Living in Nashville, TN

There's a vibe for country living in the city of Nashville—a blend of yesterday's traditions and a touch of today's modern amenities, linked with a thriving music and entertainment environment. Looking in from the outside, there's a sense of community that can't be duplicated, making Nashville one of the most exciting places to live. It isn't a surprise that so many people flock to Music City, with the goal of making Nashville home. Living in Nashville is a choice of lifestyle that is filled with energy and eagerness for living loud and dancing to the city's heartbeat.

Just how many people move to Nashville each day? Right now, the total stands at around 82, and the number is going up steadily—just ask your Nashville realtor! As the capital of Tennessee, the city is the county seat of Davidson County and is located on the Cumberland River. Nashville's culture resonates among its excellent restaurants, beautiful parks, and exciting outdoor activities, calling residents and visitors to enjoy the day and share smiles.

Is Nashville a great place to live? Read on to learn all there is to know to make this incredible city your new home.

10 Reasons to Move to Nashville

There are dozens of great reasons to move to Nashville, Tennessee. Here is just a small selection: 

• Thriving music scene and live entertainment opportunities.
• Low cost of living compared to other major cities.
• Vibrant arts and cultural community.
• Delicious Southern cuisine and food culture.
• Beautiful parks and outdoor recreational activities.
• Strong job market with diverse industries.
• Friendly and welcoming Southern hospitality.
• Mild climate with four distinct seasons.
• Rich history and heritage.
• Accessible location for travel within the United States.

What's Causing Nashville to Grow?

Typically, cities grow because of new job opportunities, and Nashville is no different. However, another reason the city is growing so fast is the start-up scene. Business start-ups are very popular today, and many companies are finding success in the Music City. Typically, its businesses are found in the music industry, but lately, it's been many other types of businesses as well.

These businesses are so successful in Nashville due to the lower cost of living and the lower cost for a startup in the city. The growing population of Nashville is an added bonus. The biggest growing industry in the city is healthcare. Nashville is responsible for nearly half of the for-profit hospital beds in the entire country, and the industry is growing very fast throughout the city. Many new graduates are trained and ready to enter the field every year, and many move to Nashville seeking job opportunities.

Of course, the rich music heritage still draws plenty of new residents to the area. Along with the incredible music scene, the city also holds many events, professional sports teams, and much more to offer new residents.

Cost of Living in Nashville

The cost of living in Nashville, Tennessee, is a measurable index based on basic necessities, including housing, food, energy, transportation, medical care, taxes, and other expenses. The city's cost of living gives an idea of what it may cost to live in Nashville compared to other U.S. locations, using a national average of 100. Nashville's overall cost of living is 103, compared to the state's at 90.

While Nashville may be more expensive to live in than other cities in Tennessee, the costs are not distributed equally across all categories. The major difference is in housing, in which Nashville rates a 117 while the state overall is around 79. The high housing demand can be expected given Nashville's status as a major city and its incredible attractions. The costs of transportation and food are also a bit higher in Nashville. However, energy costs are roughly equal to the state average, and health care in Nashville is more affordable than in other places in Tennessee.

The median home cost in Nashville, Tennessee, is around $450,000, compared to the state's average of $300,000. When it comes to apartments, the monthly rent might be $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment and about $1,900 for two bedrooms. Three bedrooms might run $2,300, and large spaces with four bedrooms might cost about $3,000 per month. As with most cities, choosing to live in the surrounding metro area can save a bit of money on housing costs. 

Picking the Right Neighborhood in Nashville

A big part of moving to a new city is choosing the right neighborhood. Living in Nashville is an excellent combination of city vibes and southern charm. Historic southern homes around the city often share a block harmoniously with some of the most modern apartments. Curious about where you could fit in? There are so many options. Here's a quick breakdown of some of the most popular neighborhoods throughout Nashville.

The Gulch

Real estate in The Gulch is located in a small area south of downtown and is very walkable. Containing high-rise housing and apartment buildings, The Gulch offers bars, restaurants, and some upscale living choices.

Downtown

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

Hillsboro Village

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

Sylvan Park

In a very cool neighborhood with plenty of good restaurants and shops, homes for sale in Sylvan Park 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.

Other neighborhoods in Nashville include:

• Germantown
• Belmont Boulevard
• 12 South
• Edgehill Village
• Green Hills

Finding the right neighborhood is different for everyone, but with research and help from an expert real estate team, you're sure to find a great Nashville home you love.

Nashville Job Market

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Nashville job market is favorable, keeping unemployment under 3% compared to the national average of 3.7% as of November 2022.

The most productive industry sectors in Nashville today are setting standards for the future. Many of these corporations have chosen to establish headquarters within the community. Other organizations have founded company operations within the city limits and outlying communities.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center services over two million patients each year. It is also the most significant academic medical center in the Southeast, employing over 20,000. Vanderbilt University itself is located near downtown Nashville, allowing students, staff, and visitors access to the city's activities. The school employs nearly 7,000.

Nissan North America operations in Nashville employ more than 10,000 employees. HCA Healthcare Inc. employs about the same number, improving lives and local communities every day through best practices and support services delivering the care patients need.

Randstad is Nashville's premier staffing agency, with a workforce of more than 4,000 helping residents with their career choices. The Kroger Company is a national retailer known for serving quality. Today the company employs more than 3,500 Nashville residents. AT&T is a modern media company changing the way people live, work, and play. In Nashville, more than 2,000 employees are reshaping the world of technology, media, and telecommunications.

Popular Industries in the Area

The music industry isn't the only growing industry in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville's Chamber of Commerce is alive and well, enticing nationally known corporations to plant roots in this thriving metropolis among more than 53,000 businesses in the region. The leading industries in Nashville include health care, automobile production, finance, higher education, insurance, music, entertainment production, technology, manufacturing, printing, publishing, and tourism.

Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is home to country music, which means tourists and residents can savor their favorite tunes where it all started. Head downtown and check out the landmarks, museums, halls of honor, and other fun things to do. Don't forget to look up—downtown Nashville has an incredible skyline.

The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most popular places to visit in the area. This world-renowned venue has been home to the best country music artists and continues to own its legacy with today's hottest stars.

The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum contains memories that influence today's entertainment industry. Take a self-guided tour and enjoy the magic of past legends recognized for outstanding performances and contributions to the industry.

The Ryman Auditorium is located downtown and known around the world for its performances. Take a tour and feel the presence of Nashville's heart and soul.

The Musician Hall of Fame is another downtown location to visit. View a collection of instruments cherished by rising stars like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Frank Sinatra.

Outdoor Activities

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens offer 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.

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. Each year, the zoo welcomes the birth of amazing babies.

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. For those in the mood to fish or partake in other water recreation activities, there's a Cumberland River boat ramp.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

Loveless Café has been serving country hospitality for more than 65 years. It has become a Nashville landmark for hungry visitors looking to slow down and enjoy a home-cooked meal—southern style. Don't leave without having one of the 10,000 biscuits this famous café bakes fresh daily.

Tin Roof opens the floor to musicians. Enjoy live music from 11 a.m. till closing. After 9 p.m., customers must be 21 years of age to enter. There are two levels inside, and each has its own stage, and the third level is located on the rooftop patio. All three areas offer an evening of live entertainment. Try the wings and tenders or hot buttermilk-fried chicken with potato salad and pickles, and choose drinks from craft and domestic beers. Don't forget the specialty drinks at the Sunday brunch.

Nightlife

Second Fiddle has live entertainment seven days a week. Spend some time checking out the walls lined with county music memorabilia. The place is just plain comfortable and true to its country roots. Those planning a trip to Nashville should consider taking a moment to check who's playing at this honky-tonk.

Bluebird Café is located downtown with a 90-seat capacity, and the café has excellent acoustics for nightly performing artists. Songwriters can play unpublished or in-work songs to a receptive audience. In addition, the audience gets a chance to hear stories of how the song came to be. One example of a past artist is Garth Brooks, who played here during open mic night and later signed with Capitol Records.

Climate in Nashville

What can you expect from the Nashville forecast? The weather is average for the region. Residents can expect more than 200 days of warmth throughout the year, and the average annual rainfall for the area is about 45 inches.

Summers are hot and sometimes muggy, reaching the high 80s. Being so close to the Cumberland River and its woodlands contributes to the humidity in the area. In fall, evenings fall into the low 60s. Winters can be chilly, so get ready to bundle up—residents can expect a few days in the low 40s.

The appearance of spring warms things up again as trees and gardens prepare for the seasonal bloom with the help of rain and partially sunny days. As a result, spring brings longer days with more sun, perfect for hanging out at the park or river or cruising downtown and listening to the rhythms 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. Add in the city's growing population and tourists traveling daily through Nashville, and commuters can expect congestion during rush hours and seasonal travel peaks.

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. Seasonal travel during the summer is known to cause delays up to an hour or more. Since the interstate routes experience different traffic modes throughout the day, learning the nuances of Nashville's traffic can help reduce delays.

Alternative Routes

Depending on which direction a driver is headed, taking one of the State Routes to connect to one of Interstate Routes may help avoid traffic congestion, but the travel time between the Interstate routes will add time to the commute.

Since Nashville's landscape is spread out, the back roads offer a good alternative for avoiding traffic congestion. However, while the back roads may help alleviate the stress of traffic and provide great views of the countryside, this alternative route may not reduce the actual commute time for reaching a destination.

Public Transportation in Nashville

The most frequent mode of public transportation is the Metropolitan Transit Authority 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 early morning hours and into the evening on some routes.

There's also the Music City Star commuter train, with stations across the city and surrounding communities. There are six stations along the route, 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. Commuters should do some planning before they leave to coordinate their route with the bus and train schedules.

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. In addition, like most city hubs, taxi cabs are available. The emergence of Lyft and Uber services offers another alternative to getting around the city.

Nashville Schools

Nashville's focus on education has earned the city multiple recognitions for its students' academic achievements. Metro Nashville Public Schools provides educational classes for P–12 among its 174 schools within the district. Parents and guardians can choose among traditional public schools for elementary, middle, and secondary educational programs. In addition, academy programs specialize in specific fields of study. The state regulates the curriculum for Nashville schools with guidance pertaining to selected federal laws.

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

What to Remember When Moving to Nashville

Making the transition of moving out of your home while purchasing a new one is a busy and stressful time. Working with a good real estate agent can make this process smoother, but there are some steps that sellers can take as well.

Forward the Mail

The first thing a seller may want to do is have mail forwarded to their new address. They can do this online, eliminating the need to make a trip to the post office. In addition to forwarding the mail, sellers will need to inform any companies of the new address. They should also ensure the buyer has the mailbox key.

Switch the Utilities

Sellers can go online and set up their utilities to be stopped at their current address and started at their new address on whichever date they need. Sellers should also inform utilities of the moving date for their electric, gas, cable, water, sewer, and trash so they can discontinue service at their current address on the closing date and start service on the new home right away.

While switching utilities, sellers may want to use this time to also call their home insurance agent and have them cancel the policy. Most likely, a homebuyer has already set up a new insurance policy for their new home.

Clean the House

Even though packing is time-consuming, cleaning is essential. Therefore, it's important to have cleaning supplies ready to use. The current owner should clean the home as if they're risking a security deposit, so places such as underneath the fridge or any gathered dust need to be addressed.

Staying organized is essential to moving out of a house and purchasing a new one. Sellers can make this transition smooth by making sure everything has been cleaned, packed, policies and utilities canceled, and everything started at the new home.

Moving to Nashville With Kids

When a household with kids begins the process of moving to a new city, some things can be done to make it easier. The following ideas may be helpful.

• Kids need to have some structure in their lives. When making the move, parents will want to keep their kids on a schedule. Parts of this schedule will need to include things kids are accustomed to doing each day, like eating dinner at the same time or having family time during the week.
• If possible, parents should take their children with them when they visit Nashville so the kids can see the area for themselves. Doing so gives kids something to look forward to by allowing them to see the new home.
• Parents should let their kids pick out fun items to bring while traveling. This may include a trip to the store and allowing their kids to pick out a fun game.

The move to Nashville doesn't need to be hard on a household. In fact, by taking some simple steps, those moving with kids can make the move a fun experience. Additionally, parents should take the time to communicate with their children about what will be happening over the upcoming weeks, letting them know what they can expect during the move each day.

Moving to Nashville With Pets

Most pets aren't huge fans of change, so it's best to try to keep the move as simple as possible for them. To do this, pet owners can avoid causing stress with the disruption of packing by leaving their pet's things undisturbed for as long as possible, especially if the moving process beings early. On the day of moving with pets, most pets will benefit from a visit to a trusted friend's home or staying at a daycare or boarding service to avoid chaos. If that's not possible, pet owners can keep their pet in a familiar room with the door closed and packing up that space last. 

Upon arrival at the new home, pet owners should take a few minutes and pet-proof the main areas to make sure there are no immediate disasters. Start by tucking away cords; securing the yard, gates, windows, and other escape routes; and checking for poisonous plants where the pet may roam. Next, pet owners can bring in a few familiar items--perhaps a bed or feeding dish--to help their pet get comfortable and give them plenty of time to explore and slowly adjust. Closing off bedrooms and other areas that are not central to the house to prevent pets from being overwhelmed may be a good idea at first. In time, pets will settle in--especially with lots of love and encouragement.

Discover Nashville Today

Living in Nashville, TN, is a mix between high-energy opportunities and slow, comfortable country-music vibes. Nashville's economy is designed to keep itself growing and thriving well into the future, making this city affordable even with today's higher cost of living. Homebuyers will find a range of Nashville new construction homes, homes in Nashville's gated communities, and historic Nashville real estate for sale. Those who like listening to live music shows, exploring attractions, and being spoiled for choice when it comes to delectable dining, shopping opportunities, and relaxing outdoor recreation may find their ideal home in Nashville.

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.

Read Our Moving Guides For Each City/County Below