If you're reading this from somewhere in Nebraska—whether it's Omaha, Lincoln, or one of the smaller towns dotting the Great Plains—and you're considering a move to Tennessee, you're not alone. In 2022 alone, nearly 1,000 Nebraska families made this exact move, joining thousands of others who have discovered what makes Tennessee such an attractive destination for families seeking change.
This isn't a small decision. Moving to a new state means leaving behind what's familiar—your community, your routines, maybe even extended family. But it also represents an opportunity: a chance to find a place where your values are reflected, where your money goes further, and where your family can thrive. Whether you're drawn to Tennessee's economic advantages, political climate, or simply a milder winter, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about relocating from Nebraska to the Volunteer State—and specifically to Cookeville, a hidden gem in the Upper Cumberland region.
Why Families Are Leaving Nebraska
Let's be honest about what's driving Nebraskans to look elsewhere. For many families, it's not that Nebraska is a bad place to live—it's that the challenges are adding up, and other states are offering compelling alternatives.
The Tax Burden Is Real
Nebraska's property taxes consistently rank among the highest in the nation. For homeowners, this creates a significant ongoing expense that never seems to go down. When you combine property taxes with state income tax (ranging from 2.46% to 6.64%), the financial pressure is real. Many families find themselves asking, "What if we could keep more of what we earn?"
Economic Opportunities Feel Limited
While Omaha and Lincoln offer decent job markets, families in rural Nebraska often face limited career options. The economy remains heavily agricultural, and for professionals in tech, healthcare management, advanced manufacturing, or other growing sectors, opportunities can feel scarce. Young adults often leave the state for college and never return because the jobs they want simply aren't there.
The Political Climate Has Shifted
Nebraska has traditionally been a conservative state, but many families express concern about gradual shifts in state policies and the influence of larger metropolitan areas on statewide decisions. For families who hold traditional values, the question becomes: "Is this still the right environment for raising our children?"
Those Winters Are No Joke
Let's not sugarcoat it—Nebraska winters are brutal. Sub-zero temperatures, biting winds, ice storms, and snow that lingers for months take a toll. The novelty of a white Christmas wears thin when you're scraping ice off your windshield in April. Many families find themselves dreaming of a place where winter means cool weather, not a survival exercise.
Education Concerns Are Growing
Public school quality varies widely across Nebraska, and families in smaller districts often feel their children lack access to advanced programs, extracurricular activities, and resources available in larger systems. For families considering homeschooling or seeking Christian education options, the regulatory environment and available support can feel restrictive.
Why Tennessee—And Specifically Cookeville
So if you're leaving Nebraska, why Tennessee? And more specifically, why should Cookeville be on your radar?
No State Income Tax: Keep More of Your Money
This is the big one. Tennessee has no state income tax. Zero. For a family earning $75,000 annually, that's an immediate savings of $3,500-4,000 per year compared to Nebraska—money that stays in your pocket instead of going to the government. Over a decade, that's $35,000-40,000 your family keeps. That's not a small amount; that's a down payment on a house, college fund contributions, or simply breathing room in your budget.
Lower Cost of Living (Where It Matters)
Here's the nuanced truth: overall cost of living in Tennessee varies by location, but Cookeville offers a sweet spot. While major metros like Nashville have seen housing prices rise significantly, Cookeville maintains affordability. The median home price in Putnam County hovers around $280,000-320,000, offering more house for your money than you'd find in comparable Nebraska markets. Property taxes are also considerably lower—Tennessee ranks in the bottom half nationally for property tax burden.
Yes, some consumer goods may cost slightly more, but when you factor in no income tax, lower property taxes, and comparable housing costs, most families come out significantly ahead financially.
A Growing Economy with Real Opportunities
Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland region are experiencing genuine economic growth. Tennessee Tech University anchors the local economy, but the area has diversified considerably:
Advanced manufacturing: Companies like ATC Automation, Cummins, and Averitt Express provide skilled manufacturing and logistics jobs
Healthcare: Cookeville Regional Medical Center is a major employer with consistent opportunities
Technology: The presence of Tennessee Tech creates a tech-friendly environment with growing opportunities
Remote work friendly: With reliable internet infrastructure and a lower cost of living, Cookeville is increasingly attractive to remote professionals
The unemployment rate in Putnam County consistently runs below the national average, and the business climate is genuinely pro-growth without the regulatory burden you'd find in other states.
Small-Town Feel with Growing Amenities
Cookeville sits at about 35,000 people—large enough to have what you need, small enough to feel like a community. You'll find:
National retailers (Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, major grocery chains)
A growing restaurant scene beyond just chain options
Community events and festivals
Youth sports leagues and activities
A revitalizing downtown area
But here's what you won't find: the traffic, crime, and urban problems plaguing larger cities. Kids can still play outside. Neighbors still wave. You can drive across town in 15 minutes.
Strategic Location
Cookeville's location on Interstate 40, roughly halfway between Nashville and Knoxville, offers the best of multiple worlds:
Nashville: 90 minutes west—close enough for major concerts, sporting events, and the airport, far enough that you're not paying Nashville prices or dealing with Nashville traffic
Knoxville: 90 minutes east—home to the University of Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains
Chattanooga: 2 hours south—a beautiful river city with world-class outdoor recreation
You get access to major city amenities without the daily grind of living in one.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
Tennessee's landscape is strikingly different from Nebraska's plains. Cookeville sits on the Cumberland Plateau, offering:
Rolling hills and forested landscapes
Burgess Falls State Park (with stunning waterfalls) just minutes away
Center Hill Lake for boating, fishing, and water sports
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails within an hour's drive
Genuine four-season weather without Nebraska's extreme cold
For families who love the outdoors, Tennessee offers variety Nebraska simply can't match.
Conservative Governance and Values
Tennessee's state government is firmly conservative, with a Republican supermajority in the legislature and constitutional protections for religious liberty, homeschooling, and parental rights. For families seeking a state that reflects their values, Tennessee's political climate offers stability and alignment.
The state has actively positioned itself as a destination for families and businesses fleeing more restrictive states, and that's reflected in policy decisions that prioritize economic freedom, educational choice, and traditional values.
Education in Tennessee: Public, Private, and Homeschool Options
One of the biggest concerns for any family relocating with children is education. Tennessee—and particularly the Cookeville area—offers multiple strong options.
Public Schools in Putnam County
Putnam County Schools and Cookeville City Schools serve the area, with generally favorable reputations:
Class sizes tend to be manageable compared to urban districts
Strong community support and involvement
Decent standardized test scores relative to state averages
Active extracurricular programs including sports, band, and academic clubs
Tennessee Tech's presence in the community creates opportunities for advanced coursework and dual enrollment for high school students.
Private Christian Education
Several private Christian schools serve the Cookeville area, offering families who want faith-integrated education solid options. These schools typically offer smaller class sizes, biblical worldview teaching, and values-aligned community.
Homeschooling: Tennessee's Friendly Approach
Here's where Tennessee really shines for many families coming from Nebraska. Tennessee is widely recognized as one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation, classified as a "low regulation state" by the Home School Legal Defense Association.
Three Legal Pathways to Homeschool:
Independent Homeschool: File an annual notice of intent with your local school district, maintain attendance records (180 days, 4 hours daily), and have your child tested in grades 5, 7, and 9. That's it. No curriculum approval, no home visits, no bureaucratic interference. Parents only need a high school diploma or GED.
Church-Related Umbrella School: Many families choose to homeschool under the covering of a church-related school. These umbrella programs provide varying levels of support, handle administrative requirements, and often offer community connections. You don't even need to file a notice of intent with the district.
Accredited Online School: Enroll in an accredited online program, which handles all reporting requirements.
What Makes Tennessee Different:
No mandatory curriculum requirements—you choose what and how to teach
No required home visits or portfolio reviews
Testing only in three grades (5th, 7th, 9th), not annually
Access to public school sports and extracurriculars
Strong legal protections for homeschooling families
Active, supportive homeschool community
The Cookeville Homeschool Community:
This is crucial: Cookeville has a thriving homeschool population. You won't be doing this alone. Many families at Pilgrim Baptist Church homeschool their children and have found tremendous support from experienced homeschooling families who have navigated every stage—from early elementary through high school graduation. There are:
Regular co-op opportunities
Group field trips and activities
Graduation ceremonies for homeschool students
Families who've been homeschooling for years and are happy to mentor new homeschoolers
Support networks that make the transition much easier than going it alone
If you've been hesitant about homeschooling because of complexity or isolation, Tennessee's legal framework and Cookeville's active community might be exactly what makes it finally feasible for your family.
Beyond Politics: Have You Considered the Bible?
Let's pause here for a moment and talk about something deeper than tax rates and school options.
If you're reading this article, there's a good chance that conservative values matter to you. You want to live in a place where your beliefs aren't constantly challenged, where you can raise your children according to your principles, where common sense still prevails. That's entirely valid, and it's a big reason families are leaving states like Nebraska for places like Tennessee.
But let me ask you something: In your search for the right community and values, when was the last time you seriously considered what the Bible actually teaches?
That might sound like an odd question in an article about relocating states, but stay with me. Many of us hold conservative positions—on marriage, family, government, morality—but how much time have we actually spent studying the Scriptures that should inform those beliefs?
Biblical Literacy Is Declining—Even Among Conservatives
Here's an uncomfortable truth: biblical illiteracy is widespread, even in conservative Christian circles. We might identify as Christians, attend church occasionally, and hold generally biblical values, but when was the last time you sat down and really studied what God's Word says? When was the last time you were in a church where the pastor opened the Bible and actually taught it verse by verse, letting Scripture speak for itself rather than just using it as a jumping-off point for self-help messages or political commentary?
Many of us have been shaped more by Christian culture than by careful study of Scripture. We hold positions because they sound right or because they're what we've always believed, but we'd be hard-pressed to defend them from the Bible itself.
What If This Move Could Be a Spiritual Fresh Start?
Moving to a new place is already a fresh start. You're establishing new routines, finding new community, building a new life. What if it could also be a spiritual fresh start?
What if you didn't just find a place that aligns with your political values, but found a church that takes God's Word seriously—that actually opens the Bible and teaches it systematically, that cares more about what Scripture says than about cultural trends or comfortable feelings?
This isn't about being more religious or adding more church activities to your schedule. It's about something more fundamental: Are you building your life, your family, and your future on the solid foundation of Scripture, or on the shifting sand of culture (even conservative culture)?
An Invitation to Think Deeper
Before you make this move, consider: What are you actually looking for? If it's just a place with lower taxes and conservative neighbors, Tennessee can offer that. But what if you're looking for something more—a place where you can put down roots not just geographically, but spiritually? A place where your family can grow in genuine biblical understanding, where your children can learn to love God's Word and not just cultural Christianity?
A move to a new state is a big decision. Making it a spiritual decision—a commitment to prioritize what the Bible actually teaches, not just what feels comfortable—could be even more significant for your family's future.
Finding a Church Home: Pilgrim Baptist Church
Which brings us to an important question: If you move to Cookeville, where will you go to church?
Finding a new church home is one of the hardest parts of relocating. You're looking for sound doctrine, but also for community. You want a place that takes Scripture seriously, but that's also welcoming to newcomers. You want to find "your people"—but how do you do that when you don't know anyone?
Here's what makes Pilgrim Baptist Church unique in addressing this challenge:
We ARE You—A Church of Transplants
Pilgrim Baptist Church is uniquely positioned to welcome relocating families because we are you. Our congregation is made up primarily of families who have relocated to Tennessee from other states. We're not a long-established church of people who've known each other since childhood. We're a church built by families who took the exact leap you're considering.
We understand what it's like to:
Walk into a new church not knowing a single person
Try to find community in an unfamiliar place
Navigate a new city and figure out where everything is
Balance the excitement and anxiety of starting over
Every family in our church has walked this path. That creates a culture of openness and welcome that you simply won't find in most established churches.
Our Pastor's Story
Our pastor and his family are transplants too. Nearly 8 years ago, they moved from out of state specifically to plant Pilgrim Baptist Church. He knows firsthand what it's like to start over in a new state, to build a life from scratch in an unfamiliar place. This isn't theoretical for him—he's lived it.
That experience shapes everything about how our church operates. We don't take newcomers for granted. We don't have an established "in crowd" that's hard to break into. We actively work to welcome and integrate new families because we remember what it was like to be the new family.
Bible-Believing, Bible-Teaching
Here's what defines us doctrinally: We take the Bible seriously. Not just as an inspirational book or a source of nice principles, but as God's inerrant, sufficient Word.
Our approach to preaching is expositional and verse-by-verse. That means:
We work through books of the Bible systematically, verse by verse
We let Scripture speak for itself rather than imposing our own agenda
We believe the whole counsel of God's Word matters, not just the comfortable parts
We're committed to sound doctrine, even when it's countercultural
This isn't flashy. We're not doing light shows or concert-style music. We're opening God's Word, explaining what it means, and helping people understand how to apply it to their lives. If you've been longing for preaching that actually teaches the Bible instead of just referencing it, you'll find that here.
A Family-Focused Community
Many of our families homeschool their children, and those who don't are deeply committed to raising their kids in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You'll find:
Families who take biblical parenting seriously
Parents who support one another in the challenges of raising children in a secular culture
A church culture that welcomes children and values family discipleship
Practical support and wisdom from families who've navigated the stages you're in
You're Welcome Here
Whether you're still in Nebraska weighing your options or you've already made the move to Tennessee, we'd love to meet you. Visit us on a Sunday morning and experience a church that believes God's Word is sufficient for life and godliness.
Sunday Morning Service: 11 AM
Pilgrim Baptist Church
170 4th Ave. Cookeville, TN 38506
Not Ready to Visit Yet?
We understand. Moving is overwhelming, and adding church shopping to the list might feel like too much right now. Start by listening to past sermons online at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/. Hear for yourself what verse-by-verse, expositional Bible teaching sounds like. See if this is the kind of place where your family could grow spiritually.
Making the Move: Practical Considerations
If you've read this far and you're seriously considering the move from Nebraska to Tennessee, here are some practical details to keep in mind:
Moving Costs
Based on 2024 data, the average cost to move from Nebraska to Tennessee (approximately 1,000 miles) ranges from $2,500 to $6,500 for full-service movers, depending on the size of your home:
1-bedroom apartment: $2,600-3,000
2-bedroom home: $3,500-4,500
3-bedroom home: $5,500-6,500
4+ bedroom home: $6,500+
DIY truck rental can reduce costs significantly ($1,500-2,500), but factor in your time, fuel, and the physical labor involved.
Housing Market
Cookeville's housing market remains relatively affordable:
Median home price: $280,000-320,000
Rent for 2-bedroom apartment: $900-1,200/month
Rent for 3-bedroom house: $1,200-1,800/month
You'll likely get more square footage and land than comparable prices in Nebraska's urban areas.
Job Search Timeline
If you're not relocating for a specific job, plan to:
Start job searching 2-3 months before your move
Network online with Cookeville-area professionals
Plan for 4-8 weeks of job hunting after relocation if needed
Consider remote work arrangements if possible
What to Expect Weather-Wise
Tennessee's weather will be an adjustment:
Summer: Hot and humid (85-92°F), but manageable with AC
Winter: Mild (30-50°F), occasional snow but nothing like Nebraska
Spring/Fall: Beautiful, comfortable, and extended
Storms: More rainfall than Nebraska, occasional thunderstorms
You'll trade blizzards for thunderstorms—most families consider it a favorable trade.
Getting Connected
When you arrive:
Join local Facebook groups for newcomers
Attend community events
Visit churches and introduce yourself
Get involved in activities your kids enjoy
Give yourself grace—building community takes time
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Moving from Nebraska to Tennessee is a significant decision, but for the nearly 1,000 families who made this move in 2022 alone, it's been a decision they haven't regretted. The financial benefits are real—no state income tax, lower property taxes, and comparable (or better) cost of living add up to thousands of dollars annually. The quality of life improvements matter—milder weather, beautiful landscapes, growing economy, and strong communities make daily life better.
But more than any of that, Tennessee offers something increasingly rare: a place where traditional values are respected, where families can thrive without constantly swimming upstream against culture, and where homeschooling and Christian education aren't just tolerated but supported.
Cookeville specifically offers a unique combination: small-town community with growing amenities, strategic location with access to major cities, and a welcoming church in Pilgrim Baptist that understands exactly what you're going through because we've lived it.
If you've been sensing that it's time for a change—that staying where you are isn't serving your family's best interests anymore—maybe it's time to seriously explore what Tennessee has to offer. Maybe it's time for more than a geographical fresh start. Maybe it's time for a spiritual one too.
We'd love to walk with you through that journey. Whether you have questions about the area, the church, or what it's really like to make this move, reach out. We're here to help.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:
Email: pilgrimbaptistkjv@gmail.com
Phone: 931-219-2224
Your next chapter is waiting. Let's make it a good one—practically, personally, and most importantly, spiritually.
Pilgrim Baptist Church - A Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church in Cookeville, Tennessee, where transplant families find community and grow in God's Word.