673,167
Population
Sunny Days: 205
45100 Affordability
80100 Schools
52100 Diversity
80100 Safety
I love Nashville. It seems like everywhere you walk, there’s great music coming out of every wall.
–Imelda May
Nashville, Tennessee
The City For Dreamers
Nashville Skyline, Credit: Photo by: kmusselmanphoto
Music Row, Credit: Photo by: mana5280
The District at Night, Credit: Nick Agee
Broadway, Credit: Photo by: Cody Lannom
The Best Thing About Nashville?
The Opportunities
Nashville is called Music City for a reason. Live music is everywhere: on the street, in cafes, accompanying your late night drinks. Nashville is the destination for country music hopefuls. Even If your career isn’t center stage, there are plenty of jobs to be had in Music City. A recent study by NerdWallet found that the top two employers in the city are healthcare and tech. Aside from Bridgestone Tires and Vanguard Industries, both of which have their headquarters in Nashville, there is quite the startup hub blossoming in the city, playing host to companies like Emma and Cicayda. With an extremely low unemployment rate of about 2%, it doesn’t take very long for new residents to find a job!
Here's a summary review from a local about living here: Nashville is great, if you have something specific you’re looking to do. There aren’t any taxes, it’s close to lots of hiking, cities, shopping, etc. My only issue is there isn’t a beach close, so I’ve had to make lakes and pools my sanctuary. Nashville reminds me of how LA was back in the 70–80’s where artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs could make it— that is no longer unless you have some money or family with money. To be happy here really depends on you as a person, and understanding it’s not easy moving somewhere new, BUT now there are so many groups and clubs that make it super easy to intermix. The food scene is coming along too, but unfortunately the wine we get here sucks.
For more reviews of Nashville from locals check out: The Reviews
The Worst Thing About Nashville?
Tourists in Downtown
It can sound mean-spirited to put down the people that bring so much revenue to the city, but not only is Nashville the go-to destination for music lovers, it’s also acquired a new title: Bachville…Anyone who’s anyone is having their bachelor/bachelorette parties in Nashville. On any relatively warm night, you can find Broadway packed with veil-wearing parties all in matching “Bride Tribe” shirts, looking for a good time. Luckily, if you stay out of downtown you may never see them!
Note from a frequent visitor about Nashville: As a college kid just south of y’all in Alabama, THIS. Nashville is literally just a party city to anyone under 25, no one is going there for attractions we go there to hit the lake and then pay $11 for a well drink at a over crowded bar. I spent more in Nashville last time I went than in New Orleans, its gotten out of hand
For more reviews of Nashville from locals check out: The Reviews
Lifestyle of Nashville
Nashville is a city of transplants: everyone is from everywhere. It may be the music scene or it could be the job opportunities, but there’s no doubt that Nashville has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. The city feel varies wildly depending on where you are. Overall, it has the feel of a college town. The city’s culture revolves heavily around the large university community and there are parts of town that definitely feel like a college town: bars with neon signs and half-price drinks, fans flooding the streets on game day, and a ton of late-night spots that are crowded until 2 AM. Outside of those areas you’ll either be in one of two places: tourist-center (downtown) or chill, true Nashville. Tourism plays a huge role in the city’s economy as well as the vibe. If you’re anywhere downtown in the warmer months, you will be inundated with people in town for Bachelor or Bachelorette parties. Then there’s the people in town for the music who flock to the Grand Ole Opry, Tootsie’s, or the Country Music Hall of fame. Then there are a ton of areas that just feel like Nashville. Not as crowded with tourists, they still have the friendly southern hospitality, great food, and even greater coffee and beer. A lot of locals really rely on their neighborhood because they dread getting in the car and trudging across the city for a night out.
Check out the Nashville calendar of events to get a deeper sense of what's happening here.
Worklife of Nashville
In Music City, the country music industry plays a huge part in Nashville’s economy. The Big Three record labels, as well as numerous independent labels, have offices in Nashville. It’s also the headquarters of Gibson guitars. This plays a huge role in the “gig culture” of the work scene here. A lot of people who are trying to make it big in music often piece together work from a variety of day jobs, while playing shows at night. Apart from music, top industries include healthcare, publishing, banking, automotive, and tech. Healthcare being the largest industry, Nashville is home to over 300 health care companies including Hospital Corporation of America (the largest private operator of hospitals in the US). Headquarters in the city also include Bridgestone Americas, Logan’s Roadhouse, and more, while Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Nissan, amongst others, also maintain a large presence in the city. University life also plays a huge role in the workforce of Nashville, with Tennessee State, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Fisk and more all within city limits.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
Nashville will always be a hit!
Trends come and go, but Nashville isn’t going to be dethroned as Music City any time soon. There’s jobs, fun restaurants and bars, and a plethora of housing to fit any budget or family. It’s definitely growing, but there’s something about the fun hustle and bustle of being surrounded by hopefuls that just makes you feel at home!
Living in Nashville
Neighborhoods in Nashville
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The Area
Nashville is in an area a lot of people refer to as “Middle Tennessee.” It’s almost smack dab in the center of the state and has Knoxville to the east, Memphis to the southwest, and Chattanooga to the southeast. Cumberland River snakes through the city and it’s also surrounded by reserves and nature areas like Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area to the east, Boxwell Scout Reservation to the northeast, Beaman Park to the northwest, and more. If you take a look at a map of the city from above, the roads might not seem like they make much sense, and you’d be right. Locals and long-time Nashvillains complain that the city was not built for as many people have started moving there, meaning traffic is a huge issue. Living in Nashville can also feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, as you’d have to put in a solid road trip to get to a neighboring major city like Atalnta or Charlotte.
Midtown
College Students
With the universities in the area, there are no shortage of neighborhoods with great sports bars and walkability. If you can afford it, we suggest trying to find a place in Midtown. It’s a notoriously cool neighborhood with trendy apartments and lofts, walkability to outdoor spaces as well as nightlife, and it’s also close to a lot of the medical centers in Nashville. Living here you’ll get weekend picnics in Centennial Park, concerts at Exit/In, dancing and drinks at Play Dance Bar, and a ton of great food (hello mimosas at Americano)!
- Midtown
- Gulch
- Downtown
Wedgewood Houston
Young Professionals
Nashville is a young professional's dream city. There’s music, great food, and a ton of job opportunities, especially if you’re in tech or medicine. Skip East Nash for now and check out the Wedgewood-Houston area. It’s just south of downtown, it has relatively affordable places to rent, and thanks to the old warehouses, factories, and redone garages, there are great art galleries, breweries, and cute shops in the area. It’s definitely walkable, although locals will tell you about the notoriously narrow streets. If your perfect Saturday consists of brunch at Earnest Bar & Hideaway, shopping at Track One, day drinks at the Loading Dock, then dinner at the Flying Hawaiian, then this is the place for you.
- Wedgewood-Houston
- East Nash
- West End
The Nations
Young Families
Unlike other large cities, Nashville has some neighborhoods with a little room to grow. You can find cute houses that need a little love or completely redone condos– it just depends on what you’re looking for! We suggest starting your search in the Nations. It might be expensive, but it has a young/hip vibe with bars, restaurants, coffee shops and a lot of dog friendly areas. Here you’ll find what locals call the “tall skinny” home architecture. Homes are built up, while still maintaining a southern style feel with double porches and a just enough lawn for little ones!
- The Nations
- East Nash
- Sylvan Park
Sylvan Park/Sylvan Heights
Established Families
Even though it’s getting more expensive, you can definitely find some larger homes in the area without having to go full suburb. Sylvan Park may be pricey, but it’s worth it. It’s located on the westside, it’s walkable, and there’s a ton to do. You’ll be close to some of the best restaurants and shopping in the area as well as a ton of parks. The homes here have larger yards and the style can vary from brick bungalows to modern mini-mansions.
- Sylvan Park/Sylvan Heights
- The Nations
- Charlotte Park
The Gulch
Retirees
Nashville is a great place to retire if you love going out, music, and don’t mind a younger crowd. Arguably the most walkable area is the Gulch. It can feel a little bit like a tourist hub, but that’s what makes it fun! There are a lot of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to spend time at. Check out the high-rise condos and apartments that also give you rooftop pools and great views!
- The Gulch
- Sobro
- Midtown