Nashville, Tennessee is a city unlike any other. If you’re thinking about living in Nashville, we have some insight for you.
Along with its well-known title of being the “Songwriter Capital of the World,” Nashville boasts a seriously fun bar scene, some awesome food joints, and a reasonably low cost of living. With all these perks, are there any reasons not to move to Music City?
Nashville,Tennessee at a glance
The average rent in Nashville for a 1-bedroom apartment is 1,560 per monthTemperatures in Nashville average 85 degrees in the summer months, and 50 degrees in the winter monthsThe current population in the Nashville metropolitan area is 1,294,000 as of 2022Outside of music, the major industries in Nashville include education, manufacturing, health services, and hospitality Nashville has two major sports teams, the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Predators (NHL)
Ready to learn more about life in Nashville? Here’s our list of 9 pros and cons of moving to Nashville.
Pro: Local coffee shops are everywhere
You won’t have any trouble finding some quality coffee in Music City, as it has its fair share of local coffee shops. The most recognizable one, Barista Parlor, works with local artists, farms, businesses, and bakeries to create inviting atmospheres in each of their 5 Nashville locations.
Keeping in line with Nashville’s music scene, Ugly Mugs serves up some delicious coffee and hosts live music events. Catch a show while you sip on a cappuccino or grab a comfy chair and curl up with a good book.
Crema is another crowd-pleaser, and two of its coffees have been awarded top finishes at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s annual roasting competition. Enjoy a cup of joe on their spacious outdoor patio.
Other local favorites for a caffeine fix in Nashville:
Daily Grind Coffee HouseHumphreys Street Coffee ShopSlow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop
Con: You’ll probably need a car
Nashville’s only form of public transportation comes in the form of bus lines via WeGo Public Transit. It’s not entirely dependable and doesn’t cover all of the sprawling city. Plus, not only is public transit not accessible or comprehensive in this city, traffic here is also inescapable.
With Nashville growing as quickly as it is, the infrastructure is simply not set up for the amount of cars on the road now. If you’re considering moving to Nashville, expect to sit in some gridlock traffic when commuting to work.
Nashville freeways and highways to know
I-40 -traverses the entire state from East to WestI-65 – runs North to South across Tennessee I-24 – runs diagonally through Tenesee
Major streets and intersections in Nashville
Broadway – The major thoroughfare in the downtown area and includes lower Broadway where you’ll find the main entertainment district16th and 17th Avenues South – Known as “music row”, where you’ll find attractions and businesses related to the music heritage of NashvilleCharlotte Pike – Known for its thrift stores and coffee shops12 South – A popular shopping neighborhood located just outside of downtown Nashville
Pro: Lively bar scene
Looking for a well-crafted cocktail? How about a dive bar with cheap drinks and live music? Maybe a casual place to meet up with friends or a first date? You’re in luck in Nashville because this city has a bar for everything. Living in Nashville means you’re living in one of the top destinations for music and nightlife, so get ready for a good time.
Get quality, hand-crafted cocktails at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club, an art-deco inspired speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an East Nashville alleyway. It might be a bit far from downtown, but the Lyft ride will be worth it for their happy hour from 5-7pm when a handful of drinks and food items can each be had for $5, $6, or $7.
Refine your dart game at The Villager Tavern, a local favorite that’s been around for nearly five decades. This place plays host to a few Nashville dart leagues, gives locals happy hour prices after 10pm, and is just a few blocks away from the Vanderbilt campus.
Acme Feed & Seed is your go-to spot for a casual meet up with friends, a date, or even a corporate event. Its first floor features restaurant-style seating and beers on tap, the second floor is more of a bar and lounge (and one you can rent out for private events), and the third floor gives way to a large rooftop patio.
Other favorites for drinks in Nashville
The Patterson HouseDierks Bentley’s Whiskey RowNudie’s Honky TonkWhiskey Bent Saloon
Con: Get ready for the humidity
You should know upfront that Nashville, like many other cities in the eastern and southern U.S., gets hot and humid in the summer months. From May through August, expect sticky weather, with average temperatures in the high 80s. Many of Nashvilles popular festivals take place in the summer months, including CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride, so be prepared to brave the humidity to enjoy some fun. Spring and fall are pleasant, though, and make up for the three to four months of humidity.
Average temperatures in Nashville
January: High 47 degrees, Low 29 degreesFebruary: High 52 degrees, Low 32 degreesMarch: High 62 degrees, Low 40 degreesApril: High 71 degrees, Low 48 degreesMay: High 79 degrees, Low 57 degreesJune: High 87 degrees, Low 65 degreesJuly: High 90 degrees, Low 70 degreesAugust: High 89 degrees, Low 68 degreesSeptember: High 83 degrees, Low 62 degreesOctober: High 72 degrees, Low 49 degreesNovember: High 61 degrees, Low 40 degreesDecember: High 51 degrees, Low 32 degrees
Pro: Food
Images via Martin’s BBQ Joint
Nashville is known not only for the music scene, but the food scene, and when you live in Nashville you’ll have the best cuisine at your fingertips. If you haven’t heard of hot chicken, you’ll want to head straight to Prince’s Hot Chicken. Hot chicken is a type of fried chicken that’s covered in a special hot sauce, and it all started at Nashville’s own Prince’s. If fried chicken isn’t your thing, check out Henrietta Red, a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
For a beloved Nashville experience, hit up Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, home of the famous Tennessee Whole Hog Bar-B-Que. At their downtown location, you can enjoy the mouthwatering BBQ on their communal, outdoor beer garden. Pork Leg Porker BBQ is another must eat with award winning barbecue.
Other Nashville favorites for eats
The 404 KitchenMotoThe MockingbirdLockeland TableThe Southern Steak & Oyster
Pro: Low unemployment rate
Nashville residents are fortunate to live in a city with plenty of job opportunities. In fact, it’s one of the fastest growing cities, not just in the south, but in the U.S. as a whole. Its unemployment rate is just 3.5% which means it won’t be too tough to find a job in Nashville.
If you’re a musician, you won’t be without competition for work. But there are also many other industries popular in Nashville including healthcare, finance, and tourism. In fact, tourism is one of the most popular industries in Nashville due to the city’s desirability for out of state travelers. Join the rest of the young people here and check out the top Nashville neighborhoods for young professionals.
Con: You aren’t the only one moving here
Nashville is a great city to live in, and if you don’t know it already, you’ll find out once you move here. Be warned, though, that living in Music City is desired by many, meaning you’ll have some competition when trying to find a place to live. Fortunately, the unemployment rate is low, as we just mentioned, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a job. What you should also be prepared for is lots of out of state visitors. From bachelor and bachelorette parties, to visiting sports fans, the city is known to be a place for partying.
Pro: The music scene is legendary
Of course, you’ve probably already heard that Nashville has quite the live music scene.
This place has been built on its affinity and love for music; whether it’s in the famous venues like the Grand Ole Opry House, or the more intimate (but still just as beloved) settings like The Bluebird Cafe, locals here love their live music. Head to Music Row, the heart of the Nashville music industry, and you’ll find recording studios that have seen Elvis and Dolly Parton walk through their doors.
Other Nashville favorites for live music
The Stage on BroadwayLayla’s Honky TonkTootsies Orchid LoungeTin RoofBourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Pro: Cost of living
Compared to cities like Atlanta, Denver, and even Scottsdale, Arizona, Nashville is more affordable. With median rents for one and two-bedroom apartments coming in at $1,560 and $1,750, respectively, Nashville remains a city with a reasonably low cost of living. Compared to the rest of the country, Nashville is ranked 26 on our list of the cities with the most expensive rent, so housing will be more affordable than other larger cities like LA and NYC.
Nashville fun facts
Nashville is named after American Revolutionary war hero Francis NashThe first FM-broadcasting license went to Nashville’s WSM radio station in 1941, and radio host David Cobb is said to be the first person to ever call Nashville the “music city”.Elvis Presley recorded ore than 200 songs in NashvilleNashville was the first city to desegregate public businesses The phrase “good to the last drop” came from President Theodore Roosevelt after drinking a cup of Nashville coffeeCentennial Park is home to the only replica of the Greek Parthenon
Living in Nashville gives you access to some of the best food, music, and attractions. If you can stand a little traffic, enjoy local coffee shops, live music venues, and a low cost of living, Music City might just be the place for you.
The post Moving to Nashville: Pros and Cons of Living in Music City appeared first on The Zumper Blog.
Nashville, Tennessee is a city unlike any other. If you’re thinking about living in Nashville, we have some insight for you.
Along with its well-known title of being the “Songwriter Capital of the World,” Nashville boasts a seriously fun bar scene, some awesome food joints, and a reasonably low cost of living. With all these perks, are there any reasons not to move to Music City?
Nashville,Tennessee at a glance
The average rent in Nashville for a 1-bedroom apartment is 1,560 per monthTemperatures in Nashville average 85 degrees in the summer months, and 50 degrees in the winter monthsThe current population in the Nashville metropolitan area is 1,294,000 as of 2022Outside of music, the major industries in Nashville include education, manufacturing, health services, and hospitality Nashville has two major sports teams, the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Predators (NHL)
Ready to learn more about life in Nashville? Here’s our list of 9 pros and cons of moving to Nashville.
Pro: Local coffee shops are everywhere
You won’t have any trouble finding some quality coffee in Music City, as it has its fair share of local coffee shops. The most recognizable one, Barista Parlor, works with local artists, farms, businesses, and bakeries to create inviting atmospheres in each of their 5 Nashville locations.
Keeping in line with Nashville’s music scene, Ugly Mugs serves up some delicious coffee and hosts live music events. Catch a show while you sip on a cappuccino or grab a comfy chair and curl up with a good book.
Crema is another crowd-pleaser, and two of its coffees have been awarded top finishes at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s annual roasting competition. Enjoy a cup of joe on their spacious outdoor patio.
Other local favorites for a caffeine fix in Nashville:
Daily Grind Coffee HouseHumphreys Street Coffee ShopSlow Hand Coffee + Bakeshop
Con: You’ll probably need a car
Nashville’s only form of public transportation comes in the form of bus lines via WeGo Public Transit. It’s not entirely dependable and doesn’t cover all of the sprawling city. Plus, not only is public transit not accessible or comprehensive in this city, traffic here is also inescapable.
With Nashville growing as quickly as it is, the infrastructure is simply not set up for the amount of cars on the road now. If you’re considering moving to Nashville, expect to sit in some gridlock traffic when commuting to work.
Nashville freeways and highways to know
I-40 -traverses the entire state from East to WestI-65 – runs North to South across Tennessee I-24 – runs diagonally through Tenesee
Major streets and intersections in Nashville
Broadway – The major thoroughfare in the downtown area and includes lower Broadway where you’ll find the main entertainment district16th and 17th Avenues South – Known as “music row”, where you’ll find attractions and businesses related to the music heritage of NashvilleCharlotte Pike – Known for its thrift stores and coffee shops12 South – A popular shopping neighborhood located just outside of downtown Nashville
Pro: Lively bar scene
Looking for a well-crafted cocktail? How about a dive bar with cheap drinks and live music? Maybe a casual place to meet up with friends or a first date? You’re in luck in Nashville because this city has a bar for everything. Living in Nashville means you’re living in one of the top destinations for music and nightlife, so get ready for a good time.
Get quality, hand-crafted cocktails at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club, an art-deco inspired speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an East Nashville alleyway. It might be a bit far from downtown, but the Lyft ride will be worth it for their happy hour from 5-7pm when a handful of drinks and food items can each be had for $5, $6, or $7.
Refine your dart game at The Villager Tavern, a local favorite that’s been around for nearly five decades. This place plays host to a few Nashville dart leagues, gives locals happy hour prices after 10pm, and is just a few blocks away from the Vanderbilt campus.
Acme Feed & Seed is your go-to spot for a casual meet up with friends, a date, or even a corporate event. Its first floor features restaurant-style seating and beers on tap, the second floor is more of a bar and lounge (and one you can rent out for private events), and the third floor gives way to a large rooftop patio.
Other favorites for drinks in Nashville
The Patterson HouseDierks Bentley’s Whiskey RowNudie’s Honky TonkWhiskey Bent Saloon
Con: Get ready for the humidity
You should know upfront that Nashville, like many other cities in the eastern and southern U.S., gets hot and humid in the summer months. From May through August, expect sticky weather, with average temperatures in the high 80s. Many of Nashvilles popular festivals take place in the summer months, including CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride, so be prepared to brave the humidity to enjoy some fun. Spring and fall are pleasant, though, and make up for the three to four months of humidity.
Average temperatures in Nashville
January: High 47 degrees, Low 29 degreesFebruary: High 52 degrees, Low 32 degreesMarch: High 62 degrees, Low 40 degreesApril: High 71 degrees, Low 48 degreesMay: High 79 degrees, Low 57 degreesJune: High 87 degrees, Low 65 degreesJuly: High 90 degrees, Low 70 degreesAugust: High 89 degrees, Low 68 degreesSeptember: High 83 degrees, Low 62 degreesOctober: High 72 degrees, Low 49 degreesNovember: High 61 degrees, Low 40 degreesDecember: High 51 degrees, Low 32 degrees
Pro: Food
Images via Martin’s BBQ Joint
Nashville is known not only for the music scene, but the food scene, and when you live in Nashville you’ll have the best cuisine at your fingertips. If you haven’t heard of hot chicken, you’ll want to head straight to Prince’s Hot Chicken. Hot chicken is a type of fried chicken that’s covered in a special hot sauce, and it all started at Nashville’s own Prince’s. If fried chicken isn’t your thing, check out Henrietta Red, a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
For a beloved Nashville experience, hit up Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, home of the famous Tennessee Whole Hog Bar-B-Que. At their downtown location, you can enjoy the mouthwatering BBQ on their communal, outdoor beer garden. Pork Leg Porker BBQ is another must eat with award winning barbecue.
Other Nashville favorites for eats
The 404 KitchenMotoThe MockingbirdLockeland TableThe Southern Steak & Oyster
Pro: Low unemployment rate
Nashville residents are fortunate to live in a city with plenty of job opportunities. In fact, it’s one of the fastest growing cities, not just in the south, but in the U.S. as a whole. Its unemployment rate is just 3.5% which means it won’t be too tough to find a job in Nashville.
If you’re a musician, you won’t be without competition for work. But there are also many other industries popular in Nashville including healthcare, finance, and tourism. In fact, tourism is one of the most popular industries in Nashville due to the city’s desirability for out of state travelers. Join the rest of the young people here and check out the top Nashville neighborhoods for young professionals.
Con: You aren’t the only one moving here
Nashville is a great city to live in, and if you don’t know it already, you’ll find out once you move here. Be warned, though, that living in Music City is desired by many, meaning you’ll have some competition when trying to find a place to live. Fortunately, the unemployment rate is low, as we just mentioned, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a job. What you should also be prepared for is lots of out of state visitors. From bachelor and bachelorette parties, to visiting sports fans, the city is known to be a place for partying.
Pro: The music scene is legendary
Of course, you’ve probably already heard that Nashville has quite the live music scene.
This place has been built on its affinity and love for music; whether it’s in the famous venues like the Grand Ole Opry House, or the more intimate (but still just as beloved) settings like The Bluebird Cafe, locals here love their live music. Head to Music Row, the heart of the Nashville music industry, and you’ll find recording studios that have seen Elvis and Dolly Parton walk through their doors.
Other Nashville favorites for live music
The Stage on BroadwayLayla’s Honky TonkTootsies Orchid LoungeTin RoofBourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Pro: Cost of living
Compared to cities like Atlanta, Denver, and even Scottsdale, Arizona, Nashville is more affordable. With median rents for one and two-bedroom apartments coming in at $1,560 and $1,750, respectively, Nashville remains a city with a reasonably low cost of living. Compared to the rest of the country, Nashville is ranked 26 on our list of the cities with the most expensive rent, so housing will be more affordable than other larger cities like LA and NYC.
Nashville fun facts
Nashville is named after American Revolutionary war hero Francis NashThe first FM-broadcasting license went to Nashville’s WSM radio station in 1941, and radio host David Cobb is said to be the first person to ever call Nashville the “music city”.Elvis Presley recorded ore than 200 songs in NashvilleNashville was the first city to desegregate public businesses The phrase “good to the last drop” came from President Theodore Roosevelt after drinking a cup of Nashville coffeeCentennial Park is home to the only replica of the Greek Parthenon
Living in Nashville gives you access to some of the best food, music, and attractions. If you can stand a little traffic, enjoy local coffee shops, live music venues, and a low cost of living, Music City might just be the place for you.
The post Moving to Nashville: Pros and Cons of Living in Music City appeared first on The Zumper Blog.
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