There are so many wonderful reasons to move to Nashville. For example, the city lays claim to a thriving music and entertainment scene, delicious restaurants, a host of beautiful parks and outdoor destinations and – most importantly – a truly welcoming, inclusive vibe. It’s no surprise Forbes declared Nashville one of the hottest cities in America in 2017.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses in Music City. Nashville, like all cities, has its downfalls, and some of them may be deal-breakers for you.
Before you accept that job offer or sign that lease, you should consider a few reasons why you shouldn’t move to Nashville.
1. Traffic Is a Nightmare From Which There is No Escape
Left the house at 4:45pm. It is just now 7pm and I am still in traffic. What a mess Nashville. pic.twitter.com/YnpFN04RHs
— JD Shelburne (@JDSHELBURNE) December 20, 2017
Like many large cities, Nashville has a traffic problem. That’s not unusual – but what is unusual is the lack of public transportation offerings, which makes it practically essential to have a car and results in daily traffic jams that may leave you wanting to pull your hair out.
According to the Nashville Business Journal, Music City ranks 23rd out of 240 U.S. cities for the amount of time drivers spend stuck in heavy traffic. Additionally, Washington-based traffic-data tech company Inrix estimates that Nashville drivers spent an average of 34 hours in congested traffic in 2016. Ouch. Doesn’t sound so great, does it?
2. Living in Nashville Is Getting More Expensive
https://twitter.com/iamSunodie/status/948211111983185920
The cost of living in Nashville is climbing higher and higher, a fact that’s not terribly surprising as it’s become an “It City.” The problem? You may not be able to afford to live here, even if you have a good-paying job.
A 2017 study released by GoBankingRates, a financial planning website, revealed that Nashville has seen the greatest year-over-year cost of living increase in the nation. The study also indicated it takes a salary of $70,150 to live comfortably in Nashville – that’s significantly more than other popular cities across the U.S. require.
Housing costs are getting out of hand, too. Zillow reports the median home value in Nashville is $240,100, which is expected to increase 3.6% within the next year, and the city’s median rent price is $1,600.
Nashville also tops Zillow’s list of hottest housing markets for 2017 … a positive thing if you already live here and want to sell your home, but not so great if you’re new to town and looking for a place to put down roots.
3. Tourists Are Everywhere
If you work in the tourism industry, Nashville’s abundance of visitors is a great thing. For everyone else, it can be annoying – especially because most of us aren’t quite used to our city’s newfound popularity.
Before you think we’re all a bunch of meanies, hear me out. It’s become nearly impossible to enjoy a fun night downtown without being bombarded by pedal taverns filled with screaming girls (who are almost certainly here for a bachelorette weekend), and many of us remember a time not so long ago when we didn’t have to push through throngs of Nashville newbies to grab a drink at our favorite watering holes. We also remember when we could just pop into a restaurant for a quick Sunday brunch, but those days are long gone; tourists love brunch, y’all, so expect to wait a while for a table.
In short, Nashville is far busier and more inundated with newcomers than it’s ever been before. You’ve been warned.
4. If You Have Seasonal Allergies, Prepare to Suffer
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Nashville and other cities in Middle Tennessee consistently rank in the top 30 “Allergy Capitals” in the nation.
Why?
This area’s particular mix of topography, weather patterns and pollen-producing flora create a perfect storm for allergy sufferers, making spring and autumn especially sneezy and stuffy seasons in Music City.
Still want to move to Nashville? Prepare to hide out indoors for at least a few months each year, and be sure to stock up on tissues and allergy medication. Good luck!
