The region consistently heads the list of major American cities with low costs of living. Tennessee also has no state income tax. Moving goods, services and people is one of the Mid-State's assets. The region is served by more than 14 major and commuter airlines and is a major intermodal yard for Southeastern rail shipping. The region has many parks and playgrounds, plus 30,000 acres of inland lakes for fishing, boating, and skiing.
State parks dot the area.
Many include facilities for camping, swimming, and hiking.