Nashville became the permanent capital of Tennessee after nearly 30 years of receiving its authority in the 19th century. They defeated Charlotte by just one vote for the position. In 1861, Tennessee had been the final state to add to the Confederacy, which turned the city into a direct target for Union forces.
The importance of being a capital along with the shipping port on the river molded it into a gem of the North. During the Civil War on February 16, 1862, Nashville was the primary state capital to get into Union troops.
During the period of Reconstruction, Nashville turned into a prominent trade center because of its location. The population in this place quadrupled by 1900. Then several music entrepreneurs such as Roy Acuff formed the city into the capital of country music too, along which the Grand Ole Opry became an international influence.
You’ll find yourself walking in the footsteps of much history if you are planning to live in Nashville. To have a better consideration, here we have listed some pros and cons.
Pros of Living in Nashville
1. Low Unemployment Rate
Nashville is a bustling city with plenty of job opportunities. It’s among the quickest-growing metro areas in the US, along with an unemployment rate of only 2%, it normally doesn’t take the residents pretty long to find a job.
On the contrary, mostly there are a greater number of open positions in comparison to the number of people available to fill them. In the past few years, many youths have made their way to Nashville to build their professional careers.
2. Lower Cost of Living Than Other Major Cities
In comparison to other well-known cities of equal size, such as Austin, Denver, and Portland, the typical price of living in Nashville, TN, is low.
With an average rent of around $1,200 and an average home sale cost of $296,000, the area of Nashville has an offering of fairly priced housing in several top-notch neighborhoods. Tennessee also offers several of the lowest property taxes in the country.
3. Amazing Food
The incredible cuisine definitely falls among the best parts of living in Nashville. You’ll find yourself in heaven if you’re someone who’s into spicy food, barbecue, and southern fare.
One of this city’s staples is hot chicken, and it all started at Prince’s Hot Chicken. Find your way to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for some of Tennessee’s best-rated barbecue. Joyland, Catbird Seat, Henrietta Red, and Redheaded Stranger are a few other must-eats.
4. Multiple Pro Sports Teams
You’ll have a lot of cheer about if you’re a sports fanatic living in Nashville. The population being about 700,000, this city is comparatively small, in consideration of its multiple pro sports teams. Make your way to find the Tennessee Titans playing at Nissan Stadium if you’re an NFL fan.
There’s also the Nashville Predators NHL, a team that competed in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. For MLS fans, there’s the Nashville Soccer Club. There are also plenty of college sports to watch in Nashville with more than seven universities in the city.
5. Unbeatable Music Scene
Raving about the music scene in Nashville is a must when listing out the pros. Built on its passion for songwriting and country music, the city is home to several greatest venues in the nation.
The well-known Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium and then some intimate spots such as the Bluebird Cafe and the Back Corner, you’ll be hearing/seeing it all in Music City. It’s also not only country music. Nashville has been a destination spot for bands and recording artists from virtually every genre.
Cons of Living in Nashville
1. Public Transportation Could Be Better
Compared to other cities, public transportation in Nashville is quite disappointing. A bus line, WeGo Public Transit, is the only public transit option. However, the circuits don’t even cover most of the bustling metro area. The city could definitely find the addition of a train system, streetcars, or a more efficient bus service, helpful considering its rapid growth.
2. Intense Seasonal Allergies
All through the spring and summer in Nashville, you may expect to do much sneezing if you suffer from seasonal allergies. The city has been given the ranking among the worst places for outdoor allergies in the US because of its almost off-the-charts pollen counts.
You’ll have to stock up on allergy meds to make your way through the warm season and avoid itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat.
3. Lots of Traffic
Before moving to Nashville, you’ll for sure have to consider the traffic. As this city lacks the needed public transportation, several people own cars and drive to work, school, and other spots. Nashville has gotten the 23rd ranking for the highest levels of car congestion out of 240 U.S. cities.
The residents of Nashville are compelled to spend an average of 34 hours stuck in traffic in the metro area each year. In addition to that, as more people are moving to the city, traffic will not likely be improving. To cut down on your drive time, you might want to try to live and work in the same neighborhood.
4. Very Humid Weather
The exceedingly humid weather is another factor in the warm season in Nashville. Many states over the South have sticky-hot summer months, as you may know. It usually only lasts for about four months and a few people don’t mind it. It won’t be much of an issue if your home, car, and place of work have air conditioning. Also, spring and fall are the best time to visit Nashville as they’re both pleasantly mild.
Cost of Living in Nashville
If the pros have tempted you enough to overlook the cons of living in Nashville, here we have some basic costs of living listed out for you.
1. Housing
The average cost for single-family homes in Nashville is about $375,000, a bit higher than the median price for all homes. On the contrary, the typical cost for a Nashville condo is about $292,750 and townhomes is $389,900.
2. Utilities
The price of utilities in Nashville is somewhat lower than the U.S. median, with a cost index of 99.3. All of Tennessee has a bit lower utilities cost index than Nashville, at 96.7%.
3. Food
Playing a small role in the cost of living in Nashville, the cost of groceries index is somewhat higher than the national average, at 102. Tennessee has a grocery index lower than the national average, at 95.4.