Why Locals Love the Nashville Region
At first glance, Oliver Arney, Patrick Cammack and Lisa Ferrelli might not have a lot in common. One is an economic development expert raising two little boys with his wife, a college professor. One is a well-known banker with two adult children who sits on several prestigious boards. And the third is a young, newly married museum executive, charity volunteer and music lover.
Whether it’s educational opportunities, economic prospects, the arts, restaurants or pro sports, they have found what so many other new and lifelong residents of the area have discovered: The Nashville Region is a special place that offers an unparalleled quality of life.
In This Article
Economic Opportunities and a Thriving Job Market
“If I had a friend thinking of moving to Nashville, I’d say, ‘Do it now. There’s something here for everyone,'” says Arney, who grew up in rural — at the time — Fairview in Williamson County and is now the corporate giving manager at the historic Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville.
Arney believes economic opportunity in a growing city is paramount.
“For someone to move here, it’s easy to find a job in a field you care about,” he says. “And you can find mentors here. The vibe is ‘Let’s pass on knowledge.'”
With more people moving in and more jobs becoming available, the region is seeing increased wages (the regional average weekly wage grew 7.7% from 2021 to 2023). And a vibrant economy leads to a better quality of life.
“With the in-migration of the past 10 years, clear benefits of wage and population increases include us attracting higher-end retail, Class-A mixed-use developments and fantastic quality of life assets,” says Cammack, who enjoys those assets, such as hiking, biking and exploring parks and downtown Murfreesboro with his wife and two little boys.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Safe Communities
Cammack relocated to the Nashville Region from New York City nine years ago.
“We felt we needed to relocate somewhere that was prosperous, safe and affordable. We saw all those things in the Nashville Region.” As for today, Cammack says, “Our community checks the critical family-friendly boxes of having great retail, green spaces and high-quality schools. Something we often take for granted is that our community is extremely safe, but that is critical to our happiness.”
Outdoor Recreation: Parks, Greenways, and Natural Beauty
Access to the area’s natural beauty is one of its biggest assets. With thousands of acres of green space, lakes, forests and rivers, not to mention parks like Nashville’s Warner Parks, Crockett Park in Brentwood and Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin, there’s no reason to stay indoors.
Lifelong Nashvillian and avid hiker Lisa Ferrelli, who works for Bank of America, raised a son and daughter here with her husband, Kenny.
“When you think of all the great parks and greenways, it’s just extraordinary what we have in the region,” she says. “They are a gift, and I see more people enjoying them all the time.”
A Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
The arts and music in the region provide opportunities everywhere, whether your tastes run to the Nashville Symphony or a genre-bending set at The Basement. Other great options include Station Inn’s bluegrass, writer’s night at The Bluebird Cafe, the Nashville Jazz Workshop and the Latino beat at Plaza Mariachi.
Music City and Beyond: Diverse Entertainment Options
You can also find interesting music venues around the region, like Main Street Music in Murfreesboro and FirstBank Amphitheater, a unique outdoor concert venue built into a former quarry in beautiful rural Williamson County.
Beyond music, explore museums, public murals and sculptures, galleries and much more, like the Adventure Science Center, glass blowing at Nashville Glasshaüs, Mid-South Live Steamers model railroad park in Columbia and the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
A Culinary Destination: From Southern Classics to Global Flavors
Did someone say, “I’m starving?” No worries. Nashville is still famous for meat and three and the inevitable Nashville hot chicken, but thanks to marquee chefs like Sean Brock, Maneet Chauhan and other brilliant rising stars, Nashville has become an internationally known foodie destination, with cuisine to please every palate.
“Sports are really amazing here, too,” Arney says. “I’m a huge Tennessee Titans fan, and then there’s the Nashville Predators hockey team, the Nashville Sounds baseball team and the new Nashville Soccer Club. Amazing.”
Get to Know Nashville, TN
Want to learn more about living and working in Nashville? Check out the latest edition of Livability Nashville Region, TN.