Overview
Nashville has transformed from a country music capital to a booming metropolis attracting young professionals from across the country. With no state income tax, a thriving job market, vibrant nightlife, and Southern charm, Nashville offers an exciting urban experience with lower costs than coastal cities.
Why People Move to Nashville
- No state income tax
- Booming job market
- World-famous music and entertainment scene
- Southern hospitality and culture
- Lower cost of living than many major cities
Average Moving Costs to Nashville
| From | Studio/1BR | 2BR |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta (250 mi) | $1,000-$1,800 | $1,800-$3,000 |
| Chicago (475 mi) | $1,800-$3,000 | $3,000-$4,800 |
| Dallas (660 mi) | $2,200-$3,500 | $3,500-$5,500 |
| New York (885 mi) | $2,700-$4,300 | $4,300-$7,000 |
* Estimates for professional full-service moves. DIY moves with rental trucks typically cost 40-60% less.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
East Nashville
Avg Rent: $1,600-$2,500 (1BR)
Hip, artsy area with local shops, restaurants, and creative community.
The Gulch
Avg Rent: $2,000-$3,200 (1BR)
Modern urban neighborhood with high-rises, dining, and walkability.
12 South
Avg Rent: $1,800-$2,800 (1BR)
Trendy strip with boutiques, cafes, and young professional crowd.
Germantown
Avg Rent: $1,700-$2,700 (1BR)
Historic area with restaurants, near downtown, and urban feel.
Cost of Living in Nashville
- Rent (1BR)$1,500-$2,200/month average
- GroceriesAbout 3% below national average
- Dining out$12-$20 casual, $40-$80 upscale
- State income taxNone (0%)
Utilities & Services
Electric
Nashville Electric
$100-$180/month
Internet
Comcast, AT&T
$50-$80/month
Water
Metro Water Services
$30-$60/month
Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas
$30-$60/month
Job Market in Nashville
- Healthcare: HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt Medical
- Music and entertainment industry
- Tech sector growing rapidly
- Corporate relocations: AllianceBernstein, Amazon operations
- Tourism and hospitality
Transportation in Nashville
Public Transit
WeGo buses. Limited service. Car strongly recommended.
Car
Essential. Traffic has increased significantly with growth.
Biking
Improving with greenways. Hilly terrain in some areas.
Moving Tips for Nashville
Best Time to Move
March-May or September-November for pleasant weather. Summers are hot and humid.
Things to Know Before Moving
- Rent has increased rapidly - be prepared for competition
- Downtown can be rowdy with tourist crowds
- Consider distance from Broadway if you value quiet
- Flooding occurs in some areas - research before signing lease
Pros and Cons of Living in Nashville
Pros
- +No state income tax
- +Entertainment and nightlife
- +Growing job market
- +Southern hospitality
- +Food scene
Cons
- -Rapid rent increases
- -Traffic worsening
- -Limited public transit
- -Tourist crowds downtown
- -Hot humid summers