Destination Tennessee

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Tennessee, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Volunteer State, a heritage of blues, blue ridges, and blue suede shoes, a once and future frontier: this is Tennessee, whose denizens show the independent spirit, optimism, and grit that will surely perpetuate its success for years to come.

Industry Snapshot

Tennessee possesses an impressive infrastructure for the biotechnology and life science industries. The Volunteer State offers a skilled workforce, several life science and pharmaceutical companies, renowned universities and medical centers, and organizations designed to foster growth in the life science industry sector.

Economy/Cost of Living

With over 6 million people, Tennessee ranks 17th among the states in population size. The largest cities in the Volunteer State are Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Franklin.

Education

Tennessee offers a broad range of educational opportunities for its students. School aged children may attend one of the state’s 1,677 public schools, approximately 575 private schools, or may be home-schooled. Higher education in the Volunteer State is represented in public universities, private universities and colleges, and community colleges.

Recreation & Entertainment

The Volunteer State offers an exceptional array of recreation and entertainment opportunities. Whether one wants to walk in Memphis and take in the former home of Elvis, croon along with country music stars in Nashville, hike the Chimneys of the Great Smoky Mountains, or enjoy a multitude of scenic, historical, or cultural attractions, Tennessee captivates the imagination.

Transportation

Tennessee’s Southeast location places it among many major transportation routes. In fact the top major cities, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all contain major highway, rail, water, and air transportation routes.

Geography & Climate

Tennessee is located in the southeastern region of the United States. The state’s total area of 42,146 square miles makes it the 36th largest among the United States. Tennessee is a long state, extending 440 miles from east to west.

History

The land now known as Tennessee was once home to many indigenous peoples prior to European settlement. The earliest people were mound builders and hunter-gatherers. Later tribes included the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, and Shawnee.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about Tennessee.