When you think of Nashville, you might think of country music, cowboy boots, and the TV series “Nashville.” While Music City is known for its music, it is also known for its people, Southern hospitality, biscuits, grits, fried chicken, sweet tea, and a booming housing market. 

Nashville and the surrounding suburbs offer a variety of housing options from tiny homes to historic mansions and everything in between. In 2017, Forbes put Nashville No. 8 on its list of home markets to invest in. Before you make a move, consider these tips on buying a home in Nashville. 

The City is Growing

Nashville residents see growth happening every day on the roads and in spaces that were once open farmland. The U.S. Census estimates the Nashville metro area added 36,337 people in 2016 — that’s an average of 100 people per day.

While growth is helpful in bringing in new families and businesses to the Nashville area, growth also translates to more traffic, more houses, and a need for more schools. A 2017 Tennessean article billed Nashville as one of the nation’s hottest markets for single-family housing. As you look for a house in the Nashville area, consider your needs and preferences. Open spaces still abound in Nashville, but a growth spurt is creating many new neighborhoods across the area. 

There’s No State Income Tax

Your housing dollar can go further in the Nashville area, as Tennessee collects no state income tax. Additionally, property tax rates are some of the lowest in the state. All of this translates into Nashville having the fifth lowest cost of living in the nation. One caveat: while there is no state income tax, sales tax is levied across all retail and is at higher rate than neighboring states.

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Celebrities Buy Houses Here, Too  

Nashville has a country-meets-city feel that has made it an escape for country singers and other celebrities. Seeing celebrities like figure skater Scott Hamilton, Charles Esten of “Nashville,” and country singers Luke Bryan and Dolly Parton in area grocery stores or nail salons is a common occurrence that Nashville residents take in stride. Nashville celebrities live, work, and occasionally sing within the community.

You Can Stay Healthy in Nashville

Nashville boasts a strong healthcare base with hospitals like Williamson Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and St. Thomas Heart. Additionally, nearly 400 healthcare companies make Nashville their home including HCA. 

The Nashville Housing Market Missed the Bubble  

Nashville avoided the worst of the housing bubble with property values only taking a small dip against the majority of the country. Building stays high in the suburbs, especially in the south where school district Williamson County is experiencing enormous growth, necessitating the construction of many new schools to accomodate students and families.

While the Nashville housing market has slowed down a little in the past two years according to a 2017 Tennessean article, Nashville and suburbs still offer a wide range of homes in price and amenities. The Nashville area buyer may pay more than other middle Tennessee buyers, but the area is still seeing growth. Part of that growth is related to low unemployment rates and an influx of businesses moving into the area often with their headquarters.

The Nashville Housing Market is a Melting Pot

House hunting in the Nashville metro area and suburbs offers up a wide range of housing choices with a melting pot of new and old construction, tiny and large homes, and architectural diversity. Housing prices vary as much as the home styles, which makes Nashville house-hunting as welcoming as the signature “y’all” that echoes through neighborhoods. Some suburbs like Brentwood are bedroom communities with single-family homes, while downtown neighborhoods are more likely to offer lofts or condo options.

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Think About Transit

Nashville’s transit options are something to consider when house hunting. Built on a loop instead of a grid, Nashville drivers can easily move between the major interstates. Downtown housing choices do have limited public transit choices, but Uber is still a favorite option.

While suburban Franklin has trolleys and other transit options within the city limits, most Nashville suburbs have no public transportation available or are not linked with the downtown system. Suburbs vary in walkability, as well. More comprehensive transit plans are under discussion at the city level, but full transit is still decades away. Traffic during Nashville rush hour is as expected — busy and gridlocked, but still the rush hour of a mid-size city, not of a larger city. Finding the right balance between commuting and public transit is a Nashville house-hunting must. 

Time Your Move  

Sales move very quickly at the under $300,000 price point. WalletHub ranked the Nashville area as a great place for first-time owners. Combined with a very low unemployment rate of 2.8 percent as of January 2018, houses are still selling very quickly. Back-to-school is a peak time for buying in the area as new buyers try to move into homes before the school year starts. After examining your home wants and needs, making a precise decision in a fast-moving, solid Nashville housing market is crucial. 

BNA Airport photo by Shutterstock

Other Notes on Nashville

Nashville itself is a draw to new residents. Direct flights to London begin out of BNA Airport in Spring 2018. Large Swedish retailer IKEA arrives in 2020. A solid university base and healthcare industry, nationally ranked school districts, and the lure of sports like the Predators hockey team combine to form the big city/small town feel of Nashville.