Angie, come on out to TN! We have snakes, too, but it's beautiful in east TN. If I turn my head to the left right now, I can see the Smoky Mountains. Absolutely gorgeous! I've lived in MO, IL, MO (again), NM, TX, NM (again), SC, NC, & TN. I'll take east TN every time!

Thanks!

But we're really not sure of the homeschooling laws in Tennessee. From what I understand we can homeschool them up until they reach high school age. At that point we have to turn them over to someone else because neither of us has a 4 year degree. That really concerns me.

In Texas we just have to have a bona-fide curriculum (in writing). An extra for us is that it is illegal for Texas colleges to discriminate against them because they were homeschooled, the same is true for North Carolina and New Mexico, but home prices are a little too high in those places.

We want to be where the church is strong, homeschooling laws are friendly, the second amendment is protected and the cost of living is lower. The median home cost here is 379,000 and we live at over 30% the average cost of living in the U.S. With taxes, fees and costs rising it makes life really hard. (And contrary to popular belief the average Joe doesn't make more in California, atleast up here.)

I understand. When the kids are involved, there are a whole new world of concerns. I'm not sure about the homeschooling laws in TN, but I know that we have several high school students who play on our sports teams who are homeschooled. If you're in the Knoxville area, there are several VERY good Christian schools. Housing prices cover a wide range in this area, depending on where you locate. (Our area is too high, but it's because we have a lot of retirees from up north.) Most other towns in the area are cheaper. And I don't think there's any discrimination with the colleges, because there are a HIGH number of homeschoolers in TN. But we both know that God will make sure that you're where He needs you to be. And isn't that a comfort?!

Yes! It's so wonderful to know that whether we go or stay, He's in charge! It takes the worry out of it.