Jaber,
One of my best friends moved from Bartlett, IL to Murfreesboro, just SE of Nashville, a couple of years ago, and has never been happier. We just moved to the Knoxville area from Carol Stream, IL and love it. I was born and raised in the Chicago area, but when we moved in, it was like I was really home. The people here are wonderful, very friendly and helpful. We didn't move here to change anything, we moved here because we like it the way it is.
As for firearms, there are plenty of ranges and gun shops. I already found a great sportsman club with USPSA, IDPA, Steel and 3-gun matches, way closer than anything like it back home, and they shoot matches all year. None of this April to Oct stuff, speaking of weather.
And if you happen to like motorcycles, there are some of the best roads I've ever seen in all directions, and again, not just April to Oct.
Bob