Possible move to Tennessee

[twostep]

Originally Posted by JohnSoCal

The OP was talking about Nashville which is much different than Memphis. There are a lot of nice affordable areas around Nashville.

I stand corrected. Having worked the TN employment market for eight years - even frugally OP cannot make it with six people and one paycheck.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by Couple from Colorado

I am from Tennessee originally and I can say that it is the most backwards place you will ever live. Then again, I may be biased here. It is extremely religious, with the locals knocking on your door to see 'what church you belong to and if you want to go with them to visit their church'. If you have never lived in this environment, you will have a tough time. The locals won't take NO for an answer. They see it as their moral obligation to keep knocking on your door to get you to go to their church. Not kidding here. Creationisim is taught in the public schools and you had better never mention evolution or you will be an outcast. Also, don't mention to them if you ever agree with Democrats - that's a VERY BAD TOPIC among the locals. They are very serious and devout Republicans and don't like those with diferent opinions. That's just the Southern mindset.
My cousins still live in Nashville and I grew up in Jackson, not too far from Memphis, and also lived in Memphis for many years. The farther east you go in the state, the more relgious and nonsensical it gets. East Tennessee was able to pass a bill that wouldn't allow west Tennessee to have casinos that would have generated money for the state state. They passed out pamphlets in churches that told the congregation how to vote to defeat this measure, as gambling is considered a sin.
I just wanted to give you the insider's opinion on the area. Maybe you'll love it there but most of the people originating from outside of the South that I have met leave within 5 yrs. I met so many that said that they had had enough of it. The locals will be nice to your face until you say the wrong thing. Then you will never be treated with anything other than hostility for having a different opinion, I'm sad to say. Extrememly backwards and conservative area of the country, where outsiders are not welcome.
I left Tennessee and I am seen as an outsider because I chose to leave. My ancestors even founded the state many, many years ago and I am still an outsider. Most Tennesseans never leave the state even on vacation. So they have no concept of anything outside of their local areas and think that everyone in the world should believe exactly as they do. Please be aware of this before you make your final decision.

???
Nobody ever pressured me to go to their or a church for that matter. Just the opposite we were invited and accepted even though we are a bit off center. Gambling is not my cup of tea. Come to TX if you want to talk about evolution and politics:>)

[JohnSoCal]

I have lived most of my life in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay area which are very diverse, especially the San Francisco Bay area. I love both areas though I am conservative. Having said that, my wife and I also enjoyed the times we have spent in both Tennessee and Texas. We have spent a lot of time in both states. It is all what you make it. I don't pay any attention to people that rant and rave about the politics of an area whether it be liberal or conservative or whatever. All they are doing is showing their own prejudices and bias.

I have lived in 4 different countries and in many states from one coast to the other. My wife and I definitely prefer California but we have enjoyed everywhere we have been.

[anya]

I lived in TN for three years, just south of Nashville in Franklin. CONSTANTLY was asked where I went to church--it seemed to be the Nashville/Franklin version of "How do you like living here?" And I was invited to visit many a church.

That said, in the end, I did make many wonderful friends who didn't care that I didn't belong to a church (or carry a Bible around with me in a carrying case). Downtown Franklin is a very cute little town with great restaurants and shops.

The Williamson County Schools are good--hence my living in Franklin. The cost of living is higher than a lot of other places in TN (in 2008 it had the 17th highest median household income in the country), but it's not impossible to find a good place for a reasonable price. McKay's Mill is a nice subdivision with houses across a range of prices that's really good for families with kids.

[dcarrothers]

Originally Posted by bluemaze

My family and I are also in the process of moving to Tennessee from the UK and I am in the exact same position as you wondering if we will be able to live comfortably over there.
Although I have been offered a position I am still waiting on what the financial package is and if relocation will be included in the offer.
I will be moving over on a L-1 visa(L2 for my wife and son) and if worst comes to worse I could apply for a transfer back when a position comes available back in the UK but I really can’t see that happening. My wife's sister and her family live in Georgia, about an hour and a half away and they have been there 15 years now and say they would never return. We have visited many times and love the lifestyle over there.

If would be good to stay in contact with you and see how you progress, if you have any questions for us please don’t hesitate to ask.

Hi All

Its been while since i last posted but my company has finally came back with the offer of a 12month temporary assignment in Tennessee. This includes them paying $1500/month on either rent or utilities combined, medical insurance for entire family (including dental), providing use of car for the duration, company credit card, mobile phone, $4500 for household incidentials and an additional payment of £750 before tax. This is on top of a salary of £27000/yr.

Any opinions or thoughts on this deal or the cost of living in Tennessee compared to the UK would be greatfully received.

Thanks
Derek

[anya]

I think you'll do quite well with that!

Good luck with the move!

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by dcarrothers

Hi All

Its been while since i last posted but my company has finally came back with the offer of a 12month temporary assignment in Tennessee. This includes them paying $1500/month on either rent or utilities combined, medical insurance for entire family (including dental), providing use of car for the duration, company credit card, mobile phone, $4500 for household incidentials and an additional payment of £750 before tax. This is on top of a salary of £27000/yr.

Any opinions or thoughts on this deal or the cost of living in Tennessee compared to the UK would be greatfully received.

Thanks
Derek

That is an excellent package and you will be able to live very well. Basically all your essentials are paid for so your salary will be discretionary income.

[dcarrothers]

Thanks for all your replies.

The company are basically going to want us out there as soon as the L visa is approved so the next thing i need to hassle everyone about is accomodation and schools.

I will be working near springfield so if anyone has suggestions on areas, schools etc i would really appreciate it. Obviously the company have rental contacts over there but i want to make sure things are right for us. I will be heading to US for a business trip prior to my 12 assignment commencing so i will have time to have a look about and get as much organised then as possible.

[WilsonP]

I had to look up Springfield, it's a tiny little dot northwest of Nashville.

It looks like there are some nice communities northeast of Nashville, it would be about a 20 mile commute to Springfield but you'd be going in the opposite direction of the rush hour.

I would guess that Hendersonville or Madison would offer good choices in schools if you didn't want to live in Nashville proper.

[dcarrothers]

Originally Posted by WilsonP

I had to look up Springfield, it's a tiny little dot northwest of Nashville.

It looks like there are some nice communities northeast of Nashville, it would be about a 20 mile commute to Springfield but you'd be going in the opposite direction of the rush hour.

I would guess that Hendersonville or Madison would offer good choices in schools if you didn't want to live in Nashville proper.

Thanks

I will be heading over there on a business trip soon so that i can sort out areas, accomodation and schools prior to our arrival. Basic food seems quite expensive compared to UK. Is this the case?