Also known as ‘Music City' and more recently earning the nickname ‘Smashville'—thanks to the notoriety of the Nashville Predators hockey team—this impressive city is an excellent place to call home. Beyond entertainment, Nashville is known for having incredible sports teams, great schools, a solid economy, nationally recognized music and an affordable cost of living. In fact, Nashville maintains its status as one of the top places to live in America according to U.S. News. Here are just a few aspects of the city that make Nashville, TN a great place to call home.

Nashville's Educational Edge

An integral aspect of city statistics that keeps Nashville ranked so high for livability is the fact that numerous schools and universities here are

With a wide variety of education options for children and college students alike, Nashville schools can provide students with the proper and exceptional education they deserve. Acknowledging the fact that students are the country’s future, the city of Nashville strives to keep the younger residents well educated and ready for the real world. The list of quality schools in Nashville is extensive, and the list of college opportunities is quite large as well. For anyone looking for real estate in Nashville can rest assured that their family will be well provided for in the city’s quality school system.

In Nashville, there are a variety of educational options available for parents. This allows residents to select a school that will meet the needs of

It seems as if almost everyone uses a different standard when evaluating a Chinese restaurant, but some Nashville favorites score high in many categories, including ambience, price, quality of the food, service and speed of take-out order preparation.

Based on a number of different reviews, here are the winners of a recent ratings review:

China Spring

Located in the Belleview area, this community favorite features online ordering and speedy delivery as well as a convenient dining-in location at 8165 TN-100. Classic dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and contemporary flair, and daily lunch specials are available daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and the restaurant is typically crowded in the

Nashville is special in a lot of ways. The "Music City" was once known as the "Athens of the South," and its reproduction classical Greek Parthenon is now one of the city's prime attractions—a gathering spot for residents and tourists alike. Then there's the Tomato Art Fest and the city's famous cinnamon bun, along with a zany eye-popping pink bus comedy tour. All good reasons to love this funky American hot spot!

But Nashville also rivals better-known Chicago as a great spot to grab a dog. It's true, and you can pretty much orders yours any way you want it in Nashville. Here are some places that earn consistent raves:

Hot Diggity Dogs

(edit: permanently closed)

This familiar favorite at 614 Ewing Avenue serves up Nashville Dogs

Buying a home can be both fun and exhausting. And of all of the choices one needs to make when they are shopping for a home, locating a home mortgage loan that fits your needs can be the most confusing. Understanding the terms and the implications of each mortgage choice can help a borrower get the best deal throughout the life of their loan.

One of the biggest choices a home buyer will have to make is between a fixed rate and adjustable rate loan. While one or the other may look like a better deal at first glance, research may be necessary to determine which is the best in any specific situation. The right choice for the right mortgage can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

For informational purposes only. Always

Finding great barbecue in Music City won’t be too challenging, as this southern city has a flair for culinary greatness in grilling. However, those looking for Nashville’s best BBQ will want to head to one (or all) of these four succulent options while in town.

1. Pork Leg Porker

Amid the rises of the Gulch sits an obscure watering hole and restaurant with barbecue plates that are anything but obscure to the palate. The Pork Leg Porker opened its doors in 2013 and is headed by native Tennesseean Carey Bingle, a decades-long pitmaster of the barbecue cooking circuit. Bingle sticks with West Tennessee traditions and smokes each cut of meat low and slow and offers Memphis style BBQ sauce on the side.

As its name suggests, the Pork Leg Porker

Sometimes, the best way to experience a different culture or community is to taste the flavor of their dishes. Indian cuisine has long been known for its flavorful spices and delectable dishes, and there's no shortage of Indian restaurants in Nashville. Those who are craving authentic Indian food in Nashville should check out these restaurants in the city:

Woodlands

Woodlands is a vegetarian Indian restaurant with a contemporary vibe. The restaurant offers affordable meal options for both lunch and dinner, and diners often find that there is an innovative take on many of the most traditional Indian dishes. It has an extensive menu, featuring a variety of curry dishes as well as paneer dishes and Indian breads. There's even a kids menu for the

Italian food is the perfect dining solution for any occasion. Pasta topped with sumptuous sauces and sprinkled with artisan cheese make for a romantic evening for couples looking to linger over a meal, while wood-fired pizzas and a hearty glass of wine are the ideal option for groups of friends who want to spend an evening laughing together. Anyone who is craving Italian food in Nashville should check out these locations:

Amerigo Italian Restaurant

Amerigo Italian Restaurant has long been a favorite among locals in Nashville who are craving an authentic Italian meal. This restaurant is best known for its welcoming, warm atmosphere, making it the ideal place for couples, friends, co-workers and families to gather for a meal. Popular entrees at

Nashville's prize of a new Amazon Operation Center of Excellence, announced November 13, was greeted with jubilation by the state of Tennessee. However, as good as the news may be, the creation of 5,000 new jobs in the near future is not without concerns that center around the need to house and move those workers. The city, however, has gained some experience in that realm over the past few years. Today, with a booming economy and a population growth in the neighborhood of 100 people a day, it welcomes the opportunity to show how well—and how quickly—it can respond to the challenge.

A Happy 'Middle Ground' for Nashville

Although Nashville was once on the short list of possible site's for Amazon's HQ2 with the potential for creating 50,000 new