Tennessee (TN)

Known as the "Volunteer State," Tennessee is famous for its rich musical heritage, breathtaking mountains, and Southern hospitality. From the country music vibes of Nashville to the bluesy rhythms of Memphis, the state offers a mix of history, outdoor beauty, and vibrant culture.

• Population: ~7 million
• Weather: Hot, humid summers (85-95°F); mild winters (30-50°F).
• Famous Sites: Great Smoky Mountains, Graceland, Grand Ole Opry, Beale Street, Dollywood.
• Top Activities: Hiking, live music, whiskey tasting, historical tours, scenic drives, food festivals.

Tennessee’s job market is growing, with strong demand in healthcare, technology, transportation, and education. These fields offer stable careers with solid salaries. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Tennessee based on earnings and job availability. Click the job titles for more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Tennessee is home to many vibrant cities known for their rich tradition, cultural charm, and thriving academic communities. Several of these cities host prominent colleges and universities, drawing many students to the region every year. Here's a look at the 10 largest cities in Tennessee, along with their approximate populations and student enrollment.

Tennessee is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in business, healthcare, engineering, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Tennessee

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) – The state's flagship university, known for strong engineering, business, and law programs.
• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) – Offers outstanding programs in music, aerospace, and business.
• Tennessee Tech University – Recognized for its engineering, business, and computer science programs.
• University of Memphis – A research-focused university with strong programs in business, law, and healthcare.
• East Tennessee State University (ETSU) – Offers top health sciences, education, and business programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Tennessee

• Vanderbilt University – A prestigious research institution known for its top-ranked programs in medicine, business, and law.
• Belmont University – A respected school offering strong music, business, and healthcare programs.
• Rhodes College – A highly regarded liberal arts college with a strong focus on research and humanities.
• Lipscomb University – A faith-based university known for its strong business, pharmacy, and education programs.
• Christian Brothers University (CBU) – A small private institution recognized for its engineering, business, and science programs.

Tennessee has some of the best public and private high schools, offering strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. These schools help students excel in academics and prepare them for future success.

Top Public High Schools in Tennessee

• Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School, Nashville – A top-ranked school known for its rigorous academics and high college acceptance rates.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School, Nashville – Offers a challenging curriculum with advanced placement courses and strong STEM programs.
• Franklin High School, Franklin – Provides excellent academics, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a strong arts program.
• Ravenwood High School, Brentwood – Known for academic achievement, strong athletics, and a high number of National Merit Scholars.
• Brentwood High School, Brentwood – A highly rated school with a focus on college readiness and student involvement.

Top Private High Schools in Tennessee

• University School of Nashville, Nashville – An independent school offering a rigorous academic curriculum and strong arts programs.
• Montgomery Bell Academy, Nashville – A prestigious all-boys school focusing on academics, leadership, and athletics.
• The Ensworth School, Nashville – Provides a balance of strong academics, arts, and athletic programs.
• St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Memphis – A top-rated private school known for academic excellence and leadership opportunities for young women.
• Baylor School, Chattanooga – A distinguished boarding and day school emphasizing college preparation and well-rounded student development.

Tennessee is home to several major league professional sports teams across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS. The state has a strong sports culture, with passionate fan bases supporting their teams in Nashville and Memphis.

Here are Tennessee’s major league sports teams:

• Tennessee Titans (NFL) – The state’s professional football team, based in Nashville, plays at Nissan Stadium and has made multiple playoff appearances.
• Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) – A competitive basketball team in the Western Conference, known for their gritty playing style and devoted fan base.
• Nashville Predators (NHL) – An exciting hockey team with a strong presence in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and one of the loudest home crowds in the league.
• Nashville SC (MLS) – A fast-growing soccer team playing in Major League Soccer, bringing passionate soccer fans together in the state.

Along with major league teams, Tennessee has a rich minor league sports scene across baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Tennessee

Baseball ⚾

• Nashville Sounds (Triple-A – Milwaukee Brewers affiliate) – A long-standing minor league team known for top-level talent development.
• Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A – St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) – A highly successful team with multiple championships.
• Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A – Cincinnati Reds affiliate) – A team with a rich history in Tennessee’s baseball scene.
• Tennessee Smokies (Double-A – Chicago Cubs affiliate) – Based in Kodak, this team has a strong connection with the Cubs organization.
• Jackson Rockabillys (Prospect League) – A summer collegiate baseball team entertaining fans in West Tennessee.

Soccer ⚽

• Memphis 901 FC (USL Championship) – One of the top second-tier soccer teams in the U.S., building a solid fan base.
• Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) – A growing soccer team representing Chattanooga at the professional level.

Hockey 🏒

• Knoxville Ice Bears (SPHL – Southern Professional Hockey League) – A strong minor league team with consistent success.

Basketball 🏀

• Memphis Hustle (NBA G League – Memphis Grizzlies affiliate) – A developmental team preparing future NBA players.

From football and basketball to hockey and soccer, Tennessee offers a wide range of sports action for fans across the state.

1. Birthplace of Country Music 🎶 – Bristol, Tennessee, is officially recognized as the “Birthplace of Country Music” because of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, which helped launch the genre.
2. Home to Elvis’ Graceland 🏰 – Memphis is home to Graceland, the famous mansion where Elvis Presley lived. It’s the second most-visited home in the U.S., right after the White House.
3. The Great Smoky Mountains Are Free to Visit ⛰️ – Unlike many national parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, making it one of the most visited parks in the country.
4. The Deepest Lake in Tennessee 🌊 – Reelfoot Lake was formed by major earthquakes in the early 1800s. It’s unique because it has swampy waters filled with cypress trees and hosts thousands of bald eagles.
5. Nashville is Called “Music City” 🎤 – Nashville earned its nickname because of its rich musical history, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and numerous recording studios.
6. Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Comes from a Dry County 🥃 – The famous Jack Daniel’s distillery is located in Lynchburg, a county where alcohol sales are restricted. Visitors can tour the distillery but can’t buy whiskey there.
7. Home to the World’s Longest Pedestrian Bridge 🚶 – The Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, offering stunning views of the Tennessee River.
8. The State Has a Secret Underground Lake 🕵️ – The Lost Sea in Sweetwater is the largest underground lake in America. Visitors can even explore its vast caverns by boat.
9. Sun Records Helped Shape Rock ‘n’ Roll 🎸 – Memphis’ Sun Records was the starting place for legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, changing music history forever.
10. The Largest Artificial Ski Resort in North America 🎿 – Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is a ski area that also offers year-round activities like ice skating, alpine slides, and scenic chair lifts.