Thinking of Moving to Nashville? Here’s Why You Should!

There are plenty of places throughout the US that are primarily known for their reputation as great vacation destinations. But have you ever stopped to think about what it would be like living in one of those places? If you’ve thought about moving to Nashville, but aren't completely convinced, Dream Finders Homes is here to show you how special living here is! There is so much more to Nashville than just being a bachelorette weekend locale or iconic Music City. It’s a great place to live and raise a family in Middle Tennessee. And with the superior quality and unique designs of Dream Finders' homes, your move here will be made that much sweeter.

Why Living In Nashville Is Right for You!

Nashville has a unique vibe. A combination of modern innovation and beloved traditions, and of course, the legacy of country music. There is no place like Nashville. And despite its rapid growth, this bustling city still offers a sense of community that people from all walks of life are drawn to.

It also gives residents the benefits of a booming job market, first-class medical care, and an incredible array of outdoor recreation options.

Cost of Living

Of course, a place with so many positive qualities may have a caveat or two. In this case, the cost of living in Nashville is higher than the state and national averages. The cost of living is based on basic necessities, including housing, food, energy, transportation, medical care, taxes, and other expenses. Using a national average of 100, Nashville's overall cost of living is 103, compared to the state's at 90. While Nashville may be more expensive to live in than other cities in Tennessee, the costs are skewed primarily by the cost of housing. Nashville rates a 117 while the state overall is around 79. It has a high housing demand driven by its status as a major city with popular attractions. The median home cost in Nashville, Tennessee, is around $450,000, compared to the state's average of $300,000. As with most cities, choosing to live in the surrounding metro area can save a bit of money on housing costs. 

Taxes

Those moving to Nashville will love that their earnings go further because Tennessee is one of nine states without a state income tax. Nashville does have a sales tax of 9.25%, which is higher than the national average of around 7%. However, the state doesn’t have a separate tax on food, prescription drugs, or most other items, which can help to offset the higher sales tax rate. Likewise, property taxes in Nashville are relatively low compared to other parts of the country, with a combined city and county tax rate of around 2.25%. However, property values in Nashville have been rising in recent years, which can lead to higher property tax bills, worth knowing for those that plan on moving to Nashville to buy a home.

Transportation

The costs of transportation are also a bit higher in Nashville. Tennessee auto insurance premiums average $1,315, which is lower than the national average of $1,510. However, the average auto insurance premium in Nashville is higher than both the state and national average at $1,885. The average price of gas is about $2.05 for regular unleaded. WeGo Public Transit is the primary public transportation provider covering the Nashville metro area. A two-hour pass is $2, but children under four ride for free when with a paying passenger, and both seniors ages 65 and older and youths ages 19 and younger pay $1. There are also all-day passes available for $4 and 31-day passes available for $65. For commuters, the WeGo Star train is a conveneint way to get around. The WeGo Star Train makes rounds between seven stations. The price depends on where the ticket is purchased.

Food

Food/groceries here are a small part of the cost of living. The average Nashville resident can expect to pay $216 per month for food, including groceries and an occasional restaurant meal. Groceries here are about 2% higher than the national average. Tennessee as a whole has a groceries index under the national average, at 95.4. The national average monthly cost of groceries ranges between $165 and $430, which means Nashville residents should expect to pay between $168.30 and $438.60. The cost of dining out in Nashville depends on the restaurant. A combo meal at a fast-food restaurant will be about $9.50, while a meal at an inexpensive sit-down restaurant will run about $15 without tip. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost right around $55 before tip. A pint of domestic beer is about $5, while a smaller 12 oz.  bottle of imported beer is around $7. Coffee connoisseurs can expect to pay $5.30 for a cappuccino at a coffee shop. 

Utilities

Energy costs are roughly equal to the state average, and health care is more affordable than in other places in Tennessee. The cost of utilities is slightly below the U.S. average, with a cost index of 99.3. The utility cost index for all of Tennessee is slightly lower than Nashville, at 96.7%. Internet service averages about $70 a month, while mobile phone service for unlimited talk, text, and data runs about $45 a month. The average cost of homeowner's insurance in Nashville varies by provider, but homeowners can expect to pay $1,402–1,577 per year. 

Healthcare

The average cost of a health insurance plan in Tennessee is about $500 per month for a 40-year-old. The cost of healthcare in Nashville is roughly the same as the state and national average. The city has about 347 physicians per 100,000 population, considerably more than the national average of 210 physicians per 100,000 people. The average cost of a doctor's visit is $95. A visit to the dentist costs $78 on average, while a trip to the optometrist will cost $85. This compares to the national average of $115 for a doctor's visit, $98 for a visit to the dentist, and $106 for a visit to the optometrist. A standard vet visit for a dog or cat will cost around $54, but additional services like vaccinations and tests will increase the bill. There are eight hospitals within the city of Nashville. These include Baptist Hospital, Metro National General Hospital, and Vanderbilt University Hospital.

The Job Market

Recent studies show that Nashville has one of strongest job markets in the country when five key metrics – wage and job growth, unemployment rate, labor force size and a city’s housing affordability – are analyzed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Nashville job market is keeping unemployment under 3% compared to the national average of 3.7% as of November 2022. In recent years, Tennessee has seen a surge in job opportunities across a handful of sectors. Projections suggest that fast-growing jobs will center around the service industry (childcare, health care, fitness instructors, etc.). An array of nationally known corporations have put down roots among more than 53,000 businesses in the region. The leading industries in Nashville include health care, automobile production, finance, higher education, insurance, music, entertainment production, technology, manufacturing, printing, publishing, and tourism. 

Top employers include:

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the most significant academic medical center in the Southeast, employs over 20,000 people. Vanderbilt University employs nearly 7,000.
• Nissan North America employs more than 10,000.
• HCA Healthcare Inc. employs about the same number, offering support services delivering patient care.
• Randstad has a workforce of more than 4,000.
• The Kroger Company employs more than 3,500 Nashville residents.
• AT&T has more than 2,000 employees in Nashville.

Education

Nashville's dedication to education has earned the city multiple recognitions for its students' academic achievements. Metro Nashville Public Schools provides educational classes for P–12 among its 174 schools within the district. Residents can choose among traditional public schools for elementary, middle, and secondary educational programs. In addition, academy programs specialize in specific fields of study. The state regulates the curriculum for Nashville schools with guidance pertaining to selected federal laws. For higher education, Nashville is home to several prestigious institutions, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, and Tennessee State University.

Outdoor Recreation

Nashville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 100 parks and several nature reserves, residents have ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The Centennial Park, home to the iconic Parthenon replica, spans over 132 acres and offers a wide range of activities from walking trails to musical events. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens offers lush greenery. 

Shelby Park, along the Cumberland River, is prime viewing for migratory birds and other local wildlife. Other amenities include playgrounds, ball fields and courts, dog parks, and golf courses. For those who love water activities, the Cumberland River running through Nashville provides boating, fishing, and riverfront parks. Nashville's commitment to green spaces means that no matter where you are in the city, a park or playground is never far away.

Arts & Culture

Living in the 'Music City' means year-round access to music festivals, concerts, and other events. From the famous Country Music Hall of Fame to smaller venues hosting up-and-coming artists, there's always something musical happening. Nashville's cultural offerings go beyond its famed music. There’s a thriving arts community, with galleries, theaters, and live performance venues. The Frist Art Museum and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center are cultural icons that offer programming throughout the year.

Browse Our Communities

A new home is a great investment for your future. If you’re anticipating buying a home in the Nashville area soon, we invite you to explore our communities in Fairview, Franklin, La Vergne, Spring Hill, and Thompson's Station. 

FAIRHAVEN | Thompson's Station, TN

Gated community | Just 30 minutes from downtown Nashville

Luxury Homes from $1,000,000

FOUNTAIN VIEW | Thompson's Station, TN

Master-planned community | Minutes to historic Franklin & downtown Nashville

Luxury Homes from $1,000,000

GOODWIN FARMS | Fairview, TN 

Generous half-acre homesites | 30 minutes from downtown Nashville, Franklin & Cool Springs

Single Family Homes from the mid $600s

LOCKWOOD GLEN | Franklin, TN 

Master-planned community | Resident's Clubhouse, saltwater pool, walking trails, 2-acre park

Luxury Townhomes from the mid $600s

PORTICO | La Vergne, TN

Charming Southern community | Close proximity to the heart of downtown Nashville

Single Family Homes & Future Townhomes from the mid $400s

THOMAS DOWNS | Franklin, TN

Enclave of luxury homes | Minutes from Downtown Franklin | Call for pricing 

WILKERSON PLACE | Spring Hill, TN

Planned community | Amenities: Dog park, community pool, playground, walking trails

Single Family Homes from the mid $500s

PINE CREEK | Arrington, TN

Tree lined homesites | Amenities: Walking trails, stocked fishing pond

Single Family Homes from the mid $500s

Contact Us Today!

While there’s still so much we could tell you about living in Nashville, we hope you’ve learned enough to convince you that a move here is the right choice for you and your family. Amazing job opportunities, first-class medical care, innovative schools, and endless entertainment are just the start of what makes this city so special. 

If you’re thinking about relocating to Nashville, Dream Finders Homes is happy to offer several communities in the area that only add to the many reasons to move here. Check our our homes for sale near Nashville and let us know if you have any questions. You can connect with Dream Finders online. We look forward to hearing from you!