Thinking of Moving to Nashville? Here's What You Need to Know

Known around the world as “Music City U.S.A.,” Nashville is an energetic city with a rich cultural history rooted in good ole country music and so much more. All of the greats have graced this Tennessee town, from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. It’s no wonder that Americans from all over the nation want to move here.

With an estimated 2015 population of 654,610 people, Nashville has consistently earned a spot on many “best of” lists. For those looking for a balance between laid-back Southern charm and a vibrant music town, Nashville should be your top pick.

Nashville thrives on classic Southern hospitality with a twist of innovation and diversity.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about Nashville, along with some necessities that will help facilitate your move to the Music City.

• Nashville was first founded on Christmas Eve in 1779. 

• Speaking of Christmas, red, green and blue Christmas lights still hang in the famed RCA Studio B. They were put up one hot July when Elvis Presley was recording a Christmas album and couldn’t get in the holiday spirit – they’ve never been taken down.

• Nashvillians (technical term) are so obsessed with their city’s claim to food fame–hot chicken–that they even have a festival dedicated to it.

Local Tip: Check out the 8 best spots to get hot chicken in Nashville and never look back.

• Nashville’s heartbeat is and always will be music. And its history is deep. This city has the Grand Ole Opry, the RCA Studio, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Music City Walk of Fame and over 130 music venues. Not to mention it is home to the likes of Sheryl Crowe, Kings of Leon and Jack White.

• Since 1949, United Records Pressing has produced recordings for numerous legendary performers. Today, it is one of only four companies in the nation still producing vinyl records.

• Nashville is home to Tennessee’s tallest skyscraper, AKA the “Batman Building.” This 33-story AT&T building got its nickname due to its uncanny resemblance to the famous masked cartoon superhero.

• Nashville is full of green spaces. With more than 2,700 acres of walking and biking trails, horse trails, a nature center, athletic fields, picnic places and more, over a million people visit Nashville parks each year.

• Home to 21 four-year undergraduate and post-graduate colleges and universities, Nashville is known as The Athens of the South.

• The median price for a Nashville home is $212,400.

• It’s a good idea to do your utility research in order to have all of your necessities smoothed out before arriving. By having your water, electricity, cable, gas, etc., all set up and ready to go, your transition will be streamlined.

Check out these four tips for a successful move to Nashville.

1. Give yourself planning time

With a move across country, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to the planning process. Make sure that you start preparing at least 8 weeks prior to your moving date.

2. The sturdier the box, the better

Make sure that you invest in some good, durable moving boxes. Your most prized and personal possessions are going to be making their way with you into this popular city, so it’s imperative that you protect them as best you can.

Pro Tip: Check out your local liquor stores, groceries, banks, etc. They tend to give boxes away for free! 

3. Pack smart

Think hard about all your current items. What do you absolutely NEED, and what can you toss or donate? Bring your essentials, but consider getting rid of that old ironing board and investing in some new kitchen appliances once you’re settled in. 

4. Take inventory and detail those boxes

It pays to be extra organized. Take pictures of all of your belongings so that you know exactly what you are or aren’t bringing with you. And don’t forget to label those boxes with as much detail as possible. Nothing is worse than reaching an empty house or apartment with a truck load of un-labeled or sort-of-labeled boxes. The better you detail your boxes, the easier it will be when you start to unpack and fill your new space.