sports, from the college level up to professional sports.
Once you settle into your new home, you’ll need to decide whether you’re rooting for the UT Vols, the Vanderbilt Commodores, or another college team. You’ll love getting excited about all the tournaments every season.
If it’s professional sports you love, Tennessee’s got plenty of that too. NBA fans can cheer for the Memphis Grizzlies, while football fans will love going to Nissan Stadium for a Tennessee Titans Game and NHL enthusiasts will want to check out Bridgestone Arena for a Nashville Predators game. Tennessee also has several minor league baseball teams, including the Nashville Sounds and the Tennessee Smokies.
Moving cross-country is a lot more complex than moving in-town, and there are a lot of factors to consider before you choose a moving company. First, find out if your intended movers specialize in long distance moves. Long distance moves require more logistics than in-town moves, coordinating truck schedules, storage facility availability and driver scheduling. There are many small details and logistics that your movers will have to coordinate, so it pays to go with a company that specializes in moves from New Jersey.
Book your movers early as the best companies often fill their schedules months in advance. The summer months are the most popular for moves as families want to get settled before the school year starts. Most people who move cross-country prefer to move during good weather and on weekends, so if you’re planning to move on a Saturday in the summer, it pays to book your mover as early as possible. If you’re selling one home while buying another, you may need date flexibility, and getting your mover booked early ensures that you can make the necessary changes before your moving day.
White Glove Moving is New Jersey’s premier company for long distance moves. We specialize in cross-country moves, and with our team of 200 estimators, office staff, and management, you can be assured your treasured belongings will arrive at your destination safely and efficiently. Our team will handle your furniture, art, and delicate pieces with care and your dedicated manager will treat your move with the attention it deserves. Join the many people who now call Colorado home and schedule your free moving consultation today.
White Glove is proud to be the only Long-Distance mover in New Jersey & New York to offer, “Long-Distance Price Lock.”
This means the price we quote you before your move is always the price you pay after the move.
No hidden fees, no circumstantial costs, no nickel or diming you for things you didn’t agree to. That’s one of the ways we make your moving day a White Glove experience. Learn more about other commitments we make to our customers.
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