15 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Nashville [2025 Guide]

Are you considering moving to Nashville, TN? You're not alone! 🌟 With 70+ people relocating to Greater Nashville daily in 2024, Music City is striking all the right chords with newcomers. Before you pack your bags and hit the road, take a few minutes to discover why living in Nashville might be the perfect choice for your next chapter.                

If you're serious about moving to Nashville, we're ready to help make your transition seamless. Just like finding the perfect harmony in a country song, we'll help you find the perfect neighborhood that resonates with your lifestyle. 🎶                

Still have questions after reading? Contact James & Steph! 📞 (615) 751-8913

Did you know Nashville consistently ranks in the top 10 cities for quality of life nationwide? 🏆 Or that it's been named one of the best cities for young professionals by Forbes, Money Magazine, and U.S. News & World Report? The secret's out about living in Nashville, y'all!                

What many folks don't realize until they arrive is just how deeply music flows through the city's veins. When we say "Music City," we mean it! 🎭 From the neon-lit honky-tonks on Lower Broadway to the hallowed halls of the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, you'll find live music spilling onto the streets seven days a week, 365 days a year.

15 Reasons You'll Fall in Love with Nashville Living ❤️

1. Southern Hospitality Isn't Just a Saying – It's Our Way of Life 🤗         
Picture this: You're grabbing coffee at Barista Parlor in East Nashville when you bump into someone you met at a neighborhood potluck last month. Neither of you remembers the other's name, but you're instantly wrapped in a warm "Hey there!" and chatting like old friends                

That's the Nashville way. ✨            

This city of nearly 700,000 (Greater Nashville: over 2 million) somehow maintains its small-town heart. 💕 Nashville's population has grown by over 20% since 2000, making it one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas – but newcomers consistently tell us the same thing: "It feels like I've finally found my community."                

We remember showing homes to a couple from Boston who were shocked when strangers waved to them from porches. Six months after moving to Nashville, they were the ones initiating the friendly waves! 👋

Nashville attracts creatives, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and folks simply seeking a better quality of life. This diverse mix creates a uniquely welcoming atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. 🌈                

Franklin, just south of Nashville, regularly appears on "Best Places to Live in America" lists – and with good reason. The charm of these communities comes directly from the people who call them home.               

If you're relocating from the Northeast (we see you, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey transplants! 🗽), prepare for a refreshing change in daily interactions. As one of our clients from Chicago recently told us, "People actually make eye contact and say good morning here. It took some getting used to, but now we can't imagine living in Nashville any other way."                

Dog owner? 🐕 You'll find furry friends and their humans gathering at Centennial Park, Shelby Bottoms Dog Park, and Two Rivers Dog Park. These aren't just pet playgrounds – they're where lasting friendships form over shared stories and tennis balls.

Nashville's job market is hotter than our famous hot chicken! 🔥 With an unemployment rate hovering around 3% (well below the national average), finding work after moving to Nashville is significantly easier than in many other metropolitan areas.                

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is in the midst of a $1.4 billion expansion, adding new direct flights and making business travel a breeze. ✈️ This connectivity has helped attract major corporations looking for headquarters in a more affordable, livable city.                

Did you know Nashville is actually known as the "Healthcare Capital of the U.S."? 🏥 With over 500 healthcare companies calling Middle Tennessee home, including HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the medical industry employs more than 270,000 people in the region. This makes healthcare one of the top employment sectors for those living in Nashville.            

The city's diverse economy doesn't stop there. 💰 Financial giant AllianceBernstein relocated its headquarters from Wall Street to Nashville in 2018, bringing 1,250 high-paying jobs. Amazon has established a significant presence downtown with its Center of Excellence, adding 5,000 corporate and tech positions. Other major employers include Nissan North America, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion.                

Nashville's tech scene is exploding, too, with startups and established tech companies flocking to areas like the Gulch and Germantown. 💻 The Oracle campus will soon transform the east bank of the Cumberland River. The city's entrepreneurial spirit also makes it perfect for those looking to launch their own business ventures.

Let me tell you, your taste buds are in for a serious treat when living in Nashville! 😋 While our hot chicken put us on the culinary map (and yes, you absolutely must try the original at Prince's or the tourist-friendly heat at Hattie B's), Nashville's food scene has exploded into a diverse smorgasbord of flavors.               

The aroma of slow-cooked barbecue from Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. 🍖 The sizzle of farm-to-table creations at Rolf & Daughters. The steam rising from a fresh batch of biscuits at Biscuit Love. Nashville's culinary soundtrack is music to any food lover's ears.              

With over 2,000 restaurants and 200+ food trucks roaming the city, you'll never run out of new flavors to discover after moving to Nashville. 🚚 East Nashville alone offers everything from upscale dining at Folk to casual fare at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden.            

💡 Pro tip: For an unforgettable dining experience, snag a reservation at The Catbird Seat, where you'll watch chefs create a multi-course tasting menu before your eyes. Or try Audrey by renowned chef Sean Brock for a modern take on Appalachian cuisine that will forever change how you think about Southern food. And our absolute favorite chef is Deb Paquette of Etch & Etc. Her sauce combinations are out of this world! 👩‍🍳

Nashville's craft beer scene perfectly complements its musical creativity. Local breweries like Yazoo Brewing Company (try their Embrace the Funk series), Tennessee Brew Works (the Basil Ryeman is a must), and Bearded Iris Brewing (known for hazy IPAs) are creating liquid masterpieces worth writing songs about. 🎵                

Southern Grist Brewing Co. pushes boundaries with innovative flavors that change constantly, while Jackalope Brewing Company, founded by female brewers, offers approachable beers perfect for Nashville newcomers. Many taprooms feature live music, bringing together two of Nashville's favorite things when living in Nashville. 🎶🍻       

6. Nashville Real Estate: Still Hitting the Sweet Spot 🏡
While Nashville's popularity has certainly impacted home prices, the city still offers remarkable value compared to coastal markets. 💰 In East Nashville, a renovated craftsman bungalow that might cost $2.5 million in parts of Los Angeles can be found for under $800,000. In emerging neighborhoods like The Nations or Wedgewood-Houston, first-time homebuyers can still find opportunities under $500,000.

Many of our clients from California, New York, and Washington DC are amazed when they discover how much more space and character they can afford in Nashville. One recent transplant from San Francisco told us, "We went from a 900-square-foot condo to a 3,000-square-foot house with a yard for less money. We feel like we're dreaming!" 🏠✨           

💡 Pro Tip: Working with Mary Littleton at Accurate Mortgage gives you a competitive edge. She knows Nashville's market inside and out and can help first-time buyers navigate programs and incentives faster than big banks! 🏦   

7. Four Seasons of Weather (But None Too Extreme) 🌤️
Nashville experiences all four seasons but without the extreme cold of the North or the oppressive heat of the Deep South. 🌡️ Spring brings vibrant blooms and comfortable temperatures perfect for porch sitting. Summers are warm (yes, it gets hot and humid in July and August), but fall rewards residents with spectacular colors and crisp air, ideal for hiking nearby trails when living in Nashville.             

Winter typically brings only a few light snowfalls that turn the city into a postcard-perfect scene ❄️ – just enough to build the occasional snowman but rarely enough to seriously disrupt daily life. The average of 213 sunny days per year means you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor living. ☀️            

For those moving to Nashville from colder climates, imagine this: being able to golf or hike in January on a 60-degree day. It happens more often than you'd think! ⛳

Higher education shines with Vanderbilt University, consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities, plus Belmont University (known for music business programs), Tennessee State University (a prominent HBCU), Lipscomb University, and Fisk University (with its renowned art collection) – making Nashville an excellent choice for education-focused families.            

For those moving to Nashville with school-aged children, we have the option for browsing by school zones to simplify your search.
📍Some of Davidson County's highest-rated public schools include:                                                                                                                                  

9. Arts & Culture: Nashville's Hidden Harmonies 🎨
While music may take center stage, Nashville's broader cultural scene deserves a standing ovation. 👏 The Frist Art Museum, housed in a stunning Art Deco former post office, hosts world-class traveling exhibitions that change regularly.

Public art adorns neighborhoods across the city – from the famous angel wings mural in The Gulch (get your Instagram ready! 📸) to the colorful installations along the evolving Wedgewood-Houston art corridor. First Saturday Art Crawls offer free gallery hopping through downtown's 5th Avenue of the Arts.              

One of our favorite Nashville experiences is watching visitors discover there's so much more to our city than cowboy boots, bridal parties, and country music. Though we certainly have plenty of those! 🤠👰

In what other city can you walk down a single street and hear rock, country, bluegrass, jazz, and blues all pouring from different doorways? 🎸 Lower Broadway's famous honky-tonks like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World, and The Stage offer free live music from morning until the wee hours.               

But Nashville's music scene extends far beyond downtown. 🌟 Catch tomorrow's songwriting stars at the intimate Bluebird Cafe (made famous by the TV show "Nashville"). Experience history at the Ryman Auditorium, the "Mother Church of Country Music." Discover indie artists at The Basement or The 5 Spot in East Nashville. We were cocktail waitresses at Bourbon Street Blue and Boogie Bar in our twenties, so we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for Printers Alley! 💕             

As our client from Los Angeles said after his first week here, "I've seen more live music in seven days than I did in a year back home – and I haven't paid a cover charge once!" 🎤             

The Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest-running radio show, still broadcasts live every week from it's home in Donelson. Attending a performance there isn't just entertainment – it's a Nashville rite of passage where you might see country legends sharing the stage with today's chart-toppers. 🌟

Nashville's nightlife offers something for every taste. 🍸 Beyond the neon lights of Broadway, you'll find sophisticated rooftop bars with skyline views, speakeasy-style cocktail lounges (The Patterson House makes drinks that are art forms), and laid-back neighborhood pubs.   

The Gulch and Midtown areas attract young professionals with upscale venues like L.A. Jackson and Virago. East Nashville's bars tend toward the eclectic and artsy, while Germantown combines historic charm with innovative mixology. 🍹              

For a uniquely Nashville experience, check out Santa's Pub – a double-wide trailer turned dive bar with some of the city's most entertaining karaoke. 🎤 Or visit the treasured Station Inn in the Gulch for authentic bluegrass in an unassuming setting that hasn't changed much despite the luxury condos rising around it.

Nashville has transformed into a serious sports town. 🏆 The Tennessee Titans (NFL) play in Nissan Stadium along the Cumberland River, creating a sea of blue on game days. The Nashville Predators (NHL) turn Bridgestone Arena into the loudest venue in hockey, with fans throwing actual catfish onto the ice in a bizarre but beloved tradition. 🐟             

Nashville SC, our Major League Soccer team, moved into the country's largest soccer-specific stadium in 2022. ⚽ The 30,000-seat GEODIS Park in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood has already developed one of the most passionate fan bases in American soccer.            

College sports fans can catch Vanderbilt Commodores SEC action or support historically Black Tennessee State University's programs. The Nashville Sounds, our Triple-A baseball team, offer affordable family fun at First Horizon Park, complete with an outfield bar shaped like a guitar. ⚾🎸              

As one recent transplant told us, "We weren't hockey fans before moving here, but after one Predators game, we were hooked. The atmosphere is electric!" ⚡

Nashville sits on the Cumberland River, which winds through the heart of the city. 🌊 Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake, both just minutes from downtown, offer 42,000+ acres of water recreation possibilities. Hendersonville, Old Hickory, and Lebanon all offer lakefront property.                 

On summer weekends, you'll find locals swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, and boating. 🚤 The annual "Wakefest" on Percy Priest Lake has become a major event, while party coves like Anderson Road Recreation Area turn into Nashville's weekend social scene during warm months.

When Nashvillians need a mountain fix, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a three-hour drive east. 🚗 America's most visited national park offers world-class hiking, spectacular fall foliage, and charming gateway towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.              

In winter, Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg) provides skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. ⛷️ For summer adventures, whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River (site of the 1996 Olympic kayaking events) makes for an exciting day trip.              

Closer to home, the Highland Rim surrounding Nashville features rolling hills and hidden waterfalls perfect for weekend exploration. 🌊 Fall Creek Falls State Park, just two hours from Nashville, boasts one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States.

15. Golf: Tee Time Any Time of Year ⛳               
With over 30 public and private courses in the Nashville area, golf enthusiasts can practice their swing nearly year-round. 🏌️‍♂️ The temperate climate means courses are typically playable even in January and February, with just occasional weather closures.              

Gaylord Springs Golf Links, designed by former U.S. Open and PGA champion Larry Nelson, winds along the Cumberland River with limestone bluffs creating dramatic backdrops. Hermitage Golf Course offers two championship layouts that have hosted both LPGA and PGA events.               

For those seeking the country club experience, Nashville's options range from the historic Belle Meade Country Club to more accessible semi-private clubs like Richland Country Club and The Grove. 🏌️‍♀️              

As one client who relocated from Michigan told us, "We've already played more rounds in February than we would play all winter back home. Our handicap is finally improving!" 📈

Nashville's diverse neighborhoods each offer their own distinct personality:                          

• 🎨 East Nashville: Artistic, eclectic, and home to creative types with a mix of Victorian homes and new construction        
• 🏢 The Gulch: Urban living with luxury condos, walkable access to restaurants and nightlife         
• 🛍️ 12 South: Charming mix of historic homes and trendy shopping on a walkable main street          
• 🏛️ Germantown: Historic architecture with a cosmopolitan restaurant scene        
• 🌳 Sylvan Park: Established neighborhood with craftsman bungalows and an active community feel        
• 💎 Green Hills: Upscale residential area with top schools and Nashville's premier shopping           
• 🏭 The Nations: Up-and-coming area with more affordable homes and an industrial-creative vibe           
• 🏡 Brentwood/Franklin: Suburban luxury with excellent schools and amenities     

We specialize in matching newcomers with the neighborhood that fits their lifestyle. We know which areas have the best walkability, school zones, commute times, and community vibes. 🎯

Nashville Real Estate Market Insights 📊

While Nashville's market has cooled slightly from the frenzied pace of 2021-2022, demand remains strong, with limited inventory in the most desirable neighborhoods. Here's what you should know:

• 💰 Median home price in Davidson County: $497,000 (compared to $750,000+ in Denver or $1.2 million+ in Seattle)
• ⏰ Average days on market: 25 (down from 45 pre-pandemic)
• 🔥 Most competitive price range: $400,000-$650,000
• 📈 Fastest appreciating areas: The Nations, Wedgewood-Houston, East Nashville
• 💎 Best value for families: Donelson, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, Bellevue

Nashville remains primarily a seller's market, but opportunities exist for prepared buyers working with knowledgeable local agents who understand neighborhood micro-markets. 🏠

💡 Pro Tip: Working with Mary Littleton at Accurate Mortgage can give you a competitive edge in multiple offer situations. She processes applications faster than big banks and knows all the local programs! 🏦

County Considerations: Davidson and Beyond 🗺️

Nashville is in Davidson County, with the city and county governments consolidated as "Metro Nashville." This means streamlined services but sometimes higher property taxes than surrounding counties. 🏛️

Some areas with "Nashville" mailing addresses actually sit in neighboring Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, or Sumner counties, which affects:

• 💰 Property tax rates (Williamson County has excellent schools but higher taxes)
• 🏫 School districts (school zoning follows county lines, not mailing addresses)
• 🚛 Municipal services like trash collection and police
• 🏗️ Building codes and regulations

We can guide you through these distinctions to avoid surprises after purchase. 📋

Relocating Without a Job? 💼

Many of our clients make the move to Nashville without secured employment, and the vast majority find positions within 90 days. 📅 Nashville's 3% unemployment rate (below the national average) and diverse economy make job-hunting less stressful than in many other cities.

The city's strong healthcare, music/entertainment, hospitality, education, automotive, and growing tech sectors offer opportunities across salary ranges and experience levels. 💻 We're also seeing a surge in remote workers choosing Nashville for its quality of life while maintaining employment elsewhere.

One client who moved from Seattle without a job lined up told us, "We had three offers within a month of arriving. The interview process was more personal, and companies seemed genuinely interested in us as people, not just resumes." 🤝

Essential Nashville Homebuying Partners 🏠

🏦 Financing: Mary Littleton at Accurate Mortgage - She knows Nashville's market inside and out and helps first-time buyers navigate programs and incentives.

🔍 Home Inspections: House Call Home Inspections - They've saved our clients thousands in unexpected repairs. Nashville's mix of historic and new construction means professional eyes are essential.

📜 Title Services: Rudy Title - They make closing day smooth and stress-free, handling Nashville's unique property histories with expertise.

Your Nashville Journey Starts Here 🌟

Nashville combines big-city amenities with small-town community in a way few other places can match. 🎯 From the soulful sounds echoing through historic venues to innovative restaurants redefining Southern cuisine, from affordable neighborhoods with genuine character to outdoor recreation that lets you escape the urban environment in minutes – Nashville hits all the right notes.

We've helped hundreds of families relocate here since beginning our careers in 2003. We can tell you firsthand: this city welcomes newcomers with open arms and authentic Southern hospitality. 🤗 The community you'll build here becomes family faster than you might expect.

Ready to start your Nashville journey? We're a duo of Nashville-native Realtors® who understand both the excitement and challenges of relocating. 👫 We've helped hundreds of families find not just houses, but homes and communities where they truly belong after moving to Nashville.

Check out our neighborhood-specific searching tools on our website, where you can filter Nashville homes by school zone, walkability scores, and proximity to music venues (because, Nashville!). 🎵

We hope this guide to living in Nashville has given you a taste of what makes our city special. Share it with friends and family who might be considering their own move to Music City! 📱

Ready to take the next step? We are just a call or click away. Let's find your perfect Nashville harmony together! 🎶