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Why so Many Californians Are Moving to Nashville.

The Top 10 Reasons Californians Are Moving To Nashville.

More than 2 million California residents have moved to other states since 2018, and Nashville has become a favorite destination because of its high quality of life. Increasingly more Californians are saying high taxes, the high cost of living and even politics are making them choose to leave the Golden State. As Californians look for new cities to call home, Nashville has sprung to the top of the list. Experts estimate that nearly 100 people a day are moving to Music City, and Californians are keeping with the trend. Check out why they're making the move.

Reason #1

Real Estate

According to RE/MAX and Zillow, Nashville's average home price was $155,000 in 2009 and grew to $318,000 in 2019. That’s a 105% increase! And experts expect home values to rise by as much as 27% in the next three years. This, in addition to strong job growth and an expected 12% increase in population, places Nashville firmly among the most attractive cities in America to invest in real estate. Business Wire agrees, ranking Nashville among the top 12 cities for real estate investment.

Reason #2

No State Income Tax

Yes, you read that right! Tennessee has a personal income tax rate of absolutely 0! California transplants realize up to a 12% increase in take-home income by making Nashville their primary residence. Compound that income over time, and you have a serious financial win. In addition, the state’s per capita debt of just $913 is the lowest of any state in America. The people are indeed friendly, but Nashville is also kind to your wallet!

Reason #3

Food

Zagat and Travel + Leisure agree, Nashville has a lot more to offer the taste buds than you might expect. Thanks to a combination of celebrity chefs and home-grown restaurateurs, Nashville’s dining scene is exploding. From southern originals like hot chicken and barbecue, to inspired fusion dining by nationally renowned chefs, Nashville has burst onto the scene as a major culinary destination.

Reason #4

Entertainment

You don’t earn the nickname “Music City” without knowing how to put on a show. Travel and Leisure has consistently awarded Nashville the honor of Best Music Scene in the U.S. But it’s not all cowboy boots and honky tonks. Aspiring musicians of all genres come to Nashville to make it big.

And music isn’t all that’s big. The NFL Tennessee Titan’s, NHL Nashville Predators, MiLB Nashville Sounds, MLS Nashville SC and Vandy’s Commodores keep stadiums packed. Nashville is even home to one of America’s top ten Fourth of July fireworks displays. Needless to say, renowned entertainment is not hard to find.

Reason #5

Affordability

The cost of living in Tennessee is 18.9% lower than the US average, placing it among the most affordable states to live in the country. In addition, Tennessee does not have a state income tax, saving transplants from California as much as another 12% annually. Relocating home owners can also maximize equity returns on their home sale by purchasing in Nashville, where the median home price is $400,000 less than that of California.

Reason #6

Job Market

Nashville is one of the top destinations for California companies looking to relocate or expand operations. From Amazon to Mitsubishi, some of the country's biggest firms are planting roots in Nashville, and bringing tens of thousands of jobs with them. Historically, Tennessee has maintained below average unemployment, and the massive infusion of recent investment by Fortune 1000 companies is a strong indication that Nashville’s job market will remain stronger than ever.

Reason #7

Growth

Forbes has named Nashville the #3 “boom town” in America and the #4 best city for jobs. Nashville also makes Inc.’s top 5 list of best cities to start a business and is is one of the only cities with a metropolitan population over 1 million to consistently come in at #1 in job growth across America. Joined by rapidly appreciating home values and a dramatically rising population, Nashville’s surging economy shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Reason #8

Healthcare

Nashville may be known as “Music City,” but healthcare is by far the largest industry in Middle Tennessee. Vanderbilt University and Medical Center is the largest employer in the city, and HCA Healthcare Inc., the world’s largest healthcare company, also maintains its headquarters in Nashville. Needless to say, there is no shortage of impeccable healthcare, or the jobs that come with it.

Reason #9

Accessibility

Nashville offers all the amenities of a big city, while keeping its small-town feel. Residents can take in the energy of city life or be in the country enjoying outdoor recreation with just minutes between. Nashville is easy to navigate, and commutes are short, so it’s common for families to live in the suburbs and work (or play) in the city. Nashville itself is also centrally located, situated within a four-hour drive of 11 states.

Reason #10

Community

At the end of the day, where you call home isn’t just about a place, it’s about community. And community is Nashville’s specialty. Nashville loves to eat, shop and play local. Not to mention, check just about any list of America’s friendliest cities, and you’ll find Nashville at the very top. It may take time for Californians to get used to hearing “ya’ll,” but it won’t take long at all to realize that Nashville’s quality of life is built on great community.

Considering a move to Nashville?

Our Team would love to help! Of course before relocating, you will want to know more about the area you are relocating to.

Our online relocation guide is full of information on neighborhoods, things to do in Nashville, utility info and much more.