Nashville has a special vibe you can't find anywhere else. It blends country charm with city life, mixing old traditions with modern living. Nashville’s music scene isn't just background noise—it's the heartbeat of the city!

People are moving to Nashville in droves—more than 80 people every single day, and that number keeps climbing. As Tennessee's capital, Nashville sits on the Cumberland River and serves as the center of Davidson County.

The city's culture shines through its amazing food, beautiful parks, and fun outdoor activities. Everyone seems ready to share a smile and enjoy life. Want to know if Nashville is your perfect new home? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Music City!

10 Reasons to Move to Nashville

What makes Nashville so special? Here are just a few reasons people love calling Music City home:

• The music scene is INCREDIBLE (live shows happen every night)
• Your dollar goes further here than in most big cities
• Artists and creative types thrive in the vibrant cultural community
• Southern food that'll make your taste buds dance
• Parks and outdoor spaces perfect for staying active
• Jobs in healthcare, music, tech, and more
• Friendly neighbors with that famous Southern hospitality
• Weather that gives you all four seasons without extreme winters
• History and heritage around every corner
• Central location makes traveling across the US easy

Why Is Nashville Growing So Fast?

Jobs are the biggest reason cities grow, and Nashville is adding them left and right. But there's more to the story—the startup scene is BOOMING here.

While music businesses have always been big in Nashville, all kinds of companies are setting up shop in Music City. Why? Lower costs for both living and starting a business make Nashville attractive compared to places like New York or San Francisco.

Healthcare leads the pack as Nashville's fastest-growing industry, with facilities like the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Midtown neighborhood. Did you know nearly half of all for-profit hospital beds in the US are managed by Nashville companies? New healthcare grads flock here for work, and the industry keeps expanding.

Of course, the rich music history still draws plenty of newcomers. Add professional sports, year-round events, and that special Nashville charm, and it's easy to see why so many people want to call this city home.

Cost of Living in Nashville

Nashville's cost of living is approximately 5% higher than the national average. Compared to Tennessee’s living costs, which are lower than nationwide costs, Nashville is around 15% more expensive.

But not everything costs more in Nashville. The biggest difference is housing, which is no surprise given how popular the city has become!

Nashville's transportation and food costs are a little higher, too. However, energy costs match the state average, and healthcare is actually CHEAPER in Nashville than in other parts of Tennessee.

Looking at actual numbers, the median home prices in Nashville are around $450,000, while the state average is $325,000. Renting? A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,800 per month. Two bedrooms? Around $1,900. Three bedrooms jump to $2,300, and four-bedroom places cost about $3,000 monthly.

Want to save money? Consider living just outside the city in areas like Hendersonville or Smyrna, where housing costs drop a bit.

Picking the Right Neighborhood in Nashville

Choosing the right neighborhood is a big part of moving to a new city. Nashville offers an excellent combination of city vibes and southern charm. Nashville's historic homes can be found throughout the city, often sharing a block with modern new constructions.

Here's a quick breakdown of some of the most popular neighborhoods throughout Nashville.

The Gulch

This small area south of downtown is super walkable. The high-rise apartments and condos in The Gulch are near some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the city. Looking for upscale city living? This might be your spot.

Downtown

Downtown Nashville is known as "Nashvegas" because of the Riverfront, LP Field, the Ryman, and Bridgestone. It is a great choice for those who want to play or listen to music.

Hillsboro Village

The Hillsboro Village neighborhood is a great place to live. It is a friendly area with more housing options than downtown or The Gulch. Single-family homes provide most of the housing, and the location makes it convenient to downtown.

Sylvan Park

Homes in Sylvan Park, a trendy neighborhood with plenty of great restaurants and shops, are a great option for those who like to be out and about. The McCabe Community Center, Richland Greenway, and Climb Nashville are all here.

Nashville Job Market

Nashville's job market is strong. The city's biggest employers are setting standards for the future, and many have chosen Nashville for their headquarters.

Major employers include:

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Serves over 2 million patients yearly and employs more than 20,000 people
• Vanderbilt University: Located near downtown, employing nearly 7,000
• Nissan North America: More than 10,000 employees in the Nashville area
• HCA Healthcare Inc.: About 10,000 employees improving lives through healthcare
• Randstad: Nashville's top staffing agency with 4,000+ employees
• The Kroger Company: Employs over 3,500 Nashville residents
• AT&T: More than 2,000 employees reshaping technology, media, and telecommunications

Popular Industries in the Area

While country music put Nashville on the map, the city's economy has grown far beyond that. Nashville's Chamber of Commerce, based in the Hope Gardens neighborhood near downtown, has attracted major corporations to join the 53,000+ businesses already in the region.

Top industries in Nashville include:

• Healthcare
• Automobile production
• Finance
• Higher education
• Insurance
• Music and entertainment
• Technology
• Manufacturing
• Printing and publishing
• Tourism

Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is the home of country music, so tourists and locals alike can enjoy amazing tunes where it all began. Head to Nashville's downtown neighborhoods to check out landmarks, museums, halls of fame, and other attractions. While you're there, look up at Nashville's stunning skyline!

Must-Visit Music Spots

The Grand Ole Opry tops most visitors' lists. This world-famous venue has hosted the biggest names in country music and continues to showcase today's stars.

The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum preserves the history that shaped today's music. Take a self-guided tour to learn about legends who changed the industry forever.

The Ryman Auditorium sits downtown and is known worldwide for its amazing performances. Tour this historic venue to feel the heart and soul of Nashville.

The Musicians Hall of Fame is another downtown must-see. View instruments played by stars like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Frank Sinatra.

Outdoor Activities

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Estate, located near the luxurious Belle Meade community, offers a look at the local flora and lush greenery. Enjoy the openness and fresh air. Take some time to wander through the colorful gardens and enjoy the splendor of Nashville's natural wonders.

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere has more than a million visitors each year and is actively involved in many species conservation programs, plus it's one of the top things to do with kids in Nashville. Walk through the exhibits and see animals representing more than 350 species from around the world.

Shelby Park sits along the Cumberland River, allowing visitors to glimpse migratory birds and other local wildlife. Shelby Park amenities include playgrounds, ball fields and courts, dog parks, and golf courses. There's a Cumberland River boat ramp for those in the mood to fish or partake in other water recreation activities.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

World-famous bars, eateries, and live music venues line the streets of Nashville. From the Bluebird Café, one of Nashville's top attractions, to The Catbird Seat and its world-class dining, there's something for everyone.

Here are some must-try spots, hidden gems, and all-around quality establishments:

• Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina: High-end steakhouse with panoramic city views and an award-winning bourbon list.
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: A must-visit for Nashville’s famous hot chicken, with spice levels for every palate.
• Pinewood Social: Unique all-in-one hangout spot featuring a restaurant, bar, bowling lanes, and a pool.
• Skull’s Rainbow Room: Historic Printers Alley speakeasy-style lounge with live jazz and burlesque shows.
• The Patterson House: A refined speakeasy offering some of the best handcrafted cocktails in the city.
• Butcher & Bee: Trendy East Nashville restaurant known for bold, seasonal small plates and craft cocktails.
• 5th & Taylor: Sophisticated American cuisine in a stylish, industrial-chic space in Germantown.
• Locust: Critically acclaimed for its minimalist yet inventive approach to dumplings and shaved ice.
• Attaboy: No-menu cocktail bar where the bartenders customize drinks to your taste—hidden gem vibe.

Nightlife

Second Fiddle offers live entertainment seven days a week. The walls are covered with country music memorabilia, and the atmosphere stays true to its country roots. Check who's playing before your visit!

Bluebird Café is a small downtown venue with just 90 seats but excellent acoustics. Songwriters often play unpublished or in-progress songs and share the stories behind them. Fun fact: Garth Brooks performed here during open mic night before signing with Capitol Records!

This music-heavy culture is why many people choose Nashville over cities like Dallas—the country charm is unmatched.

Climate in Nashville

What's the Nashville forecast like? Nashville and the greater Davidson County enjoy over 200 warm days yearly, with about 45 inches of annual rainfall.

Summers can be hot and sometimes muggy, reaching the high 80s. The Cumberland River and surrounding woods add to the humidity. Fall brings cooler evenings in the low 60s. Winters can get chilly—expect a few days in the low 40s.

Spring warms things up as trees and gardens bloom with help from rain and partly sunny days. Longer, sunnier days make spring perfect for hanging out at parks, by the river, or exploring downtown to the rhythm of the city.

Nashville Traffic

The population growth and economic development in Nashville have brought more vehicle traffic to the city and surrounding areas. Interstate routes 24, 65, and 40 come directly through the Nashville area, with the I-840 connecting to all three outside the main traffic area.

More than 80% of Nashville residents drive to work, multiplying the number of vehicles on the road. That said, the traffic isn't as congested as compared to Atlanta and other large cities.

The I-24 is the busiest roadway in the morning, compared to I-65 in the afternoon. Commuters traveling Interstate roads can expect a 20-minute delay depending on the time of day and the county's road maintenance schedules. Learning the nuances of Nashville's traffic can help reduce delays.

Alternative Routes

Taking State Routes to connect to Interstate Routes might help you avoid traffic jams, though it may add time to your commute.

Nashville's spread-out landscape means back roads can be a good way to skip traffic. While these routes might not save time, they offer great countryside views and less stressful driving.

Public Transportation in Nashville

The most frequent mode of public transportation in Nashville is the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) city bus system. There are more than 50 routes throughout the city. Fares are affordable, with all-day or month-long passes available to visitors and residents. The buses operate from the early morning hours and into the evening on some routes.

There's also the Music City Star commuter train, which has stations across the city and connects to the nearby Lebanon community, one of Nashville's best suburbs. The route has six stations, and a good starting point downtown is the Riverfront Station. Coming from the surrounding areas outside of Nashville, Music City Star riders can board one of the MTA buses to get to their destination.

On most days, the downtown sidewalks are lined with foot traffic taking full advantage of the city's walkability. However, don't be surprised to see bikes or scooters in the area.

Nashville Schools

Nashville's schools reflect a city that takes education seriously, earning recognition for its students' academic achievements. Metro Nashville Public Schools includes 174 schools serving pre-K through 12th Grade. Parents can choose traditional public schools for elementary, middle, and high school education or specialized academy programs for specific fields of study. The state regulates Nashville's curriculum, following selected federal guidelines.

Elementary Schools

• Valor Flagship Academy
• Glendale Elementary
• Lockeland Elementary

Middle Schools

• Valor Voyager Academy
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Meigs Middle
• STEM Prep Academy

High Schools

• Hume-Fogg High
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Nashville School of the Arts
• LEAD Prep Southeast

Discover Nashville Today

Living in Nashville, TN, combines high-energy opportunities with laid-back country music vibes. Nashville’s economy keeps growing, making the city a great option despite increasing living costs.

Homebuyers will find all kinds of options—new construction, gated communities, and historic homes. If you love live music, exciting attractions, amazing food, great shopping, and relaxing outdoor activities, Nashville might be your perfect new home!

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.