From Someone Who Made the Move
I Didn’t Grow Up Here. I Chose Here.
I moved from Chicago to Southern Middle Tennessee — and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My wife grew up in Tennessee, which started the conversation. But once we were here, it wasn’t hard to see why people are leaving high-cost cities in droves and landing right here.
No state income tax. Property you can actually afford. Neighbors who wave. Space to breathe. And about 45 minutes to Nashville when you need it.
When I work with relocating buyers, I’m not reciting talking points — I’m telling you what I actually experienced. What caught me off guard, what I’d do differently, and what turned out to be even better than I expected. That perspective is something no born-and-raised local agent can give you.
More about Chris →The Numbers
Why People Are Choosing Southern Middle Tennessee
Tennessee has no state tax on wages. For a Chicago household earning $100K, that’s roughly $5,000 back in your pocket every year.
Your dollar stretches dramatically further — housing, groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses all run well below the national average.
Columbia sits right on I-65. Close enough for work, flights, concerts, and city amenities. Far enough to actually exhale when you get home.
Compared to Nashville suburbs, Southern Middle Tennessee has dramatically more homes with acreage — at dramatically lower prices.
Real seasons without brutal winters. Enough snow to be charming, warm enough to be outside most of the year.
Columbia’s historic square, local restaurants, community events. Real neighbors. The kind of place where people still introduce themselves.
Honest Expectations
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Moved
The good, the real, and the things that take adjustment. This is what I actually experienced moving from Chicago — not a sales pitch.
Internet Varies — Check Before You Fall in Love
Columbia and Spring Hill have solid fiber options. Rural areas are hit or miss — some have great service, others rely on Starlink or DSL. If you work remotely this is the first thing I verify for any property.
You Will Drive More
This isn’t Chicago. There’s no El, no Uber surge every corner. A car is essential and distances feel different at first. Once you adjust you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about city traffic.
Healthcare Is Solid
Maury Regional Medical Center is right in Columbia. Vanderbilt is 45 minutes away. Spring Hill has urgent cares and specialists expanding rapidly. Not a concern for most buyers.
Rural Property Has Learning Curves
Well water, septic systems, Greenbelt taxes, road maintenance — things city buyers have never thought about become part of life. None of it is hard but it helps to have someone walk you through it before you close.
People Are Genuinely Friendly
It’s not a cliché. Neighbors introduce themselves. People wave on rural roads. Local businesses remember your name. If you’re coming from a big city, give yourself a few weeks — it’s a real adjustment and a good one.
Outdoor Life Is the Real Draw
Hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting — the outdoor access here is exceptional. If that’s part of what you’re looking for, Southern Middle Tennessee absolutely delivers. It’s a big reason I stayed.
My Relocation Process
How I Make a Long-Distance Purchase Actually Work
Distance doesn’t have to be a barrier. Here’s exactly how I support out-of-state buyers from first conversation to closing day — and beyond.
Discovery Call
We talk through your vision, budget, timeline, and non-negotiables. I ask the questions you haven’t thought of yet — internet needs, commute tolerance, land maintenance reality, school districts, and what “rural” actually means for your day-to-day life.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Tell me where you’re coming from, what you’re looking for, and what your timeline looks like. I’ll give you an honest picture of what Southern Middle Tennessee actually offers — and whether it’s the right fit for your life.
Free — No Obligation
Tell Me About Your Move
Fill this out and I’ll follow up with an honest overview of what’s available in your price range, which communities fit your lifestyle, and what to expect in this market right now.
No spam. No obligation. Or just send a message →
Schedule a Relocation Call
Pick a time below. We’ll talk through your situation, what Southern Middle Tennessee actually looks like, and how to make a long-distance purchase work.
What Clients Are Saying
Five stars across 6 Google reviews — real results from real people across Southern Middle Tennessee.