Nashville, also known as Music City, has gained in popularity since the turn of the century — and for good reason. This city, no longer just for music aficionados, attracts many folks looking to relocate to a burgeoning urban hub. With a stellar food scene, endless entertainment options, and a bit more space to breathe, living in Nashville appeals to a wide range of people. Here, we give you the inside scoop on what it’s like to call Nashville home.

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Related: Is Nashville a Good Place to Live?

What Makes Living in Nashville the Best?

There Is No Shortage of Fun

Catch a live show, cheer on a Titans football game at Nissan Stadium, and eat a world class dinner at Germantown’s gem, Rolf & Daughters. The night doesn’t usually end at dinner though — from honky tonks to dive bars, Nashville’s rowdy and well-known nightlife scene rocks all night long. 

Weather

True, summer in Nashville gets unbearably hot and humid, but the other seasons definitely make up for it. The gorgeous fall feels like a more bearable summer. And, as soon as spring rolls in, the city bursts into green as idyllic temperatures settle in. 

Access to Nature

While Middle Tennessee feels fairly flat, the access to water and nature is nevertheless abundant. The Harpeth River and kayaking outposts lay a mere 30-minute drive from Downtown and offer the best option for surviving the scorching summer heat. You can also catch breathtaking views of the Cumberland River without even leaving the city.

Food and Drink

Nashville can attribute much of its popularity to the extraordinary food and beverage establishments that have popped up over the years. Locals and tourists alike flock to restaurants like The Catbird Seat, Lyra, and Folk. Regardless of the neighborhood, there are a variety of options that appear on Eater’s hot spot lists. 

For more recommendations, check out Nashville’s most unique cocktails, best breweries, and best roof top restaurant, White Limozeen.

So, Why Doesn’t Everyone Live Here?

Summer

Yep, you guessed it: it gets HOT in Nashville, as we mentioned above. And, it’s not the kind of dry heat you hear your grandparents in the middle of California complaining about; summer in Nashville better compares to the sensation of being wrapped in a giant, wet blanket. 

Traffic and Limited Public Transportation

You can expect the first topic of conversation with a local to address traffic problems. With growth comes more people, more cars, and, of course, more traffic on roads that weren’t constructed to sustain it all. The limited options for public transportation certainly don’t help, and while certain smaller neighborhoods are walkable, Nashville in general is not. 

Construction

Nashville’s growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and neither is the housing market. With the never-ending building of what locals call, “tall and skinnies,” comes endless noise and surging real estate prices in historically more affordable neighborhoods.

Things Locals Know that You Might Not

Broadway Doesn’t Need to Exist (but Robert’s Western World Can Stay)

Ask any local, and you’ll learn that the only reason to endure the onslaught of screaming bachelorette parties is for the rare trip to Robert’s Western World. Other honky tonks don’t share the same history as Robert’s, a time capsule that has played host to the biggest names in country music. Big Ben Keith of Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Don Warden, Dolly Parton’s manager; and many, many others have stepped foot in this Nashville classic. Enjoy a Recession Special, which consists of a fried bologna sandwich, a PBR, a bag of classic Lay’s, and a moon pie, all while listening to the sweet crows of a man celebrating his 89th birthday with the pipes of a choir boy. 

Everyone Will Argue About Where the Best Hot Chicken Is

Spoiler alert: it isn’t Hattie B’s. While delicious, Hattie B’s contends with tough competition from some of the older favorites, Prince’s Hot Chicken and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish, for example. Locals pride themselves on knowing the best hot chicken spot, even though they can’t agree on one. To help you decide for yourself, we put together a list of our favorite options.

It’s Not All Country Music Out Here

The music scene in Nashville is extremely diverse, ranging from punk to folk, jazz, and rock. While country music blossomed here, myriad genres of music flood out into the streets from the bars and venues. Many locals will encourage you to attend shows at smaller venues, increasing your likelihood of catching a rising star before they receive their ticket to fame. 

Finding a Nashville Native Can Be Rare

Depending on the neighborhood you find yourself in, it’s unlikely that you’ll run into someone born and raised in Nashville. This city embraces a melting pot of transplants from all over the world. When you do run into a native; however, they’ll let you know. 

There Are Vintage Shops Galore

Nashville houses no shortage of antique malls, flea markets, and amazing hole-in-the-wall shops where you can score a set of Breur chairs for much less than you might pay elsewhere. Plus, Nashville’s eclectic sense of style makes thrifting the favored way for locals to spruce up their wardrobes without breaking the bank.

Must-Haves

A Car

With such limited public transportation, residents must own a car, preferably one built before 1980 for the cool factor, but with a working air conditioner (like we said before, it gets HOT). With so many driveable neighborhoods in Nashville, finding a parking spot won’t be an issue.

Proper Two-Stepping Shoes

A trip to Nashville requires stepping back in time for a moment, or longer, and taking your chances on the honky tonk dance floor. Finding the perfect pair of boots will secure your local status.

Strong Lungs

Arguably, all the best bars in Nashville still allow smoking indoors. You’ll find people lighting up at places like Red Door Saloon and Beyond the Edge.

Patience and a Smile

If you’re not from the South, this may come as a shock, but Southern hospitality is real. Strangers in the grocery store genuinely care (and expect a detailed answer) when they ask, “how are you today?”

A Statement Hat 

You do NOT want the kind of hat you buy on Broadway, but rather the type that looks as though it belonged to generations of hat-wearers before you. 

Things You Don’t Need

A Statement Hat

Did you just buy that thing on Broadway, newbie?

A ‘Real’ Winter Coat

For anyone familiar with even the mildest of temperatures in the Northeast, winter in Nashville requires a heavy fleece. However, you will see locals in a floor length down jacket as soon as September rolls around.

Housing Situation

The Choice Is Yours

Nashville’s housing scene reflects a varied mix of classic Craftsman homes, Tudors, and brick-and-stone family houses alongside new apartments and condominiums. Your neighborhood of choice will greatly influence the options available.

The Real Estate Market Has Certainly Become More Competitive

Many ex-East Nashville residents flock to areas like Madison and Donelson due to rent and housing spikes. This widespread trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 

Nashville Isn’t Your Typical Large Metropolis

Other than Downtown and what locals call “the city,” Nashville consists of many charming areas with character and history. It really isn’t a city of skyscrapers. 

Find Your Dream Nashville Apartment

Now that you have the inside scoop on living in Nashville, make it your new home. Moving just got a whole lot easier with AptAmigo. With our insider information, local expertise, and access to all the best deals, you’ll find the apartment of your dreams in no time. Let us know your preferences, favorite neighborhoods, and budget, and we’ll send over a list of buildings that are perfect for you. Choose your favorites, and we will schedule a whole day of tours and personally assist you throughout the entire process. Did we mention that it’s completely free?

Up Next: The Best Nashville High-Rise Apartments

* The original version of this article was first published on August 3, 2020.