Over the last ten years, Nashville has grown by nearly 300,000 people, and there’s a good reason for that — Nashville is a vibrant and energetic city bursting with a multitude of cultural events, a diverse population, a delicious food scene, and endless musical history and talent.
But Nashville isn’t for everyone, and for every reason that someone may have for moving here, there’s another reason someone else may have against moving here.
Below, we’ve listed every possible deciding factor you may have as you consider relocating to Music City.
Quick Facts
| Average Temperature in July | 80°F |
| Average Temperature in January | 40°F |
| Population | 1,315,000 |
| State Sales Tax | 7% |
| Local Sales Tax | 2.25% |
| Public Transportation Options | Bus |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 |
| Voter Demographics | Democrat majority |
| Median Household Income | $59,828 |
| Highschool Graduation Rate | 88.8% |
| College Graduation Rate | 41% |
| Average Rent | $1,787 |
| Average Home Price | $460,000 |
Is Nashville A Good Place To Move To?
Before relocating to any city, it can be a helpful exercise to draw up a pros and cons list to narrow down the things you like about the city and some things that may not work with your lifestyle.
Below we’ve organized the most common reasons that people move to Nashville, as well as some details about Nashville that people like most (and dislike the most) after moving here.
Why do people move to Nashville?
Reason #1: Job opportunities
One very common reason that people move to Nashville is for work — and there’s actually statistical data that confirms it.
As of 2023, the unemployment rate in Nashville currently sits between 2.10% and 3.3% — one of the lowest in the nation. For reference, the lowest that the national unemployment rate has ever reached is 3.4%. If you’re struggling to find employment in your own town, you can leave your unemployment woes behind when moving to Nashville.
Reason #2: Endless activities and events
When people think of Nashville, one of the first things they usually think of is the endless assortment of activities to take part in and a plethora of events to choose from every year.
Whether your interests lie in historical sites, wild and energetic honkytonks and music venues, a wide assortment of diverse food to dine on, or the beautiful natural areas within and surrounding Nashville, one thing’s for certain — you’ll never get bored here.
Reason #3: Relative distance to other vities
Often when someone wants to leave their hometown for better opportunities, they’re forced to choose between leaving their loved ones behind or settling for a lower-paying job back at home.
But statistically speaking, Nashville is already close to your hometown. Due to the geographic location of Nashville, over half of the US population lives within 650 miles of the city.
That means that over half of the US population is within a 10-hour drive of Nashville, and over 12 million people live within a two-and-a-half-hour drive. If that distance sounds doable for you, Nashville may be the perfect compromise between family and work obligations.
What else do people love about Nashville?
Warm weather
The power of warm weather and plenty of sunlight should never be underestimated when considering a move to a new place.
Luckily, Nashville has plenty of both. When averaging the typical warm weather (90°F) and cold weather temps (31°F) in Nashville, you’re left with a year-round average of 60°F. Additionally, there is an average of 102 days with total sun and 208 days with partial sun in Nashville annually.
Friendly people
If you’ve ever been to Nashville, chances are you’ve encountered some very friendly people. In a recent survey, Nashville ranked number eight in America’s most friendliest cities. This survey used variables such as door or elevator holding, and compliments or kind words from strangers.
Cost of living
One of the added bonuses to living in a place with endless work opportunities, activities, and warm weather?
It’s cheap as heck to live here! While housing is above the national average, nearly every other thing that costs money is cheaper in Nashville — about 2% lower than the national average.
What do people hate about Nashville?
Hot summers
While warm weather is an added bonus to some people, the heat during Nashville’s summers can become quite oppressive to those who aren’t used to it.
Temperatures in Nashville’s hottest month, July, typically reach average highs of 90°F. Surprisingly, however, the humidity is below the national average, so while it does get hot, it may feel less hot than in other areas with similar temperature highs.
Too noisy
The downside to living in a place with lively bars, and multiple regular nightly live music performances on nearly every downtown street is the level of commotion that comes with it.
There’s no way to downplay it — Nashville is a party town, and people here like to have fun. If you’re a light sleeper or someone who likes to get to bed at a decent time, consider looking for places to live outside of the more energetic parts of town.
Too many people
Nashville is a steadily growing city and this translates to a number of potential shortcomings. For one, while there are endless opportunities for things to do, those things will almost always involve other people.
Getting a reservation, booking a doctor’s appointment, or finding spots where you can sit and be alone can be an obstacle in Nashville. If you struggle with large crowds, it may not be the place for you.
Is Nashville Safe?
While Nashville’s current crime levels are slightly above the national averages, there has been a noticeable improvement over the last several years in terms of safety.
This is especially notable because even though the population has grown exponentially over the last few decades, the number of incidents has lowered. In terms of violent crime, there are fewer incidents reported today than there were in 2007.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that when considering per capita figures, a majority of incidents are reported in areas outside of downtown Nashville — more specifically the neighborhoods of:
- Antioch
- West Meade
- Salemtown
- Heron Walk
- Glencliff
If you’re considering a move to Nashville, consider moving closer to downtown, or to one of the safer neighborhoods:
- Belle Meade
- Edmonson-Cloverland
- Green Hills
- Poplar Creek Estates
If you already have a place lined up in one of the areas with a higher crime rate, make sure you have a plan for getting to and from downtown. While incidents are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
For more on the safety of Nashville, check out our Nashville safety guide here.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Nashville?
As mentioned earlier in the article, Nashville is a very financially accessible place to live. While Nashville ranked slightly higher than the national average for housing costs, every other cost in Nashville ranked lower than the national average.
Below is a table demonstrating the various levels of savings you can unlock by moving here:
| Utilities | 11% lower than the national average |
| Healthcare | 9% lower than the national average |
| Transportation | 9% lower than the national average |
| Goods and Services | 4% lower than the national average |
| Food | 2% lower than the national average |
What Is There To Do In Nashville?
If you know anything about Nashville, you likely know that it’s a major cultural epicenter teeming with live musical performances, fascinating historical sites, a vibrant foodie scene, and so much more.
Here are just a few highlights of the many activities Nashville has to offer:
Music
The music scene in Nashville is unparalleled. If you’re looking to check out some live music or see a concert or live event, there are many options to choose from.
For casual entertainment, you can check out Acme Feed and Seed for a good burger and nightly shows, or Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a historic dive bar in downtown Nashville.
If you’re looking for something a little more energetic, check out the scheduled events at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, or Bridgestone Arena, Nashville's largest music venue.
Of course, if you decide on pulling the trigger and relocating here, you don’t really need to go looking for music — you’ll likely run into several street musicians and outdoor live acts as you make your way through town.
Food and beverage
Apart from music, Nashville might be most well known for its foodie scene. Some of the world's greatest chefs travel to Nashville to carve out a base here. Additionally, the city’s diversity compliments the food scene by providing more culinary options to choose from.
Middle Eastern food, soul food, and BBQ in particular are abundant options here. Nashville even has its own dish named for the city it was invented in — Nashville hot chicken. You can find the original recipe at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.
Too spicy for your taste buds? Get a burger at The Pharmacy, one of Nashville’s most famous burger joints! Looking for something a little fancier? Book a reservation at The Catbird Seat, a unique dining experience that offers artistically constructed plates through a series of courses.
Museums
Not only is Nashville well-endowed with a variety of daily musical performances and decadent food and beverage establishments, but it also is home to some of the best museums in the country.
For art, check out the Frist Art Museum, which has one of the most impressive collections of art in the city.
For history, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Tennessee State Museum, for engaging and informative displays on the history of Tennessee and state government. The Country Music Hall of Fame is perhaps the most entertaining museum that Nashville has to offer with the largest collection of music artifacts in the world.
Outdoor
While Nashville is a heavily populated city, there are still plenty of ways to get a healthy dose of outdoor recreation.
For starters, Nashville is about a fifteen-minute drive from Radnor Lake State Park which offers fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities and breathtaking views in nature.
Within the city of Nashville, there’s the Percy Warner Park system, nearly 3,000 acres of natural areas right in the center of town.Also in the center of town, is the Cumberland River which is perfect for kayaking and canoe adventures.
Lastly, If you’re an avid cyclist, you couldn’t pick a better spot to live than Nashville. With over thirty miles of greenways through the city and through multiple neighborhoods, you can enjoy a daily commute to work, or a leisurely bike ride on weekends.
Shopping
From the trendy boutiques nestled in historic neighborhoods like 12 South and East Nashville to the upscale shops at The Mall at Green Hills, shoppers are spoiled for choice.
While known primarily for its institution as Nashville’s Honkytonk Highway, Broadway is also home to numerous souvenir stores and Western wear shops, such as Robert’s Western World, which also doubles as a music venue, restaurant, and bar.
For those seeking artisanal and local goods, the Nashville Farmers' Market is a must-visit for those relocating to the area, showcasing a variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisan foods.
Antique enthusiasts can explore the many vintage shops scattered throughout the city, while fashion aficionados can find designer labels and contemporary styles in the city's upscale districts. Nashville unquestionably provides a shopping experience as diverse and vibrant as its musical heritage.
What Is The Weather Like In Nashville?
As mentioned earlier in the article, Nashville’s weather tends to be on the warmer side, reaching average highs of 89°F in July, Nashville’s hottest month, and average lows of 32°F in January, Nashville's coolest month.
While Nashville can become oppressively hot, at times having highs of over 100°F for several days in a row during the summer, you won’t have to worry about snow, which Nashville only averages about a total of three inches annually.
Nashville tends to be on the rainy side compared to most states, receiving about 119 rainy days per year. However, if you enjoy gardening, this may be an added bonus. Long growing seasons with plenty of rain make for a productive garden.
Conclusion: Should You Move To Nashville?
There’s no doubt about it — Nashville is one of the best cities in America to visit on your next vacation.
With the level of entertainment and activities provided, there are limitless opportunities for a good time. But when it comes to relocating to Nashville permanently, there are a few variables to consider.
Move to Nashville if…
- You enjoy an energetic city filled with music, history, good food, and live events
- You value diversity
- You’re looking for, or relocating for a job
- You’re looking to save money on food, energy, and other daily costs
- You enjoy warm weather
Don’t move to Nashville if…
- You’re an introvert
- You don’t do well in hot climates
- You’re looking for a quiet place to settle down
- You’re looking for a cheap place to rent
