Nashville is known worldwide as Music City, but most people who move here work in healthcare, finance, education, logistics or tech. The metro area has grown fast over the past decade, bringing new jobs, new restaurants, and higher rents than many newcomers expect.
This guide covers what to know before you move.
Why people move to Nashville
- Jobs: healthcare is the largest industry, with major hospital companies and health systems headquartered here. Tech, finance, insurance, music business and logistics are growing
- No state income tax on wages: your paycheck isn’t taxed by the state
- Culture: live music every night, a big food scene, college sports and festivals
- Location: within a day’s drive of much of the eastern US
Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| East Nashville | Creative, older homes, cafés and bars | Young professionals, artists |
| The Gulch | High-rise apartments, walkable, pricey | People who want downtown living |
| Germantown | Historic, walkable, restaurants | Couples, professionals |
| 12 South | Boutiques, busy on weekends | People who want walkable streets |
| Sylvan Park and The Nations | Quieter, newer builds, parks | Young families |
| Antioch | More affordable, very diverse | Families, newcomers on a budget |
| Franklin and Brentwood | Suburbs south of the city, top-rated schools | Families, corporate commuters |
| Murfreesboro | Separate city, lower costs, university | Budget-conscious families and students |
Nashville has large Kurdish, Somali, Latino, Egyptian and South Asian communities, with many immigrant-owned restaurants and shops along Nolensville Pike.
Cost of living
Rent has risen sharply as the city grew, especially in walkable central areas. Suburbs and neighborhoods farther from downtown cost less. Housing is generally cheaper than in large coastal cities, but higher than in many parts of Tennessee.
Taxes
- State income tax: none on wages
- Sales tax: Tennessee’s state rate plus local tax brings the combined rate in Nashville to among the highest in the US, and groceries are taxed at a reduced rate rather than exempt
- Property tax: moderate; renters pay it indirectly through rent
For many salaried newcomers, the lack of income tax outweighs the higher sales tax, but it depends on how much you spend.
Getting around
Nashville is car-dependent. WeGo Public Transit runs buses and a commuter rail line to the east, but coverage is limited. Traffic on I-40, I-65 and I-24 at rush hour is heavy, so living near work helps a lot. Parking downtown can be expensive.
If you’re coming from abroad, check how long you can drive on your foreign license and plan to get a Tennessee license early.
Weather
- Summers: hot and humid, often in the 90s°F
- Spring: pleasant but stormy, with tornado warnings some years. Learn your local alert system and have a plan
- Fall: mild and beautiful
- Winters: mostly mild, with occasional ice or snow that can shut down roads for a day or two
Jobs and industries
- Healthcare: hospital systems, health IT, insurance and healthcare management
- Education and research: major universities and a large medical center
- Tech: operations hubs for several large tech and e-commerce companies
- Music and entertainment: publishing, production, live events
- Logistics and manufacturing: automotive and distribution centers nearby
Networking matters in Nashville. Industry meetups, alumni groups and community organizations are good ways in.
Schools and universities
Nashville has several universities, including a major research university, historically Black colleges and universities, and state schools nearby. Public schools vary by area; many families choose suburbs like Williamson County for schools.
What newcomers say
- “I didn’t expect how friendly people are; small talk with strangers is normal”
- “Weekends fill up fast with music, festivals and football”
- “You really need a car, and traffic is worse than I thought”
- “Rent near downtown surprised me; I moved farther out after my first lease”
Tips before you move
- Visit in different seasons if you can, especially summer
- Live near where you’ll work to avoid long commutes
- Budget for car ownership and insurance
- Learn severe weather safety and sign up for alerts
- Explore international markets and community groups along Nolensville Pike
Is Nashville right for you?
If you want a growing job market, no state income tax, a lively social scene and a friendlier pace than big coastal cities, Nashville is worth a look. If you prefer car-free living or mild summers, you may want to compare it with other cities first.
Monthly budget example (one person)
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bedroom (outside downtown) | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $170 |
| Groceries | $400 |
| Car payment, insurance, gas | $650 |
| Phone and internet | $100 |
| Eating out and entertainment | $300 |
| Total | ~$3,070 |
Living in The Gulch or Germantown can push rent well above $2,000. Antioch, Madison and Murfreesboro usually cost less.
Getting settled
- Tennessee driver’s license: new residents are generally expected to get one within 30 days of establishing residency; check current documents on the Tennessee Department of Safety site
- Vehicle registration: register through your county clerk; some counties require an emissions test
- Utilities: Nashville Electric Service provides electricity; water depends on your area
- Voting and jury duty apply only to US citizens
Community and faith groups
Nashville has a large number of churches, as well as mosques, temples, gurdwaras and synagogues. Many run community programs, language classes and newcomer support. Organizations serving refugees and immigrants offer English classes, job help and legal referrals.
Things to do
- Live music on Broadway, at small venues in East Nashville and at famous concert halls
- Parks and greenways, including Shelby Bottoms and Radnor Lake
- Day trips to the Great Smoky Mountains or Chattanooga
- Farmers markets and food festivals most weekends
Safety and preparedness
Nashville has occasional tornadoes and flooding. Keep weather alerts turned on, know the safest room in your home (an interior room on the lowest floor), and keep a small emergency kit with water, a flashlight and chargers. Renters insurance is worth having.
Nashville vs. other Southern cities
| Nashville | Charlotte | Atlanta | Austin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | None on wages | Flat rate | Flat rate | None |
| Main industries | Healthcare, music, tech | Banking, fintech, energy | Logistics, media, tech | Tech, government |
| Transit | Limited bus, one commuter line | Light rail line | Largest rail system of the four | Buses, one rail line |
| Airport | Growing international options | Major hub | World’s busiest hubs | Growing |
| Rent level | Mid to high | Mid | Mid to high | Mid to high |
Neighborhood tips from locals
- Drive your future commute at rush hour before signing a lease; a 20-minute drive at noon can take 50 at 5 p.m.
- East Nashville and Germantown are the most walkable areas outside downtown
- New apartment complexes often offer move-in specials like a free month; ask
- Areas near Vanderbilt and Belmont are busy with students; good for renters, noisier at night
Healthcare in Nashville
As a healthcare hub, Nashville has major hospitals, academic medical centers and many clinics. Check that your insurance network includes the hospital system closest to your home. Community health centers serve people without insurance on a sliding scale.
Where to get help as a newcomer
Local refugee and immigrant service organizations, public libraries and community centers offer English classes, job search help and legal referrals. The Nashville Public Library also has free computer access, citizenship study materials and events for new residents. For official city services and permits, the Metro Nashville government website is the best starting point.
Final thoughts
Nashville rewards people who get involved. Say yes to invitations, try a few neighborhoods before committing to a long lease, and give yourself a full year of seasons before deciding if it’s home. Many newcomers who arrive for one job end up staying for the community, the music and the easy pace of weekends.
