Tennessee is a beautiful state once you get to the eastern part into the mountains, and Pigeon Forge is a great city to visit. The western part around Memphis where I live, you find the Mississippi River. When you drive on I-40 between Memphis and Nashville, there is absolutely no meaningful cities, with the exception of Jackson, and there is absolutely nothing to see. Not the most interesting place to drive in. People in Tennessee are generally friendly and there is plenty if diversity.

The weather is very warm and and humid, so the temperatures can get out of control at times. It rains a lot and we get a lot of nasty storms and tornadoes, and thankfully are yet to get hit by one.

In Memphis, there are a lot of shootings, and about a week or two ago, there was a serial rapist going around western Tennessee. There is plenty of crime in TN, but the suburbs are generally much safer and cleaner, too.

Although not the best, Tennessee is a decent state to live in.

Was born in Nashville and lived in East Tennessee for awhile, there are many beautiful Places to visit and drive through. Have ridden through there On a motorcycle more Times than I can count, and is a great Way to see the State. Seeing it 2000 miles up on a Glider is another great way to view the State. I strongly recommend both Methods.
Admittedly, some Parts of the State are beyond backwards though Most of the People in those areas are Nice enough. In many places it Is like stepping in a Time machine and going Back 40 years or So, but with Internet connection and cell Phones. Don't think I would want to Live there again, but I do enjoy visiting the Area. Much of the State is great For painting or Photography.

Nothing to do here. Too many bugs and rednecks. KKK is a big deal here.

Tennessee gets a bad rap by elitists who equate intelligence with that twang, or drawl, or perhaps because much of Tennessee just doesn't want to buy into moving into the cultural fast lane. I have spent quite a bit of time there doing business and vacationing, not to mention my epic motorcycle trip that took me through some of the less travelled towns. It is a beautiful State. I made the bulk of my income because of Tennesseans, who proved themselves to be the wisest of owls. If for no other reason, Tennessee gets a solid *5* for attracting the most friendly people I've ever met...from the CEOs to the Hillbillies. By the way, Oak Ridge has been known as the one place having the highest percentage of Phd's in the country. And let's not forget about the music...

A beautiful State; absolutely gorgeous.  I've never lived there, and I'm sure the economy isn't too good just as with all the States right now, but if I had to choose another State to live, it'd be Tennessee.  Very warm people as well!!

Perhaps the MOST beautiful state in the U.S.A. save for Hawaii and maybe Alaska. Beauty everywhere you go and very nice people overall. TN is actually like 3 states....East TN, Middle TN, and West TN. All have something for everyone and a visit to TN is a visit worth making!!

This review is from a tourist's perspective, and therefore mentions nothing about cost of living, employment, schools, etc.

I've only been to Tennessee once, and I was only there for about three days on my Honeymoon, but everything that we experienced was terrific. Driving through the state was very scenic, and downtown Nashville is surprisingly easy to drive through, and parking is available at a reasonable price very close to common attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman, and the Wildhorse Saloon. Nashville might be the best tourist attraction I've ever been to. The three days we spent there weren't nearly enough. While we did get manage to get to the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry, and several shops in downtown, we didn't even get a chance to experience any of the smaller honkytonks or the Country Music Hall of Fame. The food is spectacular, you can find great barbecued pork around almost every corner. I'd also recommend taking a riverboat cruise down the Cumberland River for a relaxing afternoon.

So you get on here and read these reviews and youve lived here all your life and you know that this state has it problems like every state but it is a fine state to live in. I am in Florida visiting some family when some of my younger cousins from Mass. ask me if we even were shoes here i couldnt help but laugh because i love how i read these reviews and many say we are ignorant but i beg to differ when someone has no idea what goes on down here and immediatly when then here the word tennessee they think ignorant rednecks when they have no idea who we are thats pretty ignorant i must say. So i will say we are not ignorant down here in the south its just the people from up north are a bunch of assholes and cant see past the fact that we wave at each other and smile and are kind to one another because we care about others and not just ourselves. Then you get people like this one below my review "earthylovingirl" i mean is going to listen to some tree hugger seriously.

they have the worst service, in any buisness. the majority of the people are too sensitive and get offended way to easily.  the girls and woman dress and act like sluts.  people are very ignorant there.  school on a sunday.....no class.  it's too bad the people ruin it, tenessee is a gorgeous state.

lived here all my life people are great vols are great girls are great country music is great and the dip is fresh south is where its at all em damn yankees and kiss my ass

I'm rating it a 3 because I really couldn't give you too many pros and cons, but I did want to comment on something that was said earlier.

Travelsomeday:
Almost every state has it's areas similar to your description of the state. Every state has is racist crowd, it's rude everday person. I don't think it fair that you base your opinion of the entire state, on the people you happen to have met while living there.

My uncle lives in Tenn. as well, and I am to be moving there within the next couple of years with my family. They have never had the issues that you have with the people, and the scenery is breathtaking according to my uncle on the area that HE lives. I'll agree that places LIKE the one you mention, would get a low rating as I cannot tolerate ignorance (and racism qualifies), but I doubt the entire populace of the state is of such low quality.

Southern Hospitality? What Southern Hospitality? I have lived here for 6 years and the state does not get "better". The people are very rude and inconsiderate. Sure at first they may smile or wave to you, but once you get to know them they are back stabbers and talk about everyone in town. It is very hard to live with comments such as "damn Yankee", " Nigger",and "wet back". The war was many years ago and I do believe they need to get over it! This state is filled with filth and when you hear the word " trailer trash" TN is what comes to mind. I have never lived in another state that treats new comers so poorly. Once in a while you can actually find a nice person. They seem to dislike anyone who is not Baptist. "No trespassing, All Trespassers will be shot!" ...this is old and stupid, especially when you have it posted on your front porch of your trailer. They complain that they can't understand someone from another state because of the way they speak...have you heard them lately? Health issues? Perhaps that is because TN is the number one asthma state in the US. Or perhaps it is because they all go to the Doctors office every time they have a cold and cough in people's face saying "I need more medicine." Weight issues? Some of the most laziest people! Very Overweight. As for the beauty of the state? I don't find these Mountains very attractive, go to Utah or WY...now that is beauty!

I had a friend of mine who went to the state of Tennessee for graduate school. Even though he said the people were super friendly and showed that southern hospitality there were restrictions. He mentioned the southern hospitality generally applied if you were not homosexual, black, or of foreign descent. He also mentioned that he got called a "fag" for wearing an earring ( and the earring was on both ears FYI)when he walked out of a store in a small town. He advises anyone who moves down there to live in the small cities as there is more diviersity and etc. Not my cup of tea to be honest with you. The close mindedness would get on my nerves.

I've only driven through Memphis so I'm not sure if I'm qualified to rate the state as a whole on just a few hours worth of experience. Memphis, sadly, is a dump. It is possibly the filthiest city I've ever seen and I saw a hooker walk the streets in a less-than-attractive neighborhood in broad daylight. The city is also extremely racially divided, I drove through a section of town that had a Wendy's restaurant with the logo of a blackfaced Wendy. I didn't even bother going to Graceland either.

I know better to judge a state on just one city, I've heard plenty of positive things about Nashville (music scene) and Knoxville (University of Tennessee) and the rural parts of the state, especially out east, must be especially scenic. If I ever go back to TN I'll definitely try those places instead.

I've visited 34 states and I must say that nobody smiles at me more often than girls from TN. I had a failed job interview in Knoxville but the people were nice to me. I love Chattanooga and the Smokey Mountains. There are many peaks over a mile high in the eastern part of the state. I liked Nashville as well. The only downside is that the crime rate in Memphis is high. For anyone that mentions racism, I met a black guy from Nashville that had lived up north and said that the bigotry was worse up there (more subtle). If it were me, I'd rather deal with few and far between southern racists because one can rise above the idiocy now that segregation is long gone.

It would be so easy to jump on the bandwagon to defend my home state against the stereotypical comments and snide remarks, or point out the equally negative attributes of other regions in the country; but I'm not going to participate in the "my state's better than your state" contest. Because my state is like any other: it has it's good and it's bad. We have trash, trailer parks, obese people, smokers, and backward mentalities. We also have beautiful mountains, pristine lakes, incredible communities filled with educated and progressive people. We have areas that are prejudiced and unwelcoming, but we also have many areas that are warm and hospitable. We have areas where I wouldn't be caught outside in daylight, but also neighborhoods that I could walk through at midnight with no fear at all. Our accents range from genteel southern arristocratic to the redneck hicks...just as another states might range from a sharp clipped tone to the mispronounciation of words like toilet (sounding like "TURLET")...get the picture? Most of my tavels have been in the northeast, midwest, and southeast, in cities both large and small. Each area has it's own unique flavor; however, in all fairness, each area houses the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tennessee has them all, but since it's my home, I'll live with the good, the bad, and the ugly right here and hope that if you pass my way, you'll receive a welcoming smile from a working wife and mom who will never put you in a box and label you, simly because you hail from another state.

I've driven through Tennessee many times. I have a few good things to say about it, but being a minority has had its drawbacks. I stayed over in Knoxville, which, in my opinion was OK, at best. I would walk into the breakfast places there from the hotel, and the patrons would give this evil stare, as if they have never seen a non-white person before. I never really felt that uncomfortable before in my life. Anywhere east of Knoxville is beautiful and serene, but very backward. Comparing this state with most of what I experienced with North Carolina, I would say Tennessee is significantly more backward. Trailer parks and garbage line the freeways which are laden with potholes all over. The Smokey Mountains are beautiful and I would recommend anyone who has the time and energy to consider taking a visit there. Chattanooga, I had the great displeasure of visiting once before. I don't think anyone obeys traffic laws there. It is a blighted wasteland. I consider it the mini-analog to Detroit, which I live closer to, since I'm from Michigan. All in all, it's worth a visit, but I would never live there. The eastern part of the state is inspiring, if you ignore the people.

Another fine Southern state.. Very clean, the people are very tolerant of the many Yankees who love to transplant here. The best music in the world comes from here as well. Good weather and beautiful mountains and people.

Recently met a man from outside of Memphis- very wealthy-but still ignorant- the amount of black/white polarization is incredible in this state (as I suspect it is in most of the south). My impressions seem to solidify my impressions that the USA is a still a racially divided nation, especially in the south-and areas of the great plains and rocky mountain regions. In addition we now have rampant homophobia and 'ethnic judging' based on religion and ethnicity. The country is even more divided then 150 years ago IMO- the bigotry and ignorance of many in the south foster this. From what I have seen there is trash everywhere- the main interstates are in disrepair- lots of uninformed people (trying to be charitable) bad personal habits (smokers abound) bad dietary habits (lots of out of shape people) Good deal of intolerance toward minorities- too many cars propped up on concrete blocks-that seem to be in some sort of repair....bad envirionment, poor schools, poor local services, Cheap costs- but you pay for quality- and this state has few redeeming qualities. Lots of bad places to eat- waffle and pancake houses, crappy chain eateries. The few plus items include- good barbeque and country music- but the negatives are many and overwelming.

Tennessee can be a pretty good place to live. It's where I grew up. I've spent 14 years of my life in Jackson, TN. To me the best city in TN. is Nashville. Most people who don't know too much about Nashville might think it's all countryfide. Well, it's not. Nashville has something to offer to everyone, all nationalities. The music scene is top notch with a good variety of rock, country, folk, ect... There's all kinds of clubs and restaurants and things to do and see. What makes Nashville so nice for a big city is it's cleanliness. very clean. I recommend this city to any first timers coming to or through TN. Memphis and Chattanooga on the other hand are very dirty and filthy. There's some great music in Memphis, like Mayfest Blues & Rock Festival every May. Alot of crime in these two cities, but if your more on the grungy side or into cheap prostitutes and strip clubs then you may enjoy these cities. Not my thing though. The Memphis Pyramid right next to the Memphis River has a lot of great concerts, but besides the music I recommend staying away from it. Germantown is home to the wealthy in Memphis. It is better than Chattanooga, but only because of the music. Jackson is where I'm from. It's been growing rapidly for over 2 decades now. When I moved there in 83, the pop. was 30,000 or so, now its over a 100,000. The schools there are decent compared with the rest of the south. About 42% white, 42% black, and 16% hispanic. There are plenty of jobs, with the best of both the country and city. Mostly Suburbs, some yuppies, but mostly locals. The worst part about Jackson are the racists, both black and white. In my opinion, from growing up there the blacks tend to instigate their own fated judgement. Many of them there show class, and you can't say nothing bad about them, but they shortchange the rest by acting like sub-humans. There's a lot of white people there that aren't any better. If people would at least pretend to have some sense of self-worth, then the world would be a better place for us all. About Mexicans, they're taking a lot of jobs from us blue-collar workers by coming over here illegally and working for lesser wages, benefits, and working conditions. Politics are the major blame for this and greedy corporate America. It sucks for me, but I don't blame them, because I would probably do the same if I were in there shoes. Most people don't know that TN. is made up of 3 different parts. East, Middle, and West. East TN. to me is too much like North Georgia. Not a great place for the intellectual or educated. Visit it and enjoy it's magical scenery during October. It's very beautiful because of the color patterns and mountains. Middle TN. is more hilly than West but not mountainous like East. Again, very beautiful countryside, lots of lakes and rivers. West TN. which is where I'm from is mostly flat but small hills are here and there. Very pretty countryside, with many lakes and rivers. Go to the TN. river during the summer is tradition, whether you like to fish, swim, sail, boat, camp, or check out top-less babes with your binoculars.

To the poster below: I grew up in the Clinton area,a neighboring town to Powell, but left years ago and have no desire to go back. I regret your experience, and wish I could disagree...but you are so right. When we moved to Clinton in the late 60's, the local high school had just been rebuilt to replace the one bombed because of racial prejudices. Our family never fit in, "white" as we are, because we didn't embrace the redneck mentality, nor did we embrace the card carrying KKK members who would proudly show off their cards at church. I grew up feeling like a misfit; however, in retrospect, being a misfit in that community was the best compliment I could receive. Not all of Tennessee represents the above. My husband and our family live in Nashville, which is a friendlier and much more progressive area of the state than the eastern region of the state. Perhaps you'll visit us here sometime and realize that, especially in the Brentwood, Green Hills, Franklin, and Hendersonville area, people are friendlier, brighter, better educated, and more welcoming. It certainly has been our experience over the last twelve years.

Just took a drive through Tennessee. It's definitely one of the ruder southern states. I was at this Hardee's, and I got the feeling outsiders weren't wanted. The lady at the counter was all partial to her blue-collar regulars, but for us colored Northerners, it was all "order and move-on" crap. This was in Powell btw. Georgia and Kentucky are much better than this state...and that's not saying much.

Tennessee has the poorest school systems. In Dayton Tennesee Kindergarten is only able to go half a day. These children are expected to learn so much. What I am waundering is what are these teachers doing at work the other half of the day!

People are insular and clannish - everything revolves around the church. Some of the locals hate Northerners and waste no time in telling them to go back North. The education system is poor. The air is bad. Traffic is horrendous. However, TN is host to diverse species of trees and birds.

Nashville is off the meter. It's so tight. They have tons of musicians performing on the streets. There are a lot of up-and-coming bands to watch. Rap is starting to get big here too with Young Buck, Eightball, MJG, and Three Six Mafia. Besides the music scene, the food is off the hook. The people are really friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed visiting Tennessee and would come back here anytime.

It has great weed. the best i've smoked since san diego and daytona beach. the people are so down to earth. if your car breaks down here, people are actually going to help you cause they care here. i live in trashachutsetts and people are all about themselves and clam chowder. anyway, i liked nashville. that was a tight city with a lot of jobs and culture. definitely visit this state. if i could get a job here, i definitely would. i love the southern hospitality.

TN is musically diverse. People who like Country music will visit Nashville (or the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area) and those who like Bluegrass will attend the Fiddler's Jamboree in Smithville on the 4th of July Weekend. If you prefer Rock, you can catch perfomances in Nashville at the AmSouth Amphitheatre (www.amsouthamphitheatre.com) and there is the annual Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester (in 2005 there were groups like Dave Matthews, Black Crowes, Joss Stone and the Allman Brothers). If you into harder music, maybe you'd check out Johncity's "Tennessee Metal and Hardcore Festival" or if you like Jazz you'd go to The Watertown Jazz Festival. As for outdoor events, Tennessee is filled with parks and natural areas. You can visit the Smoky Mountains, go white-water rafting down the Ocoee river, see the triple falls at the Burgess Falls natural area. Tennessee has tons of Hiking Trails, Camping opportunities, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Horseback Riding, Biking, Golf and more; Check out http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/findapark. php for parks all over the state. Have you been to the pyramid in Memphis? or the Parthenon in Nashville (it's a replica of Athena's temple, but its a museum in Nashville). How about the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga? You can tour the Jack Daniel's factory in Lynchburg. If you like haunted places, there's Adams TN's John Bell Farm with the local "Bell Witch", Bellwood Mansion in Dover, The Parran House in Bolivar with a ghost in a rocking chair that can be seen on the front porch; for more, see http://theshadowlands.net/places/tennessee.htm As far as restaurants, it sounds like many of people haven't checked out citysearch (http://knoxville.citysearch.com/, http://nashville.citysearch.com/, http://chattanooga.citysearch.com/, etc.). One of my favorite Greek restaurants is in Chattanooga, it's called the Acropolis, and they have superb lamb kabobs!

Absolutely awesome state. The people are so down to earth. It has Nashville, the heart of country music. It has festivals everywhere. It has Knoxville, a great stop off I-75. It has Memphis, another great diverse city. This state has great values and exercises Southern Hospitality to the fullest -- I wouldn't have it any other way!

Tennessee is my home state and I do love it, warts and all. Yes, we have some definite educational issues in which changes and improvements are long overdue. Fortunately, I live in the Nashville area where the schools are much better equipped to provide our children with a better education than most areas of the state. Nashville is also filled with exceptional talent and entertainment that extends well beyond the Country Music venues. Shopping is great here, and most areas have clean upscale neighborhoods that are safe and community oriented. The inner cities areas are crime ridden, but I avoid them at all cost, here and and in any other state through which I travel, just as I do the rednecks...here and in ANY state I travel with small minds and big mouths who cast an unfavorable blight on our state as a hole. Knoxville is great for those who love college football and who wish to be in close proximity to those beautiful Smokey Mountains and the surrounding foothills. Whether you're a nature lover or sports fan, or looking for good, clean, casual family entertainment indoors or out, this is a great place to be. We don't claim to be the most exciting state, or the wealthiest, or the most refined. Our attractions will probably pale in comparison to those of NYC, LA and other major ports of call. But when I consider the fact that I can walk down my street without fear of getting shot, and pay my taxes without taking out a second mortgage, or plan activities that do not include emergency flight plans, I believe I could live in much worse places. A sidenote: the previous post claims that we are NOT free. Please be reminded that freedom is a privilege. Moreover, freedom comes with a price. Freedom does not mean you live in the land of do as you please; and the laws that govern this state or any other were not implemented to pass the inspection of your "open mind." If blue laws, or indecent exposure laws bother you, perhaps you should consider Afghanistan. Perhaps then you might appreciate the freedoms you DO have here in Tennessee and this country as a whole.

Knoxville Tennessee is about as culturally diverse as a smokey mountain hillbilly. I dont give a flip what anyone says, where 90% of resturants are either Chinese or Italian, Nothing that happens after dark, Roads that are so bad it take s HMMUV to drive around town is not a good area. I have heard the cheers from the politicians and their cronies that we have this or that and that it makes us culturally diverse. WAKE UP1, having two venues in a large city does not make you culturally diverse. There are so many christian conservative laws on the books you cant even buy liquor on Sundays. I watched two Europeans, a guy and a girl almost get arrested at Melton Hill Dam for wearing something any open minded individual wouldnt blink at. I have lived in many countries, and visited over 18 others, and I must say, this is NOT a FREE country. I watched a man that was walking three blocks home from a Pub and the police stopped and arrested him. I guess its easier to hide an open container in the car than it it is walking a few blocks home, and not bothering a soul while in transit. Freedom of Religion here is ok , IF you are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or any other Abrahamic faith, If you are not of Abrahamic faith you are shunned upon, called devil worshipers and preach to at every chance. Ritual Gatherings are often complained about due to traffic congestion, well, I certainly dont complain about Sunday moring or afternoon traffic and cry to politicians to disallow public gatherings of a non-christian faith due to traffic problems. And we certainly dont bitch about cops rented by churches and synagogs that back up traffic fo rmiles while giving your problems of traffic congestion priority. If thats the case, I am going to hire a police officer to stop traffic wherever I go so I can priority. Myself and hundereds of other like me are sick of the forceably imposed values and beliefs on people. As far as the ten commandments, If they are allowed, then all faiths must be allowed to post their creeds as well. After all, isnt it freedom of religion?

It seems the vast amount of people who post here either love ot hate this state but it depends on the individual. Just because someone doesn't agree TN isn't wonderful doesn't mean they are wrong, it is their opinion. Having been to Tn several times to visit i didn't find it all that great. Some people ( NOT ALL) are very backwards and uneducated, i've met people in Knoxville and Nashville and met some real nice folks but i met mostly intolerant ppl, if you don't agree with them on certain topics they damn you to hell more or less and i find that to be very closed minded esp. if you tell them you are from the northeast or west coast. I had on my Boston Red Sox hat in Knoxville and was told by some ppl to: Go back home Yankee Boy.... whatever. The person below seems to think otherwise and that's fine, it's your state so you love it but don't jump on someone else just because they see otherwise. TN OVERALL is ranked 5th most overweight state, i've been in Knoxville and Memphis and Knoxville has many overweight ppl too, never seen so many fast food places in one city in my life which explains the problem, fat people are a problem everywhere in this country but having so many fast food places explains the overweight ppl, i would assume the average Knoxville person doesn't eat at all those fancy restaraunts, when i was there, fast food places were jam packed with the locals. TN does have a extremely high divorce rate and lots of single moms that drain your public resources. Don't people understand that tying the knot is an important step in life not to be taken lightly? In TN, it seems they don't care as much, how do you explain the high divorce rate compared to other states in the north and west then?!? The Northeast states have the LOWEST divorce rates in the country because they understand that being married is not a thing to step into lightly, i'm not being mean, just stating a fact. I'm sure TN has it's charms but to me, i just didn' find the state all that exciting aside from Nashville which does have lots to do but Knoxville.....give me a break, that city is so boring it ain't even funny, downtown has nothing going on after dark. Anyway, to each their own, just thought i'd add my 2 cents.

I'll be the first to admit that Tennessee has it's problems, but if we research any state in the country, we can dig up as much dirt on them to make ourselves feel a bit more surperior. One thing that really bugs me about the poster below me. You rag on Tennessee for being backward and having too many fast food resturants, then you label the poster as being a stuck up yuppie for frequenting some of the finer establishments the area has to offer. And then you practically accuse an entire football team of being date-rapers and thugs...and without evidence to support your statements. You label us as racists, but your comments are very judgemental and certainly without merit. Your fact finding mission is both outdated and inaccurate. But of course you would have known that if you bothered to read about the state wide city to city drug task enforcement currently in place to wipe out the meth epidemic, which by the way is gaining more ground by the day in your beloved northeast. Your findings would have rendered another interesting fact -Tennessee just approved a $23billion dollar budget increase specifically designed for educational improvements for the entire state, and Tennessee is currently undergoing radical changes to implement more astringent divorce laws, mandatory waiting periods for divorce, mandatory pre-marital counseling, and an abolition of the no-fault divorce law. Memphis is the only city from TN that ranked as one of the top fattest cities in the US, coming in at number four. Philadelphia came in #2 and New York came in as #8. Both of those cities are in the Northeast if my memory serves me correctly. As for racisim? We don't have the corner on that one either. I've been to the Northeast...and let me tell you... the N word did not originate in Tennessee. Considering Tennessee's efforts to improve, along with it's friendly people, gorgeous scenery and plethora of things to do, depsite your opinion, I'll give it a five.

To the person below: I lived in Knoxville for a year before moving back to the notheast. My job took me all over the state and i met lots of people and while they were friendly, they seemed backwards and on the country side to me, not very bright. Can't tell you how many times i heard Blacks referred to with the N word esp. in Knoxville, you call that an educated population?!? I don't. The fact is TN ranks low or bad in many catogories as others on here have posted: 3rd highest divorce rate in the U.S. (no small wonder since just about everybody here marrys right out of high school and gets divorced a few years later) HUGE numbers of Meth users, (seems like every nite on the news some moron got busted for having a Meth lab) TONS of Teen single Moms, everyone smokes it seems (nothing worse than a women who chain smokes and i saw many in TN, ugh!) and many people are out of shape, recently TN was ranked the 5th most overweight state in the U.S. i guess you can't deal with reality and your wonderful State. Knoxville has the most amount of fast food chain restaraunts than any other U.S. city, that is a FACT, go look it up somewhere. Those upsale places were full of stuck up yuppies btw, maybe you are one of those people so it's no wonder you'd like those restaraunts. As for the vols, well who cares. If that's all a city has to offer for entertainment than i feel sorry for you, the nitelife in Knoxville is PATHETIC unless you want to hang out with drunk college kids which i did not. The Vols team is made up of thugs and date rapers, quite a team to be proud of.

Oh give me a break, Daveo. If you haven't found a decent eatery it's beause you haven't looked. Regas, Chesapeake's, The Copper Cellar, Club LeConte are all fine upsacle places. Something more casual? Try Calhouns on the River or head west to Grady's...just to name a few. If you think Tennessee has the corner on redneck uneduated and overweight smokers who breathe bad air...head to LA. And besides, it sounds like your basing your entire opinion of this state on Knoxville itself...which is a very shortsided and narrowminded thing to do. Regardless of your opinion of the educational status, it rates much higher than what you give it credit for. And while we're at it, you must be an Eintein yourself to dish out such strong opinions regarding the intelligence quotient here..but then again, if that were the case, you would have done your homework and figured out our flaws before moving here. And no, The Smokey's are not the Rockies...but they have their own beauty...it's just different. And a broadminded thinker like yourself will certainly appreciate that, now won't you. A sidenote about the Tennessee Vols? To echo your thoughts in not understanding a place...you can't appreciate the spirit because you don't understand it.

I moved to Knoxville, TN 6 months ago and i hate it here. Lots of ignorant, uneducated, backwards people everywhere you turn in this city and this is supposed to be a college town! All they care about here is the vols and guns. Lots of overweight folks, probably due to the fact that Knoxville is King when it comes to bad fast food places, hardly any decent places to eat at here. There is NOTHING to do in this city and if you are single and over 30, you are out of luck. I've lived in over 10 different cities in my life and Knoxville and east TN is by far the worst, the locals will tell you different but that's because they don't know any better, they all claim Knoxville is exciting and lots to do here... yeah right, lots to do if you like white trash culture! Combine that with lots of smokers and some of the worst air in the Summer that hangs over this region and it makes east TN a bad place to live. As for the Smoky mountains, yeah they are nice but nothing that great, The Rockies in Co. are FAR better and anyone that's been to CO. will know what i mean. Oh, they hate northeners here too, guess they are still bitter about the Civil War, get over it people!! I can't wait til i move out of TN (which will be soon) and to a REAL state with smarter people.

I moved from Tennessee to Connecticut 29 years ago but return quite often for extended visits with family and friends. Never once in those visits have I encountered the undeducated, bible thumping, hillbillies as described by those claiming to have an insiders authority on the residents of Tennessee. What I HAVE found, is that people are warm, friendly, polite. What's more, they seem to have a better comprehension of the fact that liberalism does not define intelligence nor does conservatism define ignorance; and therefore roll their eyes and move beyond the snide remarks against this beautiful and scenic state. There is also plenty to do in most place you visit. Yes, I would miss the close proximity to the beach if we were to ever move back, but am otherwise glad to call Tennesee my second home.

Jackson TN - most racist, bigoted place to live. Memphis & Nashville are only a bit better. I recently looked online and noticed (out of those who posted pictures)there are several TN Technology Centers with not a single person of color on staff. Remember, this is 2005, and these are government jobs, believe it or not. Also the Chancellor of the Tennesse Board of Regents says that he advocates diversity. I guess that means whites with tans and without. This state will always be at the bottom of ratings as long as its leaders aren't willing to embrace people of color.

I am amazed at the number of mean spirited and hate-filled remarks from those who claim to beintellectuals with a broad-minded tolerance mindset. A broad-minded and tolerant individual is too smart to show his or her butt on a forum like this by placing an entire area into the ignorant box. Instead of poking fun at a Christian convservative and labeling them as uneducated bible thumpers a person of this intellect will accept the Christian conversative's right to be different as well as he does his liberal minded friends and those who do not embrace Christianity. An intelligent person also has the broad minded vision to understand that Tennessee is much more than an Elvis Shrine and Country Music haven because they have done their homework and know that Nashville's music scene encompasses a much broader base than country music; furthermore, that Tennessee is home to one of the most formidable nuclear plants in the world...and folks, jobs like this aren't for the ignorant and uneducated, and that the mountains of East Tennessee are some of the most beautiful in the nation. Tennessee has alot of transplants, many of whom are from the North East. And while I'm too smart to jump on the I hate them damn Yankees bandwagon, I think Tennessee must have more going on than good beer and moon pies, othewrwise why the attraction? Tennessee's a great state: diverse,much to do, friendly people who look beyond the label on your purse, and for the most part-a safe place to live. Grow up. Sticking your nose up and labeling a state solely on some statistic board you've read speaks volumes for your own ignorance.

I've lived in the Nashville area for almost twenty years. Not only do we have easy access to some of the best entertainment in the country, we're home to the Tennesee Titans, excellent shopping, state of the art medical facilities (Vanderbilt Medical Center), beautiful residentials with tree lined streets and sidewalks where neighbors can walk their dogs after dark without fear of being accosted. Our school systems rival the best of the best (despite what you may read down below), and the scenery and lakes are all incredible. But dont just take my word for it, come see for yourself.

Tennessee's a fine state. Beautiful mountains, rolling hills, wonderful lakes and countryside. It has it's share of rednecks and uneducated hicks, but anyone with an ounce of intelligene will figure out that these characteristics can be found anywhere. If this were not true, then please explain the ghettos and inner city problems that run rampant in NY,LA, and Chicago?

GREAT SOUTHERN STATE! Can not get much better than this.. Country music, beautiful mountains and lovely, friendly people..

I've read many of your comments; some I totally agree with and others sound downright ignorant!!! Let me share this with y'all...I'm African-American, and live in Philadelphia...I've lived here my entire life. However, I was born in Knoxville, and as a child/teenager I would spend my entire summers on the East Side of the state. I've never experienced racism in Tennessee, but I have been called the N word while living in Philadelphia... Let me just point out that Tennessee has some of most breathtaking scenes man could ever behold!!! I love the state that I was born in, and it is my intentions to relocate there one day...

Seems physically attracitve, at least in the eastern part of the state. The people seem nice enough, but just not too bright. Not aware of tourist attractions other than opryland in nashville, elvis stuff in memphis and the tennessee valley authority history.

Tennesee is rated near the last in: Education, Services and health for children, Little or no services for the edlerly, poor envirionment, high degree of poverty, health care in general not available to many in the populace, intolerant populace toward Gays, and other minorities not of 'White Christian' background. There must BE some truth to why this state is rated so LOW- if you cannot handle the truth- too BAD!

I love Tennessee for several reasons. These people know how to have fun and they do it in style. Whether you're sitting in Neyland Stadium enveloped by a sea of orange and white spirit so strong that you feel it the core of your bones or experiencing the beauty of the Smokey Mountains or dining at the elegant Regas Resturant in Knoxville or celebrating July 4th on the waterfront in Nashville with the Nashville symphony (fireworks rated #3 this year in the nation)or strolling one of the many riverfronts in the state along with friendly and down-to-earth people who are too smart and confident in their own rite to flaunt the fact that they have more class in their little fingers and more money in their bank accounts than to give a moments glance to those who call them backward hillbillies, you will love this place. And for those of you who haven't figured it out yet: a flat drawal is not the equivlent to stupidity and neither is the geographical location of one's hometown. Tennessee's a great place -and believe it or not, they don't have the corner on lard assed cigarette smoking junk food junkies. Just take a look at Michael Moore and Bill Clinton...know whut ah mean Vern?

Well, it's where I was born. I have a lot of friends here, and, wherever I've gone I am always impressed by the beauty of the state and the friendliness of the people when I return for a visit. Also, great food!

Ignorance abounds in this forum from those who brand an entire state with labels such as, obese, prejudice, uneducated, bible-thumping rednecks riding on trash infested highways. That mindset is as prejudical and judgemental as it gets. Get past the little that you've seen and much you've heard about Tennessee and it's people. You will find beautiful mountains, breathtaking countryside, clean lake, arts, culture, sports, excellent schools, and communities filled with civic minded, family oriented, health conscience people whose incomes and lifestyle reflect educations and aspirations beyond the trailer park trash rednecks you depict us to be.

Cheap place to live outside of Nashville. However the state is anything but progressive. Educational system is in the lower quarter of all states. Poor upkeep of state and interstate highways. Poor envirionment. Lots of poverty and ignorance. As in all southern states I heard negative hate spewed at African, hispanic Asian and gay americans and 'northerners and west coasters' as well. If this is a typical 'red state' then it shows you the type of people the republican party appeals to. Sad in a word.

Oh, mama! The home of Country Music and Jerry the King Lawler. And of course wild women!

Great barbeque!