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Tennessee Ranks Second Nationwide for Inflation, Trailing Only Behind Florida

Issue #055

12 Apr

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 66

📈 Tennessee Ranks Second Nationwide for Inflation, Trailing Only Behind Florida

💃 Tonight! The 2024 Spring Big Band Dance

🏫 Lunch & Learn at The King’s Daughters’ School

🤖 Buzz into Robotics at Hidden Bee Farm

🌼 Spring Garden Festival & Plant Sale

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

April 12th

April 13th

April 14th

April 16th

April 18th

April 20th

Tennessee Ranks Second Nationwide for Inflation, Trailing Only Behind Florida

Many individuals are feeling the pinch of inflation in their finances, and recent trends offer a mixed bag of relief and pressure. While prices for used cars, furniture, and appliances have dipped with the resolution of supply chain bottlenecks from the pandemic, expenses such as rent, car insurance, and transportation continue to climb.

In the previous year, Tennessee saw a net gain of 63,000 residents, contributing to the uptick in housing expenses and service costs. With an unemployment rate of 3.3%, lower than the national average of 3.8%, wages have risen alongside the increased cost of services.

Following a substantial easing in 2023, U.S. inflation has remained persistently high this year, gradually inching towards the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Notable regional differences are evident, with Florida leading the nation with an inflation rate of about 4%, closely trailed by Tennessee at 3.8%, according to Moody’s Analytics.

The housing market reflects this divergence. Tennessee has witnessed a surge in residents attracted by its relatively affordable housing, amenities in cities like Nashville, and strong job prospects. This migration pattern intensified during the pandemic, resulting in a net increase in population and subsequently driving up housing and service costs.

Although housing prices in Tennessee have risen, the increase has not been as sharp as in the Mountain West. Remote work arrangements, embraced by many during the pandemic, have enabled individuals to stay in Tennessee's rural areas, sustaining demand for housing.

The South and West regions, known for their appealing climates and lower living costs, have experienced higher inflation rates due to increased consumer demand, particularly in housing.

According to Moody's Consumer Price Index report, states with the highest 12-month inflation rates include Florida (3.9%), Tennessee (3.8%), Virginia (3.8%), South Carolina (3.6%), and Alabama (3.6%).

Tonight! The 2024 Spring Big Band Dance

Tonight! Dance the night away with Columbia’s very own big band, The Merchants of Cool!

7-9PM in the historic Memorial building (308 West 7th)

Price: $15 ($25 per couple)

Lunch & Learn at The King’s Daughters’ School

Join the King’s Daughters’ School for their Lunch and Learn all about autism, called ‘See Beyond the Spectrum.’ The program will feature Anette Hatfield, the director of the Center for Autism to learn about Autism and how we can partner as a community to provide safe places and inclusion for everyone. The event will take place on April 16th at 11:30am at The King’s Daughters’ School in Craig Hall, located at 401 W. 9th Street in Columbia. You can RSVP by emailing tiffany wright at [email protected].

The Kings’ Daughters’ School promotes independence through educational, residential, and community services for individuals with developmental disabilities, continuing a 100-years legacy of service.

Press Release

Buzz into Robotics at Hidden Bee Farm

  • Date: April 13, 2024

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

  • Location: Hidden Bee Farm, 753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401

  • Instructor: Zachary Seaton, Geospatial Analyst, Survey Technician, and Lieutenant in the Army National Guard

  • Age Group: Suitable for ages 8 and up (flexible depending on skill level)

  • Capacity: Limited to ensure hands-on experience for all participants

  • Cost: $40 per participant

  • What to Bring: Lunch and a curious mind

Spring Garden Festival & Plant Sale

Join your Williamson County Master Gardeners for our annual Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park. We'll have beautiful perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs and more for sale. Our Garden Shed area will include gently-used tools, pots, garden art, etc. for your home and garden. We'll also have arts and crafts for sale, vendors, food trucks, educational speakers are more. You won't want to miss this!