Department of
Economic & Community Development
Matthew Kisber, Commissioner

Quality of Life

Cost of Living

Tennessee is a wonderful place to call home for many reasons, including a favorable cost of living. The average cost of living in all eleven of the state’s reporting cities falls below the national average.

Housing costs in Tennessee are also among the lowest in the nation. In 2008, Tennessee ranked 40th among the 50 states in median monthly housing costs for owner-occupied units with a mortgage. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency reports that 58,042 single-family homes were sold in 2008 with a median selling price of $150,000 and homes outside of the state’s metropolitan areas had a median selling price of $126,224.

2009 Annual Cost of Living Index

Most Current Quarterly Cost of Living Index

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)
Greeneville Astros	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 Classic	Chattanooga

Hockey

Team	League
Nashville Predators	National Hockey League
Knoxville Ice Bears	Southern Professional Hockey League
Memphis Riverkings	Central Hockey League

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
Nashville Superspeedway	April, June

NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series	Date
Bristol Motor Speedway	August
Nashville Superspeedway	April, August

NHRA	Location
Thunder Valley Nationals	Bristol (May)

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

Twelve 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.

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.