Home to more than 2 million people, Nashville Tennessee is known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
If you are also a lover of country music, Nashville could be a great city for you.
Before making that significant decision to move to Nashville, let’s take a look at 25 pro’s and con’s of living there.
25 Pros And Cons Of Living In Nashville
25 Pros Of Living In Nashville
1. Low rates of unemployment
Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
As of late 2020, Tennessee had an unemployment rate of just 6.3%, which was even better than the 8.6% in 2019.
If you are searching for a city that will provide you with a new career opportunity, Nashville can be a great choice.
You should be able to find jobs in a wide variety of sectors.
2. The great country music scene
Country music is one of the best things that this city offers to both locals and tourists.
The city was built on its love for country music and songwriting.
Ranging from the famous Grand Ole Opry House and more intimate spots like the Back Corner and The Bluebird Cafe, there is plenty of music in the city.
If you are not a lover of country music, you can still enjoy bands and recording artists of every genre who come to Nashville.
3. Availability of different coffee shops
If you are a coffee lover, you will appreciate the numerous coffee shops that Nashville offers.
There are tons of locally-owned coffee shops; you will not need to look far to get a great cup of coffee.
Barista Parlor is one of the most renowned shops that you should not fail to visit when you are there.
It partners with local bakeries and artists to generate a warm and welcoming atmosphere in all its five locations across Nashville.
Other top-notch coffee shops include the award-winning Crema and Ugly Mugs with live bands.
4. Low cost of living compared to other states
Nashville’s cost of living is 3% lower than the national average.
Studies indicate that compared to other cities of similar nature like Denver, Portland, and Austin, living in Nashville is low.
The median rent is about $1200, and a median home sale of $296,000 and therefore, you are likely to find an affordable house from a variety of neighborhoods.
5. Excellent Nightlife
Do you like to enjoy a good night out?
Nashville has great nightlife in addition to its epic music.
You can enjoy live music at a bar or go for a more intimate lounge to enjoy a craft cocktail.
There is undoubtedly something for everyone, and plenty of sports bars, clubs, pubs, and taverns downtown.
The most famous nightlife destinations you should visit include The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club, Acme Feed & Seed, and Villager Tavern.
With a variety of dancing nightclubs and concerts, there are many ways that you can enjoy your night out.
6. Excellent Food
Food is another thing that you will love about this city.
Nashville offers some of the best cuisine.
Do you enjoy spicy food, barbecue, and Southern fare?
The city is also known for it’s hot chicken.
If you are in the mood for barbecue, try Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.
Other places that you can enjoy a great meal include Joyland, Henrietta Red, 400 Degrees, Catbird Seat, Dino’s Bar, and Redheaded Stranger.
7. Numerous sport teams
Are you a sports fanatic?
You will have a lot to cheer about in Nashville.
If you are an NFL fan, you can catch up with the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
Other clubs include the Nashville Predators NHL team and Nashville Football Club.
Additionally, with about seven Universities, there are a lot of college sports to watch.
8. Great bars Â
If you hope to find a dive bar that offers cheap drinks, Nashville is the best place to be.
You can enjoy an evening out with your friends as a casual spot.
Some bars offer unique cocktails, a formal environment, and a happy hour that lasts all night long.
Would you enjoy a local dart league?
Head straight to the Villager Tavern, and as a local, you get to enjoy a happy hour pricing until 10 pm.
9. Variety of outdoor places to enjoy
Apart from clubs and other noisy places where you can draw a lot of fun, you can still enjoy excellent walking trails and exercise areas among other outdoor activities.
You can also enjoy the lakeside view, road trip on the Great Smoky Mountains, or even go cycling to your favorite park.
Also, you can try visiting the centennial part and be amazed by the replica of the Greek Parthenon.
The city offers about 85 miles of greenways to enjoy and 190 miles of trails to walk plus 90 parks to explore.
As you settle in this city, you will continue to discover new and exciting activities.
10. Access to world-class healthcare
Nashville offers you great music; that is why it is regarded as the music city.
However, it is the healthcare industry that keeps the city economy growing.
Nashville is home to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
It is rated the #1 Hospital in Nashville.
11. Strong educational opportunities
Study shows that if your children attend primary school at Nashville, they will have a 6% better chance of later graduating with a four-year degree than other students across the United States.
Nashville hosts about 25 different institutions of higher learning to offer undergraduate programs.
Such programs can facilitate you and your family to take your career to the next level.
The city is also reported to have a better graduation rate for students enrolled in both graduate and postgraduate programs in their instructions.
12. Great Flea Markets
Nashville has some of the best flea markets if you love a good bargain.
There are about 2000 booths to explore, with over 500,000 tourists visiting each year.
In many thrift stores, you will find exciting discounts on clothing and other items.
You can also get great deals from small boutiques and Goodwill stores offering unique items.
In some places, you are allowed to bring your stuff to sell, and in return, you pay a small commission.
13. Atmosphere Is Low-Key
In most cases, celebrities decide to settle in Nashville because it offers a low-key experience.
People in this city are not so concerned about fame or status.
For instance, when people spot a celebrity running their errands, a few people might shout a greeting, and that’s it.
Such a relaxed environment enables one to pursue their life without trying to justify or prove themselves about their path to happiness.
In most cases, people are friendly and are likely to remember your name by making several stops at their business.
14. Numerous housing styles to choose from
Nashville offers a variety of housing styles for newcomers to choose from.
If you are looking forward to home shopping, be ready to be spoiled with a variety of housing styles.
Are you set for a classic Victorian-style cottage or a modern minimalist home?
There is a vast array of options to choose from.
Thus, you will receive an exceptional value for your money.
15. Strong economic growth and plenty of job opportunities
The city has had steady economic growth providing opportunities for jobs.
If you are a skilled person with experience in healthcare, technology, and music, you will likely find plenty of jobs here.
If you are an entrepreneur looking forward to launching a start-up, this is a great place to be.
In most cases, young professionals who make their way to the city end up being successful.
16. Mild winter weather
There are plenty of states that have harsh winters.
In Nashville, the winters are much more bearable and not as harsh with low temperatures and heavy amounts of snow.
Although the temperatures still drop, it is not to the level that causes discomfort and inconveniences to your daily activity.
17. It is possible to get by without a car
There are various walking paths around the city that the residents can use, thus limiting private vehicles and public means.
Downtown Nashville is known as the city’s hub as it hosts all great things ranging from restaurants, concert venues, and various tourist attractions.
If you are tired of getting by with a car at all places, Nashville can be your best alternative.
18. It is a great place to raise a family
Nashville is not only a good place for career people and singles.
The environment is just what you need for your family.
Besides, the accessibility to quality healthcare services and public schools is an added advantage to children.
Lastly, with a wide variety of recreational activities, this city is a great place for a young family.
19. The city offers a variety of open spaces to explore, walk and play
There are abundant green areas to relax.
Centennial Park is one of such areas, it is green, but it is the home to the most famous monuments and a replica of the Parthenon.
There are also beautiful trails along the river banks for walking, jogging, or biking.
There are also small lakes, walking trails, and numerous events, including a music corner, which is a weekly event.
20. Variety of places to eat and drink
While in Nashville, you are assured of getting a great variety of places to eat and drink.
This city is home to fantastic meals, breweries, and bars.
Some places you would not want to miss while you are here are the Pelican & Pig, and M.L Rose for mouth-watering burgers.
The city is nationally known for it’s hot chicken.
Some of the best chicken restaurants include Red’s 615 Kitchen and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
21. Great neighborhoods to choose from
Nashville offers some of the best neighborhoods in the country for new arrivals to choose from.
Downtown is full of sporty activities, and it is easy to access the city.
If you are a sporty person and want to live near the city, this is the best location.
For those who love to be near the city but not at the center, Gulch is one of Nashville’s fastest-growing parts.
For young people, music row can be your best choice of neighborhood.
22. Nashville is close proximity to everything
It is about an 8-hour flight around the United States apart from Hawaii.
This makes it super easy for you to commute for business or pleasure to other states.
The airports are not busy, thus facilitating easy access and faster processing of documents for travel.
23. No state income tax
Who enjoys having their salary being subjected to state income tax?
Not many.
If you are looking for a city where you will enjoy your life, make money and not pay state tax, Nashville is your city.
24. Slow-paced lifestyle
In most cities and states, you probably do not get to know your immediate neighbor.
For instance, New Yorkers live a face-paced lifestyle which leaves less time for interaction.
However, in Nashville, you will have enough time to interact with others during various social settings.
People are known to be very friendly and social.
25. Excellent transport system
Nashville is known for having a great transportation system to get you to your destination safely.
There are also plans to build a light-rail system to curb bus transportation shortage.
There are also trails where one can easily walk or bike to their destination.
25 Cons Of Living In Nashville
1. Hot Summers
Compared to other states like New Jersey, Nashville is extremely hot during summer, and for newcomers this can cause a lot of discomfort.
Also, you are likely to be contending with high levels of humidity.
High temperatures and humidity levels can result in severe storms occasionally.
2. High level of job competition
With increased growth and many newcomers to Nashville comes competition for jobs in the area.
If you plan to move to Nashville for a better career, be prepared to compete with others with the same skill set.
If you can’t find the job that you want, you may have to settle for another career path.
3. Traffic can be stressful
If you plan on settling in Nashville, be prepared to be leaving a little bit early for work.
A new study ranked Nashville as the 24th most congested city in America.
The average driver in Nashville is spending 58 hours stuck in their car each year.
This equates to 2.5 days of sitting in traffic jams.
4. The increasing trend in living expense
While Nashville has a legacy for a cheap lifestyle due to the low cost of housing, the growth is driving up the cost of living.
A 2019 ranking showed Nashville as being more expensive to live than Baltimore, Dallas, and Atlanta.
In 2019 they also had projected a 4% house value increase and rental rates.
5. Crowded tourism activities around the city
Nashville is a tourist destination given its history, culture, and presence of tourist attraction sites.
This can be a great thing if you are working in the tourism industry to keep you employed.
But for the rest of the population, it can be a little bit disruptive as one has to push through people to access their destination.
Your favorite restaurant is also bound to be a little busier over the weekend.
6. Seasonal allergies
If you are the type of person affected by seasonal allergies, you might need to give a second thought about your plans for settling in Nashville.
You may issues during the spring and summer seasons.
Nashville and other middle cities in Tennessee rank in the top 30 in the United States as being an “Allergy Capital.”
Even if you manage to stay indoors during the worst weeks of the season, you will need to get something extra in one way or another outdoors.
The worst thing is that the allergies can be severe as there are some days where you can taste pollen in the air.
7. Higher crime rate than the national average
If you plan on settling in Nashville, you need to consider the rising crime rate.
The overall crime rate at Nashville is about 81% higher than the national average.
In 2020, homicides were up 38 percent from the previous year.
In 2019, Nashville had 45.
In 2020, they had 62.
8. Religious expectations
It is not unusual for people living in Nashville to inquire where you go to church.
There are also three synagogues and Islamic centers.
If you are not so religious, do not feel offended when asked by the locals about your religion.
Just be prepared to expect such a question and have a precise answer to why you are not involved in any religion.
9. Better living neighborhoods are away from the city
If you are used to living in big cities in Nashville, you might be disappointed.
Apart from the downtown area, the rest of the decent areas to live are away from the city; thus, your city life choices might be limited.
Therefore, before coming to Nashville, consider the option of living further from the city to increase the chances of finding a great neighborhood.
If you are not ready for such adjustment, Nashville might not be your best option.
10. The wage rate growth is slow
The average wage growth rate is about 3% annually.
Thus, although jobs are available and the scope for career advancement is excellent, the earning potential might not be as high as in other cities.
This means that if striving to get that bigger promotion for better wages, it might not be as much as you are thinking in comparison to larger cities.
11. Healthcare is expensive
Nashville offers quality healthcare services that do not come cheap.
However, the cost of medical services in Nashville is affordable compared to the national average.
If you prefer private healthcare, you need to ensure you have a comprehensive medical insurance plan in place.
12. Private schools are Expensive
If you plan on placing your kids in a private school after settling in Nashville, be prepared to part with quite a lot of money.
Private education is known to be a bit more expensive in Nashville in comparison to other parts of the county.
So if you are planning for a private school in Nashville, get ready to pay a bit more than you would like.
13. High humidity during summerÂ
During summer, the City of Nashville can become excessively hot and uncomfortable.
The average temperatures can reach up to 32oC with high humidity levels.
You may find yourself staying indoors at times during the summer because of the heat.
14. You might need a car everywhere
Because of the influx of newcomers and tourists, the public transportation system can be delayed significantly.
Many of the great neighborhoods of Nashville are known to be just outside of the city as well.
Having a car will allow you to get where you need to go without relying on transportation that most likely is experiencing delays.
15. High sales tax
While Nashville residents are not exposed to state income tax, the sales tax is higher compared to other states.
This has effects on businesses.
Also, while buying a house, expect to be subjected to higher costs due to increased sales tax.
16. Poor infrastructure
According to a preliminary Metro Public Works report, 2 out of every five Nashville roads are in poor shape.
In most cases, you will spend a lot of time evading potholes than concentrating on where you are going.
If you are planning to settle in Nashville, be prepared for poor roads.
17. A lot of risky drivers
We mentioned earlier about how the traffic can be stressful.
This study in 2019, ranked Nashville as the 39th worst U.S city for drivers.
Be prepared to be alert when you are on the road for bad drivers.
18. Lots of accidents
With bad drivers comes bad accidents.
Be prepared to see more accidents on the roads and delays on streets and highways from them.
This can also lead to a little longer commute than you anticipated when you left the house for a simple errand.
19. The city is a little more conservative than other states
Drinking alcohol during holidays in most states is normal, and it is what makes the holiday fun.
Still, when you move to Nashville, you will realize that alcohol is not sold during holidays, making it a conservative state.
This can be disappointing, but you must get used to it if you must settle in Nashville.
20. Risk of tornados
When you settle in Nashville, you will realize that tornadoes do happen.
However, the intensity of these tornados is milder compared to other states that experience destructive ones.
But it is essential to note they exist and the signs when they are about to happen.
21. Parking lots are expensive
As with most cities, Nashville is no exception when it comes to expensive parking.
This is because it is a tourist destination as well.
You will be required to pay about $20 per hour to park your car in the city center.
As such, you will find most people park far away from the city and then foot to their respective places of work.
22. Fewer options for grocery stores
If you are coming from a bigger city, you might not find all the same grocery that you are used to seeing at the market.
As a developing city, you can expect to find less of what you are used to.
This can be limiting, but you can get used to it.
23. Rainy throughout the year
When you move to Nashville, you may notice the amount of rainfall the city receives.
If you don’t like to get your umbrella out often, this may come as an annoyance.
If you don’t mind some moderate rainfall, then there is nothing to worry about here.
24. Constant road constructionÂ
The constant road construction in the city causes inconveniences, especially among motorists.
You might be driving to a particular line only to find it closed ahead.
As a newcomer, you need to be prepared to experience such inconveniences.
25. Delays In public transportation
Nashville is experiencing extensive economic growth.
Because of this, the public transportation system has not caught up to the influx of newcomers.
Be prepared to wait longer for that bus ride to your next destination.
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