Tennessee Local Expert
Mike Stover
“I am a Tennessee native who has lived, worked, or worn out tires in all three divisions of the state,…”
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JourneysMoving Journeys|From TNMoving from Tennessee|To MAMoving to Massachusetts|Tennessee → Massachusetts
Your Tennessee to MA Relocation Guide: Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
Tennessee and Massachusetts sit at opposite ends of the cultural and climatic spectrum, and the contrast becomes very real the moment you start researching the move. You are trading Southern hospitality, a lower cost of living, and mild winters for New England charm, higher wages, and snowfall that actually demands your attention. The pace slows down in Tennessee in ways that Massachusetts simply does not, and that adjustment catches plenty of relocating families off guard. Our Snappy Scout team (Mike & Candice) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you need to understand before loading up the truck.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Miles Between Tennessee and MA
Average distance
1,150miles
Typical route
I-81 N and I-95 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Nashville, TN → Boston, MA
~1150 miles
Memphis, TN → Boston, MA
~1400 miles
Knoxville, TN → Boston, MA
~1050 miles
Chattanooga, TN → Springfield, MA
~1050 miles
Nashville, TN → Worcester, MA
~1150 miles
Should You Move From Tennessee to Massachusetts Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Massachusetts from Tennessee is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
Tennessee to MA Relocation Fees
Moving 1,150 miles from Tennessee to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,270.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,080.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,460.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,410.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,120.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270.00 | 300 | $4.23 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080.00 | 750 | $4.11 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,460.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,410.00 | 1,600 | $4.01 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,120.00 | 1,800 | $3.96 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
Is MA the Right Next Chapter for You?
Well, it depends. If you're a Minimalist, Yoga Instructor, or Coffee Snob, you'll thrive in your move to Massachusetts. But if you're more of a Cowboy, Adventure Junkie, or Garden Club Lifetime Member, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Tennessee to Massachusetts.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from TN to MA
Minimalism
Tennessee
5
/10
Massachusetts
7.5
/10
Tennessee
Giving up
The Gulch microlofts fit, but suburban sprawl and I-24 overwhelm
Massachusetts
Gaining
Small spaces force simplicity, urban living thrives.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Minimalists
Boston condosCambridge
Tennessee
5
/10
Massachusetts
7.5
/10
Yoga
Tennessee
6.5
/10
Massachusetts
8.5
/10
Tennessee
Giving up
12South yoga studios, Chattanooga riverfront sun salutations, Real Hot Yoga & Yoga in the Park
Massachusetts
Gaining
Wellness culture strong, studios on every corner.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
CambridgeBrooklineNorthampton
Tennessee
6.5
/10
Massachusetts
8.5
/10
Coffee Culture
Tennessee
8.5
/10
Massachusetts
9.5
/10
Tennessee
Giving up
Barista Parlor espresso, Crema roastery, Memphis City & State, Don Gatos Coffee Bar
Massachusetts
Gaining
A plethora of local coffee shops for you to choose from.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
CambridgeSomervilleNorthampton
Tennessee
8.5
/10
Massachusetts
9.5
/10
Cowboys
Tennessee
6.5
/10
Massachusetts
3
/10
Tennessee
Giving up
Franklin horse farms, PBR's Nashville Stampede at Bridgestone Arena
Massachusetts
Gaining
Some farms exist, but no rodeos or true range.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Cowboys
Western Mass
Tennessee
6.5
/10
Massachusetts
3
/10
Adventure Activities
Tennessee
9.5
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Tennessee
Giving up
The Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains, Ocoee Rapids, Obed climbs
Massachusetts
Gaining
Mount Greylock hikes, coastal kayaking adventures.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
BerkshiresCape Cod
Tennessee
9.5
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Gardener
Tennessee
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Tennessee
Giving up
Cheekwood blooms, Memphis Botanic Garden strolls
Massachusetts
Gaining
Berkshire Botanical Garden, historic town greens.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Garden Club Lifetime Members
StockbridgeConcord
Tennessee
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Massachusetts?
This is a tough one, but I have to fall back to the annual voyage to the Cape. This is a pretty standard trip for folks every summer. And no matter which route you choose, you'll be sure to sit in heavy traffic. But it's the quintessential road trip. Plenty of time to enjoy your best CDs and snacks along the way.
– Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Tennessee and living in Massachusetts
TennesseeMassachusetts
Forget the Food Blogs: Here's How Locals Actually Eat in Tennessee and MA
Eating Like a Local in Tennessee
Locals from Memphis to Roan Mountain know that REAL barbeque comes wet, sweet, and sticky. Vinegar is a cleaning agent, not an ingredient in BBQ.
Mike StoverTennessee Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Massachusetts
We have some really fabulous local ethnic restaurants. Any type of food you desire, you're sure to find it. From Cambodian, Ghanaian, to Brazilian, you'll find some excellent dishes to try. Grab a pupusa from a Salvadorean spot. It's cheap and delish!
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertFrom Tennessee to MA: How Your Tax Story Breaks Down
Tennessee
Massachusetts
TennesseevsMassachusetts
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNo tax on wages, Hall tax on dividends repealed 2021
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Tennessee
No tax on wages, Hall tax on dividends repealed 2021
VS
Massachusetts
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Property Taxes
Property TaxesLower statewide, higher in Shelby and Davidson, Knox and Hamilton moderate, rural low
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
Tennessee
Lower statewide, higher in Shelby and Davidson, Knox and Hamilton moderate, rural low
VS
Massachusetts
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
What Looks Different About Values, Beliefs, & Politics When You Move to MA from Tennessee
Tennessee
Massachusetts
TennesseevsMassachusetts
People
PeoplePolite, Volunteer State helpful, porch chat friendly, bless your heart energy
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Tennessee
Polite, Volunteer State helpful, porch chat friendly, bless your heart energy
VS
Massachusetts
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Politics
Solid Republican statewide, Nashville and Memphis blue, Chattanooga and Knoxville cores competitive
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Tennessee
Solid Republican statewide, Nashville and Memphis blue, Chattanooga and Knoxville cores competitive
VS
Massachusetts
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Religion
ReligionPredominantly Christian, strong evangelical Baptist, growing unaffiliated, Muslim and Hindu communities in Nashville
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
Tennessee
Predominantly Christian, strong evangelical Baptist, growing unaffiliated, Muslim and Hindu communities in Nashville
VS
Massachusetts
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
What Locals Actually Think About the Weather in Tennessee and MA
SUMMER
Tennessee
sweet tea sauna vibes (Memphis bakes, Nashville steams, Smokies cool off at dusk). The lowlands are just plain hot; the mountains are where you want to be.
Massachusetts
sticky brick oven vibes (humid 90s along the coast)
WINTER
Tennessee
light jacket roulette (Nashville slush, Memphis rain, Gatlinburg steals the snow). Natives say if you don't like Tennessee weather, wait a while; it'll change.
Massachusetts
layered like a human onion (single digits with windchill in January)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Massachusetts
Winter: If I had to find something positive to say about our winters, I'd say official Snow Days! Otherwise, it's pretty bleak. I guess it also looks pretty before the snow plows get dirty snow everywhere.
Spring: Winter's over! And we have GORGEOUS weather.
Summer: The fact that we have the Cape. Everyone travels there (unless they already live there) in the summer.
Fall: No brainer...the foliage. Even on your everyday commute in town, it's breathtaking to witness.
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Massachusetts
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Tennessee, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Massachusetts. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Massachusetts local experts.
Moving toBoston
Prep Your Wallet and Drop Your R's
