If you're reading this from somewhere in the Green Mountain State, you're probably familiar with the conversation. Maybe it's happening around your own kitchen table. The property tax bill that arrived last month. The political climate that feels increasingly disconnected from your family's values. The brutal heating costs that stretch from October through April. The growing sense that Vermont, as beautiful as it is, isn't the place you thought it would be when you put down roots.
You're not alone. While Vermont sees some in-migration from coastal states, there's a quiet exodus of families—particularly conservative, faith-oriented, homeschooling families—who are looking for something different. And many of them are finding it in Tennessee, specifically in communities like Cookeville in Middle Tennessee.
This isn't about running away. It's about running toward something better: financial breathing room, cultural alignment, educational freedom, and perhaps most importantly, a community where faith and family aren't just tolerated but celebrated.
The Financial Reality: Vermont's Tax Burden vs Tennessee's Freedom
Let's start with the numbers, because they're hard to ignore.
Vermont currently has one of the highest state income tax rates in the nation, with a top marginal rate of 8.75%. If you're a family earning $75,000 annually, you're looking at a 6.75% state income tax rate on much of that income. For a household bringing in $100,000, that Vermont income tax alone amounts to over $6,000 per year.
Tennessee? Zero state income tax. Not a low rate. Not a reduced rate for certain income levels. Zero.
That's $6,000+ back in your pocket every single year—money that can go toward your children's education, paying down debt, building savings, or simply having margin in your budget instead of living paycheck to paycheck.
Property Taxes: The Vermont Crisis
But income tax is only part of the story. Vermont's property tax situation has become untenable for many families. With an average effective property tax rate of 1.78% (the fifth-highest in the nation), Vermont homeowners are paying substantially more than most Americans. In 2024-2025, approximately 87% of Vermont towns saw their homestead education tax rates increase, with some communities experiencing hikes of over 30%.
For a home valued at $300,000 in Vermont—fairly modest by today's standards—you're looking at around $5,340 annually in property taxes. That's $445 per month, and in many Vermont communities, it's even higher.
Compare that to Tennessee's average effective property tax rate of just 0.49%—less than one-third of Vermont's rate. That same $300,000 home in Tennessee would run you approximately $1,470 per year in property taxes. That's a savings of nearly $4,000 annually, or $333 per month.
Do the math for your own situation:
Vermont income tax savings: $6,000+/year
Property tax savings: $4,000/year
Total annual savings: $10,000+
Over ten years, that's $100,000 that stays with your family instead of going to the government. Over twenty years, it's $200,000—enough to fund college educations, pay off a mortgage, or retire early.
Cost of Living: Beyond Taxes
The tax savings are dramatic, but the overall cost of living advantage extends beyond just taxes. Housing prices in Tennessee are approximately 18% lower than in Vermont, meaning your dollar goes further when purchasing a home. Heating costs are substantially lower—Tennessee averages about 5 inches of snow per year compared to Vermont's harsh winters, which means your utility bills won't spike every winter for six months straight.
Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses are also more affordable. Tennessee ranks as the 10th most affordable state overall, while Vermont's cost of living continues to climb above the national average.
More Than Economics: Cultural and Political Alignment
For many Vermont families considering relocation, the financial case alone would be compelling. But there's more to this decision than dollars and cents. There's the growing sense that Vermont's political and cultural trajectory is moving in a direction that conflicts with your family's values.
Vermont has shifted dramatically over the past several decades. What was once a reliably Republican state—in fact, one of only two states (along with Maine) that never voted for FDR—has become one of the most progressive states in the nation. The "back to the land" movement of the 1960s and 70s brought an influx of liberal-leaning newcomers from Boston and New York, fundamentally reshaping Vermont's political culture.
Today, that progressive shift continues to accelerate. Many longtime Vermont families—the "old Vermonters" or "woodchucks" as they're sometimes called—find themselves feeling like strangers in their own state. The values that once characterized Vermont—independence, self-sufficiency, limited government, traditional family structures—are increasingly sidelined in favor of policies that many conservative families find troubling.
Tennessee's Constitutional Conservatism
Tennessee offers a different environment. The state maintains a strong commitment to constitutional principles, parental rights, and traditional values:
Second Amendment Freedoms: Tennessee is a constitutional carry state, respecting the Second Amendment without the heavy restrictions and regulations that characterize Vermont's recent gun control measures.
Pro-Life Protections: Tennessee has enacted strong pro-life legislation protecting the unborn, in contrast to Vermont's expansion of abortion access.
Parental Rights in Education: Tennessee law affirms parents as the primary educators and decision-makers for their children, without the state intrusion that's become increasingly common in more progressive states.
Religious Liberty: Tennessee's culture broadly respects religious conviction and doesn't penalize faith-based businesses or individuals for living according to their beliefs.
Traditional Family Values: The state's policies and culture support traditional marriage and family structures, providing an environment where your family's values aren't constantly challenged by government mandates or social pressure.
This isn't about creating an echo chamber. It's about finding a place where you're not fighting upstream against the culture and government just to raise your children according to your convictions. It's about living in a community where your neighbors are more likely to share your worldview than to look at you sideways for it.
Education Freedom: Homeschooling in Tennessee
For many families leaving Vermont, educational freedom is a critical factor. Vermont's educational environment, while technically homeschool-friendly from a legal standpoint, has become increasingly uncomfortable for conservative Christian families. The public school curriculum, the social environment, and the overall educational philosophy often conflict with what traditional families want for their children.
Tennessee: A Homeschool Paradise
Tennessee is widely recognized as one of the most homeschool-friendly states in America. The state operates on a notification-only basis—you simply notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool. That's it. No approval process. No curriculum submission. No testing mandates for most grades.
Compare this to the bureaucratic hurdles and social pressures in other states, and Tennessee's approach becomes remarkably attractive. The state trusts parents to educate their children without excessive government oversight.
Cookeville's Homeschool Community
The Cookeville and Upper Cumberland area boasts a thriving homeschool community with numerous co-ops and support networks:
Rooted Homeschool Co-op: A Christian co-op in Cookeville offering weekly parent-facilitated classes. Families find this to be an excellent blend of home education with the social and academic benefits of group learning.
PAJCH (Parents Association of Jackson County Homeschoolers): Serves families throughout the Upper Cumberland area with field trips, cooperative learning, yearbook, graduation ceremonies, field days, and theatrical performances.
Upper Cumberland Inclusive Homeschoolers: For families seeking a more diverse homeschool experience, this group provides support and encouragement with regular co-op meetings.
Multiple Faith-Based Co-Ops: The area has several Christian homeschool co-ops meeting weekly throughout the region, offering everything from classical education approaches to more relaxed, Charlotte Mason-inspired methods.
Real Support from Families Who've Been There
Here's what makes Cookeville's homeschool community special: many of the families at Pilgrim Baptist Church (more on that in a moment) are homeschoolers themselves. These aren't theoretical educators—they're parents in the trenches, many of whom have been homeschooling for years and have walked the path you're just beginning.
They understand the challenges: the curriculum decisions, the socialization questions, the moments of doubt, the victories and frustrations. They've "been there, done that," and they're eager to help newcomers find their footing. Whether you need curriculum recommendations, co-op information, or just encouragement on a tough day, you'll find experienced homeschoolers ready to support you.
Additional Educational Options
While many families choose to homeschool, Tennessee also offers quality private Christian schools and increasingly improving public school options for those who prefer traditional schooling. The key difference from Vermont is that you have real choices, and the culture supports whichever path you choose for your family.
Climate and Lifestyle: Trading Snow for Seasons
Vermont's winters are no joke. If you've lived through a few, you know the toll they take—not just financially with heating bills, but physically and emotionally. The months of cold, the endless snow removal, the grayness that settles in around November and doesn't lift until April.
Tennessee offers four distinct seasons without the extremes. You'll still see snow occasionally—Cookeville gets a few inches most winters—but nothing like the relentless snowfall and subzero temperatures of the Green Mountains. Spring arrives earlier, fall lingers longer, and winter is genuinely shorter and milder.
Cookeville's Strategic Location
Cookeville sits right on Interstate 40, making it an ideal hub for Middle Tennessee living:
Nashville: 80 miles west (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Knoxville: 100 miles east (about 1.5 hours)
Chattanooga: 100 miles southeast (about 1.5 hours)
You get the benefits of small-town living—lower cost of living, less traffic, a genuine sense of community—while maintaining easy access to major cities for entertainment, shopping, medical specialists, and airport access.
Small-Town Feel, Modern Amenities
Cookeville (population around 35,000) offers that sweet spot many families are seeking: small enough to be affordable and community-oriented, large enough to have the services and amenities you need. Tennessee Tech University provides cultural and educational opportunities. The town has solid healthcare facilities, plenty of shopping options, and a growing array of restaurants and entertainment.
But you're not dealing with the congestion, crime, and costs of urban living. You know your neighbors. Your kids can still play outside. The pace of life allows for family dinners and time to breathe.
A Deeper Question Worth Asking
Here's where we need to pause and consider something that goes beyond politics, taxes, and even educational freedom.
When was the last time you gave serious thought to what the Bible actually teaches?
Many of us leave places because of political or financial pressures—and those are legitimate concerns that deserve attention. We move seeking lower taxes, better weather, safer streets, and communities that share our values. All of that matters.
But how often do we consider the spiritual environment we're moving into?
A fresh start in a new place offers more than lower taxes and better weather. It's an opportunity to reconsider priorities, to find a community that doesn't just share your values but helps you understand why those values matter in the first place. Conservative principles are important—they're often rooted in wisdom that's stood the test of time. But they're most meaningful when anchored in something deeper than political preference, when they're grounded in the timeless truth of Scripture.
You might be leaving Vermont because of high taxes or progressive policies. Those are real problems. But what if this relocation is also an opportunity to find a church community that takes the Bible seriously? A place where you can actually learn what Scripture teaches, not just hear it referenced occasionally to support whatever position is popular?
Here's what we've observed: many families know they're conservative, know they value faith and family, but haven't really been taught the Bible systematically. They've attended churches that were culturally Christian, maybe even politically aligned, but light on actual biblical teaching. They can quote a few verses, maybe tell you some Bible stories, but couldn't really explain the major themes of Scripture, the flow of redemptive history, or how to study the Bible for themselves.
That's not a criticism. It's just reality. Good churches that prioritize serious Bible teaching are harder to find than you might think. And a move to a new area, where you're starting fresh and looking for a church home anyway, is the perfect time to be intentional about finding that kind of church.
Finding a Bible-Believing Church: Not as Easy as You'd Think
When you relocate, one of the first things on your list is finding a church. But here's the challenge: how do you evaluate a church? Most people look for a friendly environment, good children's programs, contemporary worship or traditional hymns (depending on preference), and hopefully some cultural conservatism.
Those things matter. But they're not the most important thing.
The most important thing is this: Does this church take the Bible seriously?
Not "do they say they believe the Bible"—most churches will claim that. The question is whether they actually teach it. Is the preaching expository, working through books of the Bible verse by verse, or is it topical sermons that cherry-pick verses to support whatever message the pastor wants to deliver? Is there doctrinal clarity, or theological mushiness that avoids hard truths? Is there serious discipleship, or just motivational speaking with Christian vocabulary?
The Difference Between Political Conservatism and Biblical Faithfulness
Here's something worth distinguishing: a church can be culturally conservative and politically right-leaning without being particularly biblical in its teaching. You can find churches in the South that are filled with wonderful, genuine, politically conservative people, but where the preaching is shallow and the Bible is used as a prop rather than as the authoritative Word of God that's carefully studied and systematically taught.
That's not enough. If you're going to uproot your family and move a thousand miles, why settle for a church that's merely culturally comfortable when you could find one committed to helping you understand Scripture?
What Makes a Church Truly Bible-Believing?
A genuinely Bible-believing church is characterized by:
Expository Preaching: The pastor works through books of the Bible, explaining what the text means in its context before applying it to our lives. This ensures you're learning what the Bible actually teaches, not just what sounds good.
Doctrinal Clarity: The church has clear theological convictions based on Scripture and isn't afraid to teach them. Doctrine isn't a dirty word—it's how the church explains what the Bible teaches about God, salvation, the Christian life, and the future.
Serious Discipleship: The goal isn't just to gather a crowd on Sunday morning. It's to help people grow in their understanding of Scripture and in conformity to Christ. This takes time, effort, and intentionality.
Systematic Bible Teaching: Over time, you're exposed to the whole counsel of God, not just the pastor's favorite themes or the trendy topics of the moment.
When you find a church like this, you're not just finding a place to attend—you're finding a family of believers who take God's Word seriously and are committed to helping one another grow in understanding it.
Pilgrim Baptist Church: A Transplant Church for Transplant Families
Let us introduce you to Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville.
Here's what makes Pilgrim Baptist unique and particularly relevant for families relocating from places like Vermont: this is a transplant church founded by a transplant family.
Nearly eight years ago, Pastor Fortunato and his family relocated to Tennessee specifically to start this church. They understand the transplant experience firsthand—the challenges of moving to a new place, finding community, establishing roots, figuring out where to shop and which neighborhoods are best. They've been where you are, or where you're about to be.
A Church Family of Newcomers
Because of this history, Pilgrim Baptist Church is largely made up of families who have moved from out of state. You won't be the odd one out as "the new people from Vermont." You'll be joining a church where many families have similar stories—people who relocated for work, for family, for financial reasons, or for the cultural environment. This creates an instant sense of community with others who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of starting fresh in a new state.
Committed to Serious Bible Teaching
What defines Pilgrim Baptist Church is a commitment to serious Bible teaching through expository preaching. Pastor Fortunato works through books of the Bible systematically, explaining the text in its context and helping the congregation understand what Scripture actually says. This isn't motivational speaking with Bible verses sprinkled in. It's careful, thoughtful exposition that aims to teach the whole counsel of God.
Recent sermon series have included:
Extended exposition through the Gospel of John
Studies in Esther, examining God's providence and faithfulness
In-depth teaching through Proverbs
Biblical standards for worship, music, modesty, and family life
The goal is simple but profound: to help people understand the Bible so they can live in light of it. Not just to hear about the Bible, but to actually comprehend what it teaches, book by book, passage by passage.
Family-Friendly Ministry with Homeschool Support
Pilgrim Baptist Church is committed to family ministry and recognizes that many families in the congregation are homeschoolers. As mentioned earlier, experienced homeschooling families in the church are eager to help newcomers navigate the homeschooling journey. Whether you're a veteran homeschooler yourself or you're considering it for the first time, you'll find genuine support from people who have walked (and are walking) this path.
The church isn't legalistic about educational choices—families send their children to public schools, private schools, and homeschool, and all are supported. What matters is that parents are equipped to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, whatever educational setting they choose.
A Welcoming Environment for Newcomers
Starting at a new church can feel awkward. You don't know anyone, you don't know the rhythms and culture, you're trying to figure out if this is the right fit. Pilgrim Baptist Church recognizes this and works to create a welcoming environment for visitors and new members.
Whether you're still in Vermont researching your move, or you're already in Middle Tennessee looking for a church home, you're invited to visit. The church family understands what it's like to be new, to be figuring things out, to be looking for a community where you can plant roots.
An Invitation: Come Hear for Yourself
If you're seriously considering a move from Vermont to Tennessee, we'd encourage you to visit Cookeville and check out Pilgrim Baptist Church when you're in town exploring the area.
More importantly, even before you visit in person, you can listen to past sermons online. [Insert link to sermon archive here] This gives you the opportunity to hear Pastor Fortunato's teaching style and get a sense of the church's commitment to biblical exposition. Listen to a few sermons. See if this is the kind of teaching you've been looking for. Evaluate whether this church is seriously engaging with Scripture or just giving you another round of generic Christian platitudes.
Don't just take our word for it. Hear the preaching yourself and make your own evaluation.
If you have questions about the area, about the church, or about what relocation to Tennessee might look like for your family, don't hesitate to reach out. The church family would be happy to help you think through your decision and provide whatever guidance they can.
New Beginnings: Practical and Spiritual
Relocating from Vermont to Tennessee isn't just about escaping problems. It's about moving toward something better.
Practically speaking, you're moving toward:
Financial freedom with dramatically lower taxes
Educational freedom with strong homeschool support
Cultural alignment with conservative values
Better weather and lower cost of living
A community that respects faith and family
Spiritually speaking, you have the opportunity to:
Find a church that takes Bible teaching seriously
Join a community of believers committed to growing in their understanding of Scripture
Establish your family in an environment where faith isn't just a cultural checkbox but a lived reality
Learn what the Bible actually teaches, not just what feels comfortable
Both matter. The financial and cultural factors are real and legitimate. But the spiritual factors may matter more in the long run. Where will your children learn to understand the Bible? What kind of church community will shape your family's spiritual growth over the next ten, twenty, thirty years?
Tennessee offers you both: practical benefits and spiritual opportunities. Cookeville specifically provides small-town living with easy access to urban amenities. And Pilgrim Baptist Church offers a community of believers who take God's Word seriously and are eager to welcome families who are making this significant transition.
Take the Next Step
If this resonates with you, here's what we'd encourage:
Do your research. Look at the tax savings for your specific situation. Explore Cookeville online and see what the area offers.
Listen to sermons. Visit Pilgrim Baptist Church's sermon archive and listen to past messages here: https://pilgrimbaptist.church/sermons/. Get a feel for whether this is the kind of biblical teaching you're looking for.
Plan a visit. When you're ready to explore Tennessee in person, plan a weekend trip to Cookeville. Tour the area, check out neighborhoods, and visit Pilgrim Baptist Church on a Sunday morning.
Ask questions. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions about the area, the church, or the relocation process. The church family has been through this and can help.
Pray about it. This is a big decision that will affect your entire family. Seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance.
Vermont is a beautiful state with wonderful people. But if it's no longer the right place for your family—if the taxes, politics, climate, or spiritual environment have you looking for something different—Tennessee might be exactly what you need.
And when you arrive, Pilgrim Baptist Church will be ready to welcome you home.