Tennessee is beloved — home to country music glory, smoky mountain views, hot chicken that should require a liability waiver, and some of the friendliest folks in the South. It’s been one of the nation’s fastest-growing states for years. But even with all that charm, more Tennesseans in 2026 are staring at their rent, their traffic jam on I-24, and their skyrocketing insurance bill and saying, “Bless this place, but I’m out.”
Here are the 14 brutally honest, actually true reasons folks are packing up and leaving the Volunteer State this year.
1. Housing Prices Are Rising at Record Speed
Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have seen massive home price spikes, pushing longtime residents out of their communities.
2. Rent Is Climbing Just as Fast
Newcomers from high-cost states have driven rental prices through the roof.
3. Wages Aren’t Keeping Up
Tennessee salaries remain below the national average while the cost of living climbs.
4. Traffic in Major Cities Is Getting Miserable
I-24, I-65, and I-40 have become daily parking lots in Nashville and other fast-growing metros.
5. Rapid Population Growth Is Overwhelming Infrastructure
Roads, schools, utilities, and hospitals are struggling to keep up with record growth.
6. Homeowners Insurance Rates Are Spiking
Storm damage, flooding, and tornado risks have pushed premiums sharply upward.
7. Tornado Alley Shifting Eastward
Middle and West Tennessee now see more frequent and severe tornado outbreaks than ever before.
8. Education Quality Varies Widely
Strong districts exist, but many counties struggle with funding and teacher shortages.
9. Noise, Crowds & Tourism Overload
Nashville has become bachelor/bachelorette party headquarters — not everyone wants to live inside a 24/7 honky-tonk.
10. Public Transit Is Extremely Limited
Unless you live in the urban core (and even then), you must have a car.
11. Rapid Growth Is Changing Local Culture
Many residents feel their hometowns no longer resemble the places they grew up in.
12. Summers Are Hot, Humid, and Mosquito-Filled
Tennessee humidity can make even a short walk feel like a workout.
13. Property Taxes Are Rising in Popular Counties
Davidson, Williamson, and Knox counties have seen steady tax increases due to population growth.
14. People Want More Calm, Space, or Affordability
For many, nearby states offer cheaper homes, less traffic, and fewer natural disaster threats…