Department of
Economic & Community Development
Matthew Kisber, Commissioner
Quality of Life
From Tennessee's state parks, named best in the nation, to the moderate climate in which to enjoy them, the quality of life in Tennessee is second to none.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tennessee is very reasonable. Tennessee compares favorably with the cost of living in other states, with all eleven of its cities ranking below the national average.
Housing costs in Tennessee are also among the lowest in the nation. In 2007, Tennessee ranked 40th among the 50 states in median monthly housing costs for owner-occupied units with mortgage. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency reports that 88,385 single-family homes were sold in 2007 with a median selling price of $149,000, and homes outside of the state’s metropolitan areas had a median selling price of $112,400.
See a chart of the 2008 annual cost of living in Tennessee's major cities.
Climate
Tennessee enjoys a generally mild climate, providing favorable conditions for taking advantage of the state's abundant outdoor environment as well as working and living with a minimum number of weather-related disruptions.
Click here to view average Tennessee temperatures and precipitation.
Culture
From the smallest community to the largest metropolis, Tennessee offers an inexhaustible wealth of architectural artistry, events, facilities and sites of cultural significance. Culture in Tennessee is a unique blend of the old and the new, providing opportunities to learn from the state's native culture and experience the best from around the world.
Sports & Recreation
From professional basketball in Memphis to NASCAR racing in Bristol, Tennesseans have abundant opportunities to watch professional athletes in action. Professional teams in Tennessee include:
Baseball
Team |
League |
Memphis Redbirds |
Pacific Coast League (AAA) |
Nashville Sounds |
Pacific Coast League (AAA) |
Chattanooga Lookouts |
Southern League (AA) |
Tennessee Smokies |
Southern League (AA) |
West TN Diamond Jaxx |
Southern League (AA) |
Elizabethton Twins |
Appalachian League (Rookie) |
Johnson City Cardinals |
Appalachian League (Rookie) |
Kingsport Mets |
Appalachian League (Rookie) |
Basketball
Team |
League |
|---|---|
Memphis Grizzlies |
National Basketball Association (NBA) |
Football
Team |
League |
|---|---|
Tennessee Titans |
Nashville Football League (NFL) |
Golf
Event |
Location |
|---|---|
PGA-St. Jude Classic |
Memphis |
Nationwide Tour – Knoxville Open |
Knoxville |
Nationwide Tour - Chattanooga Center |
Chattanooga |
Hockey
Team |
League |
|---|---|
Nashville Predators |
National Hockey League |
Knoxville Ice Bears |
Southern Professional Hockey League |
Memphis Riverkings |
Central Hockey |
Soccer
Team |
League |
|---|---|
Nashville Metros |
United Soccer League (PDL) |
Racing
There are major auto racing events held around the state throughout the year. Also, there are nearly 30 raceways spread across Tennessee that offer weekly races and special events.
The major events include:
NASCAR Sprint Cup |
Date |
|---|---|
Bristol Motor Speedway |
March, August |
NASCAR Nationwide Series |
Date |
|---|---|
Bristol Motor Speedway |
March, August |
Memphis Motorsports Park |
October |
Nashville Superspeedway |
April, June |
NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series |
Date |
|---|---|
Bristol Motor Speedway |
August |
Memphis Motorsports Park |
June |
Nashville Superspeedway |
August |
NHRA |
Location |
|---|---|
Thunder Valley Nationals |
Bristol (May) |
Mid-South Nationals |
Memphis (October) |
Outdoor Recreation
Opportunities for outdoor recreation are virtually unlimited in Tennessee. The state has abundant resources for fishing, boating, hiking and many natural wonders to explore. The state is home to 12 national park and historic sites. In addition, Tennessee has 53 state parks, 79 natural areas, thousands of miles of streams and rivers and many other historic sites.
National Parks
The 12 national parks and historic sites are located throughout the state and offer a wide range of activities. Information about all of the parks and sites can be accessed through the National Park Service website.
State Parks and Natural Areas
There are more than 130 state parks and natural areas located all across Tennessee. Information about each park and natural area can be accessed from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation website at tn.gov/environment/parks.
Golf
The landscape of Tennessee makes for a beautiful golf setting anywhere in the state. In addition to challenging courses, Tennessee golfers are treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the nation, from the Mississippi River to the mountains of East Tennessee. Currently there are more than 150 courses throughout the state.
