Over the past few years, Nashville has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s best places to vacation, thanks largely to the city’s vibrant live music scene and attractions such as the Frist Art Museum. But Tennessee’s capital is more than a destination to add to your bucket list. It’s also an excellent place to live, due to factors such as an affordable cost of living and many diverse neighborhoods. If you’re looking to relocate to Nashville, here are some things you should know.

1. It’s a Music Industry Hub

Nashville is virtually synonymous with the recording industry. It’s home to iconic music venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and the Exit/In. While artists like Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline helped put Nashville on the musical map and contributed to the Music City nickname, it isn’t only about country. Rock legends like Bob Dylan and R.E.M. have cut albums here, and White Stripes founder Jack White opened Third Man Records in Nashville in 2009. United Record Pressing, North America’s largest vinyl pressing company, also calls Nashville home.

2. It Has a Thriving Economy

While you might assume music and entertainment are the most important economic drivers in Nashville, health care is the largest industry. Other major employers include hospitality, automotive manufacturing, religious publishing and higher education. This economic diversity makes it easy to find a high-paying job in Nashville, and it also means the city is well-positioned to weather recessions.

3. It’s Rich in History

Three U.S. presidents – Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson – called Tennessee home. Today, you can visit Polk’s tomb and Jackson’s former plantation in Nashville. In a nod to the city’s nickname, “The Athens of the South,” you will also find a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon here, complete with a 42-foot-tall sculpture of the goddess Athena.

Nashville also played a central role in the civil rights movement, with a sit-in campaign that represented some of the earliest nonviolent protests against Jim Crow laws. The sit-ins, which lasted from Feb. 13 to May 10, 1960, sought to desegregate downtown lunch counters in Nashville. The protestors were primarily students from the historically Black colleges Fisk and Tennessee State University.

4. It’s a Great Place for Sports Fans

Nashville has three major-league sports teams. The Tennessee Titans play at Nissan Stadium, the Nashville Predators play at Bridgestone Arena and Nashville Soccer Club plays at GEODIS Park – the largest soccer-specific stadium in North America. Or, if you prefer watching baseball, you can cheer on the minor-league Nashville Sounds. Its many universities also make Nashville an excellent spot for college sports.

Get Help With Your Next Move

Fox Moving and Storage is a locally owned and operated Nashville moving company providing residential and commercial moving services. Our courteous, experienced movers are available 24/7 for your convenience. Whether you plan to relocate across town or across the country, we can be there for you within one hour’s notice. Regardless of the size or complexity of your move, we can take excellent care of your belongings and deliver them with white-glove service.

To show our appreciation for the Nashville community, we choose a deserving local nonprofit to donate to every month through our FOXCARES program. If you’re ready to learn more about what we can do for you, schedule a free in-home estimate today.