THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS- I mean… that picture?! Breathtaking! Eastern Tennessee is some of the most beautiful countryside that I have ever seen. Coming from the Napa Valley my standards are pretty high when it comes to beautiful landscape. Growing up with rolling hills to the East and the West, beaches within an hours drive and popular destinations like Tahoe, Yosemite, Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen I have been pretty spoiled with nature’s Gorgeous views. Living near the Smoky Mountains will make my heart so happy! I can’t wait to explore the many hiking trails, creeks, waterfalls and lakes that are all within a short driving distance.
WEATHER- We know that California’s sunny and mild climate is hard to beat, but we are actually excited to get to experience real weather. The saying in Tennessee is “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes” and I think that is so cool. Tennessee definitely gets it’s 4 seasons and I am excited to get to have a winter where it snows (a couple of inches a year). I am looking forward to the cool crisp mornings of a fall day and the beauty of the trees changing color. I hear the summers can be quite humid and it will rain almost everyday, but I think it will be a nice change from what we are used to. To be honest, I think I will appreciate having rainy weather since it is so far and few between here in California. One main concern is tornadoes. I do know that they occur in Tennessee, but they are so far and few between and you get a good 45 min. warning when one is approaching. When it comes to natural disasters, I would take a tornado over and earthquake any day!
WATER is EVERYWHERE! The Mississippi river flows right by good ole Memphis in the West. The Tennessee River is located in the East and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs scattered throughout the state. I have also seen a ton of properties that offer creeks on site (check FEMA for info on flooding before you buy) My boys sure do love to fish and the opportunity will be within their reach since they will more than likely be able to walk or ride their bikes to a good fishin hole. We love to spend our summers by a creek or boating on a lake and we are so excited that we will be able to continue to do so when we move.
COLLEGE and EDUCATION- One of the big draws to Tennessee was the “Tennessee Promise” an incentive to those who graduate high school in Tennessee where they can receive 2 years of community college or trade school for free. With 4 boys the idea of paying college tuition is scary, but this will definitely help with some of that financial burden. It is also home to UT, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee Tech just to name a few. Eastern Tennessee has a phenomenal education system with some of the highest rated elementary, middle and high schools in the nation. I am looking forward to being a part of that myself as a teacher and finding new ways to help inspire our future generations.
HEALTH- Upon my research I have found that Tennessee has a great healthcare system. It is home to ST. Judes Children’s Hospital, Vanderbilt Medical Center and St. Thomas Health. I was wary about having to leave Kaiser because we have been so happy with our experience there, but with over 400 health care businesses I am sure we will be able to find a system that works for us.
THE PEOPLE- I have never met friendlier people than when I was in Tennessee. Strangers will literally strike up a conversation with you anytime. We don’t get that in California. Strangers will barely even look you in the eye as you pass them on the sidewalk, but in Tennessee you are greeted with a hello and a smile. I am excited to make new friends, meet my neighbors, and form relationships with my community.
LIVING COMFORTABLY- I think this is the biggest push for us relocating. In California it is so hard to get ahead. The cost of living is so incredibly high that there is no way for us to live the lifestyle that we want for us and the boys. Tennessee’s cost of living is very low and the average home cost (across the entire state) is $130,000. Also…. No state income tax!
I am sure that once we are out there and living life I will find a lot more that I love about Tennessee. I am excited to get to explore and learn as much as I can!
Talkin' Tennessee 