My wife and I and two people from work want to move to Tennessee, as well.
Income taxes are only paid by half of the population. Property taxes are disproportionately paid by home owners over apartment dwellers—greatly encouraging apartment dwellers to pass local bills to raise property taxes for “benefits.” Tennessee has a fraction of the property tax that Texas has and still no income tax. The sales tax is higher, but I fully support use and consumption taxes over the other tax forms.
Tennessee is a prettier place than Texas, but far more humid.
I lived in east TN in the 90’s and enjoyed the cheaper taxes, insurance and pretty good gun laws. Fortunately I lived right across from the KY border and bought all my groceries and medicine there with no sales taxes.
In east TN you get four seasons to enjoy with winter not being so bad most years. The people are friendly once they get to know you. Don’t be judgemental at accents and don’t be surprised if you are asked where you go to church or are invited to church. In east TN you’re going to have driving distance access to lakes, mountains, parks and Knoxville for a good size city. If you go there stay out of east Knoxville and you should be fine.
On the lakes your main problem will be the Ohio navy which shows up frequently through out the summer, most but not all are rude and a pain in the butt to the locals who especially like to fish. Learn to deal with the humidity if you’re from the north, if you’re from Texas you’re good to go. All the seasons are beautiful especially spring and fall, they can be breath taking.
Learn about the snakes that are good and bad if you are from the north. Rattlesnakes are obvious but Copperheads are aggressive, blend in with leaves really well and can make you wish you were dead from a bite-hint if you smell cucumber strong, one’s nearby. Cottonmouths are just as aggressive. I suggest .38spl with shot loads to dispatch these devils from hell. You have black bear from cubs to monsters, they are not Smokey’s buds and will kill you dead especially with cubs about. Bobcats, Mt.lions-yes they exist in TN despite what the game wardens say. Enjoy February’s and skunk matting season! If you have dogs buy extra hydrogen peroxide and dawn for a slurry to clean the dogs after a spraying.
I live across the border in KY now, but east Tennessee is a great place to live. Just don’t vote BLUE!