Nashyorker: One who has accepted that Nashville is mostly superior to NYC and relocated to the southeast 

Don’t get me wrong - I love NYC. I’ve traveled there 20+ times (direct flight from BNA!) and enjoy the bustle of the city, endless walking and the food. I can’t wait for post-COVID days so I can get back. But, each time I return home to beloved Nashville, as I fly over the green trees of TN, I feel a sort of ahhhh. I totally see why people love ‘the city’, but Nashville is sort of the perfect mix of city and country life all in one. And, you New Yorkers know it. 

A recent Migration Report from Apartment List shows that of renters looking to move to Nashville, New Yorkers are the top group looking to make Music City home. Yes, future Nash-yorkers. What can they expect upon arrival in TN? Basically perfect bliss: 

1. Extra Cash

Let me count the reasons you’ll feel richer in Nashville than NYC. The cost of living is lower in Nashville than in New York City, not to mention the taxes. In fact, TN is one of the few states without an income tax (compare that to to roughly 4-9% you’ll pay in The Empire State) 

2. Craft Cocktails and Quality Eats

No, Nashville isn’t NYC, but we’ve got some pretty elevated restaurants these days. The food scene in Nashville is one most NYC transplants can totally live with. Just ask celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan a self-described Nashyorker herself. 

3. Green

Sure, NYC boasts Central Park, but as a whole Nashville is just greener than NYC. Visit Radnor Lake, Centennial Park, walk the Percy Warner 5.8, or drive just a few minutes outside of Nashville for a breath of fresh air. 

4. Freedom

Oh, wait. You want to actually eat indoors in a restaurant in 2020? Or leave your apartment? The positive aspects of living in NYC are pretty much meaningless when the government shuts them down. Even in non-pandemic years, freedom counts when it comes to everything from finances to education. The Cato Institute ranks TN the 7th freest state in the nation overall, New York #50. Enough said. 

Nashyorkers - what brought you to Nashville? What do you love about living down south? Any gripes?