What is Nashville really like? What's your experience been like? (apartment, house)

[artemis]

Originally Posted by Nella44

It's way too cold in Chicago And I want to live in a smaller town. And I really want to hear those southern accents!

East Nashville or Inglewood would work. They're right on the bus line, and 5 to 10 minutes from downtown.

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by Nella44

It's way too cold in Chicago And I want to live in a smaller town. And I really want to hear those southern accents! And my dad is really excited because it's his favorite city.

Have YOU ever been here?

I recommend a visit before you commit to a move.

[N.Cal]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

Have YOU ever been here?

I recommend a visit before you commit to a move.

Totally agree with the visit.

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by Nella44

Is Nashville really full of country western people? Cowboy hats and southern accents? lol

No. This is a stereotype.

Also, no one calls it "country western" anymore.

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by Nella44

It's not that I don't want to buy a car, I don't understand how people can afford cars- they're thousands & thousands & thousands of dollars then all they do is fall apart & cost hundreds & hundreds in repairs non-stop, from what I've seen.

What are the locals like in Nashville?

If I live downtown the bus is reliable yes? Is it more dangerous than NYC? Because I walk all over random boroughs at 11, 2am, 4am, even through hoods & it's pretty safe here. Lots of people out so it's harder to get away with anything. Towns that are dead at night are what freak me out. No witnesses. I just want to live around nice people for a change. When I fled Hurricane Sandy & had to stay in Chicago I was blown away at how nice people were & it made me want to get out.

I agree with Wmsn that you most certainly should visit here first. You may like it, you may not.


In re: cars-
Yes, one of the negatives about owning a car is the upkeep. And you're on the hook if something goes horribly wrong. But I think you exaggerate how much they need to be repaired. I've had my car for 8 years, and I've only ever had one thing go wrong with it (alternator) and it cost me about $500. Aside from that, the expenses are mainly maintenance issues (oil changes, brakes, tires, windshield wipers, etc) and gas. Plus, if you get a new car, the warranty covers a lot of issues over a certain period of time.

In re: what the locals are like-
Tough question. Anyone who attempts to answer it is probably going to be making some pretty broad generalizations, whether they be good or bad. Btw -- in one of your other posts, you mentioned 'country western people.' Once you get off of Lower Broadway/2nd Ave, you're a lot more likely to see people in suits than boots. The accent varies. Old natives have a pretty pronounced drawl (a graceful one, IMO). But the city has a large transplant population, as well as kids of transplants...so to be honest, you're probably not going to notice a distinct "Nashville" accent like you notice the nuances in the various northeastern cities. It's a blend.

In re: safety-
It's all relative. However, I would caution you about walking out at night (especially as late as you are talking), at least before you are used to it.

Frankly, at 2am or 4am, it is dead. Like I mentioned earlier, this is not a 24 hour city...especially without a car. Depending on the neighborhood, if you're out at that time, you will either be a target, because its dangerous, or you will get the cops called on you, because the neighbors are scared and you look suspicious. In short, no one in their right mind wanders around after midnight here. And before that time, I would only consider walking where there are other people out. That varies from place to place.



I think you should visit here with an open mind. I sense that it will be quite a bit different from what you imagine or expect. That can be both good or bad.

[Beat02]

Is Nella trolling?

[alicewray]

Originally Posted by Nella44

It's not that I don't want to buy a car, I don't understand how people can afford cars- they're thousands & thousands & thousands of dollars then all they do is fall apart & cost hundreds & hundreds in repairs non-stop, from what I've seen.

I'm also looking to relocate from NYC to Nashville/Louisville/wherever, but I grew up in the extended region, so I think I can advise on the car issues. There's little transit in the south that's as efficient as New York's. It can get you places in a pinch, but a bike would be quicker. As far as cars, yes, they're black holes of wasted money to own. There's probably a car share program like ZipCar or WeCar in Nashville, if you don't need one every day. If you want to save on gas, buy a scooter, but they can't go into the countryside. Realistically, you'll want a car. Try leasing a late model car that you can swap for a replacement every few years, and have the dealer deal with repairs.

I'm going to take your questions at face value, and not assume that you're trolling. Generally speaking, the cowboy hat/ball cap divide falls somewhere just west of the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. It's not a sharp divide, more of gradual transition. It would be a mistake to assume that rural cultures are less valid than urban ones. After all, the mid-South to the Delta are responsible for blues, bluegrass, rock-and-roll and traditional jazz. Basically, the foundations of every popular music genre for the last century.

[MantaRay]

Originally Posted by Nella44

It's not that I don't want to buy a car, I don't understand how people can afford cars- they're thousands & thousands & thousands of dollars then all they do is fall apart & cost hundreds & hundreds in repairs

The difference in housing costs from places like San Francisco and NYC by FAR more than exceeds the cost of a car. Housing costs in those places are more than double Nashville's.

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by MantaRay

The difference in housing costs from places like San Francisco and NYC by FAR more than exceeds the cost of a car. Housing costs in those places are more than double Nashville's.

This is true, and it also doesn't factor in much, much, much lower taxes.

[Spikett]

Originally Posted by MantaRay

The difference in housing costs from places like San Francisco and NYC by FAR more than exceeds the cost of a car. Housing costs in those places are more than double Nashville's.

True, but salaries are generally quite a bit higher in those areas which offsets it somewhat.