Moving To Tennessee: What You Need To Know

Moving To Tennessee: What You Need To Know

August 4th, 2021

Tennessee, and Hendersonville specifically, have everything you can possibly imagine when it comes to having it all.

From the low price of living, Nashville entertainment, great weather, and employment, there are many reasons to love Hendersonville,Tennessee.

Why Do People Move to Tennessee?

Tennessee is home to influential culture, great weather, and pristine nature. There’s also ample opportunity for residents to enjoy all three. Tennessee has no state income tax, is among the most affordable states in the US, and has free community college and vocational school for all residents.

Hendersonville also has one of the best school districts in the Nashville area, literally one of the best K – 12 schools in the entire country, and is just a 30-minute drive from the big city. Nashville is an American entertainment institution nicknamed “The Music City” and the “Athens of the South” due to its many universities.

Tennessee’s Low Cost of Living

Chances are that if you’re moving to Tennessee from out of state, then you’re moving from a state that’s not as affordable. Tennessee has no income tax and, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, has the 9th lowest cost of living in the United States as of 2020.

Tenessee’s Free Community College and Vocational School Program

Whether you’re in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Clarksville, or anywhere else in Tennessee, there’s a free community college or vocational training for residents without an Associate or Bachelor’s degree.

  • Tennessee Promise: This route is available to all students who graduate from a qualifying high school, homeschool, or get a GED/HISET before their 19th birthday.
  • Tennessee Reconnect: This route is for adults 24-years of age or older who have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.

There are also support and mentorship opportunities to help people get their education.

Hendersonville and Nashville, TN Employment

If you’re moving to Tennessee from out of state in search of employment, then you’re in luck. According to the US Census, the average Tennessee unemployment rate was 5.1% in January 2021. The average unemployment rate in the US at the same time was 6.3%.

That 30-minute drive to Nashville means additional employment opportunities for Hendersonville residents. The drive to Nashville is an easy one, with most of the miles spent on I-65 S. Of course, there’s traffic during rush hour, which can add upwards of half an hour to your commute depending on where you’re going, but once you’re a local you’ll learn ways to save time even during peak travel times.

In Sumner County, where Hendersonville is located, the unemployment rate was 4.2% in March 2021, and the unemployment rate was 4.1% in Davidson County, where Nashville is located.

Great Weather in Tennessee

Tennessee has a score of 7.3 on BestPlaces.Net Comfort Index, which is higher than the national average of 7 but not as high as Hendersonville’s 7.6! Hendersonville, Tennessee, has what’s known as a humid, subtropical climate.

That means hot summers and mild to cool winters. On average, there are 211 sunny days, 3 inches of snow, and 49 inches of rain per year. The summer high in July is 89°F, and the winter low is 27°F in January.

Nashville, TN, A Metropolis Within Reach

Nashville is commonly known as “Music City” because it’s a major music industry hub, particularly country music.

Other significant industries in the city include healthcare, education, publishing, banking, automotive, and transportation. Nashville, TN attractions are only 30 minutes from Hendersonville, TN.

Check out some of the top attractions listed below.

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic Nashville music venue and is one of the most famous venues in country music history. Founded in 1925, the venue has been part of the musical landscape for over eighty years and is known for its live shows and world-famous musical talent. This grand venue has hosted musicians such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, and other musicians who perform everything from country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and gospel music. Can’t make the show in person? Then tune in to WSM radio, which streams the live performances for listeners everywhere.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art

This 30,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion is home to the Cheekwood American art collection, which includes 600 paintings and 5,000 prints, drawings, and photographs. There are also many sculptures as part of the Woodland Sculpture Trail. The Botanical Garden spans the entire site.

Frist Art Museum

The Frist is located in a historic U.S. Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Frist is an art exhibition space without a permanent collection.

Instead, it creates its exhibitions and secures traveling exhibits from around the country and the world.

National Museum of African American Music

Located in Downtown Nashville, the museum is dedicated to musical genres inspired, created, or influenced by African-Americans. It has five permanent themed galleries, a 200-seat theater, traveling exhibits and will include upwards of 1,400 artifacts in its collection.

Lower Broadway

Lower Broadway is where you’ll find many famous honky-tonks and live country music venues. There are also retail shops, restaurants, dessert spots, tourist attractions, and a few hotels.

Printer’s Alley

A historic entertainment district with nightclubs, performance venues, bars, and restaurants.

Famous Nashville Cuisine

Hot Chicken

Hot chicken is a Nashville local specialty. It’s usually a piece of chicken breast, thigh, or wing that’s marinated in a water-based seasoning, floured, fried, and then smothered in a paste or sauce spiced with cayenne pepper. It’s served on white bread with pickle chips.

Hot Fish

Hot fish follows the hot chicken recipe but substitutes whiting or catfish. Sometimes, instead of paste, the fish is just seasoned with cayenne powder.

BBQ

Nashville BBQ is pork heavy and often served with a sweet tomato-based sauce.

Meat and Three

A meat and three is a type of southern restaurant where the customer picks one meat from what’s usually a daily selection of three to six choices and three sides from a list that can include upwards of 12 sides.The meal is often served with cornbread and sweet tea. It’s popular across the United States, but its roots are in Nashville.

Attractions In and Around Hendersonville, TN

Hendersonville has plenty of culinary attractions, outdoor activities, and community activities. Here’s just a sample of what Durham Farms can expect. Although, there’s plenty more to discover in this middle Tennessee haven!

Old Hickory Lake

At 13 minutes by car, Old Hickory Lake is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, boating, water skiing, hunting, fishing, & camping. And in the fall, winter, and spring, it’s Tennessee birdwatchers’ hot spot.

You can see ospreys, double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, egrets, & more! That’s because the lake has the largest breeding colonies of wading birds in the area.

You can spot ducks, herons, gulls, cormorants, and grebes at the “Snow Bunting” Peninsula.

And in the forest along the nearby dam trail, you can see Barred Owls.

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC)

This museum of local and regional art is housed in the Monthaven Mansion. The mansion is in the National Register of Historic Places, where it’s described as a “Grand 1860 two-story wood-frame home was used as a hospital during the Civil War.”

Hendersonville Farmers & Artisan Market

On Saturdays from May 22 through September 25, from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm, check out the Hendersonville Farmers & Artisan Market at The Streets of Indian Lake Lifestyle Center. Local farmers and artisans sell everything from naturally raised meats and produce to pottery, paintings, wood art, jams, and more!

Half Batch Brewing

The founder of Half Batch Brewing, Nathan S. Newton, began brewing beer over 25 years ago in Baton Rouge. Since then, Newton has moved around and lived a whole life before settling in Hendersonville. Check out the many delicious beers he has on tap!

Jumbo and Delicious

A beloved local burger place with 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google based on over 1,000 reviews, Jumbo and Delicious is known for its affordable jumbo and stuffed burgers and sandwiches. Make the trip to find out why so many people love Jumbo and Delicious!

Center Point BBQ Pit

The Center Point BBQ Pit has been a local landmark for so long it served Johnny Cash himself! In fact, many country artists and musicians have dined at the BBQ Pit because of its great reputation. You can even see their pictures on the walls!

Café Rakka

Chef Rakka’s family is a renowned cheese, butter, and yogurt-making dynasty of five generations in Syria. Rakka’s eatery has fans worldwide and even earned an appearance on Guy Fieri’s “Drive-Ins, Diners, and Dives.” Check it out yourself to see why regulars like the Oak Ridge Boys consider it some of the best falafel and chicken tikka masala they’ve ever had!

Hendersonville Memory Gardens

Cemeteries are beautiful and quiet destinations for picnics and walks. Hendersonville Memory Gardens is famous as the “burial site of Johnny Cash as well as several members of the Carter Family of musicians, and numerous other stars from the world of country music.”

Hendersonville Produce

Hendersonville Produce sells local, organic, and natural products. You can also find Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs, classes, vendor demos, and more!

Hendersonville Performing Arts Company

The Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (HPAC) has been around for 25 years!  The HPAC puts on comedies, dramas, musicals, and stage adaptations of popular films! There’s also an opportunity to take classes.

Hendersonville Notable Residents

Of course, Nashville has had plenty of famous residents, but so has Hendersonville! Here are just some of beloved celebrities that have also called Hendersonville home. They’re all musicians because Hendersonville is so close to The Music City.

  • Johnny Cash
  • June Carter Cash
  • Roy Orbison
  • Taylor Swift
  • Ed Sheeran
  • All four members of the Oakridge Boys
    • Duane Allen
    • Joe Bonsallm
    • William Lee Golden
    • Richard Sterban

Hendersonville, TN Schools

A good school district can be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing where you move. Niche.com is a commonly used resource for evaluating schools. Elementary and middle schools are graded based on their academics, teachers, and diversity. School districts and high schools are graded on the additional categories of college prep, clubs and activities, administration, sports, health and safety, food and resources, and facilities. Residents of Durham Farms are lucky to have access to some great schools, including one of the best schools in the entire country!

Sumner County School District

  • #2 in Best School Districts in Nashville Area
  • Overall Grade: A-

Dr. William Burrus Elementary: Approximately 1-minute drive

  • #2 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Sumner County
  • Overall Grade: A

Knox Doss Middle School: Approximately 1-minute drive

  • #6 in Best Public Middle Schools in Sumner County
  • Overall Grade: A

Beech High School: 5-minute drive

  • Beech High School’s DECA and Beta Clubs compete annually and win state and national level competitions.
  • The school’s football team was Class 5A State Football Champion, winning the 2012 championship.
  • The school has a 100% participation rate for ACT testing and offers AP courses to students.
  • Beech High School has a 4 year graduation rate of 94% with 77% of graduating seniors pursuing higher education.

Merrol Hyde Magnet School: Approximately 10-minute drive

  • Merrol Hyde Magnet School is consistently one of the best-ranked schools in the country and Tennessee.
  • As reported by the U.S. News and World Report, Merrol Hyde Magnet School was 2020’s third-best public high school in the US.
  • In 2021, Niche ranked Merrol Hyde the best elementary school and middle school in Tennessee.
  • Review the enrollment process if your child can apply to Merrol Hyde and learn more about the school’s many successes!!

Colleges Near Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is known as the “Athens of the South” thanks to its many universities. And with four Historically Black Universities (HBCUs), Nashville is only second to Atlanta, Georgia in its number of HBCU. Here are just some of the schools in the area.

Colleges

  • Vanderbilt University
    • One of the nation’s leading research universities. Known for its medical, law, and education departments.
  • Lipscomb University
  • Belmont University
  • Trevecca Nazarene University
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Welch College
  • Union University – Hendersonville
  • Volunteer State Community College
  • Lincoln College of Technology
  • Cumberland University

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

  • Fisk University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Meharry Medical College
  • American Baptist College

Homes in Hendersonville, TN

Durham Farms® combines small-town charm with modern luxury real estate and amenities. For Tennesseans, Durham Farms brings together everything that they already love about “The Volunteer State,” but for those moving to Tennessee, it may take some time to get used to having it this good!

A Welcoming Community

With Durham Farms®, you get luxury, modern homes; world-class amenities; and a healthy dose of Tennessee natural beauty. But the real Durham Farms® is the friends you make along the way.

We’re proud of our community and have plenty of events to help foster friendships. We know community is an amenity you can’t put a price on! We make sure to provide plenty of care for all our neighbors because it’s their contributions that help it grow!

Bountiful Amenities at Durham Farms®, TN

Durham Farms® has a lot to offer residents, from modern, luxury features in your home to world-class amenities. Our community is designed to facilitate neighborhood and physical health.

The Farmhouse

The Durham Farms’ Farmhouse is a star attraction. The Farmhouse has a fitness center that hosts both group classes and one-on-one training sessions; a resort-style pool, an event space; a veranda; and a coffee-shop-style café.

Pocket Parks

Durham Farms® has plenty of Pocket Parks so you can experience nature’s restorative properties. Breath the fresh air, read a book, surf the web, eat a meal; the choice is yours!

We’ve even got a Tot Lot full of playground equipment for the kids. Everything you need to live a rich, fulfilling life is found in Durham Farms®. That’s why we made sure you’ve always got nature in your pocket!

2,500 Square Foot Fitness Center

The Durham Farms® Fitness Center has everything you need for your workout: strength-training machines, treadmills, ellipticals, Expresso Bikes that ride like the real thing, Gym Rax customizable fitness environments, and more!

Resort-Style Swimming Pool and Splash Pad

Swim laps, relax, tan, and more at our resort-style swimming pool. There’s even a splash pad for the kiddies!

Veterans Walk

Created to honor those who have served our country, Durham Farms’s Veterans Walk is a living memorial to commemorate all of our Veterans who have served in the armed forces. This peaceful park is a beautiful spot to reflect and remember our Veterans. Durham Farms residents can honor family members and friends who have served our country with memorial bricks that are placed in Veterans Walk Park every year.

Bark Park

Your furry friends also need to have a bit of fun and our Bark Park will be one place you and your pet can enjoy together. With plenty of wide open off-leash space, your dog will love having fresh air, new playmates, and a friendly community of other dogs and dog owners. This will be a  great place for you and your dog to have fun.

How to View Homes at Durham Farms®

You can choose to tour our homes either in person or online. Browse the following builders: Lennar, Grandview Custom Homes, Pulte Homes.

In-Person Tours

Contact any of our representatives via phone, email, or using our contact form. You can set up a guide with a real estate agent or self-guided tour.

Virtual Tours

Each of our builders offers videos and interactive floor plans on their websites. Browse today!

Tips For Moving To Tennessee

Choosing Your Moving Company

You should consider a moving service that’s been in business for many years because that means it’s survived more, is more likely to have a history of honoring its contracts and warranties, and should have plenty of references to choose from when you ask for references. If the moving service can’t provide you with references, look for one that can.

Your moving company should also provide you a reasonable and binding estimate so that you end up paying what you were told you’d pay. You should also get valuation coverage and a bill of lading, which is a document the law dictates that you should get prior to any move. Avoid movers who ask for upfront payments or tell you that you can’t reach their drivers during the move.

Confirm that the moving company has a TNDMV license before you make your decision. Don’t settle for anything less than professional Tennessee movers or top notch long distance movers. You want all your possessions making it to their new home in one piece after their ride on the moving truck!

Change Your Address

Update your mailing address with the USPS a week before your move. You can change your address online. All you need is a credit or debit card.

Driver’s License

New residents need a Tennessee driver’s license within 30 days of moving to Tennessee.

Vehicle Registration

Find the vehicle registration information online.

Voter Registration

You can register to vote in Tennessee by completing an online voter registration form. You can also register in person or via mail.

The Bottom Line on Moving to Tennessee

From the Great Smoky Mountains to Memphis, there’s a whole lot of Tennessee to see. We’ve only scratched the surface of all the great resources available to you in Tennessee.

And with low cost of living, no state income tax, and free community college or vocational training for all residents, there’s ample opportunity to make the most of living in the Volunteer State.

Now that you know what to expect when you move to Durham Farms® and Hendersonville, visit us online or in person.

References and Citations

meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series
www.tn.gov/collegepays/money-for-college/state-of-tennessee-programs/tennessee-promise-scholarship.html
tnreconnect.gov/
www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/tennessee
www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/tennessee/hendersonville
www.old-hickory-lake.org/
monthavenartsandculturalcenter.com/
www.facebook.com/hendersonvillefarmersmarket/
halfbatchbrewing.com/
image.zmenu.com/menupic/2648701/69d01123-df7b-4510-83ff-49fe5b3d9c64.jpg
centerpointbbq.com/
www.caferakka.com/
www.inspirock.com/united-states/hendersonville-tennessee/hendersonville-memory-gardens-a2255844615
www.hendersonvilleproduce.com/
hpactn.com/home.html
www.niche.com/k12/d/sumner-county-schools-tn/
mhm.sumnerschools.org/index.php/admissions/information
www.opry.com/
cheekwood.org/
fristartmuseum.org/
nmaam.org/
www.nashvilledowntown.com/go/broadway
www.nashvilledowntown.com/go/printers-alley
nmaam.org/
moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer
www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classd/dlnew.html
www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration/vehicle-titling—registration/vehicle-registration.html
sos.tn.gov/products/elections/register-vote

<  Back To News