Is Nashville a Good City to Move to?

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It can be, and the region keeps attracting people, but the trade-off is housing cost. The Nashville metro grew about 9.1 percent between April 2020 and July 2025, and domestic migration into the metro added 89,086 people over that period. Most of that growth landed in the counties around Davidson rather than in the city itself, according to the Census Bureau’s estimates (Census Bureau, metro areas). On cost, the Bureau of Economic Analysis put overall prices in the Nashville metro at 96.3 percent of the national level in 2024, with housing services at 104.6 (FRED, all items). Davidson County’s median home listing price was $525,000 in September 2026 (FRED, Davidson County median listing price). Whether it is a good move depends on your job, your housing budget, and how you plan to get around.

The Factors at a Glance

Factor What the data says Source
Growth metro up about 9.1% from April 2020 to July 2025; Davidson County up about 4.2% Census Bureau
Domestic migration +89,086 into the metro; −25,534 for Davidson County Census Bureau
Overall prices 96.3 (U.S. = 100), 2024 BEA via FRED
Housing prices 104.6 (U.S. = 100), 2024 BEA via FRED
Home listings $525,000 median listing price in Davidson County, September 2026 FRED

The full population breakdown is in the population of Nashville.

Questions to Answer Before You Move

  1. Can you afford housing near your job? Budgets and price comparisons are in the cost of living in Nashville.
  2. Which school district fits? The city’s public system is described in what the Nashville public school system is like.
  3. How will you get around? Test your commute at rush hour before you sign a lease.
  4. City or suburb? Nashville proper and the surrounding cities are compared in the difference between Nashville proper and greater Nashville.

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