Would love to relocate to Tennessee ! (Memphis, Knoxville: fit in, sales, mortgage)

[murph1982]

Hello, We currently live in Southern New Jersey. We own a 4 bedroom 2 bath cape cod style home near Cape May. We have been looking recently at relocating to the Tennessee area within the next five years as we become empty nesters. We visited the Pigeon Forge area and went as far as researching the area for future employment, property taxes, cost of living. Our property taxes are over 7K per year. I could not believe a home our size in Pigeon Forge had property taxes in the $800.00 a year range! I know tourism is a good form of employment. I can see myself working for Dave Ramsey too. I love his radio and tv show. Has anyone on the board relocated from the New Jersey area to Tennessee ? Are you happy here? The people seemed so nice when we visited the area! Murph

[SippiStateBulldogs]

You should be fine. I grew up in Southern Cali and live in Tennessee now. Its cool. West, Middle, and East Tennessee is all good. Something for everyone tastes. Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, or Memphis.

[BirdieBelle]

Dave Ramsey's HQ is located just south of Nashville, about 220 miles west of Pigeon Forge. The interview process for a job at his company is legendary and literally takes about 6 months to complete.

A lot of people from the northeast are drawn here by the low property taxes. I would advise doing more internet research but also staying here for an extended time to see if it really is a place you could settle.

You also want to be sure your children and grandchildren can visit you on a regular basis.

[murph1982]

Very good and helpful information! That is really interesting about the interview process to work for Dave Ramsey. How much screening do they need to do for an employee? Wow! The property taxes here in New Jersey are terrible! You are right, the low property taxes attract relocation. You are right about the grandchildren comment though. Very important. Thank you very much!

[BirdieBelle]

At his company, The Lampo Group, each candidate meets separately with about a dozen different managers over several months, and you STILL may not be chosen. It is all part of his approach to quality hires.

[Serious Conversation]

You must have employment before you come here, as most of the state is economically hard hit and much poorer than what you're likely used to,

[eastmemphisguy]

We also have very high sales tax with no exemption for food or clothes. The government gets their money, one way or another.

[cw30000]

NJ is 7%.

I would prefer a sales tax than high into e tax plus high property tax

[El Passeaux]

You have to consider the difference in life attitude in general. That is the biggest difference. Up in the northeast, its a lot more secular and if you are religious, you tend to keep it to yourself. Tennessee is basically the belt buckle of the Bible Belt. Religion is at the center of a good portion of peoples lives. Everything is geared thru Church. If you are not comfortable with religion, you might be uncomfortable with how outward religion is. If you can accept it, its a great place to be.

[murph1982]

We would fit in well with the Bible Belt region! Our main concern is the employment issue of course. We had thought about buying a home with no mortgage ( after we pay off our mortgage ) in Tennessee. We would really prefer to retire in Tennessee. I noticed the interview process for Dave Ramsey's company. I could see myself working there but I could not get over the interview process. Thank you for the helpful information!