JMR40 gave a real good synopsis of TN/GA/AL. I live in NE AL, 6 miles from the GA line and about 12 from the TN line. Little pros/cons on each of those states.
The SE TN area around Chattanooga should have a lot of IT jobs. Another place to look is Huntsville AL....loaded with IT jobs. In both of these areas you can live in mountains, outside of the city area, and have a short 1/2 hour drive to work.
