Blog Posts

  • Best place for Armenians to vacation in the US

    Best place for Armenians to vacation in the US

    We’ve already written about what makes the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee such a great place for Armenians to live, remote work, and retire to. Many of these same reasons make it an ideal vacation destination as well. Pristine Armenia-esque Nature The first thing that you notice about the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee is that it resembles the north of Armenia. The place looks and feels like Dilijan. It has similar climate, the same plants, and the same geographic features of mountains, hills, rivers, and forests. Accessibility Traveling to central Tennessee is easy and affordable via Nashville or Knoxville…

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  • Boston, MA to Cookeville, TN

    Boston, MA to Cookeville, TN

    Comparing the costs of living The Armenian community in Boston The Armenian community in the Boston area primarily resides in neighborhoods such as Watertown, Belmont, Cambridge, and Newton. Watertown, in particular, is known as the heart of the Armenian community, hosting numerous Armenian churches, schools, cultural organizations, and businesses. The greater Boston area is home to an estimated 30,000 Armenians, making it one of the largest Armenian-American populations in the United States. The cost of living in the Boston area has seen a substantial increase over the past decade. Housing prices have skyrocketed, driven by high demand and limited supply,…

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  • Will you be locked down (again)?

    Will you be locked down (again)?

    Believe it or not, “lockdown” is not a public health term. It is a prison term. Seriously, I have a Masters degree in Public Health from a top-10 school. What played out during the tyrannical Covid-19 response is unprecedented. There are so many questions to unpack after this debacle. How was this allowed to happen? Who was in charge? Was this nonsense all a cover-up, intentional, or something else entirely? The biggest question one needs to ask themselves is this. Will I tolerate being locked down again? Have I made myself more difficult to lockdown? Lockdowns appear to have firmly…

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  • Armenian Americans Retiring

    Armenian Americans Retiring

    There are many things to consider when retiring and many places to consider. Here are some of the top reasons to consider joining the Hyeland Project and moving to the Upper Cumberland in Tennessee. Cost of Living Retiring in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee offers Armenian-Americans an attractive cost of living. Compared to major metropolitan areas, the Upper Cumberland provides more affordable housing options, lower property taxes, and reduced day-to-day expenses. This financial relief allows retirees to enjoy a higher quality of life, stretching their retirement savings further. The region’s affordability is a significant draw for those looking to…

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  • How to Find Armenian Communities

    How to Find Armenian Communities

    Armenian Church Dioceses and Parishes The Armenian Apostolic Church is a central institution for Armenians worldwide. The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and the Western Diocese provide directories of parishes across the U.S., offering a starting point to connect with local Armenian communities. In Tennessee where the Hyeland Project is focused, there is an Armenian church that meets once a month in Nashville, one hour west of the Upper Cumberland. Armenian Cultural Organizations and Community Centers Organizations such as the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) have chapters throughout the United…

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  • Armenian community in rural USA

    Armenian community in rural USA

    Why homesteading? Homesteading and rural living is becoming increasingly popular. The scars of lockdowns and the prospect of future instability motivates some to form a more self-sufficient lifestyle. For others, the automation of technology and the isolation of modern life, is the spark to return to a more traditional rural community. Whatever the reason, the trend is real but it leaves Armenian Americans in a bit of a bind. How can one live in an Armenian community in rural America when there aren’t any? Create new ones, of course! That’s exactly what the Hyeland Project is seeking to do. Advantages…

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  • Armenian American Rural Community

    Armenian American Rural Community

    Old is new again Some of the first Armenian communities in America were established in rural areas of California, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, due to the availability of fertile land for agriculture. These early immigrants played a crucial role in developing the agricultural industry, especially in crops like grapes and raisins, while preserving their cultural heritage through churches, schools, and cultural organizations, notably in Fresno. Today, there are very few Armenian communities in rural USA. Armenians have congregated primarily in and around cities. For those Armenians wishing to live in a rural community surrounded by Armenians there choices…

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  • Armenians in the South

    Armenians in the South

    Armenian communities in the South Armenian communities in the southern United States, while smaller than those in other regions, have established significant and vibrant presences. In Florida, the Armenian population is estimated to be around 9,200 people. The state boasts several Armenian churches, including St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton and St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park. Texas is another state with a notable Armenian community, estimated at around 4,900 people. Major cities like Houston and Dallas are home to Armenian churches such as St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Carrollton and St. Kevork Armenian Church in Houston. Other…

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  • Why Armenians are choosing to work from home in Tennessee

    Why Armenians are choosing to work from home in Tennessee

    Why Armenians are choosing to work from home in Tennessee Remote workers have a lot of freedom to choose where to live. Where you live has a huge impact on you and your families life. With a mix of rural or urban living, here are some reasons to consider the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee when optimizing for work from home. No State Income Tax Let’s suppose you make $100,000/yr. In California you’re losing $6,302 of that from income taxes. In New York it is $5,890 and $5,000 if you’re in Massachusetts. Move to Tennessee and congrats you’ve given yourself…

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  • Top 3 reasons Armenians are moving to Tennessee

    Top 3 reasons Armenians are moving to Tennessee

    Top 3 reasons Armenians are moving to Tennessee Reason #1: It feels like Armenia Can you tell the difference? One picture is in the Upper Cumberland of Tennessee and one is Dilijan in Armenia. The land, climate, and plants are nearly identical in these two areas. Both areas are also similarly vacation destinations. Dilijan draws vacationers from around Armenia and abroad, and the Upper Cumberland draws in people from Nashville and the surrounding states. The region is mostly rural with several cute towns and small cities evenly spread throughout. Reason #2: Your money goes farther The Upper Cumberland is a…

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