Nashville-Davidson, TN and Northwest Harris, TX are both vibrant and dynamic areas located in the South of the United States. Despite their shared Southern charm, each offers a distinct living experience due to differences in crime rates, climate, cost of living, education systems, economies, infrastructure, industries, employers, real estate markets, neighborhoods, transit systems, taxes, culture, sports, geography, and healthcare systems. This analysis aims to provide a detailed comparison of these two areas for those considering relocation or a visit.
Nashville-Davidson, given its urban character, tends to have a higher crime rate compared to Northwest Harris, which is a suburban area of Houston. Nashville's crime rate is above the national average but many of its safest areas such as Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Forest Hills still offer a safe living environment. Northwest Harris is generally safer, with crime rates below the national averages and quiet, secure neighborhoods like Cypress and Jersey Village.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Nashville is slightly higher than in Northwest Harris. Housing tends to be the largest factor in this difference, with Nashville real estate prices being notably higher. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities costs are rather comparable in both places.
Income Tax
Tennessee doesn't have a state income tax, which is beneficial for residents of Nashville. Texas also lacks a state income tax, putting both Nashville and Northwest Harris on equal footing in this respect.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Northwest Harris are typically higher than those in Nashville-Davidson. While both rates vary depending on the specific area and school district, Harris County generally sees higher property tax bills due to Texas's lack of state income tax.
Sales Tax
Nashville has a higher sales tax rate, with a combined state and local rate of 9.25%. Northwest Harris, on the other hand, sees a combined sales tax rate of 8.25%, as part of Texas.
Income
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Estimated median household income
$64,857
$91,482
Estimated per capita income
$42,268
$43,231
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
90.9
102.4
If you make $50,000 in Nashville-Davidson, you will have to make $56,326 in Northwest Harris to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Nashville is characterized by rolling hills and fertile land, sitting in the basin of the Cumberland River. Flooding can be a concern due to its proximity to the Cumberland River. Northwest Harris, on the other hand, is marked by its relatively flat terrain and is closer to the coastal regions of Texas.
Geographical information
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Land area
473.3 sq. miles
437.4 sq. miles
Population density
1,434.2 people per sq. mile
1,061.5 people per sq. mile
Education
Nashville is home to highly regarded schools, including prestigious universities like Vanderbilt. The public school system is large and diverse, with numerous charter and magnet schools. Northwest Harris, meanwhile, falls within the domain of the well-rated Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and also hosts numerous private schools. Both locations offer viable educational opportunities for families.
Both Nashville and Northwest Harris have strong and diverse economies. Nashville has a robust job market, primarily powered by healthcare, music, and tourism. Northwest Harris forms part of the Houston metropolitan area, benefiting from its strong energy, healthcare and aeronautics sectors. Northwest Harris typically enjoys a lower unemployment rate compared to Nashville.
Biggest Employers
In Nashville, the biggest employers include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and the State of Tennessee. Northwest Harris' largest employers reflect it being part of the Houston metro area, with energy corporations like ExxonMobil and Shell, and the Texas Medical Center.
In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northwest Harris (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
2020
65.0%
56.0%
32.6%
42.7%
2.3%
1.3%
2016
60.1%
54.0%
34.1%
41.6%
5.7%
4.4%
2012
58.5%
49.4%
39.9%
49.3%
1.6%
1.3%
2008
60.0%
50.5%
39.0%
48.9%
1.0%
0.6%
2004
54.9%
44.6%
44.6%
54.9%
0.4%
0.5%
2000
57.9%
43.0%
40.4%
54.4%
1.7%
2.6%
1996
79.3%
45.2%
18.1%
49.2%
2.6%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.1%
14.2%
19.6%
26.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4.9%
18.1%
2.3%
3.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.5%
1.0%
1.8%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.1%
0.3%
1.7%
1.7%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
1.0%
0.0%
0.5%
0.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
2.9%
1.4%
1.6%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.1%
0.9%
0.5%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.3%
0.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
0.9%
1.5%
Weather
Nashville is located in a temperate climate zone and experiences all four seasons with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Northwest Harris, being closer to the Gulf of Mexico, experiences a more tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricanes and tropical storms are a concern for Northwest Harris, whereas Nashville may face occasional tornadoes.
Weather and climate
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Temperature - Average
58.5°F
68.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.9%
80.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49 in
48.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.8 in
0.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.1%
15%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.7%
60.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
42%
43%
Wind speed - Average
7.7 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Average climate in Northwest Harris, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
2018
71
95
0.40
N/A
13.8
5.1
24.1
23.5
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
9.2
8.7
0.2
N/A
2017
70
94
0.38
N/A
14.4
4.7
26.8
25.2
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
8.7
8.5
0.1
0.5
2016
90
93
0.42
N/A
16.1
5.7
26.4
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
8.5
0.0
0.4
2015
68
100
0.43
N/A
15.5
6.1
23.6
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
9.3
0.1
0.1
2014
66
88
N/A
0.28
N/A
6.7
26.3
22.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
9.6
1.4
0.1
2013
62
104
N/A
0.29
N/A
6.6
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
10.3
N/A
0.1
2012
81
107
N/A
0.30
N/A
7.1
28.3
24.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
10.6
2.3
0.2
2011
81
115
N/A
0.32
N/A
6.8
25.9
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
11.3
1.7
0.6
2010
80
104
N/A
0.26
N/A
7.5
24.3
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
11.1
2.2
0.8
2009
72
114
N/A
0.27
N/A
6.8
22.5
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
11.0
2.4
0.9
2008
81
104
N/A
0.35
N/A
8.0
25.7
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.4
11.9
2.5
1.4
2007
99
123
N/A
0.37
N/A
9.1
27.4
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.5
13.0
2.7
1.7
2006
93
130
0.69
0.39
N/A
9.0
24.9
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
11.6
2.9
1.5
2005
104
132
0.56
0.42
N/A
9.7
23.5
25.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
13.3
3.1
2.6
2004
83
125
0.61
0.44
N/A
10.0
22.0
22.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.8
2003
93
144
0.67
0.62
N/A
10.8
18.5
23.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
3.8
2.4
2002
92
124
0.67
0.55
N/A
10.5
20.2
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
4.3
1.5
2001
95
148
0.89
0.44
N/A
12.0
19.5
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
4.5
2.0
2000
97
133
0.74
0.50
N/A
10.8
19.8
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
169.1%
179.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
296.1%
67.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
32%
Transportation
Nashville's public transportation system includes buses and a commuter rail service (the Music City Star), although the city is largely car-dependent. Northwest Harris, being a suburban area, also heavily relies on cars, but it does have access to Houston's extensive METRO bus system and its Park & Ride facilities.
Transport
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Bicycle
0.3%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
2.5%
Carpooled
9.8%
11.3%
Car alone
85.5%
81.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.8%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Average
31.3 min
31.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Nashville is both diverse and pricier than in Northwest Harris. Nashville offers a range of options from luxury single-family homes to affordable apartments. Northwest Harris' real estate market is more suburban, with a host of spacious, affordable single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Nashville offers a variety of neighborhoods, from the hip East Nashville, historic Germantown to upscale Green Hills. Northwest Harris mainly consists of family-friendly suburban neighborhoods like Cypress and Tomball.
Houses and residents
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
Houses
331,262
149,181
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.9
Houses occupied
305,247 (92.1%)
141,708 (95%)
Houses occupied by owners
162,426 (53.2%)
100,076 (70.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
142,821 (46.8%)
41,632 (29.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,391
$1,182
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$221,129
$300,799
Estimated median house or condo value
$346,700
$307,883
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7.5
Renting percentage
44.6%
28.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
699.9
341.1
Household income disparities
45.4%
38.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,189 (2.8%)
15,158 (16.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,988 (9.6%)
105 (0.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
110,850 (97.2%)
76,541 (83.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
333 (0.3%)
3,826 (4.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,192 (11.6%)
4,244 (4.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
31,952
12,608
State government workers
15,693
7,312
Unpaid family workers
463
552
Industries and Occupations
Nashville is known for its music and healthcare sectors, with many residents employed in these industries. Northwest Harris' economy is largely driven by the energy sector given its location within the Houston Metropolitan Area, in addition to medical, educational and retail industries.
Nashville is known as the healthcare capital of the U.S., with many excellent hospitals and healthcare facilities like Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Northwest Harris' residents have access to top-ranked hospitals in the nearby Texas Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Nashville boasts a well-established infrastructure system, with a comprehensive network of highways, many healthcare facilities, and a growing number of cycle paths. Northwest Harris also offers robust infrastructure, with significant roadways (like U.S. Highway 290), and hospitals serving the area.
Infrastructure
Type
Nashville-Davidson
Northwest Harris
TV stations
19
27
Culture and Food
Nashville’s culture is deeply rooted in music, especially country and bluegrass. It also has a vibrant food scene, famous for hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern-style cooking. Northwest Harris, being part of the Houston metropolitan area, benefits from its diverse culture and food offerings. It's home to some excellent Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Viet-Cajun cuisine.
Sports Teams
Nashville has professional sports teams in NFL (Titans), NHL (Predators), and MLS (Nashville SC). Northwest Harris, within the Houston metro area, enjoys access to NFL (Texans), MLB (Astros), NBA (Rockets), and MLS (Dynamo) teams.
Nashville-Davidson, TN and 
Northwest Harris, TX : 662.6 miles
Nashville-Davidson, TN and 
Northwest Harris, TX : 662.6 miles
