Tennessee

Tennessee is a great example of everything that makes the South so special: good food, good music and good people.

For music lovers, Tennessee is a dream come true. Country music is well represented in Nashville, of course, with legends like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn gracing the halls of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Aspiring musicians perform around town at festivals, traditional establishments like the Grand Ole Opry, and honky tonk bars on Broadway. Or if country music isn’t your thing, head on over to Memphis to soak up the city’s rich history (and exciting current scene) of blues and soul music and tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Tennessee also attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking (hello, Smoky Mountains!), fishing and other water-related activities, as the state boasts a plethora of rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

In terms of affordability, Tennessee boasts low unemployment rates, a comfortably low cost of living – and no personal income tax. Its standout quality of life and access to talent make it a hotspot for entrepreneurs. The health care and automotive industries are big players, with over 300 health-related companies and more than 900 automotive manufacturing operations. Tennessee is also home to many top-notch universities, like Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee.