Living in Tennessee for a long time means experiencing a unique mix of hardships and quirks that shape daily life. Here are 10 clear signs someone has spent too many years in the Volunteer State.
You Dread Allergy Season
Tennessee ranks as one of the worst states for allergies, with relentless pollen, grass, and ragweed leaving residents congested and miserable most of the year.
Your Summers Are a Sweat Fest
The humid heat is brutal, with summer temperatures regularly hitting the high 80s and 90s. Air conditioning becomes a necessity from late spring through early fall.
You’re Jaded About Crime Stats
High crime rates, especially violent crime in some cities, have become “normal”—to the point that safety concerns are part of conversation and routine.
Tornado Drills Are Second Nature
Spring and summer tornado alerts and storms are an expected feature of the landscape, leading to solid weather-watching habits and well-practiced storm safety routines.
You’ve Given Up on Public Transit
Beyond a few urban transit lines, most of the state requires a car, resulting in daily battles with traffic or long, rural commutes.
You Budget for Bug Battles
The abundance of bugs—cockroaches, brown recluse spiders, stink bugs—means professional pest control is a fact of life, especially in humid or wooded areas.
You’ve Adjusted to Conservative Culture
Long-term residents adapt to the prevailing conservative social and political climate, especially outside of bigger cities like Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.
You Know Healthcare Access Is Uneven
Trips to specialists or major hospitals can mean hours on the road because rural medical care is inconsistent and local options may be scarce.
You’ve Accepted High Sales Tax
With no state income tax, the state’s high sales tax rate makes every big purchase just a bit more painful, a routine frustration at the checkout.
You’ve Noticed the Lack of Diversity
Many rural areas remain demographically and culturally homogeneous, with only urban centers offering significant diversity or multicultural events.
If these ten realities sound familiar, chances are you’ve lived in Tennessee much longer than you planned—and might be overdue for a change of scenery.
Sources
(https://thehonestlocal.com/pros-cons-living-tennessee-moving/)
(https://www.sroa.com/blog/local-guide/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-tennesee)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNw7JfPkxVU)
(https://www.redfin.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-tennessee/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP1iy1jQ3sQ)
