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Texas or ‘The Lone Star State’ is known to be the second-largest state in the U.S. that has several fastest-growing metropolitan cities. The state is getting bigger as people are migrating there either for its city lifestyle or rich cowboy culture. On the other hand, Tennessee is known to be booming in recent years due to its growing economy and rich culture of popular music forms like blues, country, rock, etc. Torn between the rich cultures of both states?
Many would argue that the Southern hospitality and strong economy of Texas can’t be compared to any other state. But the low cost of living and scenic landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee surely can’t be overlooked. That’s why we’re here to present to you the differences between both states so you know what to expect when you’re moving from Texas to Tennessee.
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Texas is known to have a semi-arid type of climate in the west, but if you go towards the east, you’ll experience a humid and subtropical climate. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes are common to all Texans especially in the months of April, May, and June.
If you’re a Tennessean, you’ll face hot and humid summers in almost all parts of the state, whereas in the winters, cool winds and sometimes icy storms are the norm. Fog and thunderstorms are more of a concern if you live in the northwestern part of the state. You’ll have to deal with severe snowstorms and heavy rainfall especially in the months of December to February.
In both the states of Texas and Tennessee, you get to experience four distinct seasons. Speaking of the annual precipitation in both states, Texas has an annual precipitation of around 1,100 mm whereas in Tennessee it’s around 1,300 mm a year.
To give you a wider perspective on variance in temperature, see below:
Here’s the difference in temperatures that you can expect during the summer months:
If you reside in the western parts of Texas or near Galveston Island, you’re likely to experience very humid summers that go up to 100°F. Tennessee also has hot and humid summers of almost 90°F in most parts of the state. But during the summer nights, the temperature drops to almost 70°F, especially in the high elevation areas.
Here’s the difference in temperatures that you can expect during the winter months:
Few Things To Bear In Mind About Tennessee Weather:
The cost of living of both Texas and Tennessee is not exactly poles apart. Your utility costs for groceries like bread and milk will not differ too much in both these states. According to the data shared by MyLifeElsewhere, a loaf of bread will cost you around $2.28 in Texas whereas in Tennessee it’ll cost you around $2.25. A liter of milk will cost you around $0.74 in Texas which would amount to about $2.79 per gallon. You’ll be paying around $0.80 for a litre of milk in Tennessee which would amount to about $3 per gallon.
Let’s not forget another essential utility which is gas for which you’ll have to pay around $0.57 in Texas amounting to around $2.15 per gallon. In Tennessee, you’d be paying around $0.59 for a litre of gas amounting to around $2.23 per gallon. As you can see, there is not much difference in the utility costs of both these states.
If we specifically look at data on housing costs, you’ll see there’s a small marginal difference in costs.
Here is the difference in costs in housing (according to Zillow)
In addition to that, this is the difference between median household income (according to Niche)
There’s a considerable difference in terms of the median household income in both the states of Texas and Tennessee. Although Tennessee seems to be having a lower household income as compared to Texas, it surely makes up for it as housing costs are not that expensive in Tennessee. But if you choose to live in cities like Athens, Nashville, Cookeville, Sevierville or Goodlettsville, your housing costs will be on the higher end.
One major difference between the job markets in Texas and Tennessee is that Texas has a larger cluster of high-tech companies. All the top dogs in the tech industry such as Dell, NTT DATA, Google, HP Enterprises, etc. have offices situated in Texas. Let’s not forget the other Fortune 500 companies like Kimberly-Klark, Tenet Healthcare, American Airlines Group, and Fluor that have their headquarters in Texas. So you’ll find plenty of job opportunities in the fields of technology and healthcare in Texas.
In Tennessee, several sectors compromise the overall economy of the state. These include healthcare, transportation, music and entertainment, finance, etc. The job market in Tennessee has certainly been booming in recent years.
Here are some of the top contributors of Tennessee’s economy (according to Zippia):
If you’re curious about the highest paying jobs in Tennessee, you needn’t worry as there are plenty of sectors that offer a good pay. Zippia has identified anesthesiologists, physicians, and chief executives to be some of the highest paying jobs with a six-digit salary. You can explore cities like Brentwood, Spring Hill, Goodlettsville, Arlington, and Hendersonville for seeking employment opportunities.
In Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has maintained several highways, railways, and public transportation systems. One of the most used highways in Texas is the Texas State Highway 130. This highway will connect you to important cities like Seguin, Georgetown, Austin, etc. You’ll also find several largest airlines in the state such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Southwest Airlines, and San Antonio International Airport.
Here are some of your options for commute in Texas:
To get around in Tennessee, you’ll probably want to use the most convenient highway of Interstate 40. The best thing about using this highway is that it’s known to be the longest Interstate Highway in the entire state. You can use this highway to connect to popular cities like Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, Clarksville, and Chattanooga.
As mentioned earlier, FedEx operates in Tennessee and so one of the largest airports in the state, the Nashville International Airport, carries out all the company’s operations. That’s why it’s known to be the most popular and busiest airport in the entire state.
Here are some of your options for commute in Tennessee:
As you can see, both Texas and Tennessee have various options when it comes to commuting and public transportation services. In Texas, although you have several options for traveling, major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin are known to have the worst traffic in the entire state. Speaking of Tennessee, the congested routes and increasing population in the city of Nashville has made it rank among the top cities for traffic problems. It’s evident that both these states have their own strong and weak points when it comes to transportation.
Brentwood is the most popular suburb of Nashville with a population of almost 37,060 people. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities like hiking trails, this beautiful place has 13 parks for you to explore.
The place also boasts of its educational institutions like the Brentwood High School, which has earned a reputation throughout the state. One of the best things about living in Brentwood is that it’s in close proximity to the Nashville International Airport.
Median value of homes sold: $655,400Median rent: $2,085
Nashville is one of the most popular cities in Tennessee. If you want to experience a suburban lifestyle, this is the place for you. The city is also home to several major companies like Amazon and Apple.
There’s no shortage of museums, restaurants and parks in this city. You get to experience countryside scenery wherever you go. Let’s not forget that Nashville is recognized as the capital of country music in Tennessee. There’s no doubt that you’ll never get bored in this bustling city of music and beautiful scenery.
Median value of homes sold: $239,000Median rent: $1,100
The distinct neighborhoods of Memphis are full of historic and vibrant cultures that have attracted many people to this city. Memphis is home to several businesses that have their headquarters located in the city. International Paper and FedEx are some of the companies that operate in Memphis.
You’ll encounter various music genres like Memphis soul, gospel, rap, country music, rock and roll, etc. at the music festivals celebrated here. The Memphis International Airport here is known to be the busiest cargo airport in the entire world. Whether it’s amazing music, good standard of living, or business centers, this city has something for everyone.
Median value of homes sold: $101,800Median rent: $901
Hendersonville is a suburb of Nashville that resides along the shores of Old Hickory Lake. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, you’ll enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring the beaches here. Hendersonville is also known for its highly ranked schools in the entire country.
The numerous recreational activities in this city are endless. There are several parks and historic landmarks in the city that you can explore. You’ll also find the most amazing restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment complexes on Indian Lake Boulevard here. So if you want to live a suburban lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, this is the city for you
Median value of homes sold: $266,100Median rent: $1,173
When exploring the best cities in Tennessee, the city of Chattanooga surely can’t be forgotten. There’s a reason why this city has earned the title of ‘Scenic City’ in Tennessee. The sight of the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains from here is truly breathtaking. Other popular attractions of tourists in this city are the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and the Tennessee Aquarium.
The city also boasts in its expanding tech industries that are operating here. One of the most remarkable things about Chattanooga is the high internet speed that has surpassed the cities of Seattle, New York City, and San Francisco. The city is also home to the most prestigious University of Tennessee.
Median value of homes sold: $167,500Median rent: $859
A move from Texas to Tennessee is a long distance one and the cost falls in the range of $3,000 to $8,000 for full-service movers. The smaller the move, the lesser the cost will be. If you look at services such as PODS or a U-Haul, overall costs could amount to around $4,000 to $5,000.
The main cause for the expense is the vast distance and ground being covered to move all the way from the South Central region to the Southeastern region of the nation. To get an accurate estimate, it is necessary to share the ZIP code of your current location and the prospective place you’re moving into. That’s why don’t forget to discuss the kinds of services you want and get a moving estimate before you hire any moving company.
Do keep in mind whether you’ll need help with packing, loading, unloading, storage, or anything else and discuss this information with your movers to get an accurate estimate.
See also: How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State | Moving From Michigan To Tennessee
Conclusion
Tennessee surely has that Southern charm when it comes to the beautiful sight of the Great Smoky Mountains, simple living, and a good standard of living. Although the weather conditions can be a problem, the city surely makes up for it with a booming economy and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. So it all depends on whether you want to have a relaxed lifestyle along with lots of activities and places to explore. If yes, start planning your move from Texas to Tennessee!
Also See: Relocate from Florida to Tennessee
In terms of housing expenses, the median home price is $252,422 whereas in Tennessee the cost is $236,323. Tennessee has cheaper housing costs compared to Texas. Other living expenses like essential utilities are almost similar in both the states.
Your move from Texas to Tennessee will be considered a long distance move. So you can expect a moving cost between $3,000 to $8,000 if you consult full-service professional movers. But if you ask for limited moving services from U-Haul or PODS, then your moving cost can fall in the price range of $4,000 to $5,000.
In terms of weather, you’ll get to experience four distinct seasons in both the states of Texas and Tennessee. The cost of living is also somewhat similar in both states. If you want to experience a city lifestyle, then Texas can be a good option for you. On the other hand, those who enjoy outdoor activities, rich music, and a blend of country and suburban lifestyle can consider living in Tennessee.
You get to experience four seasons in this Volunteer State. Tennessee also doesn’t require its residents to pay any personal income tax. The state also has a good standard of living and low cost of living in terms of housing expenses and utilities. You also get to explore great neighborhoods with rich country music, Southern history, and plenty of outdoor activities. So if all of these interest you, Tennessee is surely a good state to move to.
The low taxes, low cost of living, vibrant culture, and beautiful neighborhoods of Tennessee have attracted many people into moving here. One of the things why people move to Tennessee is to witness the gorgeous Appalachian Mountain range in the state. Apart from that, the endless outdoor activities and music festivals in the state have made many people move to Tennessee.
Summers in Tennessee can get really humid and you’ll also have to deal with thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes in the state especially during winters. The state is also known to have a high sales tax and many neighborhoods have high crime rates. One of the bad things about Tennessee is the traffic, especially in the city of Nashville.
Also See: Moving From California To Tennessee – Expert Tips & Advice
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