Why We are Moving to Tennessee ⋆ Golden Circle Homestead

What’s so great about Tennessee? Well, in general the state is seeing a huge increase in the amount of people who have been moving to Tennessee in recent years. So there must be something pretty cool about it – aside from the fact that we live there now. In fact, the more I learn about this southern state the more I’m excited to call it home.

Tennessee History

There is so much history here from the Civil War era to music icons. There are Civil War monuments, cemeteries, battlegrounds and museums scattered across the state. From Dolly Parton to Elvis Presley and their respective attractions, along with Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame there is endless amounts to explore for the music fan. Even Jack Daniels was created in Lynchburg! But the most important history, for me, is when I started going to Tennessee on summer vacations as a child to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg following the recommendation of my grandparents’ who visited frequently. I always thought Tennessee would be one of the states I’d move to if I were to ever leave Michigan. Following the passing of my grandparents, including my Nana’s love for Dolly Parton, it’s very sentimental moving to Tennessee at this time in my life.

Tennessee Weather

You can still experience all four seasons without the winter extremes. Snow and ice can occur, but are not super common. Not only is this the best of both worlds for someone like myself who loves seasonal variety without the cold extremes, but, for a homesteader, moving to Tennessee means having that additional month or two of nicer weather which equates to longer growth time for plants and ultimately more produce.

Tennessee's Natural Beauty

Tennessee has it all from the Great Smoky Mountains to waterfalls, caverns, rolling hills, misty rivers, and national parks. I have yet to see a part of Tennessee that hasn’t been stunning. While we would have preferred the east side of the state to be closer to the larger mountains, we did end up settling in middle-Tennessee which is beautiful in its own right with rolling hills and no shortage of waterfalls and national parks. Even our land has all of the characteristics we were hoping for: a beautiful view, hardwood, a creek. It’s all more than we could have hoped for!

The Income Tax

The income tax? What income tax? There is none! That was certainly a huge blessing though not one of the main factors in our decision to choose Tennessee. Even though moving to Tennessee means there’s not state income tax, it does mean there’s a higher sales tax on average at 7%.

Cost of Living

Tennessee is supposed to have the second lowest cost of living in the United States. I’m not sure it could really beat the cost of living in Flint, Michigan, however it is certainly comparable and you get a lot higher quality for your money down here. Given, this can also be dependent on where in Tennessee you’re moving to. For example, Franklin, Tennessee, could blow your cost of living out of the water.

The Job Market

The job market is booming in urban cities like Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville. This is why we moved to the west side of the state; the companies in the Nashville area had the best opportunities that closely aligned with the culture and mission I wanted to serve. Not only that, but there is a lot of entrepreneurial opportunity here especially for those looking to farm and raise livestock.

The Political Climate

We’ve previously lived in very urban areas and Michigan has a very high population of cities which means that the beliefs and preferences are primarily liberal leaning. Without diving into politics and ideologies that are good or bad, right or wrong, I simply want to acknowledge that along with Tennessee’s more conservative culture, there’s more acceptance surrounding gun laws and second amendment rights as well as homeschooling and homesteading laws. All of which are necessary considerations for our long term vision and entrepreneurial ventures for developing a future tactical training range. Additionally, Tennessee is centrally located in the United States which makes it ideal for traveling purposes once our entrepreneurial ventures expand to a nationally-known brand.

Another fun fact that we didn’t realize until after we moved here is that the Homestead Festival is local to us in Columbia, TN.

Most importantly though, we are moving to Tennessee because God has called us here. Even though moving to Tennessee was my first choice, it just reiterates that God hears and knows the desires of our hearts and will bless us as a result of obedience and walking out in faith to pursue His will and plan for our lives. I encourage you today to pray and seek out where God is calling you and then be brave enough to take the first step in obedience to move and walk out his plan. He has already gone before you and prepared the way. Our journey is a testament to that truth.