Los Angeles to Nashville... (Bristol, Brentwood: transplants, real estate, how much)

[showbiz1]

We are thinking of moving to Nashville from Los Angeles. We can sell our house here, buy a great house there, have ridiculous amounts of money left over, and still be able to do business in L.A. by phone and e-mail. I have lived here all my life and fear the weather change, the culture change, and because we are Jewish, worry about a lack of other Jews in the area.

With all of that said, we have a great real estate agent working for us in Nashville, love the idea of moving somewhere that isnt so crowded, and we're visiting in mid May to see what the lifestyle feels like to us.

Are there others from L.A. who are reading this post who can shed a bit of light on the issues to consider in a move like this? Your thoughts are very much appreciated.....

[imogene]

We moved from LA (Redondo Beach) to Nashville (Brentwood to be exact) in Oct 06. I would compare Davidson County (Nashville) and Williamson County (Brentwood) to LA County vs Orange County in demographics and politics. Davidson is more diverse, more democratic and more urban than Williamson County. In talking to other recent transplants from LA, we've all been surprised by how much more expensive things are here. The only things that are cheaper are houses and gas. For one thing, you'll probably have a bigger home and a bigger yard which means you'll have to pay more for things such as gardening, utilities, housecleaning, etc. But even places where things might be cheaper like groceries and restaurants are the same or more than LA. As for weather, I’ve only been here from fall to spring and so far, I have no complaints about the weather. And it's really pretty in the fall and spring. It’s the summer that I’m dreading though. As for culture, there’s more diversity here than I expected. But then there’s this obnoxious gold statue of a civil war soldier along I-65 that I heard was the founder of the Klu Klux Klan. There’s definitely more focus on religion which was expected. Now I’m not familiar with things associated with Jews. I do know there are some Jewish centers/temples and that the Jewish section of Kroger’s is bigger in Belle Meade which is in Nashville than in Brentwood which I can only think means there are more Jews in that area. Sorry I can’t be more helpful here. I could go on and on. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[showbiz1]

Originally Posted by imogene

We moved from LA (Redondo Beach) to Nashville (Brentwood to be exact) in Oct 06. I would compare Davidson County (Nashville) and Williamson County (Brentwood) to LA County vs Orange County in demographics and politics. Davidson is more diverse, more democratic and more urban than Williamson County. In talking to other recent transplants from LA, we've all been surprised by how much more expensive things are here. The only things that are cheaper are houses and gas. For one thing, you'll probably have a bigger home and a bigger yard which means you'll have to pay more for things such as gardening, utilities, housecleaning, etc. But even places where things might be cheaper like groceries and restaurants are the same or more than LA. As for weather, I’ve only been here from fall to spring and so far, I have no complaints about the weather. And it's really pretty in the fall and spring. It’s the summer that I’m dreading though. As for culture, there’s more diversity here than I expected. But then there’s this obnoxious gold statue of a civil war soldier along I-65 that I heard was the founder of the Klu Klux Klan. There’s definitely more focus on religion which was expected. Now I’m not familiar with things associated with Jews. I do know there are some Jewish centers/temples and that the Jewish section of Kroger’s is bigger in Belle Meade which is in Nashville than in Brentwood which I can only think means there are more Jews in that area. Sorry I can’t be more helpful here. I could go on and on. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

wow....thanks. I'm surprised to hear that things are more expensive there than I thought. While Im not surprised to hear your estimation of the differences between Nashville and Brentwood, Im not really concerned about it. We like diversity as we live in Venice Beach now. I dont expect (or want) that much diversity, but knowing that it's there makes me feel good. You mentioned Kroger's. Is there something along the lines of Whole Foods, or Gelsons in the area? Thanks for your kind reply!

[akm4]

We have Wild Oats.

[imogene]

Whole Foods was going to open a store in Nashville but then they bought the Wild Oats chain which there are several around here so I think those will turn into Whole Foods as well. There's no Gelsons as far as I know or Trader Joe's or Bristol Farms.

[showbiz1]

anything comparable to Gelsons, TJ's or Bristol Farms??

[akm4]

Come on now....IS there anything comparable to Trader Joe's? LOL!

[middletnjoe]

Originally Posted by imogene

Whole Foods was going to open a store in Nashville but then they bought the Wild Oats chain which there are several around here so I think those will turn into Whole Foods as well. There's no Gelsons as far as I know or Trader Joe's or Bristol Farms.

Whole Foods is still opening in Green Hills later this year and the two Wild Oats stores will keep the name Wild Oats.

[alleycat]

Showbiz, I've sent you an e-mail with some additional information concerning the Jewish community in Nashville.

[showbiz1]

Many kind thanks to all who have been so helpful already. Obviously, we're interested in any thoughts of people who have moved to Nashville from Los Angeles. So far, I have gotten nothing but positive feedback.

Additionally, I should have mentioned that we have a 4 year old daughter. Is the environment there good for children?? We will likely use one of the private schools, but our daughter is VERY social and likes lots of friends for play dates! (She's actually four tomorrow! Proud daddies need to boast!) Any additional thoughts??