Deciding to move to a new city or an entirely new state isn’t something that should be taken lightly. It’s important to conduct the necessary research, especially regarding employment opportunities, housing, education, and even nightlife.
Life in Nashville has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to consider both and weigh in on whether the pros outweigh the cons.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in Nashville, Tennessee, so that you can carefully consider both and make an informed decision about moving to The Music City.
Pros of Moving to Nashville TN
One of the best reasons for relocating to Nashville is the abundant job market. Nashville’s economy is booming at a steady pace, and the unemployment rate is currently sitting at just 2.6%. If you happen to have skills and experience in STEM fields, healthcare, the music industry, and tourism, you’ll find plenty of exciting job opportunities for young professionals in Nashville, especially if you’re an aspiring country musician.
When it comes to housing and expenses, the cost of living in Nashville is pretty competitive when compared to the national average. In fact, the cost of living in Nashville is 3% lower than the national average, with the price of housing being 9% lower. Paired with a certain job, a low cost of living would allow you to live comfortably, without breaking the bank.
Newcomers are bound to be spoilt for choice since Nashville has a vast array of housing options. Nashville also has a relatively low median monthly rent cost, so you’re better off renting than purchasing a home if you’re moving to Nashville.
Nashville has a pretty lively nightlife; the Music City rarely sleeps, and downtown Nashville is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars featuring a buzzing music scene. The musical diversity Nashville has to offer can only be rivaled by New York City’s own music scene.
Nashville also has mild winter weather, which makes life more bearable for those who don’t like the snow. The temperatures drop, but not too drastic levels that would cause any major inconvenience to locals.
Cons of Moving to Nashville Tennessee
Admittedly, Nashville does have plenty of job opportunities, but the wage growth is slow, growing approximately 3% per year. While the scope of career progression for Nashville residents is looking great, the earning potential isn’t as high compared to more competitive markets, such as Los Angeles or NYC.
Accommodation and housing also have their downsides, since the housing is very limited close to the city center, and the rent is typically higher. This is somewhat strange, considering that living further away from the city center usually means a better quality of life, primarily due to lower noise levels.
Despite being relatively low, the cost of living is pacing behind wage growth. This means that Nashville is bound to become more expensive as its economy and city bounds expand.
The city also offers plenty of outdoor activity and other attractions for tourists, such as the Parthenon, which can be annoying at times. Battling the already limited public transport to get to your favorite music venue is becoming increasingly difficult, as the number of tourists increases by the year.
While the winters aren’t as cold, summer months tend to get very warm, with average temperatures being around 90°F (32°). Another problem is high humidity and the presence of allergens. Pollen levels in Nashville are exceptionally high in spring, which is why Nashville ranks among the top seasonal allergy capitals in the United States.
Lastly, public transportation comes in several forms, from buses to rent-a-bikes, but the bus service’s infrastructure is surprisingly limited.
Why Would You Move to Nashville
Nashville is a fantastic place to live, especially if you’re a fan of southern food, like hot chicken, country music, and The Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans sports teams.
Downtown Nashville also has excellent neighborhoods, some of which are very close to the city center, which means you’ll be within walking distance from Nissan Stadium, and home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium. Here are some of Nashville’s best neighborhoods:
The Gulch
The Gulch is Nashville’s fastest-growing neighborhood, separated by downtown Nashville by just a few city blocks. The neighborhood offers easy access to the interstate and some of the best venues in town. However, the cost of living continues to rise as The Gulch becomes more popular.
Music Row
Music Row is the home to some of the world’s most prominent recording studios, which is why many young people moving to Nashville choose to live there. Considering that most of the neighborhood is filled with rentals, occupied by young professionals and college and grad students, finding a home for sale here can be tricky.
East Nashville
East Nashville consists of all the neighborhoods east of I-24, including Eastwood, McFerrin Park, Maxwell, Greenwood, and Lockeland Springs. The neighborhood saw massive changes in the past decade, including giant renovations, business growth, and neighborhood revitalization. This made it into what it is today, a haven for the arts and culture.
Brentwood
Located just 15 to 20 minutes away from downtown Nashville, Brentwood offers a quieter, suburban atmosphere for young families. Surprisingly enough, the housing in this area tends to be more affordable, which is fantastic if you’re in a position to buy.
Benefits of Moving to Nashville
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities in Nashville that you might enjoy, alone or with friends. In most cases, local bars and breweries have a pool table, and there’s always a live show somewhere. The locals and natives are the embodiment of southern hospitality, so you’re bound to meet friendly people.
Outdoor activities could include a visit to the Parthenon, located in Centennial Park, or visiting the local zoo, the Adventure Science Center, or even the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re going to live in Music City, you might want to learn some of its rich histories.
When it comes to learning and education, Nashville has some of the best public schools, and there’s a strong emphasis on education within Nashville communities. The standard of public schools in the Nashville area is generally better than the national average, and students are more likely to attend a university after graduating from high school.
However, it’s worth noting that public schools in Nashville tend to be exorbitantly expensive, with tuition at private schools being significantly higher than the national average. And that’s without factoring in the additional expenses, such as extra-curricular activities and school uniforms.
Real Estate and Taxes
Tennessee has incredibly low property taxes because the state relies on specialty sales taxes from sales of fuel, cigarettes, beer, and liquor. Hotel and rental car taxes are mostly paid by visitors from out of state, so sales taxes rest upon the shoulders of Tennessee residents.
As a result of low property taxes paired with a low cost of living, the median home price in Nashville skyrocketed to $405,000 as of November 2021. That’s a 38.8% increase from the national average of $291,700. Despite the high median home prices, the Nashville housing market is one of the hottest in the U.S., making Nashville one of the nation’s top cities for the fastest-selling houses.
Companies that buy houses in Tennessee taxpayers that are looking to sell have their hands full, as they’re trying to satisfy a high demand for housing, working off a relatively low supply. Nexus Homebuyers are cash home buyers in Knoxville residents turn to for fast sales.
Endnote
Moving to Nashville is a life-changing decision; the cost of living is lower than the national average, including the median rent price, and the city is the cultural and educational center of Tennessee.
However, the real estate market is currently at an all-time high, considering the high demand and low supply of housing caused by the influx of new residents to the city. If you’re looking to sell your residential property, contact Nexus Homebuyers — we buy houses Nashville residents are looking to sell, offering reasonable cash deals.
FAQs
What to know before moving to Nashville TN? ›
- The cost of living is lower than the national average. ...
- Your money will go further in Nashville when it comes to apartments. ...
- The live music scene is vibrant. ...
- Hot chicken is an absolute must. ...
- Prepare for the Southern heat. ...
- Make sure to budget for transportation expenses.
Moving to Nashville, Tennessee is exciting! Voted as one of the best places to live in the United States and one of the best places to retire by U.S. News, there is always something to do in this city.
Why are people moving to Nashville? ›He stated, "The city is growing, the economy is almost recession-proof (healthcare, government and higher education are three of our biggest employers), the music and creative vibe makes Nashville cool for young people, the weather is great — you an go on and on." And he's not wrong.
What is the average cost of living in Nashville TN? ›Summary about cost of living in Nashville, TN, United States: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,117$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,155$ without rent. Nashville is 18.21% less expensive than New York (without rent).
Is Nashville a good place to retire? ›If you like downtown living, Nashville could be one of the best places to retire in Tennessee. You'll get plenty of shopping and restaurants around downtown, with your pick of live music venues in the famed Broadway area.
Is Nashville an affordable place to live? ›Is living in Nashville worth it? Ranked 23 of 75 of comparable high cost of living in the United States, Nashville is relatively affordable when compared to other major U.S. cities. You'll spend most of your income on rent and food.
Does TN tax Social Security income? ›But that's fine, since Tennessee doesn't have an income tax, which means retirees in the state don't pay tax on their 401(k), IRA or pension income. Social Security Benefits: Tennessee retirees also collect Social Security benefits without paying state tax on them. Income Tax Range: Not applicable (no income tax).
Is Tennessee tax friendly for retirees? ›Tennessee is tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income is not taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are not taxed. Wages are taxed at normal rates, and your marginal state tax rate is 5.90%.
What are some reasons not to move to Tennessee? ›- Pretty much no one cares about sports. ...
- Also we're landlocked so no water anywhere. ...
- There are no great outdoor activities. ...
- We have no idea how to have a good time… ...
- Income tax is UNBELIEVABLE. ...
- No one great ever comes out of Tennessee.
Downtown Nashville is full of excellent neighborhoods—each of which sports its own vibe and personality. If you're looking for a location in the heart of the city, then downtown Nashville is where you want to be. You'll be within walking distance of Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, and Broadway Ave.
Are people friendly in Nashville? ›
On the other end of the spectrum, Nashville was voted the Friendliest City in America.
Is Nashville Tennessee in Tornado Alley? ›Tennessee is not part of Tornado Alley but it is a part of Dixie Alley, a term coined to describe the southeastern parts of the United States that have a higher risk of developing tornados.
How many people are moving to Nashville a day? ›According to the Census Bureau, from 2020 to 2021 Nashville MSA had a net in-migration of about 13,234. That translates to about 36 people moving a day to the Nashville region.
Can you live in Nashville without a car? ›Where You Can Get By Without A Car. There are a few walkable areas in Nashville. The obvious is Downtown, which is basically the hub of Nashville and has everything from the best restaurants and concert venues to an onslaught of tourists to consider.
What is a blue alert in Tennessee? ›According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a Blue Alert is issued when a law enforcement officer is either killed or sustains life-threatening injuries in the line of duty.
Why do people love Nashville so much? ›Beyond entertainment, Nashville is known for having incredible sports teams, great schools, a solid economy, nationally recognized music and an affordable cost of living. In fact, Nashville maintains its status as one of the top places to live in America according to U.S. News.
Is Nashville growing or shrinking? ›Nashville's population went in that period from 448,003 to 684,410. Since 2010, metro Nashville grew by 232,000, or nearly 14 percent; metro Memphis grew by 23,000, or less than two percent. Shelby County, which includes Memphis and its prosperous eastern suburbs, has actually lost population the last four years.
How much do I need to make to live in Nashville 2022? ›The median cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nashville is $1,297. This translates to a recommended monthly income of at least $4,323 or around $51,876 per year.
How much money do you need to make to live comfortably in Nashville? ›A 2018 study by GoBankingRates found Nashville residents need to make $85,000 a year to “live comfortably,” $34,000 more than the city's median income.
Is Nashville overpriced? ›...
Nashville, TN is One of the Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America.
| Rank | 21 |
|---|---|
| City | Nashville, TN |
| Premium paid on avg. homesale (%) | 37.1 |
| Average home price ($) | 384,321 |
| Expected home price ($) | 280,358 |
Where is the best place for seniors to live in Tennessee? ›
- 1- Tellico Lake. This community is one of the most sought-after for newcomers to Tennessee. ...
- 2- Franklin. Franklin is a popular town to retire in for many different reasons. ...
- 3- Smith County. ...
- 4- Tennessee Overhill. ...
- 5- Germantown. ...
- 6- Greeneville. ...
- 7- Chattanooga. ...
- 8- Nashville.
One of the safest cities in Tennessee is Spring Hill, located in Hernando County. The level of safety this suburb brings is attracting more residents, as it records a violent crime rate of 1.22 per 1000 people, which is 79% lower than the average violent crime rate.
What is the best lake to live on in Tennessee? ›Norris Lake is the cleanest and clearest lake in Tennessee. It is an ideal spot for summer vacationers, but many still live year-round on the lake. Some of the exceptional lakefront communities located on Norris Lake include Alder Springs Village, Big Creek, and Cape Norris.
What is the safest area in Nashville? ›#1: Council District 23 -- Belle Meade
And, for the safest neighborhood in Nashville! Welcome to Belle Meade! With only 23 violent crimes and 215 property incidents reported, this beautiful Nashville neighborhood is a great place to live and play.
- Buena Vista.
- Germantown.
- Green Hills.
- Hillsboro West End.
- Historic Edgefield.
With a median home sale price of $284,000, almost $130K less than Nashville, La Vergne lands the number one spot on our list of best affordable Nashville suburbs.
Is there really a $16728 Social Security bonus? ›You can receive as much as a $16,728 bonus or more every year. A particular formula will determine the money you'll receive in your retirement process. You must know the hacks for generating higher future payments.
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Tennessee? ›In November 2006, Tennessee voters approved an amendment to Article II, Section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution giving the General Assembly the authority by general law to authorize counties and/or municipalities to implement a local option property tax freeze for taxpayers 65 years of age or older.
At what age is 401k withdrawal tax free? ›The IRS allows penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts after age 59 ½ and requires withdrawals after age 72. (These are called required minimum distributions, or RMDs.) There are some exceptions to these rules for 401k plans and other qualified plans.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›Social Security benefits may or may not be taxed after 62, depending in large part on other income earned. Those only receiving Social Security benefits do not have to pay federal income taxes.
Can you retire on 3000 a month? ›
If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible. However, if you have a high living cost or rely solely on Social Security benefits, retiring on $3,000 a month may be more difficult.
What is the friendliest state for retirees? ›1. Delaware. Congratulations, Delaware – you're the most tax-friendly state for retirees! With no sales tax, low property taxes, and no death taxes, it's easy to see why Delaware is a tax haven for retirees.
What part of Tennessee has no tornadoes? ›Hopefully, you know the answer now! Just in case you forgot, east Tennessee is the part of the state with the least tornadoes every year.
What is the best area to live in Tennessee? ›In 2017, the town of Brentwood was ranked as “The #1 Best Place to Live in Tennessee,” and the “21st Best Place to Live in America.” With a current population of around 42,000 people, this Nashville suburb is continually growing.
What city in Tennessee has the lowest cost of living? ›Alcoa is the cheapest place to live in Tennessee. The median home value is around $146,500 and monthly apartment rentals are around $700 per month. There are also many other affordable cities in Tennessee that attract many people to move to the state.
Is Nashville a nice place to live? ›It's one of the nation's best places to live. Nashville has been named the 15th best place to live in the country — and it's not because of the honky-tonks. Well, not just because of the honky-tonks. "Food is also a really big deal," new U.S. News and World Report ranking said.
Is it expensive to live in Nashville? ›The annual price of living comfortably in Music City soared to $80,548 this year, according to a new analysis by personal finance management website GoBankingRates.com. Nashville, the priciest city in the state, is home to Tennessee's most expensive real estate values.
Is Nashville a safe place to live? ›The crime rate for the Nashville Metro is 54 per 1,000. Unfortunately, despite the wonderful music and food culture this city has to offer, crime does not stay away. That said, not all neighborhoods in the Nashville metro have a high crime rate. Neighborhoods such as Green Hills, Sylvan Park, or Oak Hill are safe.
Is Nashville an affordable place to live? ›Is living in Nashville worth it? Ranked 23 of 75 of comparable high cost of living in the United States, Nashville is relatively affordable when compared to other major U.S. cities. You'll spend most of your income on rent and food.
Where does Nashville rank best to live in? ›- #25. in Best Places to Live.
- #23. in Best Places to Retire.
- #1. in Best Places to Live in Tennessee.
Can you live in Nashville without a car? ›
Where You Can Get By Without A Car. There are a few walkable areas in Nashville. The obvious is Downtown, which is basically the hub of Nashville and has everything from the best restaurants and concert venues to an onslaught of tourists to consider.
What is the racial makeup of Nashville? ›| Race | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 415,602 | 62.30% |
| Black or African American | 182,436 | 27.35% |
| Two or More Races | 24,507 | 3.67% |
| Asian | 24,274 | 3.64% |
A 2018 study by GoBankingRates found Nashville residents need to make $85,000 a year to “live comfortably,” $34,000 more than the city's median income.
How much do I need to make to live in Nashville 2022? ›The median cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nashville is $1,297. This translates to a recommended monthly income of at least $4,323 or around $51,876 per year.
What should I avoid in Nashville? ›- Talbot's Corner. This is an East Nashville neighborhood that got its town name from Thomas Talbot, a patriarch and Revolutionary War veteran. ...
- Antioch. ...
- Glencliff. ...
- Heron Walk. ...
- Buena Vista Heights. ...
- Bordeaux. ...
- Eastwood. ...
- 8 Cleveland Park.
#1: Council District 23 -- Belle Meade
And, for the safest neighborhood in Nashville! Welcome to Belle Meade! With only 23 violent crimes and 215 property incidents reported, this beautiful Nashville neighborhood is a great place to live and play.
Avoid walking around these streets alone at night if possible, and stay alert and aware of your surroundings. By exercising caution and being aware of potential hazards, you'll avoid trouble and enjoy your visit to Nashville.
What is the cheapest part of Nashville to live in? ›- Buena Vista.
- Germantown.
- Green Hills.
- Hillsboro West End.
- Historic Edgefield.
With a median home sale price of $284,000, almost $130K less than Nashville, La Vergne lands the number one spot on our list of best affordable Nashville suburbs.
Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Tennessee? ›- Murfreesboro.
- Smyrna.
- Johnson City.
- Clarksville.
- Chattanooga.