You've been thinking about it for a while now. Maybe it started as a passing thought during tax season, or perhaps it came up in a conversation with friends who'd already made the move. But now you're here, seriously researching what it would mean to relocate your family from Alabama to Tennessee. This isn't a small decision. You're not just changing your address—you're uprooting your life, leaving behind what's familiar, and betting on something better for your family. That takes courage, and it deserves careful consideration. If you're looking at Tennessee—and specifically Cookeville—as a potential new home, you're in good company. In 2022 alone, over 9,000 Alabama families made the same move you're considering. Let's walk through what you need to know to make this decision with confidence.
Why Families Are Leaving Alabama
Let's be honest without being harsh: Alabama is home for millions of people, and there's much to love about it. But if you're reading this, chances are you've already identified some concerns that have you looking elsewhere.
For many families, the economic picture is part of the equation. Alabama has a state income tax that ranges from 2% to 5%, and while that may not sound dramatic, it adds up year after year, especially for growing families. Property taxes, while not the highest in the nation, still represent a significant annual expense. When you're trying to build wealth for your family's future, every dollar matters.
Then there's the political and cultural climate. You may feel increasingly out of step with the direction things are heading in your community or state. Perhaps you're concerned about educational policies or worried about the values your children are being exposed to in their schools. These aren't trivial concerns—they're about the environment in which your children will grow up and the principles that will shape their lives.
The educational system itself might be another factor. Maybe you're homeschooling now and finding Alabama's regulations more restrictive than you'd like. Or perhaps you're dissatisfied with your local public schools and feeling like your options are limited. You want your children to receive an excellent education grounded in truth and taught by people who share your values—and that's not always easy to find.
Whatever your specific reasons, they're valid. Wanting something better for your family isn't a criticism of Alabama; it's simply recognizing that your family's needs might be better served elsewhere.
Why Tennessee (and Cookeville Specifically)
Tennessee has become one of the fastest-growing states in the nation for good reason. Over 226,000 people relocated to Tennessee from other states in 2022, with Tennessee ranking third nationally for net migration interest in 2025. Let's look at why.
No State Income Tax: This is the big one. Tennessee is one of only eight states with no state income tax. That 2-5% you're currently paying Alabama? You keep it. For a family earning $75,000 annually, that's potentially $1,500 to $3,750 back in your pocket every single year. That's not pocket change—that's family vacation money, college savings, or simply breathing room in your monthly budget.
Lower Property Taxes and Cost of Living: While property taxes vary by county, Tennessee's overall tax burden is considerably lower than many states. Housing costs in most Tennessee communities remain reasonable, especially compared to many parts of the country experiencing explosive growth. You'll likely get more house for your money, often with more land.
Conservative Governance: Tennessee has consistent conservative leadership at the state level. If political alignment matters to you—and for many families relocating from Alabama, it does—you'll find Tennessee's governance more predictable and more aligned with traditional values. This isn't just about elections; it's about the policies that affect your daily life, from business regulations to educational standards.
Growing Economy: Tennessee's business-friendly environment has attracted major employers. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville all have thriving job markets. The unemployment rate remains low, and the state continues to see significant corporate investment.
Natural Beauty and Recreation: From the Smoky Mountains to beautiful lakes and state parks, Tennessee offers outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, or simply being surrounded by natural beauty, Tennessee delivers.
Central Location: Tennessee's geography gives you easy access to major cities across the Southeast and beyond. You're within a day's drive of Atlanta, Charlotte, St. Louis, Chicago, and much of the Eastern seaboard.
Why Cookeville Specifically? Now, let's talk about Cookeville. Nestled in the Upper Cumberland region between Nashville and Knoxville, Cookeville offers what many families are desperately seeking: a genuine small-town feel without sacrificing modern amenities. With a population around 35,000, it's large enough to have everything you need but small enough that you're not drowning in traffic and crowds.
Tennessee Tech University calls Cookeville home, bringing educational opportunities, cultural events, and a steady stream of young professionals. Housing remains remarkably affordable—you can still find quality homes at prices that would seem like a fantasy in many growing cities. The community is family-oriented, with excellent parks, youth sports programs, and a genuine sense of neighborliness. You're an hour from Nashville, an hour from Knoxville, surrounded by beautiful countryside, and situated in a town where people still wave at each other.
Education: Public Schools AND Homeschooling
Education is often at the heart of relocation decisions for families, and Tennessee offers more freedom and flexibility than many states, including Alabama.
Homeschooling in Tennessee: If you're currently homeschooling in Alabama or considering it, you'll find Tennessee significantly more welcoming. Tennessee has some of the most homeschool-friendly laws in the nation. The requirements are straightforward and respectful of parental authority. You'll need to register with your local school district and maintain attendance records, but Tennessee doesn't require standardized testing for homeschoolers or demand that parents have teaching credentials. The state recognizes that parents are fully capable of educating their own children.
Compared to Alabama, where homeschoolers face more stringent record-keeping requirements and must register through church schools or submit to annual assessments, Tennessee's approach is refreshingly simple. You have genuine freedom to tailor your children's education to their needs, your family's values, and your faith.
Here's something else worth knowing: many families at Pilgrim Baptist Church homeschool. You won't be pioneering this path alone. You'll find experienced homeschooling families who have been there, done that, and are eager to help newcomers navigate the journey. They can recommend curriculum, share co-op opportunities, point you toward resources, and provide the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from experience. There's a strong, supportive homeschool community in the Cookeville area.
Public School Options: For families who prefer traditional public education, Putnam County Schools serve the Cookeville area and consistently receive solid ratings. Tennessee has been investing heavily in education, and while no system is perfect, you'll find dedicated teachers and administrators working to provide quality education. The schools are generally well-maintained, and class sizes are manageable compared to many urban districts.
The beauty of Tennessee is that you have options. You can homeschool with minimal government interference, choose public schools, explore private Christian schools, or even mix approaches as your children's needs change. Educational freedom matters, and Tennessee protects it.
Beyond Politics: A Fresh Start for Your Faith
You've probably spent hours researching tax rates, housing markets, school systems, and political climates. That's wise—these things matter. But here's a question worth considering: In all the research about tax rates, school systems, and political climates, how much time have you spent thinking about the Bible?
That might seem like an odd question in an article about relocating from Alabama to Tennessee. After all, you're making a practical decision about where to live, not a theological one. But stay with me for a moment.
Moving states really is a fresh start for many things. New address, new schools, new job perhaps, new neighbors, new routines. It's one of those rare moments in life when you have the opportunity to intentionally build something new rather than simply continuing patterns established years ago. You get to choose things deliberately rather than by default.
Many people focus on conservative values when considering a move like this, and that makes sense. You want to live in a place that aligns with your principles. But here's the thing: values alone aren't enough without a biblical foundation. Political conservatism can shift, policies can change, and cultural winds can turn. What doesn't change is the Word of God.
What if this move could be more than escaping policies you disagree with? What if it could be a chance to ground your family in serious Bible teaching?
Let me tell you about Pilgrim Baptist Church. We're a Bible-believing church that takes Scripture seriously—not as a nice supplement to our lives but as the foundation of everything we do. We practice expository preaching, which simply means we work through books of the Bible verse by verse, explaining what the text actually says and applying it to real life. You won't get topical sermons that skim the surface or motivational talks that could be given in any religious setting. You'll get the Bible opened, explained, and applied.
Here's something else you should know: we're a "transplant church." The overwhelming majority of families at Pilgrim Baptist moved to Tennessee from somewhere else. We're not a congregation that's been here for five generations with established families and insider dynamics that newcomers can never quite penetrate. We're made up of families who did exactly what you're considering—left everything familiar behind and started fresh in Tennessee.
That means you won't be the only newcomer wondering where to find a good mechanic or how to navigate local quirks. You'll find people who understand the adjustment, who remember what it felt like to be new, and who are genuinely eager to help you get settled.
Pastor Fortunato and his family are transplants too. They moved to Tennessee specifically to start this church almost eight years ago. They understand what it's like to leave everything familiar and start fresh. They know the challenges of relocation, the adjustment period, and what it means to build a new life in a new place.
You'll find a church family that's built on the Word, not just on political alignment. A place where the Bible is opened, explained, and applied to real life. Where you can ask hard questions and expect answers grounded in Scripture, not cultural talking points. Where your children will hear the same biblical truth at church that you're teaching them at home. You can listen to past sermons HERE.
This matters more than you might realize. You can move to the most conservative state with the lowest taxes and the best schools, but if your family isn't rooted in sound biblical teaching, you're building on sand. Tennessee offers you a chance at a fresh start—why not make it a genuinely biblical fresh start?
Practical Next Steps for Your Move to Cookeville
If you're seriously considering relocating from Alabama to Tennessee, here are some practical steps to take:
Visit Before You Move: If at all possible, spend time in Cookeville before making your final decision. Drive through neighborhoods, visit local businesses, get a feel for the community. The difference between looking at photos online and actually experiencing a place is significant. Come during a regular weekday if you can, not just on a weekend, so you get a realistic picture of daily life.
Research Specific Neighborhoods: Cookeville has distinct areas, each with its own character. Some neighborhoods are closer to Tennessee Tech, others offer more acreage, some are newer developments while others have established homes with mature trees. Think about what matters most to your family—walkability, privacy, proximity to amenities, lot size—and focus your search accordingly.
Connect with Local Resources: Start building connections before you arrive. Join local Facebook groups, reach out to real estate agents familiar with the area, and don't hesitate to contact people who've made similar moves. Most transplant families are genuinely happy to share their experiences and recommendations.
Plan Your Timeline: Interstate moves take time to plan well. Give yourself at least a few months if possible to research, visit, make decisions, and coordinate the logistics. Rushing a major relocation rarely leads to good outcomes.
Visit Pilgrim Baptist Church: When you visit Cookeville, we'd love to have you visit Pilgrim Baptist Church. See what a church serious about Scripture looks like. Meet families who've made the same move you're considering. Talk with Pastor Fortunato about what it means to build your new life on something more solid than political preferences—on the unchanging Word of God. Discover what it means to be part of a church family that's committed to knowing, believing, and living out the Bible.
Our service times on Sunday are:
10 am - Family Sunday School
11 am - Morning service
2 pm - Afternoon service
Thursday midweek service - 6 pm
You don't need to call ahead or register—just show up. We'll be glad you're there.
A Final Word
Moving from Alabama to Tennessee is a significant decision, but thousands of families have made it successfully, and many of them are thriving. The financial benefits are real, the quality of life is excellent, and the opportunities for your family are substantial.
But more than the tax savings or the beautiful scenery or even the political climate, consider the opportunity this represents to establish your family on a firm biblical foundation. You're starting fresh—make it count.
If you'd like to learn more about Pilgrim Baptist Church or have questions about what to expect when relocating to Cookeville, feel free to reach out by calling: 931-219-2224. We're here to help, and we'd be honored to be part of your fresh start in Tennessee.