If you're reading this from somewhere in Nevada—maybe Las Vegas, Henderson, or Reno—and you've been seriously researching a move to Tennessee, you're not alone. In 2022 alone, over 1,000 Nevada residents made the move to Tennessee, and that number has only grown since. You've probably been comparing housing costs, researching school systems, and wondering if this move makes sense for your family.
Let's be honest about what's bringing you to this point.
Why Nevada Residents Are Looking East
Something's changed in Nevada over the past few years, hasn't it? The state that once represented opportunity and lower costs has become increasingly difficult for middle-class families.
The housing crisis hit Nevada hard. When California residents fled their state's skyrocketing costs during COVID, many landed in Nevada—particularly Las Vegas and Henderson. This influx sent housing prices through the roof. The average home in Nevada now sits around $440,000, and rent in Las Vegas averages $1,468 monthly. For many longtime Nevada residents, it's become unaffordable to stay in the state where you built your life.
But it's not just about money. Many Nevada families are looking for something deeper:
A place where traditional family values aren't just tolerated but celebrated
Communities where neighbors actually know each other
School systems and homeschooling environments that align with conservative values
Escape from the increasingly crowded, tourism-driven culture of Las Vegas
Four actual seasons instead of desert heat that regularly pushes past 110 degrees
A slower pace of life that doesn't revolve around casinos and entertainment
You're not leaving because Nevada isn't beautiful—you're leaving because it's no longer the place you thought it was when you moved there.
Why Tennessee—and Why Cookeville Specifically
Tennessee keeps appearing in your searches for good reason. The state has become one of America's fastest-growing destinations, and the numbers tell the story.
The Financial Advantage
Let's start with what probably caught your attention first: Tennessee's cost of living is about 10% lower than the national average and significantly lower than Nevada in key areas.
Housing comparison:
Nevada average home price: ~$440,000
Tennessee average home price: ~$319,000
Cookeville, TN average home price: ~$417,000 (still lower than Nevada with more land and space)
The rent difference is even more dramatic:
Las Vegas average rent: $1,468/month
Cookeville average rent: $846-$1,273/month
And here's the kicker: both Nevada and Tennessee have no state income tax. You keep that financial advantage while dramatically lowering your housing costs.
The Cookeville Advantage
You've probably been looking at Nashville or Knoxville in your searches. Both are great cities, but let me tell you why Cookeville deserves a closer look:
Location perfection: Cookeville sits right on I-40, about an hour east of Nashville and an hour west of Knoxville. You get small-town living with big-city access. Need to catch a flight? Nashville International Airport is an easy drive. Want to hit Costco or major shopping? It's all within reach.
Tennessee Tech presence: The presence of Tennessee Tech University means Cookeville has better infrastructure, healthcare, and cultural opportunities than you'd typically find in a town of 35,000. Yet it's maintained its small-town feel.
Outdoor recreation: Within 30 minutes, you'll find Burgess Falls State Park, Center Hill Lake, and countless hiking trails. After years of Nevada desert, your family will love the green hills and actual rainfall.
Real community: This is where Cookeville shines. It's the kind of place where people still wave at each other, where high school football games matter, and where your kids can play outside without constant supervision.
Lower cost than major TN cities: While Nashville's cost of living has increased 25% above the national average, Cookeville remains about 10% below the national average. You get Tennessee's benefits without paying big-city prices.
Education: Homeschooling Freedom in Tennessee
If you're a homeschooling family or considering starting, this section is crucial. Tennessee is ranked as a "low regulation" homeschool state—one of the most freedom-friendly in the nation.
What Tennessee Requires for Homeschooling
The requirements are straightforward and reasonable:
For independent homeschoolers:
Parent must possess a high school diploma or GED
Submit annual "Intent to Home School" notice to your local school district
Provide 180 days of instruction, 4 hours per day (same as public schools)
Maintain attendance records
Students take standardized tests in grades 5, 7, and 9 (provided free by the school district)
That's it. No curriculum approval. No home visits. No government oversight of your teaching methods.
Compare this to Nevada, where homeschoolers face similar requirements but often encounter less supportive communities and fewer resources.
Tennessee's Homeschool Culture
Here's what really sets Tennessee apart: homeschooling is normal here. When you tell someone in Tennessee that you homeschool, you won't get weird looks or judgment. You'll likely hear, "Oh, which co-op are you part of?"
The infrastructure is already here:
Established co-ops meeting weekly in churches across the area
Homeschool sports leagues and academic competitions
Group classes for subjects like chemistry labs or advanced math
Regular field trips organized by homeschool groups
Facebook groups connecting hundreds of local homeschool families
At Pilgrim Baptist Church, you'll find a strong homeschool community. Many of our families homeschool and are eager to welcome and support newcomers who are just starting the journey or looking to connect with like-minded families.
A Deeper Question: What Are You Really Looking For?
So you're considering this major life change—picking up your family, leaving everything familiar, and relocating 2,000 miles to a place you've maybe only visited or seen online.
But as you've been researching cost of living calculators and school ratings, have you thought about the spiritual dimension of this move?
When was the last time you genuinely considered what the Bible actually teaches—not just conservative political values, but real, biblical truth?
Here's what we've noticed: many families move to places like Tennessee because they're looking for "conservative values" and "traditional communities." Those are good things. But if you dig deeper, what people are often searching for is something that feels right—a place where life makes sense, where there's a moral foundation, where kids can grow up with actual values that matter.
But here's the thing: those values don't come from geography. They come from truth. Biblical truth.
Conservative political values are good—but they're rooted in something deeper. Limited government, personal responsibility, strong families, the value of hard work—these aren't just political positions. They're biblical principles. And without that biblical foundation, they're just cultural preferences that shift with the times.
What if your move to Tennessee could be more than just a change of scenery? What if it could be an opportunity for spiritual renewal for your family?
Maybe you grew up going to church but it felt dead and ritualistic. Maybe you attended a church that was all style and emotion but never actually opened the Bible and taught what it says. Maybe you've never really been to church but something in you knows there's more to life than what you've been living.
This move could be your chance to find a church that doesn't just talk about conservative values but actually teaches the Bible—verse by verse, book by book, showing you what God's Word actually says about life, family, salvation, and eternity.
Pilgrim Baptist Church: A Church for Transplants
Here's something you should know about Pilgrim Baptist Church: it's essentially a transplant church. The majority of our families moved here from out of state—just like you're considering doing.
Our pastor and his family moved to Cookeville nearly 8 years ago specifically to start this church. They're transplants too. They understand what it's like to leave everything familiar and rebuild in a new place. They understand the challenges, the questions, the adjustment period.
Many of our members came from Nevada, California, the Northeast, and other parts of the country. They moved looking for exactly what you're looking for: a better place to raise their families, lower costs, traditional values, and—though some didn't realize it initially—a church that takes the Bible seriously.
What Makes Pilgrim Different
We're not going to try to entertain you or make you feel good with motivational speeches dressed up as sermons.
We teach the Bible. Verse by verse, passage by passage, book by book. When you walk into Pilgrim Baptist Church, you're going to hear what the Bible says—not what's popular, not what's culturally convenient, but what Scripture actually teaches.
Our pastor doesn't stand up and give his opinions. He opens the Word of God and explains what it means, what it meant to the original audience, and how it applies to our lives today. You'll learn theology. You'll learn doctrine. You'll understand why Christians believe what they believe.
This isn't cultural Christianity. This isn't "God and country" religion where the American flag gets more attention than Scripture. This is serious, biblical teaching that will challenge you, grow you, and ground your faith in something deeper than feelings or traditions.
A Community That Gets It
Because so many of us are transplants, we understand what you're going through:
Finding new doctors, dentists, and service providers
Figuring out where to shop and eat
Making new friends in a place where everyone seems to already know each other
Helping your kids adjust to a new school or social environment
When you visit Pilgrim, you'll meet people who remember what it's like to be the new family. They'll invite you over for dinner. They'll answer your questions about the area. They'll help you find a realtor, a good mechanic, the best local restaurants.
And if you're a homeschooling family? You'll find experienced homeschoolers who can recommend curriculum, connect you with co-ops, and help you navigate Tennessee's homeschool laws. The support system is already here.
Making the Move: Practical Next Steps
If you're seriously considering relocating from Nevada to Tennessee, here's what we'd suggest:
1. Plan a visit to Cookeville. Spend a long weekend here. Drive around different neighborhoods. Check out downtown. Visit Burgess Falls. Get a feel for whether this is the right fit for your family.
2. Visit Pilgrim Baptist Church. Our service times can be found HERE. You can listen to past sermons at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/ to get a sense of our teaching style before you even visit.
3. Connect with us. Before you move—or even during your exploratory visit—we'd love to meet you. If you have questions about the area, the church, or anything else, reach out. We're happy to help in any way we can.
4. Research housing carefully. While Cookeville is more affordable than Nevada, inventory can be tight. Work with a good local realtor who understands the market and knows the different areas of town.
5. Factor in the move itself. Moving 2,000+ miles from Nevada to Tennessee will cost between $3,500-$8,500 for professional movers, depending on the size of your home. Budget accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Moving from Nevada to Tennessee—specifically to Cookeville—makes financial sense. The numbers work. Housing is cheaper. The cost of living is lower. You keep the no-income-tax advantage. Homeschooling is easier and more supported.
But more than that, it's a chance for a fresh start. A chance to build the life you want for your family. A chance to be part of a real community where people know your name and actually care about your family.
And maybe—just maybe—it's a chance to find something you didn't even know you were looking for: a church that will actually teach you the Bible, challenge you spiritually, and help you build your life and family on a foundation that won't shift when culture changes.
We'd love to meet you. Whether you're still in the research phase or you've already made the decision to move, reach out. Let us answer your questions. Let us show you what makes Cookeville special. And let us introduce you to a church community that will welcome you as fellow transplants on the same journey.
Contact Pilgrim Baptist Church:
Mailing address: 170 4th Ave. Cookeville, TN 38506
Phone: 931-219-2224
Email: pilgrimbaptistkjv@gmail.com
Listen to past sermons: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/
We look forward to meeting you and your family soon.