Differences between Memphis & Nashville (Chattanooga, Clarksville: quality of life, living, relocation)

[aquacod]

They are similar cities

[jjbradleynyc]

In summary--big differences in the past 10 years have emerged...

Nashville is a boom town with tons of new construction, vibrant nightlife, big population growth for both the city and region, a high-profile recognizable city name nationwide that could be deemed the current "IT" city (along with Austin, TX), and a strong diverse economy.
*2016 estimated city population of about 665k and a 2016 estimated metro area population of about 1,830,000+

Memphis is more of a big city that is slow-growing, with pockets of depressed areas, some great projects that are going in revitalizing certain structures and buildings, but others that have sat vacant and empty for a couple of decades. Memphis has a slower pace, a more laid back easy lifestyle and an overall slower population growth that is almost stagnant unfortunately, the past several years. Great nightlife, restaurants and cheap cost of living here.
*2016 estimated city population of about 655k and a 2016 estimated metro area population of about 1,345,000+

[JoeCartpath]

The difference? 260'

[TheFriendCatcher]

While this might be surprising to people on here, I'm a current resident of Nashville looking to move to Memphis. It's true that Nashville is in many ways a current "It" City, but that hasn't really improved life here that much. Most of the city, for example, lacks even sidewalks. Memphis has retained a sense of being a "real city" and that is something I want. Besides, as a Southerner, hordes of folks from Michigan doesn't make Music City a nicer place to live.

Memphis has maintained its unique culture a lot better, and I hope to come there. And note: the crime rates aren't really so different, despite how nice Lower Broadway may appear. While like Memphis it is centered in particular areas, that doesn't make it less real.

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by TheFriendCatcher

Memphis has retained a sense of being a "real city" and that is something I want. Besides, as a Southerner, hordes of folks from Michigan doesn't make Music City a nicer place to live.

As a former Memphian who now lives near Nashville, I agree with this 100%.

[jabogitlu]

I lived in Memphis for a few years (and I'm a born-and-raised Tennessean from East TN) and loved every second of it. Seriously, it's such a fun city. Yes, it has its problems including pervasive and systemic racism, multi-generational poverty, and serious crime areas. It's also a treasure trove of architecture, quaint neighborhoods, urban planning, culture, interesting people, and a hive of activity. There's SO much going on all the time - and it sounds like you're ready to engage in a way that will make Memphis very meaningful for you, to live there!

[abc2330]

Originally Posted by TheFriendCatcher

While this might be surprising to people on here, I'm a current resident of Nashville looking to move to Memphis. It's true that Nashville is in many ways a current "It" City, but that hasn't really improved life here that much. Most of the city, for example, lacks even sidewalks. Memphis has retained a sense of being a "real city" and that is something I want. Besides, as a Southerner, hordes of folks from Michigan doesn't make Music City a nicer place to live.

Memphis has maintained its unique culture a lot better, and I hope to come there. And note: the crime rates aren't really so different, despite how nice Lower Broadway may appear. While like Memphis it is centered in particular areas, that doesn't make it less real.

It's not surprising to me at all. I moved back from Nashville a few months ago, but you could sense my frustration while living there by the content of my posts at the time. Nashville felt like a bit of an anomaly as a southern city; a fellow southerner joked that they felt more like they were in Indianapolis. Not that I can say I've ever been there, but the city felt strangely cold ,serious, and materialistic for being the headquarters for music which is everything but those things.

Moving back to and living in Memphis is a different experience. You can see Nashville is clearly ahead in things such as self-promotion and the city is in better shape, but Memphis really seems to do more things that locals actually care about. Other than Bass Pro Shop, the city has seemed to make improvements which not only maintain the character of the city, but have brought new life to historic structures and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, many older places that Nashville residents were fond of are being demolished in favor of giant hotels, condos, touristy attractions, etc.

So, overall, I'm very happy to be back in Memphis. Not only is it cheaper and less frustrating with traffic, but I enjoy the culture and amenities more overall (seriously underrated bar and local theatre scene). And another frustrating thing was the attitude of many I met in Nashville regarding Memphis. For what was considered the friendliest place in America, I wasn't expecting so many nasty comments.

[Shakeesha]

Originally Posted by abc2330

It's not surprising to me at all. I moved back from Nashville a few months ago, but you could sense my frustration while living there by the content of my posts at the time. Nashville felt like a bit of an anomaly as a southern city; a fellow southerner joked that they felt more like they were in Indianapolis. Not that I can say I've ever been there, but the city felt strangely cold ,serious, and materialistic for being the headquarters for music which is everything but those things.

Moving back to and living in Memphis is a different experience. You can see Nashville is clearly ahead in things such as self-promotion and the city is in better shape, but Memphis really seems to do more things that locals actually care about. Other than Bass Pro Shop, the city has seemed to make improvements which not only maintain the character of the city, but have brought new life to historic structures and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, many older places that Nashville residents were fond of are being demolished in favor of giant hotels, condos, touristy attractions, etc.

So, overall, I'm very happy to be back in Memphis. Not only is it cheaper and less frustrating with traffic, but I enjoy the culture and amenities more overall (seriously underrated bar and local theatre scene). And another frustrating thing was the attitude of many I met in Nashville regarding Memphis. For what was considered the friendliest place in America, I wasn't expecting so many nasty comments.

Good.

[abc2330]

Originally Posted by Shakeesha

Good.

Thanks.

[mjtinmemphis]

Memphis is more culturally interesting. More affordable right now and has a unique feel that doesn't exist in Nashville.

Last year I did a little random survey in St. Louis of where people would go for a weekend road trip. Nashville wasn't even mentioned at all. Memphis came in 2nd behind Chicago followed by Indianapolis, Kansas city and the Ozarks. When people mentioned Memphis they would always talk about Memphis in May and Beale St.

There was also an out migration map in St. Louis and it showed most popular relocation spots where Dallas, NYC and Chicago. Nashville wasn't mentioned. I say that to say, Nashville isn't the end all be all nor does everyone want to go to Nashville.

What city is better is a personal thing. I would agree that Memphis is the better city to visit.

On the downside Memphis needs good jobs to get to enhance the quality of life!!!!!!!!!