My family is considering a relocation and want to stay 12-14 hours from Detroit. We want to go south or south east. I used to travel quite a bit and two cities that really struck my fancy are Greenville, SC and Franklin, TN. I was wondering what your folks from TN, specifically the Nashville area have to say about living there. I understand the humidity will have me sweating 11 months out of the year, but what else can you tell me?
One specific question is, how is TN for being a car nut? Do they have all sorts of dumb laws about modifying your cars? Would I be able to get a vehicle that was a gasser but is now a diesel registered there? Are they as anal as CA when it comes to engine swaps?
I'm in east TN, There's no inspections or e-check here although I believe there is in Nashville and maybe Chatt. Pretty much can do whatever you want modification wise here.
I lived in White Bluff, TN for a while. I cart say for Nashville, but the outlying areas have no inspection. I think my tags were $38/yr, but its been a while.
Good luck
& its not that hot.
I live in North Alabama, not TN, but my sister lives in Franklin. She absolutely loves it. I've spent a lot of time in Nashville, and it's a great city with a lot to do. You're also within a days drive of quite a few race tracks, and they have a very active SCCA group, as does Huntsville and Chattanooga. Heck, Lane Motor Museum is there, so it can't be all bad! 
If I had to pick another city to live, Nashville would be at the top of my list.
I'm in Murfreesboro, TN about 30 minutes east of Frankin. Frankin (Williamson county) is pretty nice and a little more "upscale" compared to other towns in the area. There is a historic part of town that is very "happening" (although somewhat touristy). Also Williamson County is know for one of the better school systems in Middle Tennessee (maybe not saying a lot compared to some other states) if you have kids.
As far as modifying cars go, all the counties that border Nashville (Davidson County - Williamson County is one of them) have to pass an annual emission check - tailpipe sniffer and a visual check for catalytic converter if your car is 1974 through OBD1 (1995-ish) and OBDII car get plugged in. Emission check is $10 and tags are around $76 (depending on how high the county wheel tax is). Other than that, they don't really bother you about modifications. I just got my 79 Fiesta to pass the sniffer with all the emissions stuff removed (including EGR valve) , but brand new catalytic converter and a header installed. Also, I've got a friend who cut the catalytic converter on their 1998(?) Mustang and modified the computer to think they were still there...and passed emissions , so on OBDII they don't even look under the car any more (at least in Murfreesboro).
SCCA has autocrosses (even a few National level I think), Rallycrosses, and I think even drifting events (maybe noat all SCCA) at the Superspeedway (near Lebabon, or about an hour away from Franklin). I believe there are a few NASA events scatter about a little South of Franklin as well.
All-in-all, I think Middle Tennessee is hard to beat for weather, cost of living/housing/land, etc. While it is hot and humid, it's very similar to just about everywhere in the Southeast (unless you get up in the mountains). The benefit is that with little gear, you can ride a motorcycle 9 or 10 months out of the year (or Miata with the top down if you prefer).
Dan
A nephew registered 2 serious drag cars. One runs 7-8s and the other 9-10s. He works on other peoples drag cars also and most of them are registered. I went by the DMV today to find out if you have to register a motorized bicycle. You do. It has to be more than 50cc and have lights etc.
In reply to nicksta43:
I'm in Erwin, TN Nick, where are you from?
Thanks guys. We're pretty serious at this point but haven't made the actual decision to move. If we do, the Nashville area is at the top two or three on my list.
I mentioned to a native of Tn, who was cutting my hair at the time, that i had an aunt that lived in Franklin. His response? MONNNNEEEYYYY. In other words, a native Tennnesseean(sp?) which I am not, knows that Franklin is one of the more expensive suburbs of Nashville.
Having lived and driven through Tn. for nearly 22 years, I'd recommend Chattanooga VERY slightly ahead of Nashville. Sort of on a scale of 1 to 10....Nashville: a 9 or 9.5, while Chattanooga rates a 10.
