Moving to Nashville: Essential Tips and Insights You Need to Know

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Overview of Nashville.

Thinking about selling your home in Nashville? Whether you’re relocating for a new opportunity or facing unexpected life changes, finding the right home-selling solution is crucial. As more companies that buy your house for cash emerge in the Nashville market, homeowners have alternatives to the traditional real estate process. Instead of dealing with lengthy listings, repair requests, and realtor commissions, you can explore a simpler path with Nexus Homebuyers.

Nashville’s dynamic housing market can be overwhelming to navigate alone. While this guide will help you understand what to expect when moving to or from this vibrant southern city, it’s important to consider how you’ll handle your current property. Many homeowners are discovering that working with a trusted local cash buyer eliminates the stress of traditional home selling – no repairs needed, no showings to manage, and no commissions to pay.

Ready to learn more about Nashville while exploring your selling options? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this beautiful city, from the cost of living to traffic patterns. The city’s food scene is also a vibrant and diverse aspect, showcasing a variety of culinary offerings ranging from traditional Southern dishes to international flavors. And remember, when you’re ready to make your move, Nexus Homebuyers is here to help you transition smoothly with a guaranteed cash offer on your current home.

Overview of Nashville: Music City

Nashville, otherwise known as Music City, is a popular area for people to move to. So much so that according to real estate experts, around 82 people a day are moving to Nashville, and that number is steadily growing!

If you’re thinking about becoming a resident before you decide if Nashville is the right place to live, it’s important to learn more about the city and all it has to offer.

Below is a brief overview of the Nashville area to help you learn more about this exciting city.

  • Nashville is a city in the U.S. and is the state capital of Tennessee. The current metro area population of Nashville in 2021 is 1,272,000 residents. The city’s population has grown by more than 517,000 people since 2000. That’s a lot of Nashville residents!
  • Nashville is home to several colleges and universities, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University (TSU), and Fisk University.
  • Over the last few decades, Nashville has seen considerable growth with major development projects like Music City Center (2012), Bridgestone Tower (2010), and Nissan Stadium (1999). Even now, the city is expanding like crazy with an estimated $4.6B worth of construction value being added to the area and over 11,400 building permits being issued between 2020-2021 alone! Three large projects currently underway are the River North, Neuhoff in Germantown, and Nashville Yards developments. The Nashville Entrepreneur Center plays a crucial role in fostering a strong entrepreneurial spirit in the city.
  • Nashville has several professional sports teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Sounds, and the Nashville Soccer Club, which is part of Major League Soccer and has a rapidly growing fan base.
  • The city is a major center for the music industry, especially country music, and is often referred to as America’s Country Music Capital. Popular country music attractions include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Belcourt Theater, Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe.
  • The Broadway strip located in downtown Nashville features live music clubs and honky-tonk bars with live performances by up-and-coming artists.

Nashville has plenty of local job opportunities, great school districts, affordable real estate prices, and no state income tax. With all that Nashville has to offer, it’s no wonder the city is a hot spot, and so many people are moving to the mid-south area.

Why Move to Nashville?

Nashville, Tennessee, is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of music, culture, and Southern charm. Known as “Music City,” Nashville is the heart of the country music industry and boasts a thriving music scene that attracts music lovers worldwide. From its vibrant downtown area to its diverse neighborhoods, Nashville has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a new career opportunity or a family seeking a welcoming community, Nashville is an excellent choice. The city’s rich history, combined with its modern amenities, makes it a fantastic place to call home.

Music City Charm

Nashville’s music scene is one of its most significant attractions. The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry, among other iconic music venues. The music industry is a major contributor to Nashville’s economy, with numerous record labels, recording studios, and music publishing companies based here. If you’re a music lover, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music, from country and bluegrass to rock and pop. The city’s vibrant music scene ensures there’s always a live performance to catch, making it a paradise for music enthusiasts.

Why Move to Nashville

Checklist for Moving to Nashville

Now that you’ve learned all about the Nashville area, you may want to start packing. But before you get too ahead of yourself, make sure to check out this checklist for moving to get prepared to relocate. 

Moving Checklist: 

✓-Plan a trip to Nashville to scope out the area. Before you break your lease or sell your current home, you’ll want to visit the area to determine if Nashville is a good fit for you and your family. So plan a trip first before making your next move. 

✓-Research different neighborhoods and learn about their schools, parks, and public transportation. Just a little hint, if you have kids, Williamson County schools are some of the best in the state. So you’ll want to check out areas like Brentwood, Franklin, Thompson Station, Spring Hill, and Nolensville. 

✓-Decide what to do with your current home. Do you need to sell? Do you want to keep your home and rent it out? You’ll want to make a plan before moving and get started as soon as possible. Selling a house can take some time, especially if you need to get your home ready to sell (repairs, cleaning, decluttering, staging). If you decide to rent out your home, you’ll also need to get the house ready, find a reputable tenant, and hire a property management company. 

✓-Find a place to live in Nashville. First, decide if you’d like to buy or rent. If you choose to purchase, be prepared to make an offer quickly. Nashville’s current housing market is very competitive. 

✓-Notify your old utility companies of your move and set up service in your new home

✓-Change your address with the post office and update your driver’s license and registration.

✓-Take inventory of your belongings and decide what you want to take with you and what you would like to sell or donate. 

✓-Interview moving companies and hire one or rent a moving van.

✓-Start packing, label all your boxes, and have plenty of packing tape on hand. 

→ Pro Packing Tip! Number your moving boxes and keep a notepad with a detailed description of the contents in each box. This will make it easier for you to track down items after you move into your new place. 

✓-Pack essentials for when you first arrive, such as toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothes. 

✓-Pack your items strategically so that you can fit everything in your moving truck or rental van.

✓-Enroll the kids. If you have children make sure to get them enrolled in school and activities. 

✓-Figure out a place for the pets. If you have a pet, figure out a place for them to stay during moving day. 

Things You Might Not Consider When Moving to Nashville

Living in Nashville, TN is pretty exciting, but like with any city, there are a few things to consider when moving to the area. Below we’ll take a look at some things you might not consider when moving to Nashville that you probably should before selling your house and moving to Music City.

  • Climate – Nashville has hot and humid springs and summers. These weather conditions bring plenty of thunderstorms and rainfall, so much so that Nashville sees 51.7 days out of the year with severe weather and averages 47 inches of rainfall which is more precipitation than Seattle, Washington!
  • Crime– Nashville has a higher crime rate than similarly sized metro areas.
  • Traffic– Although not as bad as neighboring Atlanta, GA, Nashville’s traffic isn’t great.
  • Green Spaces– Nashville has several parks and trails located all over the city; a few you’ll want to check out include Shelby Park, Radnor Lake State Park, and Centennial Park, where you’ll find a replica of the Parthenon right in the center of Nashville.
  • Festivals– There is always something going on in this city to keep you occupied. With multiple events and festivals happening every month, there is more to this city than just music. Some of the annual events that you’ll want to check out include CMA Fest, ACM Awards, Nashville Oktoberfest, Bonnaroo Music, and Arts Festival, and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.
  • Cost of Living – Nashville’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major cities. When compared to the national average, certain expenses like housing and sales taxes are still quite reasonable, making it an attractive option for many.

Sell Your House For Top Dollar And Move To Nashville

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Pros and Cons of Living in Nashville: Country Music Capital

Still not sure if you’d like to move to Nashville. Below we’ll break down some of the pros and cons of living in Nashville to help you decide.

Pros of Living in Nashville TN

  • Nashville’s advantageous location in relation to other major cities makes it ideal for weekend getaways and cultural exploration.
  • Affordable real estate
  • Good public school system (Williamson County Schools)
  • Low crime rates in Nashville suburbs (Brentwood, Franklin, Green Hills, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro) 
  • Excellent entertainment opportunities
  • Many parks and nature preserves for outdoor enthusiasts
  • An International Airport (BNA)
  • Top Healthcare Services in Nashville (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Thomas Health, TriStar Centennial, Williamson Medical)  
  • No state income tax in Tennessee

Cons of Living in Nashville TN

  • Real estate prices are higher than they might be in other cities 
  • The cost of living in Nashville is relatively high when compared to other cities in the U.S. 
  • Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, especially during rush hour, and there are few public transportation options outside of buses. 
  • Crime in Nashville isn’t great, but that’s mainly noticed in the downtown area.
  • Many out-of-state people are moving to the area, which can be looked at as good and bad. 
  • Tennessee has the greatest percentage of nighttime tornadoes.

Costs of Living in Nashville

It’s important to learn more about the cost of living before moving to a new city, as this will give you a better idea of what to expect. This information can help you budget for your move, and it can also help you find a job and housing in Nashville.

The cost of living in Nashville is relatively high compared to some other cities in the United States. However, compared to other large cities (NY, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle) Nashville has a low cost of living.

The average rent for an 889 sq ft apartment is around $1,644, and the average price for a gallon of gasoline is currently around $3.01.

If we were to give the U.S. an average score of 100 anything above 100 would mean it’s more expensive than the U.S. average, and anything below 100 would mean that it’s less expensive than the U.S. average, Nashville currently comes in at 101.4. 

Cost of LivingNashville-DavidsonTennesseeUSA
Overall101.487.6100
Grocery10295.4100
Health96.7101.9100
Housing113.371.2100
Median Home Cost$341,700$231,600$291,700
Utilities99.396.7100
Transportation100.790.2100
Miscellaneous87.495100

Data from ​​BestPlaces.net

Housing Market in Nashville

Home prices in TN have been rising, and Nashville has been booming with many new developments. 

Now is a great time to buy or sell real estate in the Nashville area. 

In November 2021, the median listing home price in Nashville, TN, reached $400K, which is an 11.1% increase year over year. The median listing home price per square foot is $243. The median sold price for a condo was $298,000, up 21.5% from last year. 

Housing market statistics show that despite the pandemic-led economic slowdown, there was a 

healthy demand to purchase homes in the Nashville real estate market. 

Nashville has also seen an increase in buyers moving from larger markets like California, Chicago, New York, and Seattle. Another draw for out-of-state home buyers is that TN is one of only 7 states that doesn’t impose an income tax and one of two that does not collect tax on earned income. 

This has increased the demand for housing in the Nashville metropolitan area. However, high demand and low inventory have caused home prices in Nashville to rise rapidly. Other reasons home prices are on the rise include low interest rates, low inventory, and changing demographics in larger cities. Therefore, this is an ideal time for sellers in the greater Nashville area to consider a home sale. 

Of course, selling a house is a process, especially if you need to make some repairs and improvements, declutter, clean, and stage. Then there is hiring a listing agent or selling for sale by the owner instead. If you’d prefer to sell an easier way and avoid the hassle of getting your home ready to list and figuring out a selling strategy, you may want to consider selling to a company that will buy your house instead. 

Looking to avoid the hassle of traditional home selling? As Tennessee cash home buyers, we at Nexus Homebuyers understand that sometimes you just need a straightforward solution. We keep things simple by buying houses exactly as they are, skipping the realtor fees, and getting you to closing fast when you need it most.

Find out more about our company or to learn more about how we buy houses by contacting us or visiting our website.  

Cost of living in Nashville.

Neighborhoods and Areas to Consider

Nashville has a range of neighborhoods and areas to consider, each with its unique character and charm. Here are a few areas to consider:

Downtown Nashville

Downtown Nashville is the heart of the city, with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of things to see and do. The area is home to many of Nashville’s most famous music venues, including the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe. You’ll also find a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Downtown Nashville is a great place to live if you want to be in the midst of the action but be prepared for higher prices and a more fast-paced lifestyle.

The Gulch and Music Row

The Gulch and Music Row are two adjacent neighborhoods home to many of Nashville’s music industry professionals. The Gulch is a trendy area with a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, while Music Row is a more laid-back neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes. Both areas are within walking distance of downtown Nashville and offer a range of amenities, including parks, restaurants, and music venues. These neighborhoods are perfect for those who want to be close to the city’s music scene and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle.

East Nashville and Brentwood

East Nashville and Brentwood are two neighborhoods that offer a more laid-back atmosphere and a range of amenities. East Nashville is a vibrant area with a mix of old and new homes, as well as a range of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s known for its artistic vibe and community feel. Brentwood, on the other hand, is a more suburban area with a range of parks, restaurants, and shops. It’s popular with families and young professionals who want to be close to downtown Nashville but also desire a more relaxed lifestyle. Both areas provide a great balance of convenience and tranquility, making them ideal for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Traffic and Public Transportation

With more people moving to Nashville, that means more people on the roads. So at times, traffic can be rough getting around town. But truth be told, Nashville does not have a pleasant rush hour, and it’s not as bad as the worst traffic indexes in the country. Monday through Friday, drivers can expect to encounter traffic jams between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Besides driving, using Nashville Public Transportation is also available. The WeGo Public Transit is the primary way that people travel around on public transport. It costs $2 per ride and has more than 50 routes stretching out across the entire city, including the Gulch, Germantown, Midtown, Music Row, West End, and The Nations. Discounts are offered for passengers under the age of 19 and over 65. Kids under 4 years old can ride for free.

Most of the buses in Nashville go into operation at 5:30 a.m. and run into the evening, although the exact times vary depending on the route.

Another option to get around town also includes Uber and Lyft. 

Overall the downtown area is pretty walkable. 

Public transport in Nashville.

Key Amenities

Nashville is known as Music City due to the number of iconic venues for music. This includes the Grand Ole Opry House, a theater that hosts live performances. There are also many different outdoor concerts and events in Nashville throughout the year. These include major festivals such as CMA and the Fourth of July celebrations.

It has many attractions, such as the Belle Meade Plantation, the Parthenon, and Civil War battle sights. 

There are also great restaurants in Nashville, such as Prince’s Hot Chicken and Loveless Cafe, that have been included on lists for best diner-style food in the United States. You’ll also find some great breweries like Fat Bottom Brewery and coffee shops like the Frothy Monkey. 

The nightlife in Nashville is also great, and there are many different bars and music venues to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include Robert’s Western World, The Patterson House, and Honky Tonk Central. Finally, Nashville is a great place to raise a family with plenty of activities for kids, such as the Adventure Science Center and Nashville Children’s Theater.

Crime Rate in Nashville

Like any major metro city, crime and safety can be an issue. Although Nashville doesn’t compete with the size of Chicago or New York, as a growing mid-south city, we have a high crime rate. 

Currently, Nashville has a D+ grade, meaning the crime rate is higher than the average US metro area. In addition, the Nashville Metro area is in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning 71% of metro areas are safer, and 29% of metro areas are more dangerous. However, this analysis only applies to the Nashville metro area’s proper boundaries and Davidson County. 

The rate of crime in the Nashville metro area is 37.25 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in the Nashville metro area generally consider the east Nashville part of the metro area to be the safest.

Final Takeaways 

Nashville’s vibrant culture and opportunities make it an incredible place to call home. From its thriving job market and legendary music scene to beautiful outdoor spaces and welcoming communities, this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional chasing dreams or looking for the perfect retirement spot, Nashville delivers on all fronts.

Ready to make your move to Music City? If you’re overwhelmed about selling your current home, remember that a fast house sale in Nashville is possible with the right partner. At Nexus Homebuyers, we understand that traditional home selling can slow down your exciting plans. That’s why we’ve helped countless homeowners transition smoothly with our straightforward cash-buying process.

Don’t let a complicated home sale hold you back from your Nashville dreams. Contact us today to learn how we can help you skip the repairs, showings, and months of uncertainty. Our team is ready to make you a fair cash offer so you can focus on what matters most – starting your new chapter in Nashville!

The best part? While you’re planning your move and exploring all that Nashville has to offer, we’ll handle the details of your home sale. Let’s make your transition to Nashville as smooth as possible.