If you're reading this from somewhere in Oregon—maybe Portland, Eugene, or Bend—and you've been Googling "cost of living Oregon vs Tennessee" or "conservative states to move to," you're not alone. You're part of a growing wave of over 2,000 Oregonians each year who are making the move to Tennessee, seeking lower costs, greater freedom, and communities that align with their values.
This isn't just another generic relocation guide. This is written by people who understand what you're going through because they've been there. Many families at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, including Pastor Fortunato himself, relocated from out of state specifically to find what you're searching for right now.
Let's be honest: considering a move across the country is overwhelming. You're wrestling with practical questions about jobs, housing, and schools—but also deeper concerns about whether you'll find genuine community, whether your kids will thrive, and whether you're making the right choice for your family's future. This guide addresses both.
Why Oregonians Are Choosing Tennessee
The numbers tell part of the story. According to recent Census data, Tennessee gained roughly 48,700 more residents from other states than it lost, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. Oregon, meanwhile, saw 157,729 residents leave for other states in 2022 alone—a significant outflow that continues year after year.
But statistics don't capture what's really driving families to make this decision. Let's talk about the real factors:
The Cost of Living Reality
The financial pressure in Oregon—especially in the Portland metro area—has become unsustainable for many families. Here's what the numbers actually look like:
Housing costs: The median home price in Portland hovers around $485,000 to $550,000, while in Cookeville, Tennessee, you're looking at $305,000 to $330,000. That's not a small difference—that's the difference between stretching every dollar to afford a modest home and being able to breathe financially. Many Oregon families have sold their homes and purchased larger, nicer properties in Tennessee while pocketing $150,000 to $200,000 in equity.
State income tax: Oregon's state income tax tops out at 9.9%, and when you factor in local taxes—particularly in Multnomah County—high earners can face a combined rate approaching 14.8%. Tennessee? Zero state income tax. For a family earning $100,000, that's potentially $10,000 or more back in your pocket each year.
Overall cost of living: Portland's cost of living index sits 17% to 30% above the national average, depending on which metrics you use. Cookeville's cost of living is 8% to 17% below the national average. Groceries, utilities, healthcare, transportation—across the board, your money goes further in Tennessee.
One California retiree who recently made the move to Tennessee told reporters he sold his 1,200-square-foot Sacramento condo for $415,000 and bought a 2,700-square-foot home for $400,000 in eastern Tennessee. Oregon families are finding similar opportunities in Cookeville.
Political Climate and Governance
This is the part most relocation guides dance around, but let's be direct: if you're politically conservative or libertarian-leaning, you've probably felt increasingly alienated in Oregon. The state's progressive policies on taxation, land use regulation, education, and social issues have created a climate where many families feel their values are not just in the minority, but actively opposed.
Tennessee's state government takes a fundamentally different approach—emphasizing limited government, lower taxes, parental rights, and traditional values. This isn't about vilifying Oregon or claiming one state is "better" than another in some absolute sense. It's simply acknowledging that for families with conservative values, Tennessee's political and cultural environment feels more like home.
Education and Parental Rights
Oregon's education system has become a flashpoint for families concerned about curriculum content, gender ideology in schools, and the erosion of parental authority. Many Oregon parents have felt increasingly sidelined when it comes to decisions affecting their children's education.
Tennessee has taken a notably different path, with strong parental rights protections and education policies that give families more control over their children's learning. Whether you choose public school, private school, or homeschooling, Tennessee's framework respects parental authority in ways that resonate with families leaving Oregon.
Business Climate and Economic Freedom
Oregon's regulatory environment and business taxes make entrepreneurship challenging. Tennessee consistently ranks among the most business-friendly states in the nation, with lower regulatory burdens, no franchise tax on professional service businesses, and a general attitude that encourages rather than restricts enterprise.
For families with small businesses or entrepreneurial ambitions, this difference matters enormously. You can actually keep more of what you earn.
Safety and Quality of Life
Portland's struggles with crime, homelessness, and urban disorder have been well-documented. Many Oregon families have watched their neighborhoods change dramatically, creating legitimate safety concerns for their children. Tennessee cities—including Cookeville—offer lower crime rates and a quality of life that feels fundamentally different.
Why Cookeville, Tennessee Specifically?
Tennessee is a big state with many attractive communities. So why are transplants increasingly choosing Cookeville?
Small-Town Charm with Modern Amenities
Cookeville offers the best of both worlds: a genuine small-town atmosphere where neighbors know each other and look out for one another, combined with the conveniences of a modern regional hub. With a population around 33,000, it's large enough to have what you need but small enough to build real community.
The city is home to Tennessee Tech University, which brings cultural amenities, sporting events, and educational opportunities without the urban chaos of larger college towns.
Strategic Location
Cookeville sits at the intersection of I-40 and Highway 111, making it incredibly accessible. You're roughly:
80 miles east of Nashville (the "Music City")
110 miles west of Knoxville
2 hours from Chattanooga
3.5 hours from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This central location means you have easy access to major cities for specialized services or entertainment, while enjoying the peaceful lifestyle of a smaller community.
Affordable Housing Market
Remember those Portland home prices of $485,000 to $550,000? Cookeville's median home price of $305,000 to $330,000 represents genuine savings. Recent sales range from around $208,000 for starter homes to over $1.4 million for luxury properties—meaning you have options across the spectrum.
For Oregon transplants, this often means upgrading to a larger home, perhaps with acreage, while still coming out ahead financially.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
If you're moving from Oregon, you're not willing to sacrifice natural beauty. Cookeville delivers. The Upper Cumberland region offers stunning landscapes, including Burgess Falls State Park, Center Hill Lake, and countless hiking trails. You're also within driving distance of the Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Growing Economy and Job Opportunities
Cookeville's economy is anchored by Tennessee Tech, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, and a diverse mix of manufacturing and service industries. The regional job market offers opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and skilled trades. For remote workers (a huge percentage of Oregon-to-Tennessee transplants), Cookeville provides excellent internet infrastructure at a fraction of what you'd pay in Oregon.
Low Crime and Family-Friendly Culture
Cookeville maintains crime rates below the national average, and the community culture is genuinely family-oriented. You'll find people who still wave at neighbors, where kids can ride bikes around the neighborhood, and where community events bring people together rather than dividing them.
Tennessee's Homeschool-Friendly Environment
For many Oregon families considering the move, education—and specifically the freedom to homeschool without excessive government interference—is a critical factor.
Comparing Homeschool Laws: Oregon vs Tennessee
Oregon's Requirements:
File notice of intent with your local Education Service District
Required testing at grades 3, 5, 8, and 10
Testing must be administered by approved testers
Results reported to ESD upon request
Tennessee's Requirements:
Submit notice of intent to homeschool with local superintendent
Parent must possess high school diploma or equivalent
Required testing at grades 5, 7, and 9 (note: fewer grades than Oregon)
Can operate as independent homeschool or through church-related school
While neither state is as hands-off as Texas or Alaska, Tennessee's requirements are straightforward and respectful of parental authority. The testing schedule is less frequent than Oregon's, and the overall regulatory environment is lighter.
Thriving Homeschool Community in Cookeville
What the laws don't tell you is how vibrant the homeschool community is. The Upper Cumberland region has numerous homeschool co-ops, support groups, field trip organizations, and extracurricular opportunities. Many families at Pilgrim Baptist Church homeschool, creating a built-in support network of people who understand the lifestyle and can offer practical advice.
Experienced Homeschoolers Ready to Help
One of the most valuable resources for families new to Tennessee is connecting with experienced homeschoolers who "have been there, done that." These aren't people trying to sell you curriculum or push an agenda—they're families who've successfully navigated homeschooling in Tennessee and genuinely want to help newcomers.
Whether you're a veteran homeschooler or considering it for the first time, you'll find a welcoming community ready to share what they've learned about Tennessee's requirements, local co-ops, curriculum choices, and how to help your kids thrive educationally and socially.
Homeschool Sports and Extracurriculars
Tennessee law allows homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic activities, giving your kids access to sports teams, clubs, and other programs. Additionally, homeschool athletic leagues and co-op programs offer competitive sports without enrollment in traditional schools.
Beyond Politics: Have You Considered Your Spiritual Foundation?
Now we're going to shift gears a bit, and this might be the most important section of this entire guide.
You're researching this move because you want to live somewhere that aligns with your values. That makes complete sense. But here's a question worth asking yourself: When's the last time you really examined what the Bible actually teaches about those values?
Many people seeking conservative communities grew up going to church, have Christian backgrounds, or consider themselves believers. But somewhere along the way—maybe in college, maybe when raising kids, maybe just in the busyness of life—serious Bible study fell off the radar. You hold to traditional values, but you might not have deeply considered why those values matter beyond politics or personal preference.
Here's what we've observed over and over with families relocating to Cookeville: they come seeking a place that aligns with their values, and that's good. But many discover that what they actually needed even more than a geographic move was a spiritual reset.
Think about it this way: the political and cultural issues driving people out of Oregon aren't really the root problem. They're symptoms of something deeper. Our culture is adrift because it has cut itself off from biblical moorings. You instinctively know this—that's why the trajectory of Oregon feels so wrong to you.
But running to a more conservative state doesn't solve the underlying issue if you haven't anchored your own life in something more solid than political preference.
The Opportunity of a Fresh Start
Moving across the country is one of life's major resets. It's disruptive, yes, but it's also an opportunity to make intentional choices about the life you're building. You're already making major decisions about where to live, what job to take, which schools to choose. Have you considered making an equally intentional choice about your spiritual life?
Many families relocating to Tennessee find that their move becomes a catalyst for spiritual renewal. Maybe it's because you're starting fresh without the weight of old social obligations. Maybe it's because the upheaval of moving makes you more aware of what really matters. Or maybe it's simply God's timing.
Finding a Church That Takes Scripture Seriously
Not all churches are created equal. You probably know this from experience. Maybe you tried a few churches in Oregon and found them either too liberal theologically or too superficial in their teaching. Maybe you gave up on church altogether after too many disappointing experiences.
Here's what we'd encourage you to look for: a church that takes the Bible seriously—not as a collection of inspirational thoughts, but as the authoritative Word of God that actually shapes how we think, live, and raise our families.
That means verse-by-verse teaching that doesn't skip the hard parts. It means being willing to let Scripture challenge your assumptions rather than twisting it to fit contemporary culture. It means building authentic community where people are known and cared for, not just showing up for an hour on Sunday.
The values you're seeking to preserve—strong families, biblical sexuality, parental authority, personal responsibility—all flow from taking Scripture seriously. Politics alone can't sustain these things. You need a deeper foundation.
Finding Your Church Home: A Transplant Church for Transplant Families
This is where we need to introduce you to Pilgrim Baptist Church, not because it's the only good church in Cookeville (there are several faithful churches in the area), but because it might be exactly what you're looking for as a relocating family.
A Church Built By and For Transplants
Here's what makes Pilgrim Baptist unique: it's largely composed of families who relocated to Tennessee from out of state. Pastor Fortunato and his family aren't Cookeville natives—they moved to Tennessee nearly 8 years ago specifically to start this church. They understand what you're going through because they've lived it.
This matters more than you might think. When you walk into Pilgrim Baptist, you're not the outsider trying to break into an established community. You're among people who made the same decision you're making, faced the same uncertainties, dealt with the same adjustment challenges. These are people who get it.
Serious, Verse-by-Verse Bible Teaching
Pilgrim Baptist's approach to Scripture is straightforward: open the Bible, explain what it says, and apply it to real life. Pastor Fortunato's preaching isn't about clever stories or pop psychology dressed up with a Bible verse. It's systematic exposition that works through books of the Bible, helping people understand God's Word in context and then live it out.
If you're tired of shallow, feel-good preaching that avoids controversial topics, you'll appreciate the direct approach. The goal isn't to make you comfortable—it's to help you grow in understanding and obedience to God's Word.
Taking Scripture Seriously Without Compromise
This is becoming increasingly rare, even in conservative areas: a church willing to teach what the Bible says about everything, even when it contradicts cultural trends. Whether it's biblical manhood and womanhood, sexuality and marriage, parenting and discipline, church membership and accountability, or any other topic—Pilgrim Baptist teaches Scripture without apology.
That doesn't mean harsh or unloving. It means honest. It means letting God's Word speak for itself rather than softening it to make it more palatable to modern sensibilities.
Authentic Community and Family Support
Beyond Sunday services, Pilgrim Baptist is built around genuine community. Families actually know each other, spend time together, and care for one another practically. For newcomers to Cookeville, this network becomes invaluable—these are people who can recommend doctors, help you find housing, connect you with job opportunities, and introduce you to the broader community.
The church takes seriously the biblical call to "bear one another's burdens." You're not just attending services; you're joining a spiritual family.
Helping Families Raise Children with Biblical Values
If you have kids, you know how countercultural it is to raise them with traditional Christian values in today's world. Even in Tennessee, the broader culture still pushes back against biblical teaching on dozens of fronts. Pilgrim Baptist provides a community where parents are supported and encouraged in the challenging work of raising children who love God and His Word.
Many families at Pilgrim Baptist homeschool, creating natural connections and support. Others use Christian schools or even public schools while remaining actively engaged in discipleship at home and church. The common thread is a commitment to raising children in "the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Visit and Experience It Yourself
If you're interested in learning more about Pilgrim Baptist Church, you can listen to past sermons online to get a sense of the biblical teaching here: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/. This gives you an opportunity to evaluate whether the church's approach to Scripture aligns with what you're looking for before you even make the move.
When you do visit Cookeville, you'll find people eager to meet you, answer questions, and share their experiences as transplant families. No pressure, no sales pitch—just genuine hospitality and a desire to help you find where God is leading your family.
Making the Move: Practical Considerations
Once you've decided Tennessee is the right direction, here are some practical factors to consider:
Moving Costs and Timeline
The moving industry estimates that relocating from Oregon to Tennessee costs between $1,600 and $10,000 depending on the size of your household and whether you use full-service movers, moving containers, or rent a truck yourself. The 2,250-mile distance means about 3-4 days of travel if you're driving.
Book early if possible—moving costs can increase by 10-15% during peak summer months.
Job Market Considerations
Many Oregon transplants continue working remotely, which is ideal. For those seeking local employment, Cookeville's job market centers on healthcare (Cookeville Regional Medical Center), education (Tennessee Tech), manufacturing, and service industries. The Nashville metro is within commuting distance for those willing to drive, and many families eventually find local opportunities after settling in.
Healthcare
Cookeville Regional Medical Center is a well-regarded facility serving the Upper Cumberland region. Healthcare costs in Tennessee are generally 15% lower than the national average, and you'll find quality care available locally with specialized services accessible in Nashville when needed.
Building Your New Life
The adjustment period for any major move is 6-12 months. Give yourself grace during this time. The first few months might feel disorienting as you establish routines, find new doctors, learn the area, and build friendships. But for families who've made this move, the consensus is consistent: "We should have done this sooner."
More Than a Geographic Move
Moving from Oregon to Tennessee offers undeniable practical benefits: lower cost of living, no state income tax, less government intrusion, safer communities, and genuine cultural alignment for conservative families. These are real advantages that improve quality of life.
But as you contemplate this major life change, we'd encourage you to think bigger. What if this move became an opportunity not just to change your address, but to build your life on something more solid than political preference or geographic location?
The cultural chaos you're leaving behind in Oregon isn't fundamentally about politics—it's about what happens when a society rejects God's Word as the standard for truth, morality, and human flourishing. Moving to Tennessee puts you in a better environment, but it doesn't automatically solve the deeper need every person has: to know God through Jesus Christ and to build life on the foundation of Scripture.
That's the real opportunity here. Yes, come for the lower taxes and the safer neighborhoods. But stay for something much more valuable: a community rooted in biblical truth, where you can grow spiritually while raising your family in an environment that supports rather than undermines your values.
Cookeville, Tennessee is a great place to live. It offers practical advantages that will improve your family's financial situation and quality of life. But more importantly, it's a place where you can find authentic Christian community and solid biblical teaching at churches like Pilgrim Baptist.
Take the Next Step
If you're seriously considering this move, here's what we'd encourage you to do:
Visit Cookeville. You can't make this decision purely from online research. Come see the area, experience the community, and get a feel for whether it's the right fit.
Connect with Pilgrim Baptist Church. Whether through online sermons first or visiting in person, start building a connection with people who've made the same move you're contemplating. They can answer questions, provide practical advice, and help you understand what life in Cookeville is really like.
Ask the deeper questions. As you research housing costs and school options, also ask yourself: "What am I really seeking? What foundation am I building my life on? What do I want my family's story to be?"
Pray about it. If you have any faith at all, bring this decision to God. Ask Him to guide your steps. Major life decisions like this shouldn't be made solely on practical considerations—seek wisdom from the One who knows what's best for you and your family.
The Oregon-to-Tennessee move is happening for a reason. Thousands of families have already made the journey and discovered not just a better place to live, but a better way to live. You could be next.
Cookeville is waiting, and so is a community ready to welcome you home.
For more information about Pilgrim Baptist Church or to connect with families who've relocated to Cookeville, visit, reach out to us at 931-219-2224 or listen to past sermons at https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/.