Nashville: A Top Relocation City

With a cost of living that is easy on the bank account, some of the friendliest people in the country, and great prospects for continued economic growth and opportunity, it's no wonder Nashville, Tennessee has become a hot spot for families and individuals looking to relocate.

The instant success of the recently opened Trader Joe's testifies to the large number of California residents who have picked up stakes and moved to Music City USA. The gourmet market is a traditional shopping experience for folks all up and down the Golden State. So when the chain opened its first store in Tennessee, the lines were packed with relocated Californians who had piled their carts high with the taste treats they had been craving for so long.

People thinking about relocating to Nashville will find that city has taken great pains to move beyond its reputation as the home of country music. While it is true that country music continues to thrive in Nashville and many of its biggest stars live in the city, the music business and local music scene are quite diverse. It is the center of the universe for Christian music and artists of all stripes journey to its recording studios to capture some of the magic of the Nashville sound.

But the change and diversity in the music scene stretches well beyond the recording studio. Classical music fans who have relocated to Nashville from bigger East Coast or West Coast cities will find an impressive classical music scene. The highlight of this development is the opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, home of the Nashville Symphony. The city is also excited about the appointment of the symphony's new musical director, Giancarlo Guerrero, who begins his first full year at the helm during the 2009-10 season.

Nashville's cultural life is only one draw for people looking to move to a new location. Often the most important factors in the decision to relocate have to do with finances. And on these "bread and butter" issues, Nashville scores highly.

Although Nashville, and Tennessee in general, haven't been immune to the economic downturn, a recent survey conducted by Chief Executive Magazine rated Tennessee the fifth best place in the nation for job growth and business. In fact, since 2006, Tennessee has steadily climbed its way up from eleventh place.

In the survey, CEOs were also asked to grade each state based on taxation and regulation, workforce quality, and living environment.

But job prospects aren't the only financial indicator people considering relocation to Nashville typically study. Cost of living is also important, and the area posts great scores here too.

With the national average pegged at 100, Nashville comes in at 91.8. New York, for the sake of comparison, scores 220.3. Nashville does especially well in housing with a score of 74.6 and a healthcare rating of 88.9. Those numbers are particularly attractive to baby boomers looking to relocate and perhaps downsize from a home in a higher priced state.

At the end of the day, however, the family planning to relocate to Nashville wants to settle in a place where they feel welcomed and at home. These are qualities where Music City USA shines.

Stories abound about Nashville residents being some of the friendliest people in the nation. People rush to doors so they can open them for others. Maybe it's a combination of southern and Christian hospitality. In any case, this anecdotal evidence is now backed up by a Today show survey that ranked Nashville as one of the top five friendliest places in the nation.

Travel and Leisure Magazine added its voice to those praising Nashville for affordability and friendliness. In a recent reader survey, Nashville ranked second in affordability and fourth in friendliness.

With all these "leading relocation indicators," Nashville can confidently plan on remaining a top destination for people looking to relocate from other states.

Sources:

http://www.chiefexecutive.net/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=D8BB1C4F12AE46EF9B7647E09E3253A6&AudID=F242408EE36A4B18AABCEB1289960A07

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24843322/page/2/

http://www.nashvilleareainfo.com/default.aspx?Page=CostOfLiving

http://www.travelandleisure.com/afc/2008/city/nashville

http://www.tennessean.com/