Thinking about relocating to Music City? You're not alone! Nashville has become one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and it's easy to see why. Between a booming job market, a lower cost of living than most major metros, and a culture that blends Southern charm with big city energy, Nashville has plenty to offer new residents.
Why People Are Moving Here
- Booming job market — healthcare, tech, finance, and music all thrive here, with major employers like HCA Healthcare, Amazon, and Oracle.
- No state income tax — plus a lower cost of living than cities like LA or NYC (though prices are climbing)
- Central location — Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers direct flights nationwide, and cities like Atlanta and Chicago are a day's drive away
- Four real seasons — cool winters, warm summers, and vivid springs and falls
Find Your Neighborhood
East Nashville is walkable and artsy, full of indie coffee shops and a laid-back, creative crowd. Germantown leans historic, with restored 19th-century rowhouses and some of the city's best restaurants. The Gulch offers downtown energy, with sleek high-rises, rooftop bars, and everything just a short walk away. Nashville’s family favorite, Franklin and Brentwood, offer more space, quieter streets, and top-rated schools, all just a short drive from downtown.
Music, Culture & Activities
Nashville earned its nickname. Beyond Broadway's honky-tonks, you'll find the legendary Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium for live music, the Country Music Hall of Fame for history fans, and the Frist Art Museum for rotating fine art exhibitions. Music lovers should also carve out a night for The Bluebird Cafe, the famously intimate songwriters' room that's launched countless careers since 1982, or catch a show at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, home to the Nashville Symphony.
Food Worth Moving For
Hot chicken put Nashville on the map, try Prince's Hot Chicken or Hattie B's for the real thing. Beyond that, the city's dining scene has exploded in recent years, with farm-to-table spots, Southern comfort food, and a steady wave of new chefs setting up shop.
Getting Outside
- Centennial Park — green space right downtown, steps from The Parthenon
- Cumberland River — scenic walking and biking trails through the city
- Radnor Lake State Park — hiking and wildlife watching just a short drive away
Family-Friendly Living
Nashville has become an increasingly popular destination for families. The Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens all make for great weekend outings, while districts like Williamson County consistently rank among the best in the state for public education.
VIP’s Local Picks
No need to figure it all out on your own, here are a few spots worth checking out first:
- First-week coffee run: A personal favorite of VIP's Nick Schossig, Crema Coffee Roasters has house-roasted beans and a laid-back spot to work from while you get your bearings.
- Easy dinner after a long move in day: Mas Tacos Por Favor in East Nashville is a laid-back, no-fuss neighborhood staple that's been serving the community since 2008
- A park to decompress after unpacking: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a free, 19-acre downtown park with a granite map of Tennessee, historic markers, and skyline views
From the job market to the music scene to the food, it's easy to see why Nashville keeps topping people's must move to lists.
Falling in Love with Nashville? Let Us Move You There!
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