Nashville is a vibrant city with a long history rich with culture and plenty of entertainment for everyone. The culture of this city draws people in and makes it one of the best places to live in America. However, there are a few crucial things to know before you start looking at homes for sale in Nashville. This blog will explore everything you need to know about buying a house and relocating to Nashville, from the cost of living and popular neighborhoods to the best schools and entertainment options. So, let's get started and help you make a smooth transition to living in Nashville.

Nashville Job Market

People who move to Nashville have access to many jobs. The top industries in Nashville include education, government, manufacturing, health services, financial services, construction, leisure and hospitality, transportation, and utilities. Major employers in the Nashville area include Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the State of Tennessee, Nissan North America, Community Health Systems, St. Thomas Health, Bridgestone Tires, and Vanguard.

According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nashville is at 2.8% (as of February 2023), which is lower than the national average of 3.6%.

Nashville offers a wide range of opportunities with competitive pay. The average salary in Nashville is around $63,000 annually, which is higher than the national average of about $52,000 annually. However, remember that salaries may vary depending on the industry and specific job.

Things to Do in Nashville

There are many things to do in Nashville! One of the reasons that so many people move to the area and visit is because of the endless entertainment in the Nashville metro area. After visiting some of the best attractions in the area, it's easy to see why so many people are moving here. 

Open Spaces, Outdoor Activities

Nashville's outdoor scene is fun for the whole family, from little kids to older adults. Below are some of Nashville's most enjoyable outdoor activities and kid-friendly attractions.

Cheekwood Estates and Gardens is a 55-acre estate with beautiful botanical gardens, an art museum, and several walking trails. Visitors can explore the gardens, which feature a range of plants and flowers, and the mansion, which is regarded as one of the best museums in Nashville. Home to thousands of animals and unlimited information, The Nashville Zoo is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 

Nashville has several parks that offer great opportunities for outdoor activities. One of the most popular is Centennial Park, which features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Other great parks in Nashville include Percy Warner Park, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and Edwin Warner Park.

Looking to hit the hiking trails? One of the most popular is the Radnor Lake State Park, which features several hiking trails that wind through beautiful forests and around a picturesque lake. Other great hiking trails in Nashville include the Harpeth River State Park, the Warner Parks Nature Center, and the Couchville Lake Loop.

Nashville Restaurants, Breweries and Bars

Nashville is a foodie's paradise, with many cuisine options to suit every taste. The city is known for its Southern comfort food, including hot chicken, biscuits, gravy, and barbecue. No conversation about food in Nashville would be complete without mention of hot chicken. Prince's Hot Chicken is often credited with inventing Nashville hot chicken, which is still one of the most popular spots to try. The chicken is coated in a spicy blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and other seasonings and served with white bread and pickles.

Nashville has a thriving craft beer scene, with several great breweries and bars offering unique and flavorful brews. Some of the best breweries in town include The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden, Bearded Iris Brewing, Jackalope Brewing Company, and The Patterson House.

Nightlife in Nashville

Nashville is world-famous for its exciting nightlife scene! Whether you're in the mood for a swinging honky tonk or a low-key speakeasy, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for a night out in Nashville:

• Lower Broadway: Lower Broadway is the heart of Nashville's nightlife scene, with several bars and honky-tonks lining the street. 
• East Nashville: The East Nashville neighborhood is a trendy enclave with several great bars and restaurants. 
• Midtown: Midtown is home to numerous popular spots including Winners Bar and Grill, Red Door Saloon, and Rebar.
• The Gulch: Once an industrial area, The Gulch has been transformed into a vibrant and thriving community, with several luxury apartments, hotels, restaurants, shops, and beautiful homes for sale.
• 12 South: Located just south of Downtown Nasvhille, the 12South neighborhood is the go-to spot for lively bars, unique eateries, and fun events. 

Music City - Live Music

Nashville isn't called Music City for nothing! Any night of the week, you can see up-and-coming stars and household names performing live at these music venues in Nashville. 

Ryman Auditorium: The Ryman is one of the most iconic music venues in Nashville and has hosted legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. 

Grand Ole Opry: Known as the home of country music, this iconic venue always has a star-studded line up. 

The Bluebird Cafe: The Bluebird is a small and intimate venue that launched careers for people like Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, and Taylor Swift. 

Bridgestone Arena: Bridgestone Arena is a large arena that hosts big-name concerts and shows. 

Weather in Nashville

Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from the annual climate in Nashville:

Spring (March-May): Spring in Nashville is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s (°F). April is usually the wettest month of the year, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms.

Summer (June - August): Summer in Nashville is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s (°F). The humidity can make it feel even hotter, so staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen is important. Thunderstorms are also common during the summer months.

Fall (September - November): Fall in Nashville is beautiful, with mild temperatures and colorful foliage. Temperatures usually range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s (°F). September and October are usually the driest months of the year, making it a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions.

Winter (December - February): Winter in Nashville is generally mild, with occasional cold snaps and temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s (°F). Snow and ice are rare but not unheard of, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out.

Nashville Traffic

With so many people moving to the area, that means more cars on the roads. Traffic jams are common, especially during rush hour. That said, getting around town is easy, especially when you know the most prominent roadways and traffic patterns. 

Starting and ending the work day early is one way to avoid the worst of rush hour traffic. Often, it takes only a minor adjustment to shave minutes off a commute. By starting at 7:00 in the morning and ending at 4:00, many people avoid the worst of the traffic. People can also adjust their work hours to start late and end late.

HOV lanes are generally far less congested, and people who use these lanes can usually pass through traffic more easily. HOV lanes are found on major highways and interstates. HOV lane hours are only active from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. At other times of the day, these lanes are used as standard lanes.

Parking in Downtown Nashville usually costs money. Metered parking and paid parking facilities are available around the city. Some free parking is available around downtown, but finding it can be difficult and most free parking is not in a convenient location for the events and businesses downtown. People who drive in Nashville's downtown should be prepared to pay. Costs can be affordable on ordinary days but may spike when big events are taking place. Parking frees up a bit in the outer areas, away from downtown.

Public Transportation in Nashville

Public transportation is available in Nashville. People who enjoy taking public transportation, who don't like driving, or who want to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle have options.

Although cars are the preferred mode of transit, Nashville's public transportation system can help you get wherever you need to go. 

Nashville's MTA connects Nashville with the surrounding communities, all the way out as far as Hendersonville, Hermitage, Bellevue, Goodlettsville, and more. People who want to live in the suburbs of Nashville and commute into Nashville proper have options.

Still, checking on the WeGo Public Transit maps is important to determine which neighborhoods have easy access to public transportation. WeGo Public Transit is the public transportation website for Nashville's MTA, which operates a system of busses, commuter rails, vanpools, carpools, and more.

The Music City Star train, owned by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, connects the communities around Nashville with downtown Nashville. 

Being a tourist destination and a major US city, Nashville has multiple taxi lines, including Nashville Cab and Music City Cab. Similarly, ride-sharing services are prevalent here. People in Nashville tend to use Lyft and Uber, which require users to download an app.

Nashville Schools

Nashville is home to about 170 primary and secondary schools, so a wide range of schooling options are available for Nashville students. Nashville schools are in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School district, with Williamson County School District and Franklin School District as alternative school districts nearby. 

There are also about 20 colleges in the Nashville area, including Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University. Several technical schools, specialty schools, and religious institutions are also available in the area. Nashville has everything people need to get their early education through their college degrees.

Come Home to Nashville!

Nashville is a wonderful place to call home for those looking to relocate. From the lively music scene to the thriving job market and various outdoor activities, Nashville truly has something for everyone. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city's four distinct seasons offer a range of weather conditions for those who enjoy variety. Whether you're looking for a cozy bungalow in East Nashville, a luxury condo in The Gulch, or sprawling real estate in Brentwood, Nashville's real estate market offers a range of options for every budget and lifestyle. If you're considering a move to Music City, there's never been a better time to make the leap and start your next chapter in this vibrant and dynamic city.