It’s very likely that I will be moving to this city in August of next year, so I figured I would turn to the greatest repository of human knowledge on the planet to learn what the place is like. How’s the weather? Is traffic a serious problem? Does the local government actually work? Are libraries and other such buildings well-staffed and maintained? Do I need to have a car to get around? Are there good places to go bike riding? Where are the best places to eat?
I live in Rutherford County, the next county over from Nashville/Davidson Co. The traffic seems bad to us, but compared to Atlanta, Chicago, etc, it’s not so bad. There’s perpetual road construction while they widen interstates, etc. You need to learn the best times to leave to make the journey less painful. You definitely need a car.
Will you be renting or buying a home? Homes are pretty affordable.
The weather - It’s beastly hot in the summer, but moderate in the winter. Everyone has air-conditioning, so it’s livable. The daffodils always start blooming by the end of February.
Politics - Some big issues are the lottery (just started against very strong and vocal opposition). Income tax (we don’t have one and many people are dead set against ever having one). For the most part people are pretty tolerant, but there are still plenty of bigotted rednecks out there.
Best places to eat? I guess it depends on what kind of food you like. I never had an appreciation for barbeque until I moved South. It’s not like New York or Chicago or San Francisco where you can choose from a million varieties of ethnic restaurants, but you can usually find a good meal.
Nashville just biult a new library. Very big and grand, although I think their collection is dated. We have a great symphony, a decent ballet, and some good theatre and museums. Theres a lot of music in town, and it’s not all country.
Hope this helps
StG
Another Rutherford county Doper here.
Have you considered living in Murfreesboro, in Rutherford County, & commuting?
Costs are way lower here, especially gas. The RTA just set up a bus line between Murfreesboro & Nashville, so you wouldn’t actually have to drive. we’ve got a University in town. It’s a little sleepy, but it beats noise.
We’ve got museums here in Murfreesboro, too. And next month is our annual Jazz Festival.
As for Nashville itself, it’s a good town. They jave a wonderful library system, & the new main branch is a work of art. The library collection is not out of date { StGermain :mad: }, and the Parthenon is a lovely art museum.
Beware of the cops, though. Corruption & lack of professionalism make any encounter problematic at best.
Thanks for the info. I will be a graduate student at Vanderbilt University, and thus I will probably be renting from somewhere near the campus. I’ve been told that housing is pretty affordable there. My biggest concern is how far it is from there to food stores and other places that I need to go.
Also, is the airport reasonably functional, or is it one of those hideously congested, poorly designed ones like LAX?
As a former (and trying to be again) Tennessean, I have flown in and out of Nashville quite a bit. The airport is very easy to navigate–15 minutes from getting off the plane to collecting your luggage. Plus, they have 10 minute parking out front for anyone who is picking you up.
Who the F### told you this? The prices are outrageous!! Cost of housing in Murfreesboro can be as little as 50% of the Vandy area cost, with equivalent quality.
And the cost of groceries is 25% higher near Vandy.
Look elsewhere for housing!
No delays, very well designed. Plenty of parking.
There are some good options near the campus on Elliston Place. Rotier’s does great burgers, Obie’s Pizza does fantastic deep dish (if you like thick crust), and the milkshakes at the Elliston Place Soda Shop are awe-inspiring.
ColonelDax, Vanderbilt class of '86
Sorry I hit a nerve, Bosda. I worked for Ingram Book for 13 years (I work for Ingram Entertainment now) and was used to getting books on loan the minute the hit street date. I used to work downtown and frequented the old library nearly every lunch hour.
Parking around Vandy is very difficult, so most students live in the area and walk or bike. It’s true things are more expensive, though.
{Hijack}
How’s your mom doing, Bosda? Remember what I said - if you need anything, I’m right here and I’ll be glad to help.
/hijack
StG
She should come home Monday.
Make sure you explore the catacombs under the Vandy campus, pretty weird stuff down there.