Why Californians Are Moving to Nashville

I moved from the Bay Area to Nashville in 2020, and within a few years of living here, I can say without a doubt this city is one of the most popular relocation destinations for Californians. In fact, in meeting fellow Californians through different entrepreneur organizations, at the gym, and dining out, I’d say migration is becoming a bit of a trend.

But why are so many Californians moving to Nashville?

My real estate career has provided me with valuable insight into why so many Californians have departed the Golden State to Nashville. In this blog post, I dive into the top 10 reasons on why Californians are flocking to the Music City.

Affordability

It should come as no surprise the low cost of living is very appealing to Californians.

Based on housing data from Redfin, California is one of most expensive real estate markets, with Los Angeles having a median home price of $834,000. And although the most recent RE/MAX National Housing Report shows Nashville’s median sales price surpassing a new all-time high, the city’s housing remains affordable at a median home price of $428,000.

Another benefit to housing affordability, it provides Californians with greater financial bandwidth to triple their home size. My clients from California live in high-priced neighborhoods such as Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Franklin. Some have gone as far as Leiper's Fork to buy more land.

No State Income Tax

There are nine states where residents don’t have to worry about paying state income taxes. Tennessee is one of these states, and it’s a great place to live for anyone who wants to keep more of their hard-earned money.

California is one of the most heavily taxed states, which makes for a major motivation for Californians to move to Nashville. California has a progressive tax system that forces top earners to pay significant rates up to 12.3%. In addition to no state income tax, Tennessee also has relatively low property taxes.

For high-income earners in California, moving to Nashville could save them thousands of dollars in taxes that can be put towards other investments.

Job Market

In recent years, Nashville has become one of the most popular destinations for California companies looking to relocate or expand their operations. And to my shock, technology companies are leaving California at a breakneck speed. Major companies such as Oracle, Mitsubishi, and the Pilot are among the many that follow Nissan to establish roots in Nashville. This shift has created a vast amount of employment opportunities.

Several factors have contributed to this trend, including the city’s relatively low cost of living and its central location within the United States. Nashville also offers a business-friendly environment, with several assistance programs and incentives designed to help companies get started or grow. In addition, the city’s skilled workforce and diverse economy make it an attractive option for businesses in a wide range of industries.

As a result, the city has attracted an influx of new businesses in recent years, helping to spur economic growth and create new jobs. With its attractive combination of factors, it is no wonder that Nashville has become one of the most popular places for businesses to relocate.

Growth

In addition to a low cost of living and a strong job market, Nashville is a cultural hub in the south with opportunities for growth and stability. The city is home to a diverse population, and there are many neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an urban environment or a more suburban setting, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for in Nashville.

The city is also gaining more popularity with an influx of celebrity chef restaurants, art galleries, museums, and outdoor venues. This May, Nashville is opening a 30,000-seat Major League Soccer stadium signifying how Nashville’s growth and the economy won’t be slowing down.

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

The Great Outdoors

On my first trip to Nashville, the amount of greenery and lush scenery made me beam with excitement. I am someone who enjoys spending time in nature - a trek into the Redwoods was mere steps from where I lived in the Bay Area - and I was afraid of not having enough activities to enjoy outside in Nashville. I find the fresh air in Nashville to be invigorating as I spend hours exploring the parks and hiking trails in the area.

Boasting its share of forests, hiking trails, and rivers, Nashville offers Californians plenty of outdoor adventures to choose to enjoy on any day of the week.

Highly Rated Schools

Nashville is a city that takes great pride in its educational institutions and its students’ academic achievements.

Nashville’s public schools consistently rank among the best in the state, and the major universities - Vanderbilt University, Belmont, and Tennessee State University - are both highly respected for their academic programs. In addition, Nashville is home to several private schools and highly regarded technical and trade schools.

For parents, looking for a city with excellent schools, Nashville is a top contender.

Delicious Southern Cuisine

As a former Californian, tacos, and burritos were my go-to’s. Nowadays, living in Nashville, hot chicken and barbecue are my staples.

If you’re looking for a city with diverse and delicious cuisine, Nashville is the place to be. The city’s southern roots are evident in the cuisine, which is a mix of traditional and modern flavors. You’ll find everything from barbecue to Thai food, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. In addition, Nashville is home to a number of food festivals that celebrate the city’s culinary culture.

The city’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, from James Beard nominee restaurants to mouth-watering southern comfort dishes. There is something to suit the taste of all Californians.

Big City with Small Town Charm

Nashville is a unique city that offers the best of both worlds. It has a big city feel, with plenty of things to do and see, that many Californians are accustomed to. But it also has a small-town charm that Californians don’t find in the major metro areas. The people in Nashville are friendly and welcoming, which helped with my transition to making Nashville feel like home.

Nashville is a city with a big heart and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for Californians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their former big city.

Music City

The music is everywhere in Nashville. It’s in the air, in the buildings, and in the people. It’s no surprise that Nashville is known as “Music City.”

Nashville is home to a number of iconic music venues, such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. It’s also the home of country music, which has a rich history in this city. And finally, Nashville is home to famous musicians and songwriters, who have helped to put this city on the map.

In addition, Nashville is home to some of the biggest music events in the country, and many concerts and festivals take place in the city year round.

A Grand of Sports Town

Californians who are sports fans will feel right at home in Nashville. The city has several professional and collegiate teams, and the fans are passionate about their teams. The success of the sports franchises has made Nashville a thriving sports scene with major sporting events held throughout the year.

Conclusion

Nashville is a city that has something to offer everyone, and it’s no wonder why it’s becoming such a popular relocation destination for Californians. With its great schools, delicious food, and music-filled atmosphere, Nashville is the perfect place to call your new home.

If you’re thinking of making the move from California to Nashville, let me help you with your real estate needs!