Nashville at a Glance
Yes, to everyone else in the US (read: ivory tower coasties), Nashville may seem like that one city where all the hillbillies hang out, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Nashville is the live music capital of the United States, and that means there’s plenty of music, plenty to do, and plenty of reasons to move in.
It’s also worth mentioning that Nashville is way cheaper than other major cities, such as Los Angeles or New York. The word’s out and people are moving in to drive up the cost of living, but there’s still plenty of time before it gets as bad as California. When you’re abroad and you tell random Europeans you’re from Nashville, they may not know where that is – but at least you can afford to go back there.
It’s been said that Nashville is a blue city in a red state. But don’t let those Yankee inclinations fool you: There’s plenty of Southern hospitality to welcome you in.
Why Move to Nashville?
When you tell your fellow Californians or New Yorkers why you’re moving to Nashville of all places, you’re gonna raise some eyebrows. Here are some good ways to shut ‘em up:
- Affordable: Nashville (and Tennessee in general) is a lot cheaper than a lot of other places (looking at you, San Diego). Move quickly, because those prices won’t last!
- Hospitality: You’ve heard of Southern hospitality, and believe us, it’s very real. The folks are friendlier, assuming you’re talking to a true Tennessean instead of a transplant.
- Growing economy: Nashville’s economy is surprisingly strong. There’s healthcare, higher ed, and – like every other city these days – a growing tech sector.
- Live music: Live music is what put Nashville on the map, and the locals are proud of it. You don’t even need to be into country music – the venues have a rotating menu of talent!
- Still kinda like home: We said it before, but Nashville’s a blue city in a red state. If you’re moving from a coastal city like New York or LA, you may find you have more in common with the locals than you expected.
- Less crowded: Nashville isn’t a huge city. It’s growing, sure, but it’s nowhere near as crowded as wherever pricing you out.
- Great food: Tennesseeans are crazy about their barbecue, but the whole culinary scene is pretty awesome. Live music, good brews, and good eats? Thanks for the invite.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Nashville?
Moving to Nashville will cost you between $300 and $10,020, sometimes a little more, and sometimes a little less. It all comes down to how far you have to travel, and how much is packed into the moving truck. Make sure you downsize before shopping for quotes!
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $300 – $1,500 | $800 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 100 miles | $500 – $1,800 | $1,000 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 250 miles | $700 – $2,200 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 750 miles | $1,000 – $3,000 | $1,800 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| 1500 miles | $1,500 – $4,000 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $5,500 – $9,000 |
| 2500 miles+ | $2,000 – $5,500 | $3,000 – $7,500 | $10,000+ |
Our Most Recommended Long Distance Movers in Nashville
With so many moving companies out there, it can be tough to find a team you can trust. Moving APT made it easy for you. Here are our 3 favorite Nashville movers:
Adams Van Lines
- Professional staff
- Flexible pricing
Pricing Van Lines
- Network of expert movers
- Quick moving estimates
Native Van Lines
- Custom moves available
- No hidden fees
What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Nashville?
Nashville has pros and cons, just like every other city. Whether those pros outweigh the cons is up to you.
Pros
- It’s affordable
- It’s less crowded
- Lots of nightlife and live music
- There’s a surprising amount of stuff to do
- It’s a blue city
- It’s a red state
Cons
- But it’s getting more expensive
- But more people are moving in
- It’s a lot of country music (but not always)
- You’re still stuck in a flyover state
- It’s a blue city
- It’s a red state
What's the Cost of Living in Nashville?
- Median home price: $441,000
- Average rent: $2,275
- Utilities: About $180 per month
- Gas: About $3.08 per gallon
- Groceries: About $340 per month
The median home price in Nashville is right around $441,000 according to Zillow. If you’re planning on renting instead, expect to pay $2,275 per month. It’s not as cheap as you’d expect – mainly thanks to all the transplants moving in and jacking up prices.
In terms of monthly expenses, Nashville is kinda middle-of-the-road. Your utilities will be mercifully cheap, at about $180 per month.
Gas is ridiculously affordable too (at least if you’re moving in from the coast): $3.08 per gallon on average. Weirdly enough, groceries in Nashville are on the pricey side. They’ve been reported to be around $340 per month. Maybe it’s all that good Southern eating.
Where are the Best Places to Live in Nashville?
Music City is surprisingly spread out, and there’s a lot of different neighborhoods to choose from. Here are some that are ranking high and growing fast:
- The Gulch: Okay, it may not sound very pleasant, but the Gulch is actually one of Nashville’s finest neighborhoods. It’s super walkable, it’s surrounded by high-rise hotels (hence the name), and it has pretty much everything you need for a good night out.
- Nolensville: Want to find someplace a little cheaper and far from the hustle and bustle of the big city? Check out Nolensville. Technically its own town, and a 30ish minute drive from downtown Nashville, Nolensville is quiet, comfortable, and good for families.
- Germantown: A few blocks to the northwest of downtown Nashville. Germantown is a historic landmark, and keeping in line with historicity, here’s where you’ll find the Tennessee State Museum. You’ll also find some great restaurants.
- Sylvan Park: Sylvan Park is a little quieter than the rest of the city, but it’s still a great spot – especially if you like golfing and greenery. While there are still local joints like bars, restaurants, and boutiques, Sylvan Park is more low-key than its downtown neighbors.
- Downtown: We’ve talked about cities all around downtown, but what about downtown itself? This is where people like to party, and it shows. Between all the honky tonks, bars, and tanked tourists, it’s hard to imagine actual work gets done around here. Sounds fun!
How’s the Job Market in Nashville?
You’d be surprised at the variety of industries that call Nashville home. We’ve talked about it a lot, but not every establishment is a honky tonk or barbecue joint. In fact, music city has a pretty major stake in manufacturing, health care, and logistics.
In terms of major companies, Nissan of North America is actually HQ’d in Nashville. So is Tractor Supply and Bridgestone Americas. There’s also HCA Healthcare. These are all nationwide operations, and they’ve made Nashville their base of operations. Pretty sweet gigs, considering you won’t have to pay income tax.
Nashville is also a growing city. There’s a lot of new industries that are popping up throughout town, and chances are you’ll either be a trailblazer in your own field, or catching the first wave of a city on the upswing. Just make sure you get there before the property values get too high.
What is Nashville Most Known For?
Nashville is a surprisingly happening city. You may move there for the affordability, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Take a look at some of our favorites:
- Live music galore: The Grand Ole Opry is a must-visit destination for live music fans, but the whole of Nashville is known for live music. They don’t call it “Music City” for nothin’. Visit a honkytonk, or just walk down Broadway and see what venue draws you in.
- Year-round events: Nashville also has tons of special events, and since you’ll be living in the thick of it, you’ll be able to enjoy it all. Race to Music City, Hispanic Heritage Month, music and film festivals, the list goes on.
- Museums and cultural attractions: The Tennessee State Museum and the Frist Art Museum are great. In keeping with the live music theme, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash museum, and even take an overnight trip to Graceland.
- A day-trip to Jack Daniel’s: Speaking of mini-trips, want to get your booze on? Nashville is just 1.5 hours from the Jack Daniel’s distillery, and yes, they offer tours. You can even catch an informative shuttle tour from Nashville so you don’t have to drive.
- Lots of hiking and outdoorsy stuff: Tennessee in general is a great state for the great outdoors, and Nashville is no exception. Get away from the city, and you’ll find plenty of hiking, trails, and parks.
What are the Best Schools and Universities in Nashville?
The K-12 scene in Nashville is operated by Metro Nashville Public Schools. There’s over 160 schools throughout the area, ranging from K-12. Jordan Elementary School is highly-reviewed, as is Creekside Elementary School. When your kids get a little older, there’s Legacy Middle School, MNPS Middle College High School, and Stewarts Creek High School.
Nashville also has a pretty strong higher ed scene. Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, and it’s a well-known (albeit expensive and private university). Nashville also has Belmont University and Lipscomb University, again private and pricey. But if you want to go public, you’re in luck – Middle Tennessee State University has a 550-acre campus, and about 17,000 students. Plus, it’s cheaper than those private options.
Next Stop, Nashville!
You made it to the end! Thanks for sticking with us. Now that you’ve learned more about Music City, it’s ready to pack your bags and get moving. But moving by yourself can be a bit of a pain, and someone’s gotta handle the heavy lifting. Fortunately, we know just the team who can help.
At Moving APT, we’re here to make sure every step of your Nashville move goes as smoothly as possible. Need storage, professional packing, or car transport? We’ve got you covered. Just need an extra pair of hands, or extra TLC for your fragiles? We’ve got you covered there, also. Use our moving cost calculator to get a custom quote, and let’s get you on the road to Nashville!
