Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Movin for Music...not cliche

So you want to move here to try the music scene?  Considering getting a job in the local restaurant industry and meshing with the singer/songwriter community?  Ready to sacrifice for a shot at your dream?

Count me among the few who think it's a good idea (if you are actually good)...I'll tell you why.  First of all, Nashville breeds talent.  Although I haven't done it myself, I am told that you will find out whether or not you make the cut relatively quickly (matter of months instead of years).  If you don't make it, it's up to you as to whether you pursue getting better or finding a new track amongst Nashville's many other industries.

Another reason why it's a good idea?  There's affordable housing - you can find roommates and rentals quickly amongst the many others with the same dream.  So, plan it properly and you may just find a spot downtown for a couple hundred dollars a month.  That will put you within minutes of Music Row and the legendary hotspots where you can mingle with the industry.

There's many more reasons, but I don't have much more time...will leave you with this - its better than living the rest of your life wondering 'What if'...

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Taxes, Shmaxes

Another one of the BEST parts about TN...no state income tax!  I know that's not really Nashville specific.  But, if you are making a decision between TN and another state...this is worth considering.  Our sales tax is a little higher than most states at close to 10%, but this is well worth paying for the state tax savings.  There are many websites out there with more information on the tax savings in TN so Google away and discover another reason why Nashville is worth the move.

If you move to Nashville, you should know...

Here are a few key points to know about Nashville, followed by some topics I plan to cover in the next few weeks.

1)  Unlike many of our Country's larger cities, Nashville is not a scary place to move.  People are generally and overly friendly, and most are willing to lend a helping hand.  Opinions on the "best" area to live differ on priority (location, cost of living, nightlife, etc.)  And aside from a very small sector or two, even Nashville's hottest residential areas still have a diversified array of economic housing.  It is not uncommon to see a million dollar house next door to a hundred thousand dollar house. 

2)  Nashville is known as Music City...but Nashville is more than just country music.  Many newbies to Nashville assume that we all wear cowboy hats and boots.  And although they may be in order on the occasional night out hopping the Honky Tonk's downtown, most of Nashville sees that as the easiest way to spot a tourist.  You will find a variety of people here from all over the country and all over the world.  Nashville is a melting pot of culture and diversity and is still growing.  Before you miss out on great town, claiming a Redneck and Hee Haw prejudice, take some time to get to know the city, it's industrial growth, and the amazing people that live here.  It may just knock ya'lls boots off.

3)  Nashville is the healthcare capital of the United States.  Numerous healthcare companies, both large and small, call Nashville their headquarters.  If you are interested in getting involved in the healthcare industry, Nashville is an excellent place to consider.  Nashville is also an industrial leader in finance, publishing, biotechnology, tourism, music, education, and much much much more.

I have included a few links.   While the first link is five years old, it shows that Nashville has some national credit - Kiplinger's named it the #1 smart place to live on its list of the top 50.  We were more recently named the fourth best college town in America.

http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2006/05/nashville.html?si=1

http://www.insidevandy.com/drupal/node/14645

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Thinking of moving to Nashville?

Welcome!

I LOVE this city!  I had the pleasure of moving to Nashville 15 years ago for college, so I have had a great deal of experience learning this city from the inside out.  Albeit recent, I tried to find a few online articles about moving to Nashville.  The resources were limited, so I decided to do my part, and write a blog on all things Nashville and why this city is so great.

My hope is that this blog conveys my passion for what I believe is the greatest city in the world!

Please feel free to leave a comment.  I will do my best to answer questions, address local issues, and follow up with as much all Nashville info that I can get my hands on.

Look forward to getting to know you guys.

The Nashville Local