Moving to Nashville, Tennessee

Quick insights

• Nashville has a wide range of activities for people with varying interests, including music fans, art appreciators, sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts.
• The cost of living in Nashville is very close to the national average, with housing slightly above average due to increased demandec-payscale.
• Nashville’s geography and climate present the potential need for flood insurance, storm preparedness, extra HVAC maintenance and mold prevention.

For those looking to become homeowners, the lively city of Nashville is worth considering. This southeastern American destination is teeming with country charm, greenery and exciting urban activity. Located in the heart of Tennessee, the city is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and fertile river valleys. Nashville experiences all four seasons, with vibrant blossoms in the spring, hot and humid summers, colorful foliage in the fall and mild winters.

In this guide to moving to Nashville, we’ll cover life in the city, popular neighborhoods to get to know and tips for potential homeowners. Read on to discover the pros and cons of living in Nashville.

Living in Nashville, Tennessee

Known as “Music City,” Nashville has long been a hub for country music and a popular tourist destination for fans of the genre. The city is home to many country-focused attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Cash Museum and Country Music Hall of Fame. As a further celebration of the genre, Nashville typically hosts the annual CMA Music Festival in June.

The city is alternatively referred to as the “Athens of the South” for its heavy focus on education. In fact, Nashville was the first American southern city to establish a public school system and is home to numerous colleges and universitiesec-payscale. Major schools in the area include Belmont, Vanderbilt and Tennessee State University. Playing up the Athens theme, the city even has its own replica of the Parthenon, originally constructed to celebrate the 1897 Centennial Exposition.

Sports and outdoor activities in Nashville

Nashville is a city full of people who love its sports teams. College sports are particularly popular in the city, with the Music City Bowl college football game taking place annually in December. Nashville also has several professional teams to root for, including the Tennessee Titans (NFL), the Nashville Predators (NHL) and the Nashville Soccer Club (MLS).

Outside of organized sports, Nashville’s verdant landscape and waterways encourage an active lifestyle. Activities popular among residents include hiking, golfing, ziplining, jet skiing and canoeing. Outdoor enthusiasts may want to consider visiting the nearby Warner Parks and Radnor Lake State Park, destinations laden with peaceful trails and greenery. Those looking for boating, fishing and camping may want to visit Percy Priest Lake, a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville.

A city for artists and art-appreciators

The city has many events and attractions catering to the arts, including the Nashville Film Festival in October and year-round “art crawls.” Every first Saturday of the month, creative enthusiasts can attend the monthly crawl to view works from local artists throughout the city. The Frist Art Museum, located in the city’s downtown area, also showcases a wide range of visual arts with immersive and educational exhibits.

Getting around the city

Despite traffic, which most big cities have, it's common for people living in Nashville to use cars as their primary mode of transportation. The city has three intersecting interstates (I-40, 1-24 and I-65), which many residents rely on for daily commuting.

In addition, the city’s WeGo public transit system includes dozens of inner-city buses and the WeGo Star commuter rail service, which runs between Nashville and Lebanon, Tennessee. Biking and walking may be viable options in the downtown area, as well. Areas tend to be more spacious the farther away you get from the city center.

Things to know before moving to Nashville

If you’re thinking about becoming a Nashville resident, it may be important to familiarize yourself with its neighborhoods, cost of living and job market.

Popular neighborhoods in Nashville

Where in Nashville should you live and spend time? Depending on your priorities, some of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to research may include:

• East Nashville: This neighborhood is popular among young professionals and artists due to its vibrant nightlife scene and eclectic eatery options. Homes in this area include historic bungalows, modern townhouses and lofts.
• The Gulch: This once-industrial area alongside Nashville’s Central Business District has been revived as a dense urban neighborhood for families and individuals alike. The Gulch was Nashville’s first community certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). That means the area is designed to optimize walkability and access to public transportation, office locations, retail, dining and entertainment.
• Bellevue: This upscale neighborhood has tree-lined streets, large historic estates and lush landscaping. It’s popular with families looking for a quieter, suburban-like lifestyle without sacrificing access to downtown Nashville.
• Donelson: A short drive from both downtown Nashville and the Nashville International Airport, Donelson is a conveniently located neighborhood with a community feel. This area includes mid-century style ranches and other renovated single-story properties surrounded by expansive green lawns, trees and parks.

Average cost of living in Nashville and job market

The average cost of living in Nashville is roughly aligned with the national average (-1%), with a slightly higher cost of housing (+6%) due to a rising market in the area.¹ Nashville’s robust job market is anchored by the healthcare sector; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare and Ascension Saint Thomas employ many medical professionals. Other active industries in the city include education, professional services, insurance, tourism and music production.

Buying your first home in Nashville

If your move to Music City involves buying a home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with programs that can make the process easier, as well as unique considerations for the area’s homeowners.

Homebuying resources in Nashville, Tennessee

There are programs dedicated to helping first-time buyers purchase a home in Music City. If you’re planning to buy soon, you might want to see whether these programs are available:

• Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) programs: The THDA provides assistance for qualified homebuyers with middle- and moderate-income levels. Support includes affordable, insured loans through the Great Choice Home Loans program, homebuyer education courses, credit counseling and up to $15,000 in down payment assistance through the Great Choice Plus program.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans offer low downpayments, low closing costs and easy credit qualifying for first-time homebuyers. In some cases, down payments with an FHA loan can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.
• Habitat for Humanity: This renowned nonprofit organization helps build homes in Nashville with 0% APR mortgage loans for those who qualify. To qualify, individuals must meet extensive program criteria, attend classes and volunteer with the organization as part of the process toward homeownership.

Special considerations for Nashville homebuyers

The area’s subtropical climate, unique weather activity and state ordinances may vary from your current location. Some aspects to be aware of include:

• Heat and humidity: The subtropical climate of Nashville can make increased focus on HVAC maintenance and mold prevention necessary for homeowners
• Tornado activity: Nashville is part of an area of the country that frequently experiences strong, long-track tornadoes. Potential homeowners may want to have a storm preparedness plan or consider looking for properties with a basement or storm shelter.
• Flood risk: Homes in Nashville, especially those near the Cumberland River, may be prone to flooding. Those buying a home in the city may want to review flood maps and purchase specialized insurance.
• No state income tax: Residents of Tennessee don’t pay an extra tax on their income, which may be a new benefit to help offset costs depending on where you are moving from.

Pros and cons of living in Nashville, Tennessee

As a quick recap, let’s review some of the potential highlights and drawbacks of moving to Nashville, Tennessee:

Pros of living in Nashville, Tennessee

• No state income tax
• Many higher education institutions
• Access to a great country music scene
• Proximity to parks and outdoor activities
• Robust job market with a focus on healthcare and education

Cons of living in Nashville, Tennessee

• Hot and humid summers
• High number of tourists and students
• Slightly above-average cost of housingec-payscale
• Prevalence of tornados and flooding
• Traffic congestion, especially at rush hour

In conclusion

There are many upsides to moving to Nashville, especially for those who want to enjoy great food, country music and outdoor activities. If Nashville is one of many cities you’re considering, you may want to try the Chase city vs. city website for comparisons. No matter what city you’re moving from or where you decide to go, it can be helpful to include a trained real estate professional or home lending expert in your process.