If you're reading this, chances are you've been thinking about making a change. Maybe you've watched the news lately and felt that familiar unease about the direction things are heading in Oklahoma. Maybe you've been crunching numbers and realizing that keeping up with the cost of living is getting harder. Or perhaps you've been having conversations with your spouse late at night about wanting something better for your family—better schools, a stronger community, a place where your values aren't just tolerated but shared. You're not alone. More families than ever are relocating from Oklahoma to Tennessee, and they're finding that the Volunteer State—especially Cookeville—offers exactly what they've been searching for. As someone who understands the weight of that decision, let me walk you through why Cookeville might just be the fresh start your family needs.
Why Families Are Leaving Oklahoma
Let's be honest about what's happening. Oklahoma has long been known as a conservative stronghold, but many families are finding that the political and economic landscape is shifting in ways that don't align with their hopes for the future. The cost of living has been climbing steadily, with housing prices, property taxes, and everyday expenses eating into family budgets. Job markets in many Oklahoma cities are stagnant, with limited opportunities for career growth outside of specific industries. Then there's the education system—whether it's concerns about curriculum changes, school safety, or simply wanting more control over their children's education, parents are increasingly frustrated with their options.
Beyond the practical concerns, there's something deeper that many Oklahoma families are experiencing: a sense that they're swimming upstream culturally. They want to raise their children in communities where biblical values aren't just accepted but celebrated, where neighbors share similar convictions about faith and family. They're tired of feeling isolated or having to constantly defend their choices about everything from education to entertainment. And they're looking at the political trajectory of their state and wondering if things will get better or worse. These aren't small concerns—they're the kinds of issues that keep parents up at night, and they're prompting families across Oklahoma to start researching phrases like "best places to move in Tennessee" and "conservative cities in Tennessee."
Why Tennessee—and Specifically Cookeville?
Tennessee has become one of the top destinations for families leaving states like Oklahoma, and the reasons are compelling. First and foremost, there's no state income tax in Tennessee, which means more money stays in your family's pocket. When you compare the cost of living between Oklahoma and Tennessee, you'll find that while housing prices are comparable in many areas, the overall tax burden is significantly lower here. Tennessee has also cultivated a business-friendly environment that's attracting companies and creating job opportunities across the state. The economy is growing, unemployment is low, and there's an entrepreneurial spirit that makes starting a business more feasible than in many other states.
Tennessee's political landscape is solidly conservative, with strong protections for religious liberty, gun rights, and parental authority in education. The state government has shown consistent commitment to family values, pro-life policies, and traditional marriage. You won't find yourself fighting culture war battles at every school board meeting or feeling like your values are under siege. Instead, you'll discover communities where faith and family are foundational, not fringe.
But why Cookeville specifically? While cities like Nashville and Knoxville get more attention, Cookeville offers something special: small-town community with big-city access. Located in the heart of Tennessee's Upper Cumberland region, Cookeville sits perfectly positioned just 80 miles east of Nashville and 100 miles west of Knoxville. This means you're never more than an hour and a half from major airports, shopping, entertainment, and healthcare facilities, but you get to live in a place where people still know their neighbors and downtown actually feels like a community gathering place.
Cookeville is home to Tennessee Tech University, which brings economic stability, cultural opportunities, and an educated workforce to the area. The university presence means better schools, more job opportunities, and a level of infrastructure you might not expect in a town of around 35,000 people. The housing market here is still affordable, with beautiful homes available at prices that would shock you compared to what you'd pay in Tulsa or Oklahoma City. You can find everything from historic homes near downtown to new construction in family-friendly subdivisions, all with property taxes that won't break the bank.
The natural beauty here is something else entirely. The rolling hills, lush forests, and proximity to lakes like Center Hill and Dale Hollow mean your family will have endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and simply enjoying God's creation. You'll experience four distinct seasons—colorful falls, mild winters (yes, we get snow, but it's manageable), gorgeous springs, and summers that are warm but not oppressive. The climate is a welcome change for many families coming from Oklahoma's temperature extremes and tornado seasons.
Education in Tennessee—Including Homeschool Freedom
One of the biggest concerns for relocating families is education, and Tennessee offers options that will put your mind at ease. The public schools in Putnam County (where Cookeville is located) are highly rated, with strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and a community that still values traditional education. Schools here aren't afraid to acknowledge American history honestly or afraid of parents being involved in their children's education. But if you're like many conservative families, you might be most interested in Tennessee's approach to homeschooling—and this is where the state really shines.
Tennessee is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation. The regulations are minimal and reasonable, giving parents the freedom to educate their children according to their convictions without bureaucratic interference. You're not required to use state-approved curriculum, you don't need teaching credentials, and you maintain full control over what and how your children learn. The attendance requirements are straightforward, and the state respects parental rights in education in a way that's increasingly rare across America.
What really makes homeschooling work in Cookeville is the community support. There are active homeschool co-ops throughout the area where families meet regularly for group classes, field trips, and social activities. Your kids won't miss out on friendships or socialization—in fact, many homeschool families here would tell you their children have richer social lives and deeper friendships than they did in traditional school settings. Sports leagues, music lessons, art classes, and academic competitions are all available for homeschooled students.
Many families at our church homeschool, and you'll find an experienced, supportive community of homeschoolers who have been where you are and are happy to help. They can recommend curriculum, share resources, connect you with co-ops, and answer all those questions you have about making homeschooling work for your family. Whether you're a veteran homeschooler or just considering it for the first time, you'll find people here who understand and can walk alongside you.
For families who prefer private education, there are several private Christian schools in the area offering biblical worldview education from kindergarten through high school. And with Tennessee Tech University right here in town, along with Volunteer State Community College, your children will have excellent higher education options without having to move away from home—unless they want to.
Beyond Politics—Have You Considered Your Spiritual Foundation?
Here's where I want to get real with you for a moment. Everything I've written so far about economics, politics, education, and community is important. These are legitimate reasons to relocate, and I'm not dismissing them. But I want to ask you something that might make you uncomfortable: When was the last time you really thought deeply about what the Bible actually says?
I know that sounds like an odd question in an article about relocating from Oklahoma to Tennessee. Stay with me. Most families considering this kind of move are doing so because they want to preserve conservative values. They want their children raised in an environment that still believes in traditional marriage, biblical gender roles, personal responsibility, and the importance of faith. These are good desires. But here's what I've observed after years of being in church ministry: many people hold conservative values culturally without ever seriously examining what Scripture actually teaches.
We grow up in conservative Christian homes, or we attend churches that affirm our political views, and we assume that our cultural conservatism is the same as biblical Christianity. But cultural Christianity and genuine biblical faith are not the same thing. You can have all the right political opinions, send your kids to the right schools, vote for the right candidates, and still never really understand what God's Word says about salvation, sanctification, how to raise children, what marriage actually is, or how to live a life that honors Christ.
Moving to a new place is an incredible opportunity for a fresh start—not just geographically, but spiritually. Think about it: you're already willing to uproot your family, leave friends behind, start new jobs, and build a new life because you believe something better is out there. What if this season of transition could also be a time to examine your spiritual foundation? What if, alongside finding a new home and community, you could find a church that doesn't just affirm your politics but actually teaches you what the Bible says—verse by verse, book by book, doctrine by doctrine?
Here's the truth that many people discover too late: politics cannot save your family. Conservative values are better than liberal ones, but they cannot transform hearts. Moving to Tennessee will give you advantages, but it won't guarantee your children walk with God or that your marriage is built on biblical principles. What your family needs—what every family needs—is to be grounded in God's Word, taught by someone who takes Scripture seriously, and surrounded by a community that's pursuing Christ, not just cultural conservatism.
Finding a church that actually teaches the Bible can transform your family in ways that moving to a red state never will. When you sit under faithful biblical teaching week after week, when your children hear God's Word explained clearly and applied practically, when you're part of a community that's studying Scripture together and helping each other grow—that's when real, lasting change happens. That's when your family's foundation becomes unshakeable, regardless of what happens politically or culturally in this country.
A Church for Transplants, Built by Transplants
This brings me to why I'm writing this article at all. I want to tell you about Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville—not because it's perfect or because we have all the answers, but because we've been where you are, and we understand what you're going through.
Pilgrim Baptist Church is a transplant church. Read that again. Most of the families who attend our church have relocated from somewhere else. They came from Montana, California, New Jersey, Florida, Kentucky and other states. They made the same kind of move you're considering, driven by the same concerns and hopes. When you walk through our doors, you won't be the odd one out as "the new family from Oklahoma"—you'll be among friends who remember exactly how overwhelming and lonely those first few months in a new place can feel.
Pastor Fortunato and his family are transplants too. Almost eight years ago, they moved to Cookeville to start this church from scratch. They didn't know anyone here. They had no connections, no network, no family nearby. They came because they believed God was calling them to build a church that would faithfully teach His Word and serve families who were looking for something more than cultural Christianity. The church has grown from that original vision, not because we have fancy programs or put on a good show, but because families keep finding us and realizing, "This is what we've been looking for."
So what makes Pilgrim Baptist Church different? We're a Bible-believing church that takes Scripture seriously. That might sound obvious—don't all churches claim that? But there's a difference between mentioning the Bible and actually teaching it systematically. Our approach is verse-by-verse exposition, which means Pastor Fortunato teaches through books of the Bible sequentially, explaining what each passage means in its context and how it applies to our lives today. You're not getting topical sermons designed to make you feel good or political commentary disguised as preaching. You're getting God's Word explained faithfully, whether it's comfortable or not.
We're not just about conservative culture—we're about biblical truth. There's an important distinction there. Many churches attract conservative families because they're traditional or patriotic or family-friendly, but they don't actually teach doctrine or help people understand Scripture deeply. We want families who are hungry to learn what the Bible actually says, not just have their existing opinions validated. That means sometimes you'll hear things that challenge you, convict you, or make you think differently about something you've always believed. That's good. That's what faithful teaching does.
The families at Pilgrim Baptist are committed to raising their children in the faith. We're not talking about families who show up on Sunday morning and that's it. These are parents who are actively discipling their children, having family devotions, making decisions based on biblical principles rather than cultural trends. Many of our families homeschool, and they take it seriously—not as a political statement, but as a biblical responsibility. You'll find genuine Christian fellowship here, people who will pray for you, help you when you're in need, and invest in your family's spiritual growth.
Come Visit Us Before You Decide
If you're seriously considering relocating from Oklahoma to Tennessee, we'd love to meet you. Whether you're still in the research phase or you've already made Cookeville your home, Pilgrim Baptist Church is here for you. We know what it's like to be new, to be looking for real Christian fellowship, to want a church where your family can grow spiritually. We've been there. Most of us are still "the new people" in Cookeville, and that shared experience creates a bond.
Before you make your decision—or if you've already moved here and are looking for a church home—come visit us this Sunday. You don't have to commit to anything. Just come, meet our people, hear God's Word taught, and see if this might be the community you've been praying for. Bring your questions about the area, about the church, about making this kind of major life transition. We're here to help.
Want to know what we believe and how we teach before you visit? That's wise. Listen to Pastor Fortunato's sermons at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/. You can hear for yourself what kind of teaching you'll sit under. Listen to a few sermons from different books of the Bible. Pay attention to how Scripture is handled, how clearly it's explained, how practically it's applied. If you find yourself thinking, "This is what we've been looking for," then you'll know this is worth pursuing.
We understand that moving to a new state is a huge decision. It's not just about finding a cheaper house or a better job—it's about finding a place where your family can flourish. A place where your children can grow up surrounded by biblical truth. A place where you can build friendships with people who share your convictions. A place where you're not constantly swimming upstream culturally and spiritually.
Cookeville can be that place for you. Tennessee offers the practical advantages you're looking for—no income tax, lower cost of living, conservative governance, excellent homeschool freedom, and natural beauty. But more importantly, you can find a church here that will help you build your family on the only foundation that matters: God's Word.
We've been where you are. We've made the hard decisions, packed up our lives, and started over in a new place. We know how scary and exciting it is. And we're here to tell you that if you're willing to take that step of faith, God can use this transition to do something amazing in your family's life—not just giving you a new address, but a new chapter rooted in biblical truth.
Let us help make your fresh start everything you're hoping for. We're not promising it will be easy, but we can promise you this: you won't walk through it alone. Come visit. Listen to the preaching. Meet the families. Ask your questions. And let's see what God might do in bringing you to Tennessee.
Welcome to Cookeville. We're glad you're here—or we're excited that you're considering joining us. Either way, we can't wait to meet you.
Pilgrim Baptist Church
170 4th Ave. Cookeville, TN 38506
View our service times HERE
Listen to past sermons HERE
"We've been where you are. Let us help make your fresh start everything you're hoping for—not just a new address, but a new chapter rooted in God's Word."