There’s a reason Nashville made our list of top cities to move to. Everyone knows moving to Nashville means living where country music was born and raised, not to mention a city known for its plethora of entertainment options. But, it’s not just aspiring musicians who have their eyes on this city. With its friendly people, quaint homes, and moderate weather, it’s hard to say “no” to Nashville. Housing options vary widely to accommodate a range of budgets and styles, and if you can’t get quite enough space, Nashville storage units are there to bridge the gap.
City Overview
Nashville has seen incredible growth in recent years, so you’re in good company if you choose to settle down in this beautiful city. For a while, the city was growing at a rate of nearly 100 new residents per day. While some of those newcomers are likely trying to become the next Garth Brooks or Carrie Underwood, we suspect that most new Nashville arrivals are drawn to the city’s welcoming nature, economic growth, and proximity to nature.
Walkability varies across the city, depending on where you decide to put down roots after moving to Nashville. While some of the neighborhoods on the edges of the city do require a car to get around, those closer to the downtown area are much more walkable. Residents enjoy the hub-like feeling of each neighborhood, which lets you dine out, shop, hang out at the park, and stay entertained without ever having to leave your community. Of course, branching out to explore what else Nashville has to offer is highly recommended. That’s where the city’s robust public transit system, WeGo Public Transit, comes in. City buses run frequently and cover more than 50 routes across the entirety of the city. Those who plan on using transit for work should check out express routes, which have fewer stops and get you to your destination more quickly. One of the main routes takes you to Nashville International Airport, letting you save money on airport parking fees. Scooter rentals are also widely available in Nashville. You can use your phone app to rent a scooter, explore the city, and return the scooter to any of the company’s locations when you’re done for the day.
Real Estate Outlook
If you’re planning on moving to Nashville for the long haul, look into buying a home. There are lots of options in the city, from upscale condos for busy professionals who want all of the top amenities to single-family homes that offer wide driveways and backyards. The median selling price of a single-family home is $296,000, and the median selling price of a condominium is $207,000. You could also look into the city’s townhomes and duplexes, which blend the best of condominiums and single-family homes. There are significant price differences in single-family homes between neighborhoods. One of the most expensive communities in Nashville reports an average listing price of $998,000, while one of the most affordable communities in the city has an average home price of $287,000.
Renting is always an option if buying a home isn’t a priority for you. The average monthly rent for a Nashville apartment is just over $1,400 per month, but there are many options that can increase or decrease your price range. The average apartment has just under 900 square feet of space. If you have a lot to bring with you, this could be a good time to look into Nashville self-storage facilities that can free up space at home. Those looking to save money on rent can pass on complexes that offer amenities like swimming pools, door service, Wi-Fi, and clubhouse access. By skipping these features or opting for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, you can easily save money on your living expenses each month.
Nashville Communities
Finding the right city is crucial for maxing out your quality of life, but you also have to do some digging to find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle. Whichever part of the city calls out to you most, you can find a community that fits you.
Downtown
Any description of Nashville’s neighborhoods has to include downtown. This area is packed with local shops, delicious restaurants featuring every possible cuisine, bars, and live music venues. It’s also one of the hottest destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties, so before you move here, make sure you’re ready for the craziness that descends on the area each weekend. Housing in this area focuses more on apartments, condos, and townhouse complexes, and there are few single-family home options. If you want to live life in the heart of the city, definitely consider moving to Nashville’s downtown region.
East Nashville
Maybe you want to take it a little easier and enjoy life at a slower pace after moving to Nashville. If so, East Nashville is definitely a neighborhood to check out. It features an eccentric and quirky artistic vibe that naturally draws in people from all different lifestyles and career paths. East Nashville is a close-knit community where opportunity thrives, especially in the indie music scene. The commercial part of this community puts the spotlight on local businesses, shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Demographics are skewed toward young adults and growing families, but you’ll find people from all walks of life here. Housing options are varied and diverse, ranging from studio lofts to duplexes and vintage homes.
Germantown
North of Nashville’s downtown area, you’ll find Germantown. This is where you can really feel the history of the city come alive. Germantown’s streets feature beautiful Victorian homes and houses converted into commercial shops. Over 100 species of trees can be found in Germantown, so it’s a lovely place to settle down if an evening walk is your favorite part of the day. If you consider yourself a foodie, you should at least schedule a visit to Germantown after moving to Nashville. It features some of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, including City House and Henrietta Red. On the weekends, you can stock your kitchen at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. Homes in this area include apartments, remodeled historic homes, and new builds. House prices in this area are slightly higher than average, so if you need to scale down on size, consider getting a Nashville storage unit.
Antioch
One of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Nashville is Antioch. Many people moving to Nashville for the first time choose this area for its low rent costs and proximity to city attractions. However, the neighborhood does have a bit of a reputation for being unsafe, one that its residents say is undeserved. Antioch is home to a brand new park, drawing in families excited to live in Nashville while still staying within their budget. As the neighborhood’s infrastructure and services continue to grow, it will likely become even more popular among current residents and newcomers.
Things to Do
If you’re willing to hit the Murfreesboro Pike or Charlotte Pike, you can get just about anywhere in Nashville and check out everything it has to offer. The Grand Ole Opry is a must-see attraction, no matter how you feel about country music. Seeing where an entire genre of music found its wings is a breathtaking experience. If you are a big fan of country music, don’t forget to plan a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Seeing all the big names in country music and reading about their accomplishments is sure to bring up a little nostalgia.
Make the most of a day indoors by exploring the Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens. The center has nine acres of indoor gardens, featuring 50,000 tropical plants and flowers in an array of colors, shapes, and arrangements. The gardens are climate-controlled, so this is a nice way to spend a humid Nashville day. If you would rather explore the greenery outdoors, plan a visit to the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway.
Keeping your children entertained is easy after moving to Nashville. Fannie Mae Dees Park is a huge attraction for local families, offering a splash pad, a picnic shelter, playgrounds, and a massive dragon covered in mosaic tiles popping out of the ground. The Nashville Zoo is an easy way to pass an entire day with your children. In addition to seeing dozens of animal species, you can also zip line, ride the Wilderness Express train, or go for a spin on the Wild Animal Carousel.
There is no shortage of dining and drinking options in Nashville. The city is known for its craft beer breweries, so you can find your next favorite IPA, ale, or cider while supporting a local business. Some of the most well-known local breweries include New Heights Brewing, Jackalope Brewing Company, and Southern Grist Brewing.
Reasons to Move There
It’s not hard to find reasons that support moving to Nashville, but it is hard deciding which part of the city is your favorite. The location is unmatchable. You get the excitement of the big city, the diversity of its neighborhoods, and the multitude of opportunities that come with city living. However, since it’s also in central Tennessee, you’re also just a couple of hours away from the Great Smoky Mountains, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and plenty of other secluded outdoor areas.
Traveling is easy, thanks to WeGo Public Transit, the Nashville International Airport, and scooter rentals. However, parking can be difficult to find. If you have multiple vehicles you need to store, consider a boat storage facility or a parking space rental.
Nashville also has the ideal combination of a low cost of living and a strong economy. The low unemployment rate indicates strong growth across many different industries, and the low cost of living lets residents enjoy city amenities without the huge price tag often associated with city life.
Keep in mind that if you choose this city, you are among many others who are moving to Nashville. That means that you may need to move quickly if you see a rental you love, and it often means that space is limited. This is especially true if you are in or near downtown, where extra space for storage is more of a dream than an amenity.
Luckily, even if your apartment size is smaller than you’d hoped, you can make up for it with self-storage units at our Nashville storage facilities. Our customer service team is dedicated to helping everyone find the right Nashville storage unit for their location, space needs, and preferred amenities. Climate-controlled units are ideal for musical instruments, furniture, and electronics, and some units have drive-up access for your convenience. As you prepare for your big move to Nashville, give us a call to learn more about discounts and access hours at our local facilities.
Header photo by Shane Raynor from Pexels
