Monday, June 6, 2011

Differences Between Texas and Tennessee

Texwisgirl at http://run-a-roundranch.blogspot.com/ asked me the other day what I have seen in the way of differences between Texas and Tennessee.  I thought that was a good question, and I have given it some thought the past few days.

Here is a partial list of observations:

---Texas is 90% flat.  Tennessee is 90% hilly. 

---Texas roads are generally straight.  On some of them you can just drive and drive all day long and seldom even move the steering wheel.  Tennessee roads are winding and hilly and DANGEROUS.  Many roads here in east Tennessee don't even have shoulders.  If you are not payin' attention---or if you are multi-tasking---you can go off the road and die just like that.  This is particularly troubling because we've got these good ole boys who drink to excess who like to get out in their pick-up trucks and drive recklessly.  I try to stay off the roads after 5:00 PM if possible.

---Food costs more here in Tennessee.  I have been shocked at some of the prices.  Shrimp (which we love) cost two and a half times more here in Tennessee.  I couldn't believe it.

We also love sushi.  In Texas, all the supermarkets had a sushi counter.  Here in Tennessee, we finally found one market that offers sushi.

---In north Texas, it seems all the churches were mega-churches, with thousands of members each.  Here in Tennessee, it seems there is a small church on every corner. 

---In north Texas, zoning laws are enforced.  In Tennessee, if there are zoning laws, they are not enforced.  You see expensive homes next to single-wide trailers next to body shops next to apartments next to gas stations next to car dealerships. 

---Neither Texas nor Tennessee have state income taxes, but the property taxes in Texas were FOUR TIMES what they are in Tennessee. 

---My auto insurance and homeowner's insurance are Half what they were in Texas.

---If you join a workout facility in Texas, it'll cost you a minimum of $25 a month (usually more), a start-up fee of at least $75, and an agreement that has a penalty if you try to terminate it.  Most Spas in Texas keep regular office hours---you can only work out when they are open.

I joined one here in Knoxville three weeks ago that is $15 a month, no contract, and allows me towork out anytime, 24/7.  Each member has a card key that is programmed with his/her code.  Wanna work out at 11:00 PM?  No problem.  3:00 AM? No problem.

---In Texas, a big orange "T" stands for the University of Texas.  In Tennessee, that orange T stands for the University of Tennessee.  "This is Big Orange Country!!!" the locals loudly proclaim.

---Here in east Tennessee, the accents are slightly country and slightly hillbilly and slightly twangy.  In Texas, the accents were a drawl.

---There are a whole lot more trees  in Tennessee than in Texas.

These are a few of the things I have noticed in my short time here so far.

13 comments:

  1. i don't exactly remember asking the question, but that's okay. i've slept since then... :)

    but these are really neat observations! so you'll pay less for insurance, taxes and gym memberships, but you'll pay lots more for food. hmmm. i love to eat... hmmm. could be a hard decision for me... :)

    and that zoning thing (or lack thereof) reminds me of where i live here in NE/E Texas... :)

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  2. I've never lived in Texas but I've been there lots of times and all I can remember is that it smelled like cow. I do miss the green hills of TN and the artistic community, the lakes and being close to the mountains. We've been talking lately about visiting this year some time if we can wrangle some finances...you might be seeing me face 2 face one of these days, Clint! :)

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  3. A good blog post about Texas and Tennessee. I had not realized until recent years the historical connection between Texas and Tennessee.

    As you said the other day, you think you are gonna like living here. I think your singing and guitar playing could be greatly appreciated here, not to mention your writing. In other words, I think you are going to thrive here!

    You know how thankful and happy that I am that we're here in these hills ... together! ♥

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  4. This is a very interesting post of the differences. It will certainly take some time to have you get used to it.
    Greetings Sabine

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  5. I think that was me that asked Clint :) But so glad you answered. Its interesting to see the contrast.

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  6. One more difference, wine can't be purchased at Tennessee grocery stores as it can be in Texas grocery stores.

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  7. "And they loaded up their trucks and they moved to Tenneessee.
    Hills there are,
    Swimming holes,
    Country Stars"
    Yep, a little bit like the Beverly Hillbillies, but once you settle, you'll never want to leave.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  8. You have been very observant, Clint. That's a good thing especially after 5 pm, it sounds.
    Anonymous aka Carol

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  9. i've never been to either state, and if i had to choose i'd visit tennessee. i like hills, trees and sushi.=)

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  10. I've never been to Texas, but I love Tenn. We got married in Nashville. Spent 10 days just dumbin' around the state and taking in the sites. It was wonderful.

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  11. Funny but the differences you have pointed out are almost identical to the ones I found when moving from Florida to Arkansas.
    Truthfully, I like most of them.

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  12. A lot of differences, and not so good with the costs :-(( Very interesting

    One thing I know from Nova Scotia, you can only get alcohol in Liquor Stores, and producers can not sell cheaper.

    Greetings to you and Cindy

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  13. Hi Clint -

    Thank you for those interesting and informative factoids.

    Are you a native of Texas?

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