Looking for Relocation Advice to Nashville (Murfreesboro, Franklin: to rent, townhomes, to live in)

[ThirdCoaster]

As a fellow ex-New Yorker here is a list of pros and cons about Nashville:

First, the downside

1. you'll miss good pizza
2. The sales tax is high here
3. Tornados. January through June. Be prepared to find a "safe place" to hide at least once a week.
4. jobs. Medical and tourism fields are good here.
5. It's a car culture here. Reminds me of LA. You will miss walking.
6. Contrary to what people say there is lots of traffic here on certain roads. Rush hour starts at 6 in the morning and there are often traffic jams.
7. Nashville is rated high as far as crime.
6. Almost all houses and apartments run on electric heat. You will MISS gas heat.
7. You'll miss the directness of New Yorkers.
. There's less diversity here.

Good things:
The people are very nice. The natural beauty here is splendid. They don't have a cold winter.
It is more developed than most people think it is and more sophisticated.
There are lots of nice places to eat and go out.
In general, your housing will offer more perks than in NY for a smaller price.
The gas prices are cheaper here.
Southern charm is charming.
I love the accents!
The pace is slower so you will live longer but get less work done.
There are lots of nice parks.
It's easier to have a dog here than in NYC.

[Coney]

Actually, Alleycat, with that name, I automatically assumed you were a large male. I had a pet alleycat for 13 years who was large, male, and weighed 18 pounds. I adopted him from the ASPCA. I assume, however, you do not have tabby markings like my cat did.

[Coney]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I appreciate all the information and will be checking out those websites.

Yes ThirdCoaster, I am prepared to forfeit decent pizza, bialys, and knishes, but I have enjoyed the southern cuisine that I sampled during my visits. It doesn't seem like the Nashville winter is much milder than up north. Maybe a little shorter and with less snow.

Although Nashville is noted for having a slower pace, I actually found the service rather efficient and quick enough during my travels. I viisted a Publix and a Kroegers last time. We don't have those chains in NY. They were clean and well-kept. The store personnel were friendly, polite, and efficient. Prices were either the same or significantly lower than what I pay where I am now, especially produce, minus that high sales tax. However, the selection and variety of merchandise seemed rather limited.

It seems to be a rather eclectic city with something for everyone.

I don't have any school age children so I don't require an area with tip-top schools. But I used to work in education so I try to keep up with what is going on in the Nashville area school systems.

I really just want a clean, updated apartment in a fairly safe area with fairly safe parking. I don't really need the club house and the pool.

Can anyone give me an idea of utility rates? What would be the cost of electric, gas, and water for a one or two bedroom apartment? Or what is the rate per KWH?

I am still open to any suggestions for any other neighborhoods.

[alleycat]

The Nashville Electric Service rate is currently 8.55 cents per KWH (I think), but TVA adds a fuel adjustment, so the rates varies. The rates has actually been going down for the past few months.

Water rates can vary. It's fairly high if it's provided by Metro Water (one of the most inefficient Metro departments), and less if it's by one of the other utilities such as Harpeth Valley Utility District. I think you would probably be in the ballpark if you estimated $30-$40 a month for both water and sewer. I actually pay less (<$20), but I'm with HVUD.

[stuartsamuels]

Hi!

I live in Franklin in Williamson County. Our schools are in the top 15 in the nation. If you want good schools for your child I would suggest the Franklin "Special School District". I would suggest renting a 2 bedroom condo instead of an apartment. YOu have more freedom AND GET MORE FOR YOU MONEY. Rents vary from 600 to 900 per month. 99% of Franklin is very nice and very safe. No matter where you pick you will usually be within 5 to 10 minutes of many stores and restaurants.

If I can help you in any way please don't hesitate to reply.

Sincerely

Stuart Samuels

[mad fiddler]

Originally Posted by stuartsamuels

Hi!

I live in Franklin in Williamson County. Our schools are in the top 15 in the nation.

Do you have a link for that?

Thanks!

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by mad fiddler

Do you have a link for that?

Thanks!

I 2nd that request.

[septimus]

Originally Posted by Steve_TN

I 2nd that request.

I think he meant top 15 in Tennessee...not the nation. Our Title 1 school system in the northeast was better than Williamson County and it consistently ranked in the bottom 25% of schools in our state.

[CountryGirl2b=]

I've HEARD that about the pizza. That they don't make very good pizza in Nashville. If that's not a clue to somebody to open a NY pizza emporium, I don't know what is! Amazed at how many people are considering moving there. I thought I was the only one . . . . Electricity in Connecticut is 20 cents per kwh. NOW you know why I am moving to TN!!!!

[JD59]

I love the west side of Nashville to live. I stay with my aunt for four months till I had to leave or go crazy.


John