So you're thinking about moving from Iowa to Tennessee. You're not alone. Census data shows 332 Iowans relocated to Tennessee in 2022, and that number continues to grow. Maybe you've been researching for weeks, comparing cost of living calculators, reading about Tennessee's no state income tax, and wondering if the move is really worth it.
Here's the thing most relocation guides won't tell you: The practical reasons for moving—the money you'll save, the warmer weather, the political climate—are important. But have you thought about what you're moving toward spiritually? A geographic fresh start is the perfect opportunity for something deeper. Let's talk about both.
Why Iowans Are Choosing Tennessee
The reasons Iowans pack up and head south aren't mysterious. Tennessee offers concrete, measurable advantages that translate to real money in your pocket and real improvements in your quality of life.
The tax situation alone is substantial. Iowa has a progressive income tax that can take up to 6% of your income. Tennessee? Zero state income tax. For a family earning $100,000 annually, that's $6,000 back in your budget every single year. Over ten years, that's $60,000—enough to pay for a child's college education or fund your retirement.
Yes, Tennessee's sales tax is higher (around 9.5% average), but you control when and how you spend. You can't control income tax. The math favors Tennessee for most families, especially those with higher incomes or who live frugally.
The cost of living comparison is more nuanced than you might think. Housing in Tennessee runs about 48% higher than Iowa on average, but that's heavily skewed by Nashville and Memphis. In places like Cookeville (which we'll get to), you'll find housing prices far more reasonable—often comparable to or even lower than Iowa's metro areas. Rent averages about 56% more expensive statewide, but again, location matters enormously.
What's driving the move isn't just economics, though. Iowa's political and cultural landscape has shifted, and many families feel like they're swimming upstream against policies and cultural trends they disagree with. Tennessee offers relief: constitutional carry, school choice expanding, homeschool freedom, and a state government that isn't pushing progressive social policies. You can live according to your values without constantly fighting city hall or the school board.
The weather is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. Average winter lows in Tennessee are 16 degrees warmer than Iowa. You'll trade brutal Iowa winters where you're trapped inside for months for Tennessee's mild winters where you can still get outside. Summer highs run about 6 degrees warmer—88°F vs. 84°F—which means longer summers, more outdoor living, and yes, higher cooling bills. But most families consider that a worthwhile tradeoff.
Why Cookeville, Tennessee?
If you're relocating to Tennessee, you have options: Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis. So why consider Cookeville?
Location is Cookeville's secret weapon. Situated right on I-40, Cookeville sits almost exactly between Nashville (80 miles west) and Knoxville (90 miles east). You get genuine small-town living with big-city access whenever you need it. Want to see a concert in Nashville? Catch a University of Tennessee game in Knoxville? Explore the Smoky Mountains near Chattanooga (100 miles south)? All doable within 90 minutes.
But unlike those cities, you're not dealing with Nashville traffic, Knoxville sprawl, or big-city crime rates. You're close enough to everything but far enough from the problems.
The economy is stronger than you might expect for a town of 34,000. Cookeville serves as the "Hub of the Upper Cumberlands"—nearly 15,000 people commute here daily for work. The job market centers on manufacturing, healthcare, education (Tennessee Tech University is here), and retail. Unemployment runs lower than the Tennessee average. Remote workers love Cookeville because you get affordable housing, great internet, and occasional travel access without living in an expensive city.
Housing affordability in Cookeville beats Nashville by a mile. While Nashville median home prices hover around $350,000-$400,000, Cookeville's median sits around $280,000-$320,000. You can find excellent family homes in the $200,000-$350,000 range—prices competitive with many Iowa markets but with Tennessee's tax advantages and warmer climate.
The outdoor recreation is exceptional. Within 15 minutes of downtown, you can hike to Cummins Falls—a spectacular 75-foot waterfall with a swimming hole that's become legendary in Tennessee. Burgess Falls State Park offers more waterfalls and gorges. The region claims over 150 waterfalls and 1,200 miles of lake shoreline. If you love the outdoors, you'll have year-round access to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the South.
The community welcomes transplant families. Cookeville isn't suspicious of newcomers—it's built by them. The population has grown 12.5% in recent years, largely from families relocating from out of state. You won't be the odd one out as "the family from Iowa." You'll find other transplant families who made the same move and understand the challenges and opportunities of starting over somewhere new.
Education: Homeschool Freedom in Tennessee
If you homeschool or have considered it, Tennessee's laws will feel like a breath of fresh air compared to Iowa's requirements.
Tennessee is among the most homeschool-friendly states in America. The regulations are straightforward: submit a notice of intent, maintain attendance records, and test annually starting in 5th grade. That's it. No home visits. No curriculum approval. No government officials second-guessing your educational choices. Parents have genuine authority over their children's education.
Iowa's homeschool laws aren't terrible, but Tennessee takes it further. The culture here respects educational freedom. The state legislature has consistently expanded parental rights rather than restricted them.
Cookeville's homeschool community is active and supportive. You'll find multiple co-ops offering classes in subjects like science, history, foreign languages, and fine arts. Sports leagues allow homeschoolers to participate. Park days, field trip groups, and support networks help combat isolation and provide socialization opportunities.
Many families at Pilgrim Baptist Church homeschool and provide active support, mentorship, and encouragement to families navigating homeschooling—whether you're just starting or have been homeschooling for years. You'll find experienced families who have "been there, done that" and are eager to help.
Putnam County Schools serve families who choose traditional education, and while no school system is perfect, parents generally report satisfaction. The absence of radical ideologies and political agendas found in many urban school districts is notable. Tennessee Tech University in town provides additional educational and cultural benefits.
Beyond Politics: A Biblical Foundation
Let's be honest. Conservative values are probably part of why you're considering Tennessee. The state's governance aligns with traditional values. You won't have to explain to your kids why the school is teaching things that contradict what you believe. You can carry a firearm for self-defense without asking permission. The culture respects faith, family, and freedom.
But here's a question worth asking: How much time have you actually spent in the Bible itself?
Many of us pursue conservative values culturally or politically, but how well do we know the Scripture that those values are supposed to come from? We want our kids raised in a conservative environment, but are we raising them in God's Word? We're concerned about the direction of the country, but are we investing in our own spiritual growth?
A fresh start geographically could be the perfect time for a fresh start spiritually.
Moving to Tennessee won't fix everything. Your kids will still face temptations. The culture, even in conservative Tennessee, still pushes things that contradict biblical truth. And if you're not deeply rooted in Scripture, you'll find yourself blown around by whatever cultural wind happens to be blowing—even if it's blowing from the right instead of the left.
There's a difference between cultural Christianity and biblical Christianity. Cultural Christianity affirms values, votes a certain way, and opposes certain social trends. Biblical Christianity knows God through His Word. It's not just about having the right opinions; it's about being transformed by truth.
Finding a church matters more than you might think. When you move to a new place, the church you choose will shape your family's spiritual trajectory. You don't just need a church that affirms your values—you need a church that teaches you the Word of God, verse by verse, week after week. You need biblical teaching that's doctrinal, clear, and uncompromising. You need a church that helps families grow in genuine biblical literacy, not just cultural Christianity.
Cookeville has churches. Lots of them. But not all churches are created equal. Some will make you feel comfortable but won't challenge you to grow. Others will be culturally conservative but doctrinally shallow. You need a church that takes Scripture seriously and helps you know God through His Word.
Pilgrim Baptist Church: A Transplant Church
This is where we should introduce ourselves. Pilgrim Baptist Church is what we call a "transplant church." Most of our families moved here from out of state—we understand what it's like to relocate, start over, and look for a church family that feels like home.
Our pastor and his family are also transplants who moved to Cookeville almost eight years ago to start this church, so he personally understands the challenges and opportunities of relocation. He gets what it's like to leave family behind, find new doctors, navigate a new community, and figure out where to buy groceries.
We're a Bible-believing church that takes Scripture seriously. Our sermons are expository—meaning we work through books of the Bible systematically, explaining what the text means and how it applies to your life. Our teaching is doctrinal, because doctrine matters. Our focus is on knowing God through His Word, not just hearing motivational talks or cultural commentary.
The homeschool community here is strong, and many families actively support one another through the challenges and joys of home education. If you homeschool, you'll find families who can recommend curricula, share resources, organize field trips, and provide the kind of community that makes homeschooling sustainable long-term.
We're a welcoming church, but we're not a shallow church. We'll greet you warmly on Sunday morning, but we're also going to challenge you to grow in your knowledge of God and your obedience to His Word. We care more about your spiritual growth than about making you comfortable.
If you visit, you'll find expository preaching, traditional hymns and contemporary worship, a genuine focus on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, and a congregation made up largely of families who, like you, picked up and moved here from somewhere else.
Your Fresh Start: Practical and Spiritual
Moving from Iowa to Tennessee offers tangible benefits: no state income tax, warmer weather, conservative governance, homeschool freedom, lower cost of living in places like Cookeville, and access to incredible outdoor recreation. These are real advantages that will improve your family's quality of life.
But as you plan this move—comparing moving companies, researching neighborhoods, calculating costs—don't miss the opportunity for something deeper. Tennessee offers you a chance to reset not just your address, but your priorities.
If you're moving to the Cookeville area, we'd love to meet you. Visit us on a Sunday morning and experience a church that's built by and for families who've made the same move you're considering. You'll find people who understand what it's like to start over, who can recommend the best pediatrician and the best pizza place, and who want to help you get rooted in God's Word.
Want to get a feel for our teaching before you visit? Listen to past sermons at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/. You'll quickly discern whether our approach to Scripture and ministry aligns with what you're looking for.
Moving is hard. Leaving behind family, friends, and familiarity is never easy. But God often uses geographic transitions to produce spiritual growth—if we're willing to pursue Him in the process. Tennessee can offer your family a better economic situation, a more hospitable political climate, and a beautiful place to call home.
But the most important question isn't whether Tennessee is a good place to move. It's whether you're moving toward God or just moving toward comfort.
Make this move count—geographically and spiritually. We'd be honored to walk with you through both.
Ready to Visit?
Service times, location, and directions at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/services/
Questions about relocating? Email us: pilgrimbaptistkjv@gmail.com