To this point in this series we have pointed out four good reasons to move to Nashville, TN:  Education, Location, Culture and Real Estate Value.  Today we reveal the #1 reason to live in this great city…drumroll please…

1. Economy

During this day and age I think this is far and away the number one reason to live in Nashville.  Nashville is know as Music City USA, but the economy isn’t just based on the music industry (If it were, we would all be in major trouble!).  In fact there are several industries that have a strong presence in Nashville:

• Healthcare – Several major hospitals and surgery centers as well as many universities with specialized healthcare programs
• Education – Home to 27 private and public colleges and universities (and 8 professional colleges) including Belmont, Lipscomb, Vanderbilt, Fisk and neighboring MTSU and Austin Peay
• Music/Arts – Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Frist Center, Cons
• Automotive – Nissan National Headquarters, New GM Plant
• Sports – Professional sports teams including the Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans

Having a city that isn’t heavily invested in one industry directly relates to the ability of that city to withstand downturns in the economy.  Thankfully Nashville has favorable corporate tax structures that also appeals to major companies that are looking for creative ways to reduce expenses.

This also means more opportunity for gainful employment and having a higher quality of life for you and your family!

Considering a move?

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So far we have laid out three great reasons to live in Nashville – Education, Location and Culture. One reason that we haven’t mentioned is Real Estate Value. And since this blog is about being a happy homeowner in the greater Nashville area, I thought I would share with you a few points about the Nashville real estate market that might make you an even happier homeowner.

2. Real Estate Value

When the recession was pummeling most of the country, Nashville was one of the beacons of light that was still glimmering in the distance – signifying a light at the end of the tunnel and hope for a national real estate market that would rebound sooner than later.

The greater Nashville area was not unaffected by the economic downturn, but it is fair to say that Nashville and it’s surrounding communities were closer to stable than depressed. Here are some recent market stats taken from Trulia that echo the cry of a continuing trend of recovery in our area.

NASHVILLE, TN REAL ESTATE STATS

• The average price per square foot for Nashville was $149, an increase of 31.9% compared to the same period last year.

• The median sales price for homes in Nashville TN for Oct 11 to Dec 11 was $155,000 based on 996 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 3.3%, or $5,000.

• There are currently 3,698 resale and new homes listed for sale in Nashville, including 485 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process.

Homes In Strong Nashville Communities

FRANKLIN, TN REAL ESTATE STATS

• The median sales price for homes in Franklin TN for Oct 11 to Dec 11 was $380,000 based on 347 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 23.7%, or $72,750.

• The number of home sales increased 0.9%.

• There are currently 1,317 resale and new homes listed for sale in Franklin, including 99 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process.

Homes in Strong Franklin Communities

Although value has decreased overall since the bubble burst, Nashville is continuing its steady climb to return to the value of the early 2000′s. The brightest spot of the Nashville area real estate market is the simple truth that HOMES SELL HERE! Activity in the market is continuous because of how desirable it is to live in this city.

The number of homes currently on the market keeps trending down as home values trend up. Find a good deal on a home in a desirable community in Nashville or the surrounding area and you are setting yourself up for real estate success.  Be sure to email for help navigating the market and to find the deal that is right for you.

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3. Culture

It goes without saying that the music industry is a huge part of Nashville’s culture. Almost every night you can visit some location in Nashville and experience the most talented siger-songwriters in the country perform.Other nights you can venture to the Schermerhorn, Grand Old Opry, the Ryman or the Bridgestone Arena for major concert events or even get a ticket to the CMA’s.

But beyond music Nashville’s culture is rounded out by other forms of artistic expression that can be found at the Frist Center, which hosts some of the worlds most popular traveling art displays, and TPAC where you can find most of the major broadway productions being performed.There are usually plenty of sporting events to attend with the presence of the Nashville Predators, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Sounds and Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, Belmont and Tennessee State Universities all having major division one athletic programs.

Other events have recently found their way into the city, like Nashville Fashion Week which made its debut in 2010. Not only are there plenty of things to do, there are great places to eat. Nashville is an over performing culinary city and slowly becoming a place where your menu doesn’t have to include a barbeque sandwich (although there is nothing wrong with having that on the menu).

Some of Nashville’s most famous and trendy spots include Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant, the Catbird Seat, Virago, Holland House, the Pharmacy and Sperry’s just to name a few. If that wasn’t enough, the food truck craze has taken Nashville by storm. There is plenty to do if you have a free night.

Homes in the Heart of Music City