Article Overview:Living in Nashville, Tennessee | Moving to Nashville
Are you thinking about moving to Nashville?
I think I can help.
My hope is that this list makes your decision a little easier.
Pros & Cons of Living in Nashville | (Shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
But, as with anything, theres two sides to every story.
For every bright-eyed and bushy-tailed newcomer theres an equally endearing life-long local ready to keep enthusiasms in check.
By pointing to raising house prices and the alarming surge of avocado toast on menus across town.
Pros & Cons of Living in Nashville | (shutterstock/Sean Pavone)
But look at me go.
I recommend it to my own family and friends!
First, the Pros of Moving to Nashville
#1.
(shutterstock/jdross75)
In fact, Nashville is ranked as one of themost friendly citiesin the country.
Whats more, the diversity of people youll find while living in Nashville spans the gamut.
Thankfully thats not the case here.
(shutterstock/jdross75)
Youre bound to meet people with careers (and interests) very different from your own.
Theres no denying that many younger newcomers move to Nashville in an attempt to break into the music scene.
But if Im being honest, theres an alluring charm to that too.
Speaking from personal experience, Ive found that Nashville attracts people with varying interests.
#2.
Getting a grasp of the greenway system can be challenging for those moving to Nashville.
If you want to explore for yourself (more power to you!)
heres a roundup ofthe many, many trails you’re able to choose from.
#3.
Nashvilles Food Scene is Top Notch
Nashville is considered one of thebest food cities in America.
From beloved hole-in-the-wall gems to award-winning high-end restaurants with long wait lists (and eye-watering prices).
For date nights, I prefer Henrietta Red, The Optimist and 5th & Taylor.
#4.
Moving to Nashville For a Job?
Youre in Good Hands
A 2022 study by MoneyGeek found thatNashville has the 6th strongest job marketin the country.
In the past two years, Tennessee has seen a surge in job opportunities across a handful of sectors.
Healthcare and IT professions are seeing higher rates of apprenticeship numbers.
Likewise, health-technology firms are cropping up in Nashville, offering high salaries with commissions.
#5.
Thats because you could afford to liveandeat while living in Nashville.
Oh, the joy of taxes.
The perks of living in Nashville keep adding up!
#6.
They dont call it Music City for nothing, folks.
Nashvilles music culture needs to introduction, the industrys storied past is stuff for legends.
Thankfully, those living in Nashville (or merely visiting!)
can take advantage of this perk.
The hardest things is finding a venue that appeals to your tastes.
The city is home to talented musicians of all genres you just need to know where to look.
But thats the extent of my patience for dogs, and trucks and high school sweethearts).
But what are you, my therapist?
Lets get back to Nashvilles music scene.
Its diverse and expands beyond country.
Alternative rock and indie are easy to come by andthis handy events calendar may prove helpful.
If all else fails, just ask a coworker (or even your barista/bar tender) for venue recommendations.
You never know what youll find!
Cons of Living in Nashville
#1.
The struggle is real and not for lack of effort.
Between joining meetups through various Facebook groups, attending events, participating in fitness groups, etc.
it feels like making friends while living in Nashville requires a massive effort and a miracle.
Im very grateful for the handful of close friends I made through work (took years!
One helpful suggestion Ive come across is meeting people through volunteering.
I guess they dont call Tennessee the Volunteer State for nothing, its worth a try.
Spill the beans and share your advice.
What worked for you?
#2.
Or worse, sidewalks that randomly end abruptly (what the heck?).
So what does this mean for the average hoe that lives in Nashville?
Well, for starters, sometimes I feel unsafe getting from Point A to Point B on foot.
Instead of lacing up my walking shoes, I find myself grabbing the keys to the car.
In this regard, Nashville definitely has room to grow.
#3.
Can you get by without a car?
Sure, but youll be limited on things to do.
Theres no reason to sugarcoat it, Nashville is designed with the car in mind.
Unless you live in the downtown core, you wont find public transportation useful.
Also, say goodbye to weekend trips.
Work, groceries, entertainment, gym anything,really, will require a car after moving to Nashville.
As such, public transportation is abysmal because its clear that locals are car-dependent.
#4.
Its no secret that Nashville is growing, and we all know that growing pains are inevitable.
Its also sad to see newcomers come to the realization that housing prices are out of reach.
Hard to blame folks for the effort, but it only agitates the housing issues.
#5.
Whats With the Bad Drivers?
But speaking from personal experience, its not the traffic I mind so much as the aggressive driving habits.
Ive seriously lost count of the near-miss accidents Ive encountered.
And damn, the crappy design of our interstate system!
Will I make it home unscathed?
Cant wait to find out!
Turns outIm not the only one that thinks so.
#6.
The City Feels Segregated
A few years ago I found myself in an impassioned debate with a close coworker.
During those long drives it because obvious to me that the city is segmented by class and race.
You cant unsee it.
Instead, Id like to sharethis informative resourcethat I found very compelling.
#7.
Moving to Nashville With Kids?
Quite frankly, its one of the most frustrating things about living in Nashville.
Too manyNashville schools rank as the worstin the state for my comfort.
A proper public education is an exception, not the rule.
#8.
The Drinking Culture is Real
Okay, this might sound nit-picky, but bear with me.
Nashville is a party city through and through.
Hey, maybe this is the reason making friends is so hard in the city?
#9.
Expect to hear stuffy noses and see red eyes on the daily.
The main culprits in spring are the prolific pollen-producing trees, while falls shining star is hay fever.
Pick your favorite, living in Nashville comes with options.
Retiring in Nashville FAQ
Nashville is a vibrant and dynamic city with a lot to offer.
However, like all cities, moving to Nashville comes with pros and cons.
Retiring in Nashville is up for debate.
The citys warm climate, affordable cost of living and ample opportunities to stay active are attractive to retirees.
Likewise, the states lack of income tax makes retiring in Nashville on a fixed income a possibility.
The city also has a strong healthcare system and a growing economy, which can be attractive to retirees.
However, Tennessee does have a limited medical marijuana program.
Named for:The city was founded in 1779 and named after Francis Nash, a Revolutionary War hero.
Capital:Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and the states second-largest city.
Hockey:The Nashville Predators, a professional ice hockey team, play at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville.
I hope this post helped answer some of your questions, reach out if you need clarification with anything!
